Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Duration
- 12 Months. [Full-Time, September-September only]
- Entry requirements
-
We operate a selective staged admissions process. We give preference to students with the strongest grades from high-ranking institutions.
Successful applicants typically hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content.
We require that all applicants have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills
We accept a range of qualifications, and welcome applications from overseas applicants. A typical successful offer-holder will evidence:
- China: a minimum of 87% in a 4-year bachelor's degree from a well ranked institution.
- India: a minimum of 65% (First Class with Distinction) in a BSc Eng, BEng or BTech degree, depending on the institution.
For further information on international entry requirements, please contact pgt.compsci@manchester.ac.uk
- How to apply
As the entry requirements are the same across all Advanced Computer Science programmes, we ask that applicants place only one application for their preferred pathway. Those who receive an offer will be able to switch between Advanced Computer Science programmes up until the start date of the course.
When applying for a specific pathway applicants must select Advanced Computer Science on the application portal to be presented with the optional pathways.
As there is high demand for this course we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year. Please see below for the staged admissions schedule.
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 4: Quality education
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Y | N | N | N |
Course description
Efficient management of data and knowledge are key factors not only to the success of almost any enterprise, but also to the successful handling of today's vast amounts of science related data: with the transition to the information age and the knowledge economy, data has become both increasingly central and critical to all activities. For example, imagine the huge amounts of genomic or patient data available electronically, and how the quality of their management can affect society.
The Data and Knowledge Management pathway allows students to take specialist themes concerned with methods and technologies for the adequate management of data and knowledge. The Managing Data theme focuses on the design, maintenance, and query processing of both structured and unstructured databases. The Learning from Data theme covers principles, algorithms, and technologies underlying machine learning, probabilistic modelling, and optimisation, while exposing students to relevant applications. The Advanced Web Technologies theme provides students with a deep understanding of the technologies that are being used to support the continuing evolution of the Web, including Semantic Web technologies.
Open days
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £14,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): £36,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.
The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Master's Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.
For more information, see the Department of Computer Science Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for master's courses website for more information.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 4: Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Computer Science
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4018
- pgt-compsci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.manchester.ac.uk/cs
- School/Faculty
-
The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
We operate a selective staged admissions process. We give preference to students with the strongest grades from high-ranking institutions.
Successful applicants typically hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content.
We require that all applicants have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills
We accept a range of qualifications, and welcome applications from overseas applicants. A typical successful offer-holder will evidence:
- China: a minimum of 87% in a 4-year bachelor's degree from a well ranked institution.
- India: a minimum of 65% (First Class with Distinction) in a BSc Eng, BEng or BTech degree, depending on the institution.
For further information on international entry requirements, please contact pgt.compsci@manchester.ac.uk
English language
- IELTS: overall score of 7.0 with no sub-test below 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: at least 100 overall with no sub-test less than 22. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- Pearson PTE: at least 76 overall with no sub-test below 70.
- Pre-sessional English run by the University Language Centre.
We also accept many other English language qualifications from overseas, depending on the qualification, the scores obtained and the University's assessment of its academic suitability.
Please contact pgt.compsci@manchester.ac.uk and we will be able to advise further.
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
As the entry requirements are the same across all Advanced Computer Science programmes, we ask that applicants place only one application for their preferred pathway. Those who receive an offer will be able to switch between Advanced Computer Science programmes up until the start date of the course.
When applying for a specific pathway applicants must select Advanced Computer Science on the application portal to be presented with the optional pathways.
As there is high demand for this course we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year. Please see below for the staged admissions schedule.
Staged admissions
Applications to this course are considered through a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year. Due to the competition for places and high quality of applications that we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.
Please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application before the application deadline to avoid a delay in processing.
Applications for 2024 entry :
Stage 1 : Application received by 10 November 2023; Decision by 12 January 2024.
Stage 2 : Application received by 5 January 2024; Decision by 8 March 2024.
Stage 3 : Application received by 1 March 2024; Decision by 19 April 2024.
Stage 4 : Application received by 24 May 2024; Decision by 21 June 2024.
Whilst we aim to give you a decision on your application by the deadline date, in some instances due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date. If this is the case we will let you know after the deadline date.
Please note: All places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity or be closed to further applications. We, therefore, recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.
Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place must demonstrate that they have met all the conditions of their offer by 31 July 2024.
Advice to applicants
We require the following documents before we can consider your application:
- Official Bachelor degree transcripts, including official translations and original language copies if study not undertaken in English. 2+2 and 3+1 applicants must provide official transcripts and certificates from both institutions.
- An official document from your university verifying your current weighted average mark (not arithmetic average) if this information is not included in your transcript of study. Please note: where grades are given as a percentage, the weighted average mark must also be recorded as a percentage, not as a GPA grade.
