A student using a desktop computer in a computer lab, smiling towards the camera
MSc Professional Experience option available

Computer Science

Prepare for a career in advanced computing with expertise in web technologies, machine learning, semantic data and cyber security at ARU in Cambridge.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
1 year full-time

Course durations vary slightly: 12 months (September starts), or 20 months (January starts). The Professional Experience option takes 2 years.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
2 years with professional experience

Course durations vary slightly: 12 months (September starts), or 20 months (January starts). The Professional Experience option takes 2 years.

1st

in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026

Develop advanced practical skills through practical software projects, real-world case studies and research-led learning.

You'll explore web application development, machine learning, semantic data technologies and cyber security while learning to design secure, scalable solutions to complex computing challenges.

This course is ideal for graduates and professionals with programming and database experience who want to deepen their technical expertise and prepare for specialist roles across a rapidly evolving computing industry.

Working knowledge of database and programming, (in Java, C# or Python) is strongly recommended.

Why ARU?
  • Study in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen, home to global tech companies including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more

  • Build secure web applications and cutting-edge AI-powered solutions

  • Enjoy a mix of theoretical and practical learning using advanced computing labs

  • Gain professional experience through industry placements or campus-based projects

  • Prepare for specialist careers in web development, data management and analysis, and AI

  • Undertake an independent research project tailored to your interests and career goals

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Completing my MSc Computer Science with Distinction gave me confidence and practical skills to secure a software engineering role.

Noah Amoo, MSc Computer Science graduate

Gain career-ready computing expertise.

You’ll graduate with specialist technical expertise and practical experience in web technologies, machine learning, semantic data and cyber security.

You’ll be equipped to design secure, scalable and intelligent software solutions, and be well prepared for careers in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cyber security, data science, digital consultancy, and other advanced computing roles.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD in Computer Science or a Professional Doctorate in Science and Technology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

Teaching and modules

Through structured learning and hands-on projects, you’ll gain a distinctive breadth of computer science skills for today’s evolving computing industry.

Dr Leila Muresan, Course Leader

Solve real-world problems using advanced computer science techniques.

This course spans web technologies, machine learning, cybersecurity and semantic data technologies, giving you an advanced understanding of contemporary computer science.

Through practical projects, you’ll build secure web applications, analyse complex datasets and explore machine learning applications in areas such as finance and medical imaging.

You’ll also investigate ontologies, knowledge representation and the role of emerging technologies in driving innovation.

You’ll complete your Master’s by carrying out a Postgraduate Major Project on a specialist topic aligned with your interests and career ambitions.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Machine Learning in Finance (15 credits)
  • Semantic Data Technologies (30 credits)
  • Machine Learning for Imaging (15 credits)
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Advanced Web Solutions (30 credits)
  • Cyber Security and AI Case Studies (15 credits)
  • Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
  • Into ARU
Module details

You can choose to study with us over two years (full-time), and take Professional Experience modules (2x project modules or 2x placement modules) in Year 2, with a Preparation for Professional Experience module in Year 1. You'll also complete your Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits) in Year 2.

Professional experience modules
  • Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
  • Professional Experience Computing Project 1 (60 credits) *
  • Professional Placement 1 (Computing and Information Science) (60 credits) *
  • Professional Experience Computing Project 2 (60 credits) *
  • Professional Placement 2 (Computing and Information Science) (60 credits) *
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

In our dedicated computer labs and skills spaces, you'll have access to specialist software and hardware including:

  • Cisco-accredited routing and switching equipment
  • A virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment
  • Microsoft Imagine Premium's professional developer and designer tools
  • VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools
  • Mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Computer Science

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