Computing
Deepen your understanding and knowledge of computer science to prepare for a career in the computing industry.
Deepen your understanding and knowledge of computer science to prepare for a career in the computing industry
Explore major programming languages and paradigms alongside management techniques
Join in the development of a large software project and build your problem solving skills
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2025
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£23,400 Home
£43,800 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
First-class degree in any subject outside computing or computer science
Course overview
Undertake intensive training in computer science and acquire the core computing skills needed for a career in the computer industry.
Suitable for graduates of disciplines other than computing, this one-year programme is tailored towards those looking to add computing qualifications to their portfolio. It's also suitable if you're looking to retrain in IT or prepare for further PhD study.
This course will help you acquire practical skills in basic and specialised topics in computing. You'll also explore the major paradigms of programming – declarative, imperative and object oriented.
A major focus of your studies will be developing a large software project. You'll also apply your course knowledge on an extended individual project.
This work will help improve your competency in group cooperation, literature search, technical presentation and report writing.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take all of these core modules:
Core modules
Grasp the principles of programming and apply your skills to design and implement solutions to computational programming problems. You will be given the opportunity to practice writing programs and apply methods and techniques learned through laboratory sessions, coursework, and frequent and regular feedback.
Acquire the core knowledge of the organisation and operations of a typical computer system.
Understand the fundamental technologies for designing and building modern software systems, including networking and distributed systems, databases, web services, cloud computing and continuous delivery methods, illustrated via practical exercises and projects.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Taught
- Independent study
- 20% Taught
- 80% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Practical work
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Group project work
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Independent reading
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Lab work
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Individual research project
Balance of assessment
Key
- Assessed coursework
- Examinations (practical and written)
- Individual project
- 20% Assessed coursework
- 36% Examinations (practical and written)
- 44% Individual project
Assessment methods
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Written exams
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Coursework
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Reports
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Presentations and demonstrations
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Written assignments
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Lab work
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Dissertation
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Oral presentations
Entry requirements
First-class degree in any subject outside computing or computer science
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2025 entry
£23,400
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a computing career.
Consider this course if you're pursuing a career in industry, or if you're interested in a research career in academia or industry.
With an Imperial Computing degree, you'll be able to explore a variety of career opportunities.
Graduates are sought after in roles such as application/web development, networking, AI, media, finance, robotics, and computer games.
Other potential career paths include chip design, cyber security, data management, bio-medical systems and transport
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7594 8298
- Email: doc-mscadmissions@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Robert Craven
Visit the Department of Computing website.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications