MSc Computing

Study Mode Full-time
Year of Entry 2024/25
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MSc

Computing

Full-time Computing

Develop your skills in managing, analysing, visualising and interpreting data for today's data-driven industries, with a masters qualification to enhance your employability.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £10,310 per year (£1,500 for placement year)
    International/EU: £17,205 or £18,705 (with work experience) for the course

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    1 Year

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Date

    When do I start?

    September 2024
    January 2025


Work Placement Route

For international students wishing to undertake a placement as part of this course, you must apply to the work experience route. Click here to go to the  MSc Computing Work Experience course page. Transferring to the work experience route later will not be possible due to visa restrictions.

Course summary

  • Gain knowledge in key computing topics relevant to the current job market. 
  • Explore programming, web development, databases and artificial intelligence. 
  • Develop your professionalism by working on industry-based case studies. 
  • Cultivate an adaptable approach towards new and emerging technologies. 
  • Complete research in either software development or data management.

Designed for graduates without a computing background, the course builds your fundamental computing skills, before specialising at an advanced level in either software development or data management. You'll also develop your research, critical thinking and professional skills through practical projects and real-world applications, preparing you for careers in various computing roles.


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How you learn

At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive. 

This course is taught around a professional software development lifecycle, developing both the technical and professional skills needed in the industry. You’ll take ownership of your applied projects while being fully supported throughout your learning. We also encourage our students to contribute their diverse backgrounds to their applied projects

You’ll then develop your research skills through one of two specialisms. By choosing the Advanced Software Design and Development Project you’ll consider layered frameworks, design patterns and software testing – alongside more advanced programming and web techniques and technologies that integrate databases and services. Or by choosing the Advanced Data Management Project, you’ll integrate, manage and analyse data to extract business insight and intelligence – demonstrating your understanding of data warehouse management, data source acquisition, integration, real-time transaction processing and visualisation.  

Our teaching strategy integrates critical thinking, analysis and synthesis to systematically devise solutions. You’ll use industry-based projects to enhance your learning while continuously developing professional skills that prepare you for real-world challenges. 

You learn through: 

  • Project-based learning 
  • Hands-on lab sessions and tutorials 
  • Regular feedback 
  • Individual and group activities 
  • Presentations and discussions 
  • Personal research and development projects  
  • Technical development work
  • Portfolio creation 
  • Self-directed learning 

Key themes 

You'll start by learning foundational computing skills, the software development lifecycle, and specialisations in advanced software development or data management. 

You’ll also explore AI and machine learning, using programming to create solutions for businesses. This includes an exploration and understanding of ethical and responsible AI deployment, which is especially important in recognising data bias in solutions. 

Finally you’ll undertake a research-led project that facilitates your continued development – specialising in a particular part of the course or building more awareness in a parallel topic.  You’ll be supported by a supervisor while reinforcing your confidence in undertaking an independent piece of work. 

Course leaders and tutors

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James Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
Senior Lecturer

James Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University

Graduate view
Dan Skelton

'The MSc Computing course gave me a range of skills covering project management, software development and data management- all of which contribute towards my current role as a software developer. '

Dan Skelton, MSc Computing, 2018 graduate

Applied learning

Work Experience 

This course also has a work experience route that offers a placement in industry of up to 12 months. For further information, please see MSc Computing (Work Experience).

Network Opportunities 

You’ll be able to develop your career through career fairs and workshops, employer presentations and visits, and by seeking guidance from professional advisors. 

The course provides a unique blend of academic and practical exposure by integrating guest lecture talks and networking opportunities within the curriculum. This offers insights into the practical application of cutting-edge technologies and best practices.


Future careers

The course prepares you for computing employment by integrating technical content that’s aligned with industry demands, ensuring relevance. We continuously adapt to  industry advancements, collaborating with subject matter experts and industry connections to keep up to date with the latest industry trends and requirements.

You’ll gain fundamental computing skills and specialisms in either advanced software development or advanced data management, preparing you for career pathways such as:  

  • Database design and development 
  • Web application development 
  • Software consultancy 
  • Software ddevelopment 
  • Data analysis 
  • Machine learning engineering 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work: 

  • Sky 
  • EDF Energy 
  • PlusNet 
  • Sumo Digital  
  • Jet2.com 
  • Sheffield City Council 
  • Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 
  • FDM Group 
  • Kagool 
  • Our Digital Technology Solutions team

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour 


City Campus map
Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Watch course leader Dr Tonderai Maswera talk about this course.

Equipment and facilities

You’ll learn across our Extended Campus – a dynamic blend of physical and digital spaces for applied learning, collaboration and career preparation. The Computing Department will be your on-campus hub, providing dedicated areas to connect with classmates, take part in course activities, and network with faculty and potential employers. 

You'll master essential tools and technologies widely used in the computing industry: 

  • Industry-standard IDEs like Visual Studio 
  • Programming languages like C# & Python 
  • Database technologies like MySQL and MongoDB 
  • Web development using PHP, HTML and CSS 
  • JavaScript and React for advanced software design
  • SQL, the Hadoop Ecosystem and Tableau for advanced data management

Entry requirements

All students

Normally you need a 2:2 honours degree or above in any discipline from a UK university or equivalent from an overseas university. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam.

We also consider applicants who do not meet these academic criteria but have several years' experience and a keen interest in computing.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.


Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.

Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Computer Programming
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Dissertation For Computing
Credits 45
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Industrial Expertise
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Introduction To Databases And Big Data
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Introduction To Web Development
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Research Skills For Computing
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Study Skills And Project Management
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Advanced Data Management Project
Credits 45
Assessment Coursework(20%) , Practical(80%)
Cloud-Based Project
Credits 45
Assessment Coursework(100%)
System Design And Development Project
Credits 45
Assessment Coursework(20%) , Practical(80%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £10,310 for the course without work experience placement or £11,810 with work experience placement. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £17,205 for the course without work experience placement or £18,705 with work experience placement. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

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Postgraduate student loans

Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.

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Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Computing courses (PDF, 330.6KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

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Why choose us?

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Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

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Accommodation

We guarantee to find you an affordable place to live that’s close to campus and comes with all bills included

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Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

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Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

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