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Computing Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Computing Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Computing in Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
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Of our research output is rated as "World-Leading" or "Internationally Excellent”
Research Excellence Framework (REF)Course Overview
Why MSc Computing with a Placement Year at UEA?
The MSc Computing with a Placement Year equips you with future-ready, in-demand skills, combining technical expertise with strategic problem-solving for advanced global career opportunities.
Starting in January, this course offers ambitious non-computing graduates a pathway into technology careers without prior computing degrees.
Why choose UEA
- Tech partnership: Curriculum is shaped by global technology partners like Apple, IBM, and BT, ensuring skills remain current and aligned with market demand
- Career tailored: Tailor your studies through flexible module choices in areas such as cybersecurity, data mining or computer vision, then build valuable industry experience through an integrated placement year
- Advanced facilities: Dedicated Data Science and AI labs provide industry-grade facilities, supporting advanced practical work and the execution of Master’s-level research projects
What is MSc Computing with a Placement Year?
This January-start MSc Computing with a Placement Year conversion programme requires no prior experience, introduces core fundamentals including Python programming, web development, and databases.
Studies then progress toward advanced specialisms such as cyber security or data mining, while developing professional skills like project management, ethical practice, and critical thinking.
Through collaborative summer projects, graduates build versatile portfolios, preparing for high-level computing careers in just one year.
The integrated placement year allows you to complement your academic studies with valuable professional development, helping you connect your technical knowledge with the skills and experience needed to progress in the computing industry. Use this opportunity to broaden your experience, strengthen your CV and prepare for your next career step.
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Placement Year
As part of this Master’s degree, you’ll have the opportunity to spend an additional year gaining professional experience in the UK. The placement year is designed to help you put your academic knowledge into practice while developing the practical and professional skills valued by employers.
You’ll be supported throughout your studies with a dedicated employability programme to help you prepare for the workplace and identify opportunities that match your career ambitions. This includes employability sessions, individual coaching and specialist advice from our placement partner, helping you develop your confidence and make stronger applications.
Your placement year can take one of two routes. You may secure an industry placement with a UK organisation, or, if you don’t secure a placement, complete three employer-designed projects with different organisations. Both options provide opportunities to work on practical tasks, apply your computing knowledge and gain experience across different sectors.
You’ll be responsible for identifying and applying for placement opportunities, with support available throughout the process. If you choose the project route, you’ll work on three structured projects developed in collaboration with employers, giving you the opportunity to engage with real industry requirements and broaden your professional experience.
Discover more about the Postgraduate Placement Year.
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc Computing with a Placement Year degree, you could launch a career in:
- Software Developer
- Database Administrator
- Web and System Administrator
- AI Programmer
- Data Analyst
Career Support
At UEA, we focus on turning your technical potential into professional success. From day one, you'll have access to our specialised Career Central team, who provide the tailored mentoring and industry-specific guidance needed to navigate the competitive job markets.
We pride ourselves on equipping you with the necessary portfolio-building skills and professional confidence to secure rewarding, high-quality roles in industry. Our approach delivers proven results: 89% of our graduates move into professional-level employment or pursue further advanced study within 15 months of graduation. Whether you aim to enter the workforce immediately as an AI specialist or use this degree as a gateway toward an ambitious master’s, we provide the expert support and networking opportunities you need to achieve your goals.
After the Course
Your journey with UEA doesn’t end on graduation day, it’s just the beginning of a lifelong rewarding journey. As a graduate, you'll step into the professional world not only with a prestigious degree but also with the backing of our extensive Alumni Network. This vibrant community connects you with former students now leading innovation in top-tier tech firms, startups, and research institutions worldwide.
You may choose to dive straight into a high-impact development role or use your new expertise as a gateway into an ambitious master's degree. Either way, you'll have a world of mentorship and networking opportunities at your fingertips. You’re graduating into a tradition of success, joining a fleet of innovators who are shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first semester, you'll study modules that introduce core concepts in programming, databases, and web development. These are key areas required for a wide range of careers in computing science. You'll gain hands-on experience of Python, one of today’s most popular programming languages.
You'll explore the fundamental principles of database structures, and management systems, gaining practical experience using SQL to manipulate relational databases. You'll also learn to design databases through Entity-Relationship modelling and normalisation.
You'll learn techniques for developing web-based applications, covering HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, and Node.js. You'll also explore responsive web design, usability and accessibility, modern industry standard approaches to backend server implementation, and some current issues such as web security. Your coursework will involve building a website for a real-world application.
Over the summer, you'll consolidate the knowledge gained in the first semester modules through a collaborative group project.
Following the group project, you'll progress to further modules, some of which can be chosen based on your interests. This includes options to deepen your knowledge in web development or broaden your skills in areas such as Cyber Security or Data Mining and Processing.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll undertake a 60-credit placement module designed to give you valuable professional experience and help you take the next step towards your career in computing. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your technical knowledge in a professional context, develop workplace skills and gain experience you can showcase to future employers.
During the first semester, dedicated employability specialists will support you as you prepare for your placement search. In-person workshops will help you define your career goals, improve your CV and applications, develop your interview skills and build the confidence to pursue opportunities aligned with your ambitions.
If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, you’ll complete three employer-led projects with different organisations. These projects will enable you to work on industry-focused challenges, demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and develop experience across different professional environments.
The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis through a portfolio documenting your placement search and a reflective report covering your placement or industry project experience.
By the end of the module, you’ll have more than academic knowledge to offer employers. You’ll have developed transferable workplace skills, gained insight into your chosen sector, expanded your professional network and strengthened your CV with practical experience. Together, these experiences can give you greater confidence when applying for graduate roles and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
We teach a variety of programming and scripting languages including Java, Python, C and C++, SQL, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You’ll be working with the software development tools and practices used in the industry right now, getting up to speed with the system development and database principles, gaining computing mathematics fundamental knowledge, practicing professional and employable skills, and building your programming expertise. Teaching methods include team-based learning and hands-on practical experience.
You’ll learn through lectures and then reinforce and expand the lecture materials in seminars and lab classes.
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout our degree programmes. These include coding, written work, oral presentations or demonstrations, bench demonstrations, vivas, exams, and in-class tests (closed and/or time-limited assessments). These methods will assess both your theoretical understanding and your practical application of knowledge. Assessments are specifically designed to evaluate the full range of skills and competencies required for the learning objectives of each module.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area except Computing Science. Suitable for any with an aptitude in computing (e.g. work with websites or relevant work experience). This MSc is primarily aimed at students who have not previously studied a degree in computing, or have limited computing knowledge from their undergraduate degree. If you have a computing degree, please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements. Students with a UK Computing Degree will have covered too much of the content of this course and should consider Advanced Computing Science, Cyber Security, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area except Computing Science. Suitable for any with an aptitude in computing (eg work with websites or relevant work experience). This MSc is primarily aimed at students who have not previously studied a degree in computing, or have limited computing knowledge from their undergraduate degree. If you have a computing degree, please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements. Students with a UK Computing Degree will have covered too much of the content of this course and should consider Advanced Computing Science, Cyber Security, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £12,350 (full time)
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International Students: £25,700 (full time)
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.