Everything you need to know...
Course summary
- Gain knowledge in key computing topics relevant to the current job market, including programming, web development, databases, and project management.
- Take advantage of opportunities to gain industrial work experience and work on live projects for real clients.
- Gain awareness of contemporary IT practices and the structure and demands of the global computing industry.
This course is designed for graduates of other subjects who want to gain employment in the IT industry. This course covers a range of topics and presents you with a variety of optional modules to enhance skills in the area of your choice.
Graduate view
'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
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How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Through hands-on experience, we introduce you to a broad range of computing topics including programming, web development, databases, study skills and project management. You will undertake research in the field of computing to help build your knowledge of research approaches, designs, and techniques in preparation for the course dissertation project.
You can select and specialise in either:
- A system design and development project that encapsulates C#, ASP.NET framework, MVC architecture and pattern-based software development to build advanced web application solutions
- An advanced data management project that includes R programming, Big Data and Distributed Systems (use of Hadoop Ecosystem) and Data Integration (includes Tableau) to build data management solutions
- A cloud-based project that explores the fast-growing cloud computing field and covers a range of deployment models, software architectures (N-tier, MVC, service-oriented), tools and technologies (virtualisation, use of Django web framework, DevOps, GitHub, Docker, microservices) and different cloud services (e.g., Microsoft Azure) that are necessary for the design and development of scalable applications
For industrial expertise, you will work as experts on a live project and present your results back to the organisation.
Based on real-life case studies, project-based learning is core throughout the course. Alongside taught tutorials you will develop knowledge and skills through individual study and group work as well.
You learn through:
- recommended reading
- problem-based learning
- analysis and synthesis
- individual and group activities
- research
- presentations
- personal research and development project
- technical development work
- portfolio
This course is delivered face-to-face over three semesters - teaching is scheduled based on the length of your course and the academic calendar.
Course leaders and tutors
James Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
Senior LecturerJames Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
Applied learning
Work placements
You will have the opportunity to go on a work placement for up to 12 months.
Students from this course have had work placements with companies such as 3Squared, XLN, Next Retail Ltd, EDF Energy, Wandisco and DB Cargo. These placements allow students to put into practice the skills they have developed on the course.
Live projects
This course gives you the opportunity to develop practical computing skills by working on live projects for real clients or emulated industry case studies.
Working in a small team, you will develop industrial-strength solutions to complex industry problems. You will have the opportunity to investigate client requirements, design appropriate solutions, and then implement these as well as testing them to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Networking opportunities
The teaching team make use of their research and industry connections for the inclusion of real work scenarios and case studies within the teaching materials of many of the modules.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in and for:
- database development
- database design and development
- web application development
- data management or cloud computing
- software consultancy
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies that include:
- Sky
- PlusNet
- Sumo Digital
- Jet2.com
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 | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course, you will work with:
- Industry-standard IDEs such as Visual Studio, and major programming languages including C#, which is one of the main development languages and platforms used on the course
- Database technologies such as MySQL and MongoDB
- Major cloud computing platform(s) such as Microsoft Azure
- ASP.NET, PHP, HTML and CSS web development technologies
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. Find out more
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
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, contact our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Computer Programming | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Databases And Big Data | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Data Management Project | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Cloud-Based Project | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: System Design And Development Project | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Industrial Expertise | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Web Development | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Study Skills And Project Management | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Dissertation For Computing | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Research Skills For Computing | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £10,310 for the course. For part-time study the fee will be calculated pro-rata each year based on the number of credits studied. 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.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Computing courses (PDF, 240.4KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
