Computer Science (MEng)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This accredited course is designed to give you industry experience alongside our research-led teaching. We encourage you to take summer work placements in an industry of your choice or even add a full year in industry to help you gain the experience you need for accreditation.

All our computer science degree courses share the same compulsory modules in years 1 and 2, making it easy to switch between them. In the third year, you can tailor your degree by choosing optional modules.

Year 1 overview

You’ll study the logical and mathematical theory underpinning computer science. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware.

As an introduction to software engineering, you’ll cover data structures and algorithms. You’ll also look at the principles of programming, including using an object-oriented approach and software engineering processes.

You’ll apply your knowledge by working on practical projects. For example, you’ll build algorithms and data analysis tools, and develop software user interfaces.

Year 2 overview

You’ll deepen your understanding of computer science by studying topics, such as artificial intelligence, communication protocols and the TCP/IP layered model.

A group project will give you first-hand experience of working in a team, and of communication and scale in software engineering.

Year 3 overview

An individual project is a chance to conduct in-depth research in an area of computer science that interests you, under the supervision of an academic with expertise in your chosen field. This could involve designing, building and testing software or a computer system. Themes covered by past projects include:

• smart home cyber security

• fake news recognition

• the medical applications of gesture sensing technology

You’ll take a compulsory module in engineering management and law. Optional modules, cover topics such as machine learning, multimedia, web infrastructure and the cloud.

You could also study a language, take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or chemistry, or choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules.

Year 4 overview

You’ll take part in a group design project, working in a team that may include students from other engineering disciplines. You’ll work with a real industry or academic customer. Past projects have included:

• an automated colouriser for digital images, for a company that specialises in large-scale 3D scanning

• smart clothing to help patients with physical rehabilitation, for the university’s health sciences researchers

Optional modules, cover a wise range of specialist topics such as, cryptography, agent-based computing, e-business and image processing.

There is also the chance to study abroad for a semester.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

Course leader

Sebastian Stein is the course leader.

A computer science master's is highly respected in industry, and you’ll have great job prospects in an expanding global marketplace. In the UK alone, the digital sector is creating jobs twice as fast as other parts of the economy.

Most of our graduates go straight into computer science jobs in high-tech companies; potential roles include software engineer, app developer, web developer or systems analyst.

Companies actively seek to recruit our graduates, knowing that they will start contributing as soon as they enter the workplace.

Whether you want to work in programming and software development, or you’re keen to work with organisations to manage IT projects or oversee their information systems, this versatile degree will help you to achieve your aims. It is also a great foundation for further study at master's degree or PhD level.

You can get placements and employment with local, national and international employers with our help.

Our Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:

• Apple

• Sony

• Cisco Systems

• Audi

• Microsoft

This degree is accredited by the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes

• CV and interview skills and workshops

• networking events

• careers fairs attended by top employers

• a wealth of volunteering opportunities

• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

This degree is available with a year in industry.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £22,760.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: G401
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2021 entry now

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000