Subject

Computer science

Learn the intricate science behind information systems and acquire the skills to address some of the world's most significant technological challenges, opening the door to a realm of innovation and possibilities.

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Find your perfect degree in Computer Science

Blending theories with hands-on programming skills, our Computer Science degrees will help mould you into a tech-savvy problem solver. With modules in algorithms, artificial intelligence, assistive technologies, big data and data analytics, computer games, databases, robotics software and web development, and more.

You'll learn the expertise necessary to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape of technology and equip yourself to contribute to ground-breaking developments, leaving an indelible mark in the expansive world of computing.

Course

BSc (Hons) Computer Games

Master game design and computer programming, with options for a placement or year abroad.

Course

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Gain a practical understanding of computer science, with options for a placement or year abroad.

Course

BEng (Hons) Robotic Engineering

Learn to build your own robotic systems, with options for a placement or year abroad.

Course

BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence

Seize the current developments, needs and potential of AI, with options for a placement or year abroad.

Course

BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Including Foundation Year)

Master game design and computer programming.

Course

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Including Foundation Year)

Gain a practical understanding of computer science.

Course

BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering

Gain a practical understanding of computer science and computer systems, with options for a placement or year abroad.

Course

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Gain the technical expertise needed to secure digital systems, infrastructure and technologies, with options for a placement or year abroad.

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Clearing 2026

Get ahead of results day. Explore your Clearing options now and be ready to secure your place with us when the time comes.

Why study at Essex?
  • Exceptional business links, with many of our graduates going on to work the BBC, HSBC, BT, Deloitte and many other companies
  • Exceptional laboratory facilities designed to give you the tools you need for your learning, e.g. dual-boot Windows and Linux machines running specialist software such as Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, Matlab, and DB2
  • Top 250 for computer science in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Your career prospects

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering provides a cutting-edge learning experience, giving students and our alumni the skills for success in the dynamic tech landscape.  Our alumni now work for some of the world's biggest companies; others created their own companies and innovated solutions to technological problems. Explore the career opportunities our School can provide you and learn more about our alumni.

CSEE graduate Ecaterina Gamanji
"Studying at the University of Essex helped me to develop a strong and solid skill set that is desirable by many employers"
Ecaterina Gamanji BSc Computer Science (with placement year) graduate, now Cloud Platform Engineer at American Express.

Your Masters degree

  • Specialise and build your expertise: Our Postgraduate Taught programmes offer modules in Advanced Computer Science, Networks and Security, Computer Games and Engineering, AI, Algorithmic Trading, Big Data, Financial Technology, and Computational Finance. This is your chance to specialise and hone your skills in your chosen field.
  • Career Advancement: Postgraduate Taught programmes open doors to higher-level positions, and many leadership roles in Computer Science often require or prefer candidates with advanced education. Our courses will help you take that next step so you stand our from the crowd once you graduate.
  • Skill Development: You'll acquire a diverse set of skills - including advanced problem-solving - enabling you to address complex real-world issues and devise technological solutions.
  • Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Interested in starting your own tech venture or company? With the dedicated support of our entrepreneurial team, The Essex Startups and your Postgraduate degree, you'll have the skills needed to excel after your studies.
Why study at Essex?
  • Our lecturers and researchers are leading experts in their field: we are ranked 9th in the UK for research impact in computer science (Grade Point Average, REF 2021).
  • We are the No. 1 University in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - where our experts work with leading businesses to drive forward change and solutions based on their research. This gives you, as a Postgraduate Taught student, access to industry experts to help advance your future career.
  • We are Top 250 for computer science in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Course

MSc Cyber Security

Master the current cyber security-related technologies and how to deploy them within a threat-laden world.

Course

MSc Computer Engineering

Master the design and implementation of computing systems.

Course

MSc Artificial Intelligence

Master the theoretical, applied and practical aspects of AI.

Course

MSc Advanced Computer Science

Develop expertise in contemporary design and practice within computer science.

Course

MSc Computer Networks and Security

Develop in-demand expertise in current and future internet protocols.

Course

MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science)

Our MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science) course give you the understanding of the specifics and the intricacies of financial and economics markets.

Course

MSc Intelligent Systems and Robotics

Master contemporary intelligent systems for everyday and unique applications.

Course

MSc Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Gain an in-demand skillset of AI techniques.

Apply your skills to change the world

Your degree should be about more than research. At Essex, you will gain experience in project management and communication, as well as support to develop your numerical and data analysis skills. All of this will help you in your future career, whether you're looking to join academia or intend to move into the private sector. You'll also have access to a range of facilities and specialist laboratories that ensure you have the tools needed to carry out ground-breaking research.

Choose from several types of research degree, from a one-year Master of Science by Dissertation (MSD) through to a full PhD.

Why study at Essex?
  • We have an international reputation for the outstanding quality of our research and are ranked 9th in UK for research impact in computer science (Grade Point Average, REF 2021).
  • We have experts across a range of different disciplines from AI, Computational Finance, Communications and Networks, Brain-computer interfaces and Neutral Engineering and Robotics and embedded systems.
  • You'll have access to specialist labs and facilities including six laboratories exclusively for our students, along with office space and dedicated equipment for our research students.

Start your application with us

Explore our Computer Science research by theme or your area of interest and find a supervisor that can support your through your studies. More information can be found about research degrees on our school pages. Our courses below will help guide you through the various research degree programmes we offer.


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Research degree

PhD Artificial Intelligence

We offer research supervision in all areas of artificial intelligence (AI) geared towards practical applications.

Research degree

PhD Computational Finance

We offer research supervision for our PhD Computational Finance and provide a vibrant research environment for our PhD students.

Research degree

MPhil Computational Finance

We offer research supervision for our MPhil Computational Finance and provide a vibrant research environment for our research students.

Research degree

PhD Computer Science

Our research covers a range of topics, including the theory of computation and the philosophy of computer science, computational intelligence and computer games

Research degree

MPhil Computer Science

Our cross-disciplinary projects draw on the expertise of our electronic engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists and psychologists.

Research degree

MSc (by Dissertation) Artificial Intelligence

We offer research supervision in all areas of artificial intelligence (AI) geared towards practical applications.

Research degree

Integrated PhD Computer Science

Spend your first year completing a Masters-level qualification, followed by a full-time PhD studied over 3-4 years.

Research degree

MSc (by Dissertation) Computational Finance

We offer research supervision for our MSD Computational Finance and provide a vibrant research environment for our research students.

Research degree

MSc (by Dissertation) Computer Science

Our cross-disciplinary projects draw on the expertise of our electronic engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists and psychologists.

Research degree

MPhil Computing and Electronic Systems

Our cross-disciplinary projects draw on the expertise of our electronic engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists and psychologists.

Join us at our next Open Day

Book your place now to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

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