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Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

Are you a computer whizz who enjoys digital information? Do you try to understand how computer systems work? Have you tried different computer languages to invent your own interface? Do you want to get into Big Data, the Internet of Things and smart technologies?

This MA Computing degree covers the same core computing courses as taken in the BSc Computing Science degree programme. You will also have the option to follow a range of arts based courses. This programme will provide you with a solid foundation in a subject area that is in high demand, giving you skills in algorithms, AI, programming, data management, software engineering, systems, security, and computational problem-solving.

Helping doctors to treat a newborn baby, analysing the huge volume of data from the human genome, tracking jet engines in flight and ensuring that maintenance is planned accordingly, and making online shopping easier and more secure - these are just some of the challenges that computer scientists rise to every day by using their technical analysis, design and programming skills that they learn at university to create better and more intelligent tools.

The highly relevant curriculum, along with strong industry links, ensures that computing programme graduates have an advantage in a competitive market place. The employment record of our graduates is excellent with the vast majority entering occupations of their choice within three months of graduation, in sectors as diverse as banking, pharmaceuticals and computer game development.

With us you will learn a range of key computing skills and components, including, data management, artificial intelligence, computer programming, human-computer interaction, operating systems and web application development, to name a few. You will also gain a great mix of theory and practical skills. This is possible in part because of an excellent staff-student ratio and strong record of supporting students find work placements.

We are ranked 4th in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems - The Guardian University Guide 2022.
Aberdeen is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 5th in the UK for Computing Science – The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.

Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment method

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

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How to apply

Apply by
31 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:
G402
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

For entry to Level 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Computing (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all graded units and B in Higher Mathematics.

International applicants

When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBB

For First Year Entry a minimum of 3 A Levels at BBB. For Second Year Entry a minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in the subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B. GCSE in English or English Language is also required.

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

Minimum entry requirement: DDM in related subjects.

Scottish Higher - AABB

Applicants who achieve AABB or better over S4 and S5 are likely to be made an offer of admission. This may be unconditional or it may be conditional, dependent upon academic profile. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers may be required. Note: we do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B at Adv Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. Higher Maths at BB from 2 Science or Maths subjects Also National 5 at grades C or above in English, Mathematics (but not Applications of Mathematics) and in either Chemistry or Physics

Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB

Second year entry may be possible in most school based subjects. A minimum of ABB overall in Adv Higher is required. Adv Higher at A in the subject selected for Single Honours or AB in the subject selected for Joint Honours.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

For entry into First Year, a minimum of 32 points required, including at least 5,5,5 at HL. For entry into Second Year, a minimum of 36 points, including at 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in subject(s) selected. English at a minimum of Standard level required.

Scottish HNC

For entry to Level 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Computing (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all graded units and B in Higher Mathematics.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students 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.

Data from:
This course and 4 other computer science courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

BBC Most common
  1. A*A*A*
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

92% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

75 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£20800Year 1
Scotland£1820Year 1
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1
Channel Islands£9250Year 1
International£20800Year 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

EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Sponsorship information

View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be able to apply for.

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