Computer Science with Placement Year, MSc
Advance your career in computer science with our Master’s in Computer Science, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
This course offers a wide range of specialist options, including cyber security, digital forensics, business intelligence, software engineering, and emerging technologies.
Throughout the programme, you will study, apply, and critically reflect on the principles that underpin computer science. You will explore advanced topics such as applied machine learning, data science, cyber security, and wireless and mobile technologies. Practical experience is central to the course, and you will work on real-world case studies to develop your ability to analyse complex problems, design systems, and implement solutions that meet the demands of commerce, industry, and research.
In your first year, you will complete core modules in advanced programming, enterprise software engineering development, software quality management, and cloud computing technologies, alongside essential professional and academic skills for master’s students. To tailor the course to your interests, you will choose from a range of optional modules covering areas such as mobile application development, cyber security, network design, data warehousing, penetration testing, wireless technologies, and applied machine learning. You will also undertake a substantial MSc project, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise through independent research and development.
The placement year provides an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, enhancing your employability and enabling you to apply your academic learning in practice. By the end of the course, you will be prepared to meet the challenges of modern computer science and to contribute innovative solutions in a variety of sectors.
Location
Duration
2 years sandwich
Start month
September; January
2026/27 fees
To be confirmedWhat you should know about this course
What you will study
Indicative Modules
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- MSc Project (60 credits)
- Enterprise Software Engineering Development (15 credits)
- Clouds, Grids and Virtualisation (15 credits)
- Software Quality Management (15 credits)
- Advanced Programming (15 credits)
- Essential Professional and Academic Skills for Masters Students
Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
- Mobile Application Development (15 credits)
- Cyber Security (15 credits)
- Network and Internet Technology and Design (15 credits)
- Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence (15 credits)
Students are required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.
- Audit and Security (15 credits)
- System Administration and Security (15 credits)
- Network Architectures and Services (15 credits)
- Penetration Testing (15 credits)
- Wireless and Mobile Technologies (15 credits)
- Applied Machine Learning (15 credits)
Year 2
- MSc Project (Continued)
- Industrial Practice (60 credits)
About the course team
Welcome to our Masters in Computer Science, which is taught from within the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Your teaching team includes academics and practitioners with experience in various aspects of Computer Science such as Big Data. The majority of the team holds a teaching qualification.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in Computing, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Information Systems or Multimedia or a relevant numerate subject that includes software development experience.
Applicants without a degree that have substantial commercial/industrial experience including software development using modern programming languages and design may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students and/or students with professional work backgrounds.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
For entry: applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
How you will learn
Teaching
In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical work in the labs. You'll be able to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller group sessions, and put your learning into practice in our specialist computer laboratories.
Teaching hours may fall between 9am and 9pm, depending on your elective courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Lectures are usually attended by larger groups and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll need to dedicate time to self-study to complete coursework, and prepare for presentations and exams. Our Stockwell Street library and online resources will support your further reading and research.
You can also join a range of student societies, including our Computer Society, Forensic Science Society, and Games Development Society.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of lectures, tutorials, labs, independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job. You are expected to study for around 600 hours during the placement - around 13 hours a week in addition to the time spent at work. That is generally the minimum time needed for reading, note-taking, and writing to complete the material and assessment. If English isn’t your first language, you may need more time.
Assessment
On this course, students are assessed by coursework, examinations and a project. Some modules may also include practice assessments, presentations, demonstrations, and reports, which help you to monitor progress and make continual improvement.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to the end of August, as the students are working on their project full-time during the summer months.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
2026/27 fees
To be confirmed.Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
International Scholarship Award
International students who hold an offer to study at the University of Greenwich could receive a tuition fee discount worth up to £2,500 in their first year, for students from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria or Ghana.
International Scholarship Award
Greenwich Progression Bursary
£3,000 bursary for home fee paying University of Greenwich final year undergraduate students and Alumni.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates from this Computer Science course are equipped for employment in industry, commerce or research with proficiency in the key theoretical and practical areas in computer science, including their application to modern software systems development.
Do you provide employability services?
As well as support from the Faculty of Engineering and Science Placements Team, the University partners with an organisation that specialises in guiding students to secure an industrial practice placement. However, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to secure an appropriate placement. This could be with a local or international employer in a relevant industrial sector.
Accommodation
Greenwich
Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life. With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich , you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.
Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London. Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, lecturers, project supervisor, subject librarians, and our academic skills centre.
We provide additional support in Mathematics
Support from the department
As a Computing and Mathematical Science School student you will be able to enter our Oracle mentoring scheme. This helps students liaise with industry for advice on careers, professional insight, guidance in looking for jobs, and developing employability and presentation skills.
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