Computer Science Master's Degrees: Is an MSc Worth It?

A master’s degree in computer science, usually an MSc or MS, is a way to go deeper into the subject after a first degree. It is not the right move for everyone, but for the right person it opens doors that a bachelor’s alone does not.

What a master’s involves

A master’s is more specialised than an undergraduate degree. Rather than covering the whole field, you focus on an area such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, or data science, usually through taught modules and a substantial research project or dissertation. Full-time, it takes one to two years: one-year MSc programmes are common in the UK and Europe, while US master’s degrees often run closer to two years.

Who should consider one

A master’s makes most sense in three cases. The first is specialising, when you want real depth in a particular area rather than the breadth of a bachelor’s. The second is research, since roles such as computer and information research scientist often expect a master’s or PhD. The third is converting, when you studied something else and want to move into computing; many programmes accept graduates from other subjects, though they expect some mathematics.

For a lot of software jobs, on the other hand, a bachelor’s degree plus practical experience is enough, and two more years of study is not always the fastest route.

Conversion courses

If you studied something else entirely and want to move into computing, the specific route is a conversion MSc. These programmes assume no prior computing study and take you from the basics in about a year, and some universities will only accept you if your first degree was not in computer science. Many are accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. It is the fastest formal way into the field for a career changer, and we cover the named UK examples, fees and funding in our guide to computer science conversion courses.

Where and how to study

The leading departments are covered in our guide to the best computer science universities, most of which offer strong master’s programmes. Online master’s degrees have grown quickly and can be far cheaper than moving for a campus place, which has widened access to the qualification considerably. As with any degree, weigh the cost and time against the careers and pay it leads to.