MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe / Blended Learning
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: September 2025 and January 2026
Are you are looking to move into the fast-paced world of IT? MSc Computer Science (Conversion) provides you with a solid foundation in computing and specialised knowledge in computer science.
With flexible learning options, hands-on projects, and industry-focused modules, you will develop the technical abilities, transferable skills and confidence to succeed in exciting and challenging IT-related roles in a range of industries.
The MSc Computer Science (Conversion) course has been developed with direct input from industry professionals. This ensures that the curriculum allows you to develop technical capabilities, transferable skills and other personal characteristics that are directly aligned with the needs of today’s employers. You will study the latest advancements in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering, making you highly competitive in the job market.
We understand the importance of flexibility in modern education. Our programme offers a blend of intensive ‘block delivery’, traditional face-to-face learning and online support. This allows you to tailor your studies around work, family, or other commitments. You can choose between full-time and part-time study modes to suit your lifestyle and individual learning goals.
Where a module is taught in a 5-week ‘block’ format, you will have an intensive first week of taught sessions and practical workshops, comprising ten x 3-hour sessions. The remaining four weeks of the block will include weekly online surgeries and tutorials to support your learning. Such discussions and interactions will help you to link theoretical concepts with practice, to address the needs and problems of different industry and business contexts. You can also seek further guidance on assessments as required. A traditional module format will involve 6 hours of on-campus taught content per week over a 10-week period.
Online sessions related to research methods will support you in the completion of an Extended Project.
This Masters degree is specifically designed for people looking to pivot into computer science, where your previous academic and professional experience has been in a different field. You will develop knowledge and skills that can stimulate your career change to a rewarding role in the field of computer science.
Continued investment in maintaining and improving our computing facilities means that you will get access to hardware, software, application and systems that are relevant to industry. This will support your effective transition from education into employment. Computer labs are equipped to support a range of specialisms, including cyber security, artificial intelligence and other contemporary discipline areas in the dynamic and evolving world of IT and computer science. That includes access to Virtual Reality headsets, 3D printers, Raspberry Pi microcomputers, EEG headsets.
We place a strong emphasis on practical learning. Through real-world projects, case studies, and an extended research project, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in meaningful ways. This hands-on experience not only solidifies your knowledge but also gives you a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.
What will I study?
During this course you will acquire skills covering computation theory, fundamentals of computer science, compliers and operating systems, information theory, basic programming, systems and architecture, software development and testing, web applications and databases, algorithms and data structures, whilst building secure web and mobile applications, alongside analysing life-critical systems. Typically, as either an individual or working on team-based software project; exploiting an agile development approach. You’ll learn how to develop highly dependable and reliable systems, within an object-oriented design approach, using a range of Industry standard approaches, such as UML. In addition, you will gain an understanding of the process involved in managing the development of large-scale software projects. Furthermore, specialist modules allow you to further explore the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Media Programming, Real-time Systems, Cloud Computing and Security. You'll develop your programming skills by focusing on solving real-world business challenges.
Throughout the course, you'll engage in research methods, culminating in an extended project that allows you to apply your knowledge to a practical, real-world problem.
How will I be taught and assessed?
You will be taught through a blend of interactive lectures, practical sessions, seminars, and group work designed to give you both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. The course uses a mix of block mode and face-to-face teaching, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments. Block mode involves intensive one-week teaching sessions followed by four weeks of guided independent study, while face-to-face sessions in the later terms provide more traditional classroom learning. Regular online tutorials spread across the course will support your learning, provide help with your assessments, and help you to complete your research project.
Assessment is varied and designed to measure your understanding and practical application of the material. You’ll be assessed through a combination of individual assignments, exams, case study analyses, presentations, and online discussion posts. Additionally, you’ll complete an extended research project, which allows you to explore a topic in depth, applying what you've learned in a real-world context. Feedback is provided regularly to help you improve and guide your learning throughout the course.
Delivery schedule
The course has teaching spread across Terms 1, 2 and 3. You will study a total of 6 taught modules, with 2 subjects taking place in each of these 10-week terms. The first 4 modules, in Terms 1 and 2, are sequentially delivered in a ‘block delivery’ format. This means that you will focus on one module at a time in each 5-week learning block, comprised of an intense initial week of 10 x 3h face-to-face campus sessions (all carefully designed to explore relevant topics including practical activities); for the remaining 4 weeks of a block, we hold regular weekly surgeries to support your learning and help with any relevant assessments.
In Term 3, your 2 modules will run in parallel over a 10-week period, with the equivalent of 12 hours of classes per week. Across Terms 1, 2 and 3, you will also receive a series of online workshops focusing on Research Methods, as preparation for your Extended Project taking place in Term 4.
What are the course entry requirements?
Applicants for this course will be required to have a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £10,500 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,500 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
After graduating, you'll be well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of computing. As a graduate, you will be able to pursue roles in software engineering, information technology, network administration, and web development, among others. The degree’s focus on both foundational knowledge and advanced topics like AI, cybersecurity, and database design, can make you a stand-out candidate for employers across various industries, such as finance, healthcare, engineering, entertainment, and public services.
With the growing demand for skilled computer scientists globally, you'll have the skills and credentials to work in a wide range of sectors, from multinational corporations to innovative tech start-ups, or even in specialised roles within government agencies and research institutions. This degree can open doors to a dynamic and evolving career path with strong long-term prospects.
Course leader
