Computing Science MSc/PgDip/PgCert
The Masters in Computing Science provides you with a thorough grounding in advanced computing science, together with experience of conducting a development project, preparing you for responsible positions in the IT industry.
- Teaching start: September
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- MSc: 12 months full-time
Why this programme
- We rank 6th in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
- The School is a member of the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance: SICSA. This collaboration of Scottish universities aims to develop Scotland's place as a world leader in Informatics and Computer Science research and education.
- The School of Computing Science has extensive contacts with industrial partners who contribute to several of their taught courses, through active teaching, curriculum development, and panel discussion. Recent contributors include representatives from IBM, J.P. Morgan, Amazon, Adobe and Red Hat.
- You will have opportunities to meet employers who come to make recruitment presentations, and often seek to recruit our graduates during the programme.
- You will benefit from having 24-hour access to a computer laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software.
Programme structure
Modes of delivery of the MSc in Computing Science include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.
Core courses
- Programming and Systems Development (H)
- Research and Professional Skills (M)
- Introduction to Data Science and Systems (M)
- MSc Project for Computing Science+
Elective course (choose one)
Optional courses (choose 6)
- Cryptography and Provable Security (M)
- CyberSecurity Fundamentals for MSc (M)
- Deep Learning for MSc (M)
- Big Data: Systems, Programming, and Management (M)
- Information Visualisation (M)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction for MSc
- Cyber Systems Forensics (M)
- Human Computer Interaction Design and Evaluation (M)
- Human-Centred Security (M)
- Information Retrieval (M)
- Internet Technology (M)
- Web Science for MSc
- Text as Data for MSc
- Secured Software Engineering (M)
Please note the availability of optional courses is dependent on staff availability and timetabling constraints.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. More information: Student contract.
Career prospects
Career opportunities include responsible positions, not only in the IT sector but also in many other sectors such as education, engineering, health services, financial services, government, manufacturing, retail, and transport. You will also be well qualified to proceed to study for a PhD in computing science.
Graduates of this programme have gone on to work for companies such as JP Morgan & Chase, Alliance, Airwave, Sensefly and Sky UK.
Positions include Software Developer, IT Analyst, System Engineer and Research Assistant.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2027-28
MSc
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £13,092
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £34,815
Fee status
Deposits
International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2000 to secure a place on this programme.
Deposits: terms & conditions
The following guidelines will apply in determining whether a deposit will be refunded. Where the deposit is refunded, a 25% administration fee will be deducted unless otherwise stated.
a: Deposits WILL be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:
- Where the University is unable to offer you a place on the programme as specified on the offer. A full refund will be issued in this case.
- Death of a close family member (parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, spouse, child/dependent). Official evidence (signed and stamped) must be provided.
- SERIOUS ill health of the applicant or a close family member (parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, spouse, child/dependent). Official evidence (signed and stamped) must be provided.
- Applicant does not meet conditions of offer. This may be academic or language test requirements. Satisfactory evidence must be uploaded to the student’s applicant self-service to prove that they have not met the conditions of their offer (note that applicants who do not meet the language condition of their offer must show reasonable attempt to meet this, i.e. they must provide at least two language tests which were taken after the date the deposit was paid).
- Visa / ATAS refusal: we will only consider a refund if the visa / ATAS refusal was based on matters outside of the applicant’s control.
- If a refund request is received within 14 days of the deposit being received a full refund will be issued under the Consumer Protection Regulations.
b: Deposits WILL NOT be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:
- An applicant decides not to attend the University for any reason not outlined above.
- Personal financial constraints / unsuccessful scholarship application.
- Applicant has decided to defer – in this situation the University will retain the deposit and hold it against the applicant’s account to secure their place for the following year of entry. You may defer twice. After the second deferral standard conditions will apply.
- There is still time to meet the English language test requirement before the final upload date. Please see section a) 4.
- Visa / ATAS was applied for too late. Please see section a) 5.
- Any documents used for admission are proven to be fraudulent. We work in partnership with Qualification Check to check academic qualifications. English language qualifications are verified with the provider.
- The refund request is received more than 30 days after the official course start date as outlined in your offer email.
Timeframe for requesting a refund
Refund requests must be received no later than 30 days after the official course start date as outlined in your offer email. As per section b)7 above the request will be denied.
Receiving a refund
- To comply with Money Laundering Regulations, the University will pay all refunds to the original payer using the source payment details. This is known as a “return to source” payment.
- All appropriate documentation and evidence relating to the original payment must be provided, when requested.
- All payments and refunds are in GBP currency - the University is not responsible for any exchange rate fluctuations or beneficiary bank charges associated with the refund.
- Where University approved payment methods have not been used, this may cause significant delays or prevent payment altogether.