- Degree certificate if you have already graduated.
- If still studying, please provide an official list of all the modules you are taking in your final year.
- A CV if you graduated more than three years ago.
References and personal statements are not required for your application to this programme.
If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application.
You must submit all these supporting documents with your application. If any of the above information is missing, we will not be able to consider your application and it may be withdrawn.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered at our discretion.
How your application is considered
We consider your full academic history including which course units you have taken and the marks obtained. Even if you have met our minimum entry requirements, we will take into account your marks in relevant course units in our final decision making.
If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess if you are still able to fulfil the entry criteria.
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Interview requirements
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.
Please upload a copy of your current valid passport with your application showing the photograph page with your application. For CAS purposes, this must show your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and the date the passport is valid until, which must be later than the date of your planned arrival in the UK, and the start date of your course.
If you have previously studied in the UK on a Student Route visa as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, please send a copy of your previous CAS statement to us as it will assist with the issue of your new CAS statement. This includes study in the UK on study abroad programmes and any study that you did not complete.
You cannot use your CAS to apply for a visa more than three months before the start date of your course. The Admissions Team will contact you at the appropriate time.
Your CAS number is only valid for one visa application.
Deferrals
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Efficient management of data and knowledge are key factors not only to the success of almost any enterprise, but also to the successful handling of today's vast amounts of science related data: with the transition to the information age and the knowledge economy, data has become both increasingly central and critical to all activities. For example, imagine the huge amounts of genomic or patient data available electronically, and how the quality of their management can affect society.
The Data and Knowledge Management pathway allows students to take specialist themes concerned with methods and technologies for the adequate management of data and knowledge. The Managing Data theme focuses on the design, maintenance, and query processing of both structured and unstructured databases. The Learning from Data theme covers principles, algorithms, and technologies underlying machine learning, probabilistic modelling, and optimisation, while exposing students to relevant applications. The Advanced Web Technologies theme provides students with a deep understanding of the technologies that are being used to support the continuing evolution of the Web, including Semantic Web technologies.
Teaching and learning
Computational thinking is becoming increasingly pervasive and is informing our understanding of phenomena across a range of areas; from engineering and physical sciences, to business and society. This is reflected in the way the Manchester course is taught, with students able to choose from an extremely broad range of units that not only cover core computer science topics, but that draw on our interdisciplinary research strengths in areas such as Medical and Health Sciences, Life Sciences and Humanities.
Coursework and assessment
Lectures and seminars are supported by practical exercises that impart skills as well as knowledge. These skills are augmented through an MSc project that enables students to put into practice the techniques they have been taught throughout the course.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Project | COMP66090 | 90 | Mandatory |
| Automated Reasoning and Verification | COMP60332 | 15 | Optional |
| Principles of Digital Biology | COMP60532 | 15 | Optional |
| Introduction to Health Informatics | COMP60542 | 15 | Optional |
| Data Engineering | COMP60711 | 15 | Optional |
| Systems Governance | COMP60721 | 15 | Optional |
| Foundations of Machine Learning | COMP61011 | 15 | Optional |
| Representation Learning | COMP61021 | 15 | Optional |
| Text Mining | COMP61332 | 15 | Optional |
| Cognitive Robotics and Computer Vision | COMP61342 | 15 | Optional |
| Displaying 10 of 14 course units | |||
| Display all course units | |||
Additional fee information
Scholarships and bursaries
Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.
The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.
For more information, see the Computer Science Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for masters courses website for more information.
Facilities
- Newly refurbished computing labs furnished with modern desktop computers
- Access to world leading academic staff
- Collaborative working labs complete with specialist computing and audio visual equipment to support group working.
- Over 300 Computers in the Department dedicated exclusively for the use of our students.
- An Advanced Interfaces Laboratory to explore real time collaborative working;
- A Nanotechnology Centre for the fabrication of new generation electronic devices;
- An e-Science Centre and Access Grid facility for world wide collaboration over the internet.
- Access to a range of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
- Specialist electronic system design and computer engineering tools.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Students following the Data and Knowlege Management pathway have all the career choices and options as described for general Advanced Computer Science.
In addition, students of this pathway are ideally placed to work in positions requiring an understanding of modern data and knowledge management tools and technologies. This includes data and knowledge engineering positions in all areas where data is stored and managed electronically, i.e., in all areas, including the finance, retail, and healthcare sector.
We maintain close relationships with potential employers and run various activities throughout the year, including career fairs, guest lectures, and projects run jointly with partners from industry. This is managed by our Employability Tutor; see the Department of Computer Science's employability pages for more information.