Online Masters Programme in Computer Science Study anytime, anywhere
About the course
About the course
What is online study?
- Study for a masters degree (MSc) without the need of attendance.
- Study without the need of a timetable
- Study when it suits you best.
- Study without examinations to attend. All assessment is by coursework or online tests.
- Study using only a suitable computer and the Internet.
- Study for an MSc recognized internationally.
Range of Degrees
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Distributed Data Management
- MSc Distributed Systems and Networks
- MSc Human Computer Interaction
- MSc Multimedia Technology
- MSc Software Engineering
Who should apply?
1. Computer Science graduates looking for professional development in a specialist area or to prepare for research.
2. Graduates in other subjects wanting to move into the IT industry or to apply advanced IT techniques within their own profession.
Key Opportunities
Study online for a masters degree in computer science
- range of advanced courses for Computer Science graduates
- routes for graduates in other disciplines - wide choice of modules
Gain an internationally recognized master's degree
- Very high academic quality standards, as all other degrees offered by the successful cooperation between the University of Hertfordshire and IST College.
- Well-established computer science department with a very good reputation in the UK and Greek market.
- Support from well-qualified tutors
- Complete your degree in one year full-time, or flexibly over a longer period
- Benefit from our inclusive fees, payment by module.
- Open up new career opportunities with your masters degree from the UK.
About the online - Masters Programme
- On successful completion, you will be awarded the degree of Master of Science from the University of Hertfordshire.
- To be awarded the master's degree you need to complete 180 credit points made up of 120 credits worth of taught modules and a 60 credit project.
- For all the specialist degree titles you study 60 credits worth of core modules, i.e. those defined for the award. (For the title MSc Computer Science there are no core modules defined and you are free to choose your own).
- If your first degree is in Computer Science, you will also take 60 credits worth of elective modules (options), chosen from the full list of advanced, specialist modules.
- If your first degree is in another subject (not in Computer Science), typically you will first take 30–60 credits worth of intensive foundation modules. These are designed to prepare you for the advanced, specialist modules that you then study to make up 120 credits in total.
- Finally, you complete your studies with a project in your chosen specialism under the guidance of an experienced individual supervisor.
Entry requirements
- EITHER a good bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science or closely related subject;
- OR a good bachelor's degree in any subject together with an appropriate level of computer literacy (e.g. you have studied some computing as part of your degree or have IT experience at work);
- OR equivalent qualifications and experience;
- PLUS: If your first language is not English, you must satisfy the University's requirement for this programme, i.e. a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or TOEFL 550 (213 CBT) or equivalent certificate.
Programme Overview
First degree in Computer Science
1. Enter with one of these qualifications
- a good bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science or closely related subject at least a UK second class honours degree or a score of 65%.
2. Study the following modules
- 60 credits of core modules for this award
- 60 credits of options
- 60 credit project
3. Gain one of the following awards
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Distributed Data Management
- MSc Distributed Systems and Networks
- MSc Human Computer Interaction
- MSc Multimedia Technology
- MSc Software Engineering
First degree in another subject
1. Enter with one of these qualifications:
- a good bachelor's degree in any subject at least a UK second class honours degree or a score of 65%, PLUS an appropriate level of computer literacy.
2. Study the following modules
- 30–60 credits of foundation modules
- 60 credits of core modules for this award
- up to 30 credits of options
- 60 credit project.
3. Gain the following award
- MSc Computer Science
Start dates and rates of study
- All degrees start in September.
- Each module takes approximately 16 weeks to complete (one semester including vacations).
- There are three semesters per year, so by studying 60 credits at a time you can complete the course in 12 months. (The third semester is a summer semester, devoted to the project).
- Tutorials are offered during the first and the second semesters only, on the taught modules.
- By reducing this rate or taking a break, you can extend this period.
- You should plan a commitment of at least 15 hours a week per 30 credit module, depending on your background and experience.
How the online programme works
- You may study full-time or part-time, by varying the number of modules you take at a time. You can also change your study rate or you can take a break.
- There are no set hours so you can study when and where you want.
- There are fixed start dates for each module and fixed deadlines for assignments.
- All assessment is through coursework or online testing.
- Individual or group feedback is given for all assignments.
- You will be using Studynet, the University's state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment, to access all course materials, to receive and submit assignments, and to communicate with staff and fellow students.
- You will need access to a suitable PC or Mac with a good Internet connection.
- Our materials exploit online technologies to provide faster, more effective communication and to deliver a much richer learning experience.
- All degrees are supported with our innovative Tutored e-Learning approach. This combines the advantages of gaining an internationally recognized degree with the practicality of studying at a local centre.
- The University of Hertfordshire provides quality materials and assessment.
- IST College (the support partner) takes care of local arrangements and provides additional services.
The University of Hertfordshire provides:
1. All the online study content.
2. All the support material e.g. text books, software.
3. Access to online books and journals.
4. All the assessment and marking.
5. Project supervision.
6. Discussion boards and individual access to University.
IST College (Computer Science Department) provides:
1. Timetabled classes (e.g. 1 hr/week/module in weekend workshops, usually the last weekend of each month).
2. Local discussion boards.
3. Labs with computer & Internet facilities.
4. Library facilities.
Module Details
Core modules
Foundation Modules
(These modules are offered primarily to students without a first degree in Computer Science)
