100% online MSc Computer Science
Gain the skills to succeed in a computer science career. Study an online MSc with a University rated 5-star for teaching and with internationally excellent research

- 180 credits •
- 2 years part-time •
- £6,780 total fees •
- Internationally Excellent Research in Computer Science
Why Sunderland?
- 100% online MSc within 24 months
- 'Internationally excellent' research in computer science*
- Learn programming languages including Python, R, CISCO and Oracle
- 5 star teaching rating (QS 2019)
- Top 10 in UK for student support** - as voted for by students
- Ranked 9th in UK for international**
- £6,780 total fees, option to pay £565 per module
**WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2019
An online Masters that equips individuals from different backgrounds for career success in computer science
The 100% online MSc Computer Science from the University of Sunderland has been designed for ambitious individuals who aren’t from a computer science background and who want to launch a new career in computer science or want to incorporate computer science expertise and knowledge into their current field as a means of accelerating their career progression. This online Computer Masters is also open to professionals who work in computer science roles and want to gain an academic qualification to enhance their credentials and career prospects.
Studying the course, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to effectively specify, design, implement and support IT systems in the real world.

Benefit from the national recognition of excellence in computer science teaching and research
A key reason for choosing to study a computer science Masters at the University of Sunderland is the nationally recognised excellence in teaching and research in computer science. Research by the Department of Computer Science was described as ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Teaching Excellence framework. At an institutional level, the teaching at the University was rated 5-star by QS in 2019, which is the highest rating that can be achieved.

What will you study?
Studying the online MSc Computer Science, you will gain practical skills in areas including networking, databases, programming, and web design and development. You will develop fundamental knowledge in cyber security, data science and machine learning, essential assets in today’s computer science and IT employment market. You will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of current research and technical developments in the field, as well as the chance to develop computing solutions to real-world problems.
You will also learn programming languages including Python, R, CISCO and Oracle.
Key knowledge and skills taught on this course:
- Computer science principles and practice
- Computer architectures
- Web design and development
- Data science
- Machine learning and data mining
- Secure database system development
- Cybersecurity
- Networking
- Software engineering
Flexible study from anywhere, entirely online
If you have work or family commitments, this course can be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Because of its flexible design, it can be studied at any time, with the learning material accessed on demand, at times that are convenient for you.
Importantly, this allows you to continue working and earn whilst you learn, avoiding making potentially costly sacrifices such as taking a study break.
Once enrolled, you will join a community of peers in an interactive online learning environment that features discussion boards, forums and group learning activities. You will learn with professionals based all over the world and will be presented with a unique opportunity to greatly expand your global professional network.
The high level of quality academic support that you will receive is exemplified by the allocation of a dedicated Student Success Coordinator, who will proactively offer you targeted support throughout your studies, from enrolment through to graduation.
A University with global ambitions and a fast growing global presence
There are close to 6,000 international students at the University of Sunderland, with 1,500 students studying across the globe by distance learning. This reflects the global outlook, culture and capabilities of the University. With campuses in Hong Kong, Sunderland and London, and many global partnerships including in the Caribbean, Greece, Kenya, Malaysia, Lanka, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tashkent and Vietnam, our approach is focused on encouraging diverse learner cohorts where students can interact with and learn from fellow students and professionals from different backgrounds. We firmly believe that this provides a far richer and more meaningful learning experience.
In recognition of our global credentials, we are proud to have been voted 9th in the UK for international (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2019) by our students.
Admission requirements
- At least a UK 2.2 undergraduate degree
- A UK Masters degree (or international equivalent)
- A third-class Honours degree or an Ordinary degree (without Honours) or UK equivalent professional qualification with a minimum of 2 years’ appropriate work experience
- Applicants who do not hold a recognised degree will be asked to provide evidence which demonstrates a minimum of 3 years’ relevant organisational experience
The work experience must be at a graduate level, in either a managerial or professional capacity which may include voluntary work, placements, internships, project management etc
Fees
- Total course fees
- £6,780
- Per 15-credit module fee
- £565
If you are based in the UK, you may be eligible for a Government-backed postgraduate loan to cover the full costs of the course.
In addition, if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Sunderland, you are eligible for a 10% tuition fees reduction.
You pay tuition fees for each module taken, either module-by-module or in full at the start of your course.
If you pay module-by-module, you will pay in instalments of £565.