Course contact details
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
Email:study@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1224 272090
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Computing
- Master of Arts (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Are you excited by the possibilities of quantum computing, blockchain, encryption, data science, machine learning and other emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT? A degree in Computing offers excellent career prospects across a wide variety of exciting sectors from e-commerce and fintech to healthcare and telecommunications.
This MA Computing degree covers the same core computing courses as taken in the BSc Computing Science degree programme. You will also have the option to follow a range of arts-based courses.
Computing at Aberdeen encompasses both the theory and the practice of computing with particular emphasis on developing your technical analysis, design and programming skills. You will study topics including software programming, databases and data management, computer systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security and learn to apply your programming and creative problem-solving skills to a wide variety of commercial, scientific and socio-economic contexts.
Our teaching reflects how advances in computing are constantly transforming how we live, learn, work and socialise – from how we detect and treat disease or analyse business, scientific or social data to how we make online shopping easier and more secure.
You will be taught by leading researchers whose work in multi-agent systems, natural language generation, machine learning and blockchain underpins what you will learn in your lectures.
Our teaching is also heavily informed by our strong links with industry organisations, who support our students through guest lectures and seminars as well as prizes (including for example Amazon, CGI and ScotlandIS). You can also undertake a placement during your studies, which is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand professional experience.
BSc Computer Science or MA Computing?
Both the BSc Computer Science and MA Computing contain the same core computing courses. BSc Computing Science students have the option to take further science-related courses as part of their degree while MA Computing students have the option to take other arts-based courses.
Modules
Course Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- G402
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
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Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
For First Year Entry a minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC. GCSE in Mathematics or Applications of Maths AND English or English Language are also required.
For Second Year Entry a minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in the subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B.
GCSE in Mathematics or Applications of Maths AND English or English Language are also required.
Scottish HNCPass
Year 2 entry: Satisfactory completion of HNC Computing (120 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units and B in Higher Maths (or equivalent). Mathematics units are encouraged.
Scottish HigherBBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required. Also National 5 at grades C or above in English and Mathematics required.
Note: we do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B at Adv Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
Scottish Advanced HigherABB
Second year entry may be possible in most school based subjects. A minimum of ABB overall in Adv Higher is required. Adv Higher at A in the subject selected for Single Honours or AB in the subject selected for Joint Honours.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 32
For entry into First Year, a minimum of 32 points required, including at least 5,5,5 at HL.
For entry into Second Year, a minimum of 36 points, including at 6, 6, 6 at Higher level in subject(s) selected.
Mathematics and English at a minimum of Standard level required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
Minimum entry requirement: DMM in related subjects. GCSE in Mathematics or Applications of Maths AND English or English Language are also required.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)Pass
One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H3H3H3H3H3
Five subjects at Higher at H3. O in English or in English Language AND Mathematics also required for entry.
Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: Year 2 entry:
Satisfactory completion of HNC Computing (120 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units and B in Higher Maths (or equivalent). Mathematics units are encouraged. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We are keen to encourage students from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in University studies, and we appreciate that not all students have the same opportunity to meet our advertised entry requirements.
For this reason we take contextualised information into account when making decisions on the applications we have received. Decisions are made in line with the University's Contexualised Admissions Policy.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2027/2028. For guidance, the fees on the website are for 2026/27.
Sponsorship information
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (Home Scottish students)
The University of Aberdeen is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our Entrance Scholarship Scheme aims to help students to support themselves during their time at University and is funded jointly by the University and the generosity of our Donors.
All Offer Holders will be notified by email when the Scheme opens - normally at the end of April for the Academic Year you are applying for.
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