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Professional Computing, MSc

Staffordshire University, the United Kingdom

Staffordshire University

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MScPart-time, Distance3 yearsJanuary, SeptemberGBP 2040GBP 2040

About Professional Computing, MSc - at Staffordshire University

  • Get an MSc whilst you work
  • Complete a project with impact and relevance to your job

The course is intended for graduates currently working in the computing industry or for those who have been working in computing for a considerable length of time and can demonstrate that they have graduate level professional skills.

This award is innovative in that it combines high level technical training with academic research and masters level study through the University, whilst continuing with full time employment in the computing industry.

Course Fees and Finance

The expected study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 60 credits in your first year of study and the other 120 credits, split equally over your second and third years of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will pay a fee of £2,040 for your first year in 2017/18. The fee for your second and third year of study will be broadly the same, except that an inflationary uplift may apply.* You will be invoiced for the modules that you register for each year, so if your study pattern is different from the expected pattern, you will pay more or less each year accordingly.

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

* The fees listed are for the 2017/18 academic year only. Any subsequent years may be subject to an inflationary uplift.

Alumni Discount: If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to 15% off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact Graduate Relations.'

Postgraduate Loans:

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a loan of up to £10,280 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. You won't have to start repaying the loan until you are earning more than (currently) £21,000 per year.

Course content

The course is completely by distance learning i.e. there is no attendance at the University. The timing of study is built around the award structure which consists of three levels; Certificate, Diploma and Masters The first two levels act as an entry point to the next level, but if you wish to stop then you can 'cash in' your credits and accept the appropriate award. The academic study for each level is negotiated with a supervisor or award leader and usually is in an area of interest which is either work related or of particular interest to the individual. Students who are studying Learning Tree modules can use these to underpin the scope of their academic study at each level and form part of a negotiated learning contract. The content of the learning contract for each level will depend on educational and work background.


The course typically takes 3 years to complete in that the certificate stage is one academic year; the diploma another academic year and the masters a final year.


The distance learning mode enables students to carry out study at work or at home at their own pace.

Module descriptions of each stage are available:

  • Research methods
  • PGC
  • PostGraduateDiploma
  • MSc

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the award are normally:

An Undergraduate Honours degree (grade 2.2 or above) in a related Computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent.
You must be able to demonstrate a good standard of English. A minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) or an equivalent qualification is required for this award.
Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate study.
Learning Tree International Trainees that do not possess a suitable first degree should be able to demonstrate significant relevant professional level work experience.

Computing Open evenings are held throughout each semester and each individual gets a 15 to 30 minute appointment.
For date and time please visit the Events listing on the main university website www.staffs.ac.uk

If you intend to attend an open evening please confirm your attendance via email to Jonathan Westlake - j.c.westlake@staffs.ac.uk For remote distance learning students the open evening slot can be conducted via Skype or equivalent.

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Related Information

Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom