Advanced Computing

The MSc Advanced Computing is designed for graduates with a computing background who wish to deepen and broaden their technical expertise across contemporary computing disciplines. The course integrates advanced software engineering, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and data science, equipping you to design, build, and evaluate secure, scalable, and intelligent systems.

You will explore the development of large-scale software projects, considering architecture, collaboration, and deployment in modern computing environments. Intelligent systems are examined through knowledge representation and reasoning, alongside advanced data analytics and visualisation techniques for extracting insight from complex datasets. Security is addressed from both technical and human perspectives, including secure web and database systems, user-centred security design, and governance frameworks for AI and data-driven technologies.

A distinctive feature of the course is its elective structure, enabling you to tailor your studies to your career goals. You may choose to deepen your expertise in areas such as advanced AI techniques, specialised security topics, or emerging computing technologies. The course culminates in an individual project, allowing you to apply your knowledge to a substantial technical challenge aligned with your interests or professional ambitions.

Learning Methods

On campus students will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, group discussions, and practical lab sessions.

Online students will be taught through a mixture of online recorded lectures, practical exercises, live group discussions, dedicated online support sessions, and self-study.

For both study options, access to our virtual learning environment, Moodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).

How long is a Advanced Computing course?

The MSc Advanced Computing course can be successfully completed on campus or through online learning in 12 - 16 months studying full time, or 32 months part time.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 50 students per group, 40 hours per semester
• Practical class or workshop - 50 students per group, 80 hours per semester
• Independent Study - 480 hours per semester

Independent Study

A significant portion of this courses is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each semester:

Semester 1

• 2 written assignments
• 2 reports

Semester 2

• 2 written assignments
• 2 reports

Semester 3

• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio

Staff Delivering on this Course

Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.

Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

Students who perform particularly well during their first term of studies will be invited to apply for any long-term placement opportunities (40-45 weeks) found by the Placement Office. Alternatively, you can seek your own long placement or a short placement.

Note that permission to undertake a placement is at the discretion of the School and students who go on long placement also need to pay a £1,000 fee.

For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

Job Prospects

The demand for advanced computing professionals continues to grow across the global technology sector. Graduates of the MSc Advanced Computing course could expect careers in a variety of industries, including:

• Software engineer
• Systems developer
• Cyber security analyst/li>
• Data analyst
• IT consultant
• Technology project manager
• Technical architect

Standard Entry Requirements

What is needed for MSc Advanced Computing?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in a computing-related discipline
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Academic Year 2026-2027

All fees are to be confirmed.