Master of Science in Computer Science
MSc (Online)
Study a flexible, affordable postgraduate computer science degree with a globally ranked university and experts in online learning.
With Aston Online, online learners benefit from an immersive learning experience, dedicated support services, and a world-class digital campus. Transform your career with a curriculum designed to empower graduates to become influential software developers and leaders in the tech industry.
Programme Overview
Empowering non-computing graduates with essential computing knowledge, this Computer Science (MSc) programme will shape you into a proficient software developer. We focus on practical applications for graduates with diverse academic backgrounds to harness their initial subject knowledge in creating relevant computer applications.
We are committed to producing workplace-ready professionals by emphasising disciplined software development methodologies.
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences: The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Aston University is a hub of teaching and research excellence, engaging in collaborative and impactful research throughout our institutes and schools.
Top 25 UK University: Aston University is ranked 21st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Runner Up for Graduate Employment: Aston University is the University of the Year Runner Up for Graduate Employment in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024. Aston University is ranked at 18 for graduate prospects and at 22 for continuation rate.
Outstanding graduate employability: Our employed graduates achieved the 16th largest median salary in the UK out of all Higher Education Institutions five years after graduation (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2022), and we are ranked in the UK top 10 for graduate career satisfaction 15 months after graduation (‘Graduate Prospects-On-Track’, Complete University Guide, 2024.)
Excellence in teaching and research: Rated 79% in the REF (2021) for research that is world leading or internationally excellent, Aston University has an excellent reputation for research which shapes and improves lives.
A global university: Aston University is in the top 10% of global institutions (top 10% of evaluated universities, QS World Rankings 2025) and is known for world-class teaching and strong links to industry.
Experts in online education: Aston Online programmes are carefully designed to offer flexibility without compromising on academic rigour. With a wealth of expertise in online pedagogy, we ensure that students receive a rich, engaging, and supportive learning experience.
Top 15 for Computer Science: Aston University is ranked 12th in the UK for Computer Science, with its strong value-added score recognised (Guardian University Guide, 2025).
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What You Will Learn
- Systematic understanding of the software development process: Develop a systematic understanding of the software development process, and the associated theoretical underpinning skills needed to support sound analysis, design and delivery of technology solutions in practice.
- An understanding of IT: Through professional project work, you will gain professional experience and a wide perspective on IT.
- Software and information systems engineering capabilities: Our Computer Science (MSc) programme equips you with practical software and information systems engineering capabilities based on well-founded principles.
- Become an industry-ready professional: Gain the ability to communicate in an IT context as an industry-accredited professional. Graduate with a professional level of transferable skills.
- Respond to challenging computing problems: Effectively respond to computing challenges of the business world, and embark on a successful career in computing and IT with the potential to reach leadership roles.
Meet The Head of Informatics and Digital Engineering
Why Study Online With Aston University?
Studying online through Aston University offers various advantages, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally.
Flexibility and convenience – fit your studies into your work-life balance.
Built for online – interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7.
Affordable – spread the cost, pay monthly or in instalments, and earn as you learn.
Supported – dedicated student support and online tutors.
Expert tutors – staff with industry experience and experts in their fields.
Empowering creativity – complimentary full access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools for developing dynamic multimedia content and presentations through video, graphics and audio.
Transparent pricing – apply for free, with no hidden costs.
Ready for work and life – rigorous academic standards and curriculum focusing on the skills sought by employers (for now and the future).
University of the Year
Aston University was awarded University of the Year 2020 by the Guardian
Computer Science is challenging, but Aston offers so much support
Career Prospects
Aston graduates from this versatile and globally in-demand degree have achieved diverse career successes, securing roles like software developer, information security specialist, and web application developer at renowned organisations such as RedHat and NatWest.
Many graduates have opted to further their academic journey, pursuing PhD opportunities to delve deeper into research and advanced studies. The programme's versatile curriculum and practical approach will prepare you for various professional paths.
Recent graduates have gone onto roles including:
Skilled Software Engineers: Object-oriented software design and implementation, tackling challenges in varied computing environments.
Technical Analyst: Specialists in technology assessment, these professionals analyse systems and processes to boost business efficiency and technological innovation.
IT Compliance Consultant: Experts in regulatory frameworks ensure that organisations' IT practices adhere strictly to legal standards and industry best practices for data security and compliance.
Software Developer: Creative and solution-oriented, these developers design, test, and implement software solutions, tailoring applications to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers.
New Media Programmer: Pioneers in digital innovation, they integrate multimedia and interactive elements, programming content that captivates in the digital age.
Systems Analyst: Strategists in system design, they dissect business requirements to develop technical solutions that streamline and enhance organisational operations.
Assessment type
The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.
Programme Structure
Providing a diverse range of computing skills, the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) Online programme develops expert working professionals who will succeed in the real world. This online programme is aligned with all contemporary industry standards as supported by the leading accreditation framework.
Each credit of study is equivalent to 10 learning hours (e.g. 15 credits reflects 150 hours of learning).
Optional modules are reviewed each year and may change to reflect the expertise of staff, current trends in research, as a result of student feedback, or demand for certain modules.
Modules
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30 credits
An introduction to object-oriented programming and an object-oriented approach to problem-solving. Grounded in a broad range of fundamental programming principles, you will be able to design and develop your own applications and be prepared for more specialised subsequent modules.
