MSc Computer Science (Conversion)

  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: January, April and September 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 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.

Why study MSc Computer Science (Conversion) at BNU?

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鈥檚 employers. You will study the latest advancements in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering, making you highly competitive in the job market.

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鈥檒l have the opportunity to apply what you鈥檝e 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鈥檒l 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. 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鈥檒l be assessed through a combination of individual assignments, exams, case study analyses, presentations, and online discussion posts. Additionally, you鈥檒l 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.

Useful Documents

MSc Computer Science (Conversion) Programme Specification

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
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: 拢10,500 per year *
International
  • Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: 拢15,500 per year *

Following the Government鈥檚 announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to 拢9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to 拢7,145 per annum. Please visit鈥, on the Government鈥檚 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.鈥 

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.鈥 

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.鈥 

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.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

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鈥檚 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

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