Quick Information
| University | University of Oxford; University of Cambridge |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | GBP 36,000 per year (Oxford, overseas, 2024–25 entry) |
| Eligibility | First-class honours degree in computer science or a related field; Cambridge: IELTS 7.5 overall, 7.0 in Listening |
| Last Verified Date | November 10, 2026 |
| Official Source | https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/msc-advanced-computer-science?wssl=1 |
What an MSc in Computer Science Covers
An MSc in Computer Science is a taught postgraduate degree for graduates who already have a strong background in computing or mathematics and want to go deeper. At Oxford, the MSc in Advanced Computer Science is a full-time, twelve-month course built around the mathematical principles behind specifying, designing and efficiently implementing computing technologies. Students take taught modules across the first two terms and finish with a project that runs for about four months. At Cambridge, the equivalent taught master’s is the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science, a nine-month course that runs from October to the end of June and is designed to prepare students for doctoral research, whether at Cambridge or elsewhere.
The subject matter is broad. Typical master’s-level topics include algorithms and complexity, machine learning, computer security, distributed systems, programming languages and human-computer interaction. The balance between theory and practice varies by university, so reading the module list of each programme matters more than the degree title alone.
How Long It Takes and What Degree You Receive
Most full-time master’s degrees in computer science in the UK last between nine and twelve months. Oxford’s MSc in Advanced Computer Science lasts twelve months, while Cambridge’s MPhil in Advanced Computer Science lasts nine months. In Switzerland, ETH Zurich’s Master of Science in Computer Science is a two-year, 120-credit programme taught in English. The degree awarded is usually an MSc, although Cambridge awards an MPhil for its advanced computer science master’s. Part-time and online versions exist at some universities and take longer.
Entry Requirements and English Language
Admission is competitive. Cambridge expects a first-class honours degree, or its equivalent, in computer science. Applicants with a degree of equal standing in engineering, science or mathematics can also be considered if they can show significant relevant preparation, including programming experience and mathematics to A-level standard. Oxford’s entrants come from either a computer science or a mathematical background. For English, Cambridge asks for IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall, with 7.0 in Listening, and also accepts TOEFL and Cambridge English qualifications at set levels. Oxford requires its higher English-language level for this course. Always check the exact scores on the university’s own admissions page before you apply, because requirements change between entry years.
Tuition Fees and Deadlines
Fees differ sharply by university and by year, so treat any figure as a starting point and confirm it on the official course page. Oxford’s official course information sheet listed overseas fees of £36,000 for the 2024–25 entry year for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science. For 2027–28 entry, Oxford’s application deadline for this course is 12:00 midday UK time on 6 January 2027. Cambridge’s MPhil applications for October 2027 entry close on 25 February 2027, with a funding deadline of 2 December 2026 for applicants who need university funding support.
Where the Degree Can Lead
Graduates commonly move into software engineering, systems and infrastructure work, data science and machine-learning roles, or research. Cambridge describes its MPhil as preparation for doctoral research, and many graduates do continue to a PhD. Others join technology companies, research labs and public-sector teams. No degree guarantees a particular job, and the roles open to you will depend on your modules, your project, your experience and the hiring market at the time you graduate.
