Computer Science MSc (Conversion) - Virtual Open Day

About this programme

Become a computer scientist in just one year through this conversion programme that will enhance your career prospects in a growing and innovative field. The Computer Science MSc teaches everything from programming to application engineering while providing opportunities to create solutions for industrial or research clients. Taught at UCL, world-renowned for computer science research, this is an exceptional place to build your foundations as a computer scientist.

Computer science pervades almost every sector and industry today. Equipping yourself with the sought-after skills required to be a developer, software engineer, or related role places you in an exceptional position to thrive in the world of computing.

This programme is equally ideal for those who want to complement their existing scientific knowledge with computer science skills, or for those from different disciplines who want to switch career paths to work in this field.

Why study this programme?

• Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
• High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
• Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
• Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in computer science or information technology.
• Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Introductory Programming
• App Engineering
• Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
• Algorithmics
• MSc Computer Science Project
• Database Fundamentals

Optional modules may include:

• Functional Programming
• Interaction Design
• Technology Entrepreneurship

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.

Who is the programme for?

Entry requirements

This programme is for you if:

• you are new to computer science but have suitable mathematical skills (at least to Mathematics A level standard).
• have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or an international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a subject other than computer science or information technology.
• you want to pursue a career in the computing or information technology sector or for further doctoral research.

The programme is not suitable for Computer Science graduates or equivalent. It is a conversion programme and, therefore, meant for graduates in non-computer science subjects wishing to develop a background in computer science.

Employability 

The programme is designed to enhance career prospects through the study of fundamentals computer science principles, which complements graduates’ first-degree subject, so that graduates are prepared to assume key interdisciplinary industrial positions and PhD research.

The programme also aims to educate graduates to gain an ability to take an analytical approach to solving problems and resolving issues, and to build positive working relationships by learning to be not only a good team player but also to manage and delegate to others and take on responsibility.

Computer Science Postgraduate students earned on average £53,000* per year.  

(*This figure is the mean salary taken from the most recent aggregated Graduate Outcomes Data (2018-2023) for postgraduate taught graduates from UCL Computer Science.)

Career destinations

Alumni from this programme have been employed by some of the world's leading IT companies and large private and public organisations, including Accenture, Barclays Capital, Credit Suisse, Twitter, and the NHS. Others have gone on to pursue further study or a career in academia.

Register below to receive further information.

Register for Virtual Open Day 

• Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
• Time: Choose a session: 12:00 noon OR 5:00 pm (UK time)
• Content: Discover the department, our careers support, scholarships, opportunities with industry and more. Ask your questions to staff, students and alumni.

Both sessions are identical - pick the one that suits your time zone best.

We’ll send you more information about the department, your programme, and the next steps after you register.

To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus