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Computer Science with a Year-in-Industry

Course details
  • Msci (Hon)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-time with year in industry
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Our five-year integrated masters programme offers a thorough grounding in the latest trends and technologies in the rapidly evolving world of computer science, with the benefits of a sought-after year in industry. You will have the chance to showcase your abilities in an extended final year project and this programme is recommended if you want to go on to postgraduate research or pursue a high-level technical career, or just wish to delve deeper into the subject.

We cover all the essentials of application development and explore the fundamentals of computing, and we also introduce you to a host of advanced theories and technologies, from computer games, machine learning and digital sound and music, to intelligent agents and multi-agents, computational optimisation, advanced data communications, digital forensics and more. From the outset you will be experimenting with programming games, robots, Gadgeteer kits, Subversion, JUnit testing, Scrum-based Agile software and more, in our well-equipped laboratories. The programme’s modular structure gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests. Your supervised work placement can be completed at the end of year 2 or 3. At the end of year 1 you will have the option of transferring onto one of our specialist pathways (Artificial Intelligence, Information Security or Distributed & Networked Computing). Transferring onto our Software Engineering pathway requires previous programming experience and early permission to take the Software Development course in year 1, rather than Object-oriented Programming.

We are a highly respected, research-focused department, with a friendly approach and award-winning teaching. You will have a personal adviser to guide you through your studies. You will also be welcome to join our thriving Computing Society. We are one of only seven departments in the UK to hold the Athena SWAN bronze award for our commitment to increasing female participation in computer science. Our campus is located in the famous M4 corridor and we enjoy close links with many of its leading technology companies. If you are unable to complete a year in industry you can transfer onto our four-year MSci programme.

A flexible degree structure allows you to keep your options open and follow your study interests and career ambitions.

You will acquire problem modelling and analysis techniques, as well as knowledge of and practical experience in modern software development methodologies and techniques.

You will develop extensive team-work skills, excellent coding skills, good communication skills, and a strong professional ethos.

You will have access to a very wide range of optional modules, including those highlighted in the specialist pathways.

Modules

Please refer to our website for information: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/computer-science/computer-science-year-in-industry-msci.aspx

Assessment method

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G404
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA - AAB

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subject: A Level Computer Science or Mathematics or Physics and GCSE grade B/6 in Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

In a relevant subject (with significant programming content). Please see our website for the specific BTEC modules you must take in order to meet the entry requirements for this course.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 33 credits M: 12 credits

Pass in a relevant subject with at least 33 level 3 credits at Distinction and the remaining level 3 credits at Merit. Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education.

Scottish Higher - AAAAA

Including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Plus A-level grade A in either Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Plus A-level grades AA including one of Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - D*DD

In a relevant subject (with significant programming content). Please see our website for the specific BTEC modules you must take in order to meet the entry requirements for this course.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - D*D

Plus A-level grade A in either Mathematics or Physics or Computer Science.

Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA - AAB

Including either Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

6,6,6 at Higher Level including either Physics, Computer Science or 5 HL Maths: Analysis & Approaches/6 HL Maths: Applications & Interpretation

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A-levels, where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H3 in either Mathematics or H3 in Physics or H3 Computer Science.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and B/6 in Mathematics.

Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on admissions.enquiries@rhul.ac.uk to discuss your situation

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.

Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£28900Year 1
International£28900Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £9,535.

This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.

These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

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