Computing MSc



You design the computing course that best suits your needs and career direction by choosing from our range of postgraduate modules

Overview

By taking a Masters degree in Computing you will be able to build on your undergraduate computing studies or work experience in the areas of your particular interest.

As well as taking your existing computing skills to the next level, you will learn to develop a critical understanding and an analytical approach to your choice of specialist areas. You will learn computer programming, user experience design and more.

With a strong emphasis on a digital business environment, we show you how to provide the best solutions for the company and the clients. Our aim is to prepare you to contribute relevant expertise within the interdisciplinary environments that characterise this sector.

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.

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:

Jan

Student stories

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

Course details

Unlike other computing degrees, this programme is structured around two pathways as an inspiration for your programme.

Web Development
Specifically created to address the ever-increasing demand for technical web developers, the MSc Computing (Web Development) will convert students with no prior knowledge of computing into web developers in this intensive one-year masters.

Modules studied include:

  • Web Design and Development
  • Design Dialogues
  • Computer Systems
  • Database Systems 
  • Programming for the Web
  • User Experience and Service Design 
  • Group Project

Information Systems
Designed to prepare students for the workplace with a solid understanding of how information systems operate in their many different forms, the MSc Computing (Information Systems Development) will convert students with no prior knowledge of computing into software engineers able to apply for a variety of jobs including software developers.

Modules are selected from the following:

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

If you choose not to follow one of these pathways, you can compose your MSc by selecting any modules from the postgraduate portfolio which in addition to the above includes modules on user experience, security and networking. 

 
  • 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.
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    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

Entry requirements

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.


English language requirements

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:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • 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 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules *£1,050 *£tba
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £620 tba
Overseas and EU-Taught modules £2,780 tba
Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £1,860 tba
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

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
Interior photo of atrium in Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building.