The course

Computer Science is a broad and ever-expanding discipline, providing ample scope for students seeking to carry out original scientific research. Study Computer Science by Research at Royal Holloway, University of London and you’ll select from one of six research disciplines in order to take your first steps towards a scientific research-based career.

Strong graduates with a Computer Science background and students with professional experience will gain advanced, research-specific skills and academic knowledge to take forward into further study or their graduate careers. You’ll become a part of a lively research culture and a highly supportive staff network.

The Royal Holloway Department of Computer Science benefits from close proximity to the M4 corridor also known as ‘England’s Silicon Valley’ - providing students with excellent networking, placement and collaboration opportunities. Follow your passion for Computer Science and graduate with a bright future in research.

• Select from six research disciplines, each led by our expert academics.
• Benefit from strong industry ties, with close proximity to ‘England’s Silicon Valley’.
• Graduate with a Master's degree by research offering excellent graduate employability prospects.

Teaching & assessment

The Computer Science Masters by Research is assessed on the chosen research project/dissertation worth 180 credits, the centrepiece of the course, consisting of a sizeable structured piece of individual research in an area associated with one of the six research disciplines - Machine Learning, Constraints, Discrete Optimisation, Programming Languages and Compilers, Bioinformatics, Intelligent Agents and Multi-Agent Systems. This is submitted within 52 weeks of the start date.

You will also take a mandatory taught course worth 20 credits which has teaching/labs over an 11-week term (either Autumn or Spring). This is assessed by coursework and examination in May and must be passed in order to qualify for the MSc award. Optional taught course(s) may also be attended as extra-curricular (includes examination and credits) or audit mode (attend informally, no assessment or credits).

Your future career

Computer Science by Research at Royal Holloway, University of London has been designed for students to take their first steps towards an academic career, further postgraduate study or a role in a research-focussed organisation.

You’ll gain valuable research skills and broaden your academic knowledge, making you a strong candidate for PhD study as well as an attractive prospect for employers in a variety of fields. Our recent alumni have gone on to enjoy rewarding careers in organisations such as British Aerospace, Microsoft, Amazon, and American Express.

• Strong industry ties help to provide placement and networking opportunities with some of the country’s leading institutions.
• Our on-site Careers and Employability Service will provide you with support and careers guidance throughout your studies.