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This module develops the essential computer programming and professional software development skills based on current industry demands and career aspirations. The contents are meticulously designed, assuming no previous programming experience, to equip Computer Science students with imperative knowledge and critical insights into the process of interpreting and requirements into practical solutions and forming synergies with all the other modules of programme.
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This module develops the essential knowledge and skills of database design and development. A comprehensive understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of the information systems, evolution of databases, data models, entity relationship diagram (ERD), data model, mapping ERD to relational model, Functional dependencies and Normalisation, data storage and retrieval techniques, structure of relational databases, conceptual, logical and physical database schemas, architecture of database systems, CRUD operations, transaction management, grouping and aggregation, concurrency control, database backup and recovery, indexes, connectivity with programming languages (Python) and structured query language (SQL) will enable students to develop a deep and critical insight into state-of-the-art database technologies.
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This module develops the essential knowledge and practical skills of tools and techniques used to create content accessed across a variety of mobile, tablet and desktop devices using web technologies and services. The module introduces underpinnings of web architecture to cutting-edge techniques in styling and database management. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip students with a comprehensive skill set, enabling them to develop websites that are not just functional, but also visually captivating and user-centric. Additionally, the module serves as a deep dive into indispensable backend technologies to address the immediate needs of the industry.
MSc Computer Science (conversion)
Master's Degree, Postgraduate, September 2025
The MSc Computer Science is a conversion course that aims to produce well rounded graduates, irrespective of their prior academic background. Recognising the global demand for skilled professionals, this programme is structured to provide an intensive, yet accessible pathway for students to pivot into the field of Computer Science.
The course provides broad knowledge and practical skills needed to develop software systems entailing programming, databases, web technologies, networks, artificial intelligence, and data science. The integral academic writing, research and project management skills and a mandatory independent dissertation/project in the final semester further underpin application of the industry-style professional approaches as well as an appreciation of future directions of technological advances and research.
The balanced academic preparation is aligned with emerging trends in job market and allows graduates to pursue in-demand and lucrative careers in IT industry or assume interdisciplinary roles by effectively combining applied computing with their first degrees. The course also provides foundations and opportunity to progress to and formally pursue specialized computer science research on a Ph.D. programme.
- All modules across the course are designed to support the transition of graduates into globally-relevant roles within academia, research and professional industry.
- Learning opportunities encourage and support the spirit of intellectual curiosity and enquiry, an ability to apply computational thinking to solve problems and the capacity for creative computing.
- Dynamic landscape of technology offers jobs and careers beyond geographical boundaries with lucrative salaries.
- Incessant infiltration of computers and technology in every walk of life and industry promulgates ever-increasing demand of computer science experts.
- Progression opportunities to specialised, industry-driven research on a Ph.D. programme.
3 hours of contact time per 20 credit module, a total of 9 contact hours per week.
As guided by the Birmingham Newman Principles of Assessment, a wide and innovative range of coursework assessment methods will be used including both individual and group-based tasks allowing students to foster independent learning skills alongside team working, collaboration and leadership skills.
Authentic assessments and applied projects are used throughout with a real-world focus. Students will be expected to develop software applications, write technical reports and engage in reflective practice. An in-depth dissertation project demonstrating latest trends and emerging technologies in computer science will be undertaken individually.
Computer science offers an incredibly wide range of high demand careers at the forefront of software-based technologies, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence engineers
- Data scientists
- Information and Cyber security analysts
- Information systems developers
- Database administrators
- Systems/network managers
- Healthcare informatics experts
- Game developers
- IT consultants/project managers
- Systems architects
- Web/mobile application developers
- Big Data analysts
- Financial technology experts etc.
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Entry Requirements
UK Home students
- An honours degree of a British University of equivalent institution (minimum of 2.2)
- Consideration will be given to UK students with lower-level qualifications (e.g. a 3rd class degree or non-honours degree) who have a relevant range of professional experience. Professional experience will be considered by the programme leader in conjunction with the quality office.
International Applicants
- An equivalent graduate level qualification from an overseas University of Equivalent institution (minimum 2.2).
- Secure English Language Test (SELT) equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0.
Applying Direct Option
You can apply direct to Birmingham Newman University for this course if you have not previously applied to Newman University through UCAS and you are not applying to any other universities.
- UK home students
- International students
N.B. will need to enter ‘New User’ account details when first accessing this portal.
Course Fees
UK home students
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is £8,900 per year.
International students
The course fee for international students is as follows:
Academic year 2024/2025
- Postgraduate Taught: £13,500 tuition fee
- International Excellence Scholarship: £2,500
All International Students who apply in 2024/25 will be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship which will be automatically applied to their offer as a tuition fee reduction.
Academic year 2025/2026
- Postgraduate Taught: £16,000 tuition fee
- Undergraduate Taught: £14,000 tuition fee
- Scholarships: TBC
International students must pay fees and deposit amounts as instructed within their offer letter.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Modules
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This module entails the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of wired and wireless computer networks, Internet of Things and cyber security. Designed to introduce advanced communication concepts to both networking experts and non-experts, the module aims to enable students to design, develop, implement and secure networked systems.
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This module develops the theoretical foundation and practical skills of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science (DS) and their applicability in real-world scenarios. Building upon the statistical and mathematical underpinnings, this module aims to teach students the established approaches, emerging trends and challenges in classification, regression and clustering tasks. A variety of machine learning approaches used in AI and DS applications are introduced and Python programming language (with open-source libraries) is suggested for developing practical solutions.
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This module introduces objectives and importance of research in Computer Science, systematic literature review, problem statement and hypothesis formulation, experiment design, identifying types of variables and data wrangling, sampling techniques, quantitative and qualitative research, mixed methods of research, data imputation, types of statistical tests and evaluation measures. The module also discusses ethical constraints, intellectual property rights and legal requirements. The students are expected to conduct data analyses and present reports in a variety of formats and visualizations.
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Having studied core Computer Science topics, students have the opportunity to apply a range of conceptual knowledge and practical implementation tools to an in-depth development of a real-world project of their particular interest. The aim is to develop the skills expected at postgraduate level and equip Computer Science students with imperative knowledge, research & analysis skills, application of software development life cycle and critical insights into the process of transforming user requirements into practical software solutions.
Additional Information
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses