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Master's program
A taught master’s in computer science at the University of Edinburgh. The year is typically concentrated: core computing topics, options that depend on the published course, and usually a substantial project or dissertation.
Explore this program and related study options.
This is a postgraduate computing degree, not a general IT conversion label. You should expect graduate-level work in the science of computing — the exact mix of theory, systems and applications is set by the school for your year of entry.
A UK taught master’s is often a single intensive year. That can be efficient if you already have a related first degree. It is also a compressed timetable: less room to “find your feet” than a two-year programme.
Use the official course page to see the current structure, optional courses and project rules. This page is orientation, not the handbook.
The useful question is whether graduate computing at this level matches the skills you want next — not whether the degree title sounds current.
Master’s courses in this field typically deepen programming, systems or theoretical foundations. The published core list for your intake is the authority.
Optional courses, where offered, are how students lean toward areas such as data, systems or intelligent systems. Availability changes. Do not plan a career on an option that may not run.
Most taught computing master’s degrees include a substantial individual project or dissertation. That is often where you show you can frame a problem, not only pass exams.
Edinburgh’s computing school is research-active. That can shape optional courses and project topics. It is not a promise of a research job.
Taught UK master’s degrees in computing usually combine taught courses with a later project. The school sets the split, assessment and any progression rules.
A set of core and optional courses across the academic year. Confirm credit load and any compulsory elements on the official page.
Typically completed after the taught block. Topics and supervision are arranged with the school — not chosen from this website.
We do not reproduce a full module catalogue. Course names and availability change. Use the university’s current list.
Entry is set by the school for this MSc, not by a general Edinburgh rule. A first degree in a related subject is the usual starting point; conversion routes, if they exist, are published separately.
Expect a good undergraduate degree in computer science or a closely related discipline, unless the school states another pathway. Prerequisites in programming or mathematics may apply.
Transcripts, references and a statement are typical. Some applicants also need to evidence programming experience. Follow the official checklist for your intake.
How a degree from your country is compared is a university decision. Do not treat a friend’s offer as your standard.
This is orientation. The MSc page for your year of entry is the authority — including whether you are eligible.
If you have not studied in a way the university recognises as meeting its English language standard, you will usually need an accepted test.
The university publishes which tests it accepts and the scores for this school. Those numbers change. We do not reprint unofficial scores here.
Prior study in English can meet the requirement for some applicants. That is assessed against published criteria, not assumed.
Confirm the current English language rule for this MSc and your intake before you book a test.
Tuition for this MSc is set by the university for the programme and your fee status. A computing master’s fee is not the same as an undergraduate fee, and overseas rates differ from UK rates.
Use the official fee table for MSc Computer Science and your year of entry. Do not reuse a number from another Edinburgh degree.
Rent, food and transport in Edinburgh are not included in tuition. See the destination cost guidance and the university’s own living-cost notes.
Fees change. We do not display unofficial averages or promise funding.
Edinburgh Global Scholarships appear in our listing for selected study levels. They are competitive. Other UK schemes may also be relevant. Nothing here is a guaranteed award for this MSc.
University of Edinburgh · Partial tuition
View detailsA computing master’s can support a range of technical and analytical directions. It does not guarantee a role, a visa or a salary.
Graduates may explore software, data, systems or research-adjacent roles depending on the optional courses and project they actually complete.
Some students use a taught MSc as a step toward doctoral study. Admission to a PhD is a separate, competitive process.
We will not list job titles as outcomes or imply that Edinburgh’s name places you in a particular company.
Edinburgh is a large public university in Scotland’s capital, with teaching spread across several sites. Computing sits within that wider civic university — not a standalone tech campus.
A one-year taught master’s is a common UK pattern. Visas, fee status and living costs are destination questions — use the United Kingdom guide rather than this programme page.
Autumn is the usual start for this MSc. Closing dates are set by the university and can be earlier for some applicants. We do not publish a date here that might go stale.
Plan for an autumn start unless the official page lists another.
Popular computing master’s courses can fill. Check the current deadline and any round structure on the university site, then work backwards through tests and references.
Short answers for orientation. Official course pages remain the source of truth for your year of entry.
Graduate-level computer science at Edinburgh, typically combining taught courses with a project or dissertation. The live course list is on the university website.
A full-time taught UK master’s in this field is typically one year. Confirm the current length, including any part-time option, on the official page.
Usually a related undergraduate degree and any stated prerequisites. Requirements vary by your previous study. The school’s page for your intake is the authority.
If you do not already meet Edinburgh’s published English language standard, you will typically need an accepted test at the score the school lists for this MSc.
Tuition is published by the university for this programme and your fee status. Living costs in Edinburgh are separate. We do not quote unofficial figures.
It may prepare you for technical computing work or further research study. It does not guarantee employment, a visa or a particular salary.
Most postgraduate taught applications go directly to the University of Edinburgh. Application Support can help you sequence the file; the official instructions remain the source of truth.
Other programmes we currently list in the same study area, university or level — a comparison set, not a ranking.
Practical reading while you decide whether this programme — and this university — may fit.
Universities and programs
A practical way to evaluate universities against your goals, rather than a list of famous names.
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Scholarships and funding
Tuition is only part of the picture. Use this guide to think through living costs, funding and planning.
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Applications
Documents, tests, timelines and the practical things to gather before you apply.
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Read guideFit depends on the subject, your background, budget and where you want to study — not on a degree title alone. A conversation can help you see whether this programme, or another, may be the right next step.