- We will aim to issue the deposit refund within 8 weeks of receipt of information per point 2 above. At peak times this may be longer.
How to request a deposit refund
Please go to our enquiry form and select 'Fees and Deposit' as the enquiry reason and then 'Can I have a deposit refund?'.
Please upload all supporting documentation to your applicant self-service portal before submitting the above request.
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any degree with Computing as a major subject with at least 50% of credit bearing modules in Computing and/or Advanced Programming at an average grade of pass.
Accepted modules
We normally accept the following modules to meet the credit bearing module requirement:
Advanced Programming
- Advanced Programming
- C+ or C++ Programming
- Embedded Systems
- Java
- Microcontrollers
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Python
- Visual Basic
Computing
- Algorithms Correctness and Efficiency
- App Development
- Artificial Intelligence Methods
- Automata and Formal Language Theory
- Big Data and Machine Learning
- Bioinformatics
- C and C++
- Compiler Principles
- Complexity of Algorithms
- Computer Fundamentals
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Systems
- Concurrency
- Cryptography
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Data Structures
- Data Visualization
- Database Development
- Databases
- Databases and Interfaces
- Developing Maintainable Software
- Distributed Systems
- Experimental Robotics
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Human Computer Interaction
- Human-centric Systems
- IT Security
- Information Hiding
- Introduction to Image Processing
- Java and Python
- Languages and Computation
- Microcomputer Systems and Interface
- Modelling and Verification Techniques
- Network Systems
- Operating Systems
- Operating Systems and Concurrency
- Programming Computers and Security
- Programming and Algorithms
- Server-side Scripting
- Statistical/Machine Learning
- Systems and Architecture
- User Experience
- Web Application Development
- Web-centric Computing
- Writing Mobile Apps
Please note this programme is not available to recent graduates who have been awarded an undergraduate degree in either Computing Science or Software Engineering from the University of Glasgow. These applicants should, if not already graduated, consider continuing to the integrated MSci award.
English language requirements
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
For applicants from non-majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
Accepted English Language Tests
We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of the University of Glasgow programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.
IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic for UKVI/ IELTS Academic online
- 6.5 overall with Writing at 6.5 no other subtest less than 6.0; OR 6.5 overall with Writing at 6.0 and no other subtest less than 6.5
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- We do not accept General Training
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)
Test taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 overall and no subtest less than Writing, 24, Listening 19, Speaking 19, Reading 20; OR 90 overall with Writing 21 and all other subtests no lower than 23
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 overall with Writing at 5 and no other subtest less than 4.5; OR 92 overall with Writing, Reading and Speaking at 4.5 and Listening no less than 5
PTE Academic (test centre only)
- 65 overall with Writing at 68 and no other subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; OR 65 overall with Writing at 60 and no other subtest less than Reading 62; Listening 62 and Speaking 75
- We do not accept the online PTE Academic
Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with any two subtests at 7 and any two subtests at 6
LanguageCert Academic/Academic SELT/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with Writing at 70 and no other subtest less than 65; OR 70 overall with Writing at 65 and no other subtest less than 70
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with Writing at 6.5 no other subtest less than 6.0; OR 6.5 overall with Writing at 6.0 and no other subtest less than 6.5
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- 96 overall with Writing at 96 and no other subtest less than 90; OR 96 overall with Writing at 90 and no other subtest less than 96
Kaplan Test of English
- Writing at 480 with no other subtest less than 450; OR Writing at 450 with no other subtest less than 480
PSI Skills for English
- B2 Pass with Merit
Duolingo English Test
- 120 overall with Writing at 130 and no other subtest less than 110; OR 120 overall with Writing at 110 and no other subtest less than 120
Oxford Test of English Advanced
- 140 overall with Writing at 136 and no other subtest less than 126; OR 140 overall with Writing at 126 and no other subtest less than 136
Alternatives to English Language test
Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.
TNE degree from UK university taught at a campus outside of the UK
- students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study and remain valid for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see: gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/eas/pre-sessionalcourses/
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham.
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.
Application deadlines
For entry in September 2027
International & EU applicants
+++
International application rounds
Applications are considered on a rolling basis within each round, and the decision date shown for each round is the latest date by which you will receive an outcome on your application.
Round 1: 1 October 2026 to 5 November 2026
You will receive our decision on your application by 18 December 2026.
Round 2: 6 November 2026 to 17 December 2026
You will receive our decision on your application by 3 March 2027.
Round 3: 18 December 2026 to 4 February 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 8 April 2027.
Round 4: 5 February 2027 to 25 March 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 6 May 2027.
Round 5: 26 March 2027 to 13 May 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 10 June 2027.
Round 6: 14 May 2027 to 8 July 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 29 July 2027.
As we receive a high volume of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply to each programme once per year.
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UK applicants
- 24 August 2027
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