Advanced Computer Science MSc

Course overview

Computing has become integral to our society, playing a critical part in almost every business worldwide. That’s why qualified specialists in this field are highly sought after by many different industries.

Our Advanced Computer Science MSc is wide-ranging, exploring advanced topics in computer science which will equip you with the understanding and practical skills to succeed in a variety of careers.

Building on your existing knowledge of computer science, you’ll develop the theoretical and practical skills required to design and implement larger, more complex systems using state-of-the-art technologies. You’ll even have the chance to work as an integral member of one of our research groups when you develop your main project.

Studying in our School of Computing gives you access to a whole range of specialist facilities, whilst being taught by academics who are experts in their fields. We’re also responsible for producing internationally excellent research and have long-established links with industry meaning you’ll be learning the most up-to-date practices and techniques needed to pursue an exciting career in industry.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in computer science.
• Benefit from studying at a university that's partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
• Tailor the degree to suit your specific interests with a selection of optional modules to choose from including data science, algorithms, machine learning, deep learning and advanced software engineering.
• Build industry experience by conducting your own individual project which focuses on a real-world topic of your choice, giving you the chance to develop professional skills in research and critical thinking.
• Access a wide range of industry-standard specialist facilities including a state-of-the-art cloud computing lab, a large High Performance Computing (HPC) resource and a robotics lab with a range of equipment available for specialist MSc projects.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics who specialise in a wide range of computing topics.

Course details

In the first half of the year, you’ll study core modules which will lay the foundations of the programme by giving you an understanding of the key topics of algorithms and systems programming.

From there you’ll have the chance to tailor your studies to suit your own preferences. You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules on diverse topics such as cloud computing, image analysis, machine learning, text analytics and semantic technologies.

During the second half of the year, over the summer months, you’ll also work on your research project. This gives you the chance to work as an integral part of one of our active research groups, focusing on a specialist topic in computer science and selecting the appropriate research methods.

Project work

The professional project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.

Recent projects for Advanced Computer Science MSc students have included:

• iPad interaction for wall-sized displays
• Modelling the effects of feature-based attention in the visual cortex
• Relevance and trust in social computing for decision making
• Energy-efficient cloud computing
• Smart personal assistant - Ontology-enriched access to digital repositories

A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Advanced Computer Science MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines, through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Specialist facilities

At Leeds, we provide an exciting environment in which to gain a range of skills and experience cutting-edge technology.

You’ll benefit from UK-leading facilities to support your learning, including:

• A state-of-the art computing cluster, equipped with Azure services and a visualisation lab including a Powerwall, benchtop display with tracking system, WorldViz PPT optical tracking system and Intersense InertiaCube orientation tracker
• Individual machines, equipped with Microsoft- or Linux-software, capable of performing rendering
• Robotics labs
• Dedicated Linux laboratories with a combined capacity of an average of 150 machines
• Excellent facilities and teaching spaces in the Sir William Henry Bragg building.

Programme team

Programme leader, Dr Mark Walkley, specialise in Scientific Computing and the use of parallel computing to enable large-scale, accurate simulations of physical systems from a range of other academic disciplines. His areas of teaching range from introductory programming to computer networks and parallel computing.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques which may include case studies, technical reports, group work, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.

Applying

Entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Computer Science

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions team

Email: pgcomp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,500 (Total)

International: £31,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Computing is an essential component of nearly every daily activity, from the collection and processing of information in business, through to smart systems embedded in devices, image processing in medical diagnosis and the middleware that underpins distributed technologies like cloud computing and the semantic web.

This course will give you the practical skills to enter many areas of applied computing, working as application developers, system designers and evaluators. Links between the taught modules and our research provide our students with added strengths in artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, distributed systems, and the analysis of complex data. As a result, you’ll be well-prepared for a range of careers, as well as further research at PhD level.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
• Senior Software Engineer, Funding Circle
• Technical Developer, Reading Room
• Head of Audience Development, Al Jazeera Media Network
• Systems Engineer, Systematic
• Software Engineer, THG
• Programmer, Alibaba

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.