MA Computing
About this course
MA in Computer Science, studying both the theory and practice of computing. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme covers the same core computing courses as the BSc Computing Science degree, with the option to follow arts-based courses alongside.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
SQA Highers Standard: BBBB Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Mathematics OR 2 Science subjects required. Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is Recommended. Widening Access: BBC Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above. A-Levels Standard: BBC. Mathematics OR 2Science subjects required. Widening Access: CCC GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DMM Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B. GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. Irish Leaving Certificate Five subjects at Higher at H3. Mathematics OR 2 Science subjects required. O4 in English is also required. International Baccalaureate (IB) 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with Mathematics OR 2 Science subjects required. SL in English is required.
What students say
Based on about 47 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 63%
- Learning opportunities: 63%
- Assessment and feedback: 60%
- Academic support: 74%
- Organisation and management: 60%
- Learning resources: 81%
- Student voice: 65%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 40%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Research and Development (RandD) and Other Research Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 20 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- London: 25%
- South East: 10%
- Scotland: 55%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Programming 1
- Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing
- Web Development
- Object - Oriented Programming
- Software Programming
- Databases and Data Management
- Human - Computer Interaction
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Artificial Intelligence
- Operating Systems
- Principles of Software Engineering
- Software Engineering and Professional Practice
- Distributed Systems and Security
- Research Methods
- Security
- Single Honours Computing Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Computing at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £40,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £79,000. The £40,000 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of MA Computing at University of Aberdeen do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Computing at University of Aberdeen?
63% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Computing at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is A at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.
Does MA Computing at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Computing at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.