Computing MSc



Learn practical key computing skills that are essential to the modern computing industry.

Overview

The MSc Computing is suitable for those who have little or no computing experience or those who have some computing but wish to pursue a very practical hands-on approach at masters level.

With a strong emphasis on practical skills, this MSc will prepare you for a career in the computing industry. You will learn fundamental computing concepts, programming, web development, database design and team working.

The course starts in both September and January.

Student working on a big screen in a future meeting room

Mode of Study:

Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

JanSep

Student stories

Read stories from students of Edinburgh Napier's Computing study area

Course details

This course is designed to prepare you for direct entry into the workplace with a solid understanding of how information systems operate in their many different forms.

Modules studied (September intake):

  • Software Development 1
  • Software Development 2 
  • Web Design and Development 
  • Programming for the Web
  • Computer Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Group Project

Modules studied (January intake)

  • Software Development 1
  • Web Design and Development 
  • Computer Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Group Project
  • Management of Software Projects
  • Digital Business Environments
  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

     This part-time course is studied over two years, with one or two modules studied per trimester, and will involve lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.
  • library

    Facilities

    Depending on chosen modules, our specialist labs may include:

    The Sensorium - A forward-looking User Experience (UX) Evaluation Lab utilising the next generation of real time human behaviour insight technology

    SOCLAB - Virtual Security Operations Centre

    Swarm Robotics - A custom-designed robot arena and laboratory

    Lions Gate - A locus of interdisciplinary research focusing on sustainability, digital interaction, health and well-being.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Computing?  

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above, or equivalent. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

Can I get admission into Computing based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules *£1,105 *£1,160
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £650 £690
Overseas and EU-Taught modules £3,050 £3,205
Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £2,095 £2,200
Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*. The total fee you will pay is dependant upon the exit award you wish to achieve.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


This course comprises of 180 credits from taught modules and a dissertation.

Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Computing degree?

Thanks to its content, and the high demand for well-qualified graduates in computing, this course can open doors to a wide range of careers. You can take advantage of the increased opportunities for advancement that your new skills offer. You could pursue a new role in your specialist area, or take on research, education, or start up a new business. Computer science engineering and computer programming jobs include:

  • Business analyst
  • Computer software engineer
  • Data analysist
  • Java developers
  • System administration or network administration
  • UX design
  • Web developer

From programming and software development to Information Systems Engineering, you'll delve into the foundational concepts that underpin modern computing systems. Through hands-on projects and collaborative learning experiences, you'll gain practical expertise in designing and implementing scalable and efficient solutions to complex problems.

Over time, you will emerge as a proficient and resourceful computing professional, ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age. Whether you aspire to work as a software engineer, systems analyst, or technology consultant, our MSc in Computing will provide you with the tools and confidence to succeed in any computing-related field.

What does a Software Developer do?

As a software developer, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, designing and developing software applications that power various aspects of our lives. Whether it's crafting intuitive user interfaces, optimizing algorithms for efficiency, or building scalable backend systems, your contributions will have a profound impact on how people interact with technology.

You will be collaborating with diverse teams of fellow developers, designers, and stakeholders to bring ideas from concept to reality. Your days will be filled with coding, testing, and refining software solutions to address real-world challenges across industries. From mobile apps that streamline daily tasks to enterprise software that drives business operations, your work will enhance efficiency, improve user experiences, and propel organizations toward success.

As a Software Developer, you will constantly push the boundaries of what's possible, staying abreast of the latest technologies and methodologies to stay ahead in this dynamic field. Your passion for innovation and problem-solving will drive you to create software that not only meets but exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the digital world.

Edinburgh Napier University International Student Ambassador Syed Nazmus Sadat