Computer Science Conversion Master's in the UK: A Route for Non-Computing Graduates

TL;DR: A computer science conversion master's in the UK is a one-year MSc for graduates whose first degree is not in computing. It teaches programming, data structures, databases and software engineering from the start. Universities such as UCL, Imperial, Bristol, Birmingham and Bath offer one. Entry usually needs a good bachelor's degree, and some courses want strong maths, so read each course's entry rules before you apply.

A computer science conversion master's in the UK is one of the most practical ways to move into technology from another field. You do not need a computing degree. You need a good first degree, real motivation and, for some courses, solid maths. This guide explains what a conversion MSc is, who it suits, how courses differ and how to choose one.

Wondering whether your degree is enough for a UK computer science conversion master's? Check your eligibility with Prosper.

What a computer science conversion master's is

A conversion master's takes graduates from one subject into another. In computer science, the course assumes you have little or no programming background. Over about 12 months of full-time study, you cover the core of an undergraduate computing degree, then finish with an individual project.

A typical course includes:

• programming, often in Python or Java, from first principles
• data structures and algorithms
• databases and data management
• software engineering and team projects
• computer systems or networks
• an individual project or dissertation over the summer

It is intensive. You learn in a year what computing undergraduates spread over several.

Who it suits

Conversion courses attract graduates from many backgrounds:

• Engineering and science graduates who want to move into software or data roles
• Business, finance and economics graduates who want technical skills to match their domain knowledge
• Arts and humanities graduates who want a clear career change

What they share is a decision to change direction, and a first degree strong enough to show they can handle a demanding year.

Want to know which of these your degree and grades fit before you apply?

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Examples of UK conversion courses

Entry rules differ. Some courses accept any subject with a good degree. Others, such as Imperial's, are designed for graduates of numerate subjects and look closely at your maths. Course names change and new options appear, so always read the current entry requirements on the university's own course page.

How to choose a conversion course

Check the maths requirement. This is the biggest difference between courses. If your degree had little maths, focus on courses that say they accept any discipline.

Look for accreditation. Some MSc courses are accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Our guide to BCS-accredited MSc courses explains what that means and how to check.

Look at the project. The individual project is what you will talk about in job interviews. Courses with industry-linked projects give you more to show.

Consider a specialised alternative. If you already know you want to work with data, a business analytics or data science MSc may fit better. Our comparison of business analytics vs data science master's can help.

How to prepare before the course starts

Conversion courses move fast. A few months of preparation makes the first term much easier:

• complete an introductory Python course
• practise basic algebra and logic if your maths is rusty
• build one small project, such as a simple web page or data analysis, to show in your application

Your personal statement should explain why you are changing direction and what you will do with the degree. A clear link between your first degree and your tech plans is stronger than a general interest in computing.

After the course

After a UK master's, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK. Its length is changing, as our guide to the UK Graduate Route explains.

Applying from Sri Lanka

• UK universities generally treat a four-year Sri Lankan honours degree from a recognised university as comparable to a UK bachelor's degree. Check each course's country page for the grade it asks for.
• If your degree was taught and examined in English, some universities may accept that in place of an English test. Our guide to studying in the UK without IELTS covers the options.

FAQ

What is a computer science conversion master's? A one-year MSc that teaches the core of computing to graduates whose first degree is in another subject.

Can I do a computer science master's in the UK without a computing degree? Yes. Conversion courses are designed for that. Entry depends on your degree classification and, for some courses, your maths.

Which UK universities offer conversion courses? Examples include UCL, Imperial, Bristol, Birmingham and Bath. Many other universities offer one too.

Is a conversion master's harder than a regular MSc? It is intensive, because you cover a lot of ground in a year. Preparing in programming and maths before you start helps.

Can a graduate from Sri Lanka with a business degree apply? Yes, for courses that accept any discipline. Courses aimed at numerate graduates will look more closely at your maths.

PS: A conversion master's is a career change, so the course you pick should match where you want to end up. If you want help choosing a UK conversion course that fits your degree and your plans, check your eligibility with Prosper.

Check your eligibility ›