Algorithms and Data
30 credits
Examine a range of commonly used contemporary data structures that serve to model complex real-world computing systems and the algorithms that interrogate and manipulate such structures. Additionally, develop your comprehension of database design and development concepts and challenges, equipping yourself with the practical skills to apply this knowledge in delivering the database infrastructure for information systems.
Software Engineering
30 credits
Software development is examined from a systematic, disciplined standpoint. Through requirements analysis, systems analysis, design, implementation, testing, development, and maintenance, you will explore the lifecycle of a software project, alongside Unified Modelling Language (UML) tools. You will also focus on contemporary agile testing tools and methodologies that examine the quality-focused aspects of software engineering.
Software Project Management
30 credits
Gain experience in producing a substantial, complete software system and develop your project management and teamwork skills. A sound understanding of software project management will enable you to understand the interrelation between various phases of the development lifecycle, as well as the broader commercial context in which software development takes place.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the commercial, economic, legal, social, ethical, professional and information security contexts in which software development occurs, acting appropriately within those contexts when specifying, designing or constructing computer-based systems.
- Conduct self-directed investigation into published work, critiquing its worth and applying findings to the development of computer-based systems.
- Integrate and apply concepts, techniques, principles, theory, and models to specify, design, construct and critically evaluate computer-based systems and possible trade-offs.
- Plan, manage, conduct, and report on a programme of work that covers multiple software lifecycle stages.
- Select, apply, organise, adapt and deploy a range of software tools and techniques effectively and safely to meet stakeholder requirements.
- Demonstrate self-direction, originality, professionalism, and autonomy in tackling and solving computing problems.
- Deploy skills and demonstrate qualities that make an effective contribution to a software development team.
- Communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, demonstrating sound decision-making skills within the constraints of technical uncertainty.
Modules
Aston Global Advantage and Research Methods
30 credits
Access a transformational opportunity to work within inclusive teams to investigate, develop, and propose a novel, digital, data-driven, entrepreneurial AI-enabled, software-based solution to a real-world business challenge and prepare you for your major project.
Major Project
30 credits
You will have the opportunity to undertake a major individual project. They can be undertaken in various settings, fields and disciplines subject to meeting the intended learning outcomes, and must be consistent with the discipline studied. Through this module, you will have the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills from past experiences. You will produce a substantial piece of individual work that forms the capstone project of the MSc.
We may update our programmes to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our programme webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
It’s been an incredibly positive experience.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
-
- A UK 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree.
- Equivalent international degree recognised by Aston University. Click here for more information or contact our Admissions Team to check your eligibility: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
Alternative entry requirements:
We take a holistic approach to evaluating applications and accept applications from candidates with relevant work experience who still need to complete a graduate qualification. Contact our Admissions Team for a consultation before applying: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
Additional requirements:
GCSE Mathematics Grade B or international equivalent.
A professional reference:
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2–3 years), we will ask for an academic reference.
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference.
English language requirements:
To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. We aim to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.
We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:
IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online
IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL and TOEFL iBT
Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital)
Pearson Academic (PTE)
Password Test
Language Cert International ESOL SELT
Kaplan Test of English (KTE)
Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE)
Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)
Tests must be taken within the last 2 years from the start date of the course you are applying to study at Aston University.
FAQs
How does the delivery of the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) Online programme differ from the on-campus programme?
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The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) Online programme is equivalent to its on-campus counterpart, with no difference in academic rigour or qualifications. The primary distinctions lie in the benefits of online learning at Aston University. Aston Online offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for students worldwide, including:
- Flexibility and convenience to fit studies into work-life balance
- Interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7
- Affordable with options to pay monthly, in instalments, or earn as you learn
- Dedicated student support and online tutors
- Rigorous academic standards and curriculum focused on skills sought by employers
Can I tailor the individual project in the final stage to focus on a specific area of interest within computer science?
Yes, you can tailor the individual project in the final stage to focus on your specific interests within computer science. This online programme allows you to apply your acquired knowledge to a project that aligns with your professional goals or personal interests.
What kind of support and resources are available for online students?
Aston Online provides robust support and resources. You'll benefit from dedicated online tutors who offer guidance and feedback throughout your project.
How will I be assessed?
Online students will engage in a variety of regular formative and timetabled summative assessment activities, where assessment modes and formats closely mirror relevant professional and industry contexts.
- Formative assessment set by the module content will include short tasks, quiz-format tests, and production of outcomes to check knowledge and competence.
- A combination of tutor-graded practical coursework assignments, projects, and automated assessment formats will be used to provide a structured summative assessment for each module.
- In all assessments, online students will benefit from detailed assessment rubrics provided from the beginning of the module to guide their effort and achievement.
What level of math proficiency is required?
GCSE Mathematics Grade B or international equivalent. Email us at enquiries@astononline.ac.uk for more information.
What are the benefits of studying our Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) Online programme?
Our Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) Online programme is tailored to empower graduates from diverse academic backgrounds with essential computing knowledge. Geared towards non-computing discipline graduates, you will be moulded into proficient software developers.
Focusing on practical application, this programme will enable you to harness your initial subject knowledge for creating relevant computer applications. With a commitment to producing job-ready professionals, our curriculum emphasises disciplined software development methodologies and effective teamwork in software projects.
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