Deadline approaching: apply by 5th August to join our September 2026 intake.

Advance in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

100% online MSc courses

Whether you want to move into the computer science field or advance and expand your technical skills, the University of Bath offers two strategically designed pathways to help you reach your goals. Both the Artificial Intelligence online MSc and the Computer Science online MSc courses feature the same academic rigour and expert teaching as the on-campus MSc courses as well as providing students with the flexibility to balance work, life, and study.

Expert faculty include cutting-edge researchers with a wide breadth of experience. In addition, the University of Bath heads up the Institute of Coding, which allows students to develop cutting-edge and industry-relevant skills.

Career-aligned MScs

Three starts per year

Students from 65 countries1

Top 10 in Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2027*

Cost per 10 credits £722**

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Choosing between the courses

Artificial Intelligence online MSc:

Spanning from programming fundamentals to cutting-edge AI, the course explores Data Science, Natural Language Processing and Deep Learning.

Computer Science online MSc:

Blending technical mastery with innovation, the course spans programming languages, core disciplines like software engineering and AI, and practical fields such as cybersecurity, human–computer interaction, and entrepreneurship.

CategoryArtificial Intelligence online MScComputer Science online MSc
Career focusApply AI to drive innovation. Roles like machine learning engineer, AI solutions architect, robotics developer, or data scientist, research or analyst roles in tech, finance, healthcare, consulting, etc.Build advanced software and systems. Broad range of roles across AI and Computer Science. Roles like full-stack developer, software engineer, systems architect, cybersecurity specialist, or IT consultant.
Ideal candidate backgroundStrong mathematical background. Interest in focusing on Python as programming language.Looking to move into the computer science industry. Prefers foundational breadth over depth.
Comfort with technical skillsStrong technical background including mathematics. No programming experience needed.Technical background including mathematics. No programming or computer science experience required.
CurriculumDeep dive into AI-centred topics such as programming, with optional units in machine learning, robotics and responsible AI principles, culminating in a dissertation.Offering a wide range of subjects with a real world focus and broad foundation in computing. Covering programming, software engineering, databases and cloud, plus optional units such as cybersecurity, deep learning and HCI, culminating in a dissertation.
Programming Languages StudiedPythonC, Java, Python, Haskell and SQL.
Skill developmentTechnical, deep AI-based learning.Comprehensive strategic breadth and work-place readiness. Wider understanding of programming languages, HCI, Cybersecurity, AI, Deep learning, etc.
Course strengthIn-depth AI understanding and real-world adaptability. Dedicated student support.Computer science breadth and workplace readiness. Dedicated student support.
Best fit forStudents looking to lead in AI and machine learning in their industry, with strong quantitative skills and an interest in coding.Those seeking to build a strong foundation in any aspect of computer science, especially those pivoting into tech from non-computer science backgrounds.

Minimum duration

2 years, 3 months

Start dates

May, September, January

Fees

Cost per 10 credits £722.** Fees are paid per unit. The total cost of this 180-credit course is £12,996** (£722 per 10 credit unit and two instalments of £2,166 for your 60-credit project). 10% alumni discount available.

Entry requirements

  • Computer Science online MSc: You should have a first or second-class honours undergraduate degree or international equivalent.
  • Artificial Intelligence online MSc: You should have a first or strong second class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent.
  • To apply for this course, you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject, but you must demonstrate evidence of relevant quantitative skills (especially algebra and calculus) either through your degree study or by alternative means.

International students

Applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

Valerie Berger

“This programme is a great fit no matter your background. In my cohort, there were people from medicine, engineering, business — and each perspective added something different. For those who want to become programmers, the degree offers a solid foundation across all areas of computer science. For others, it provides the broader understanding you need to combine computer science with another field.”

–Valerie Berger, Computer Science online MSc Graduate

Courses rooted in academic excellence


Our Artificial Intelligence online MSc and Computer Science online MSc are research-informed courses that provide the same quality as the on-campus counterparts. Both courses follow the format of compulsory and optional units allowing you to tailor your MSc to your career aspirations and interests.

Built around the department’s core specialisms, our research-led Artificial Intelligence online MSc is strategically designed to combine rigorous technical training with a critical understanding of AI’s ethical and societal impact. Open to students from both computing and non-computing backgrounds, the course equips you with the mathematical, coding, and research foundations needed to thrive in AI.

Students explore cutting-edge research and breakthroughs and dive deep into topics such as reinforcement learning, machine vision, robotics, natural language processing, and will draw on insights from Bath’s UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Accountable, Responsible and Transparent AI. The MSc is structured into four distinct and strategic phases. The course takes you through — building strong foundations, applying AI in core and optional areas, and finishing with a dissertation — so you graduate with both depth of technical expertise and also develop the judgement to apply AI responsibly in real-world contexts.

The MSc will culminate with a dissertation. Students have explored topics such as:

  • Cracking open AI: predictive models that explain themselves
  • Smarter cancer detection: CNNs vs. cutting-edge AI
  • Robots on the move: teaching machines to walk and plan with RL
  • 93% of our Artificial Intelligence online MSc students stay enrolled.2

Our Computer Science online MSc is designed for ambitious students from both computing and non-computing backgrounds who want to go beyond coding and develop a comprehensive understanding of computer science. With no prior programming experience required, you’ll build strong foundations in mathematics and programming while developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that drive modern computing. 

The course balances theory with practice, covering skills such as examining real-world data and preparing you for a wide range of careers across multiple industries. The course is broken up into four phases. Phase one focuses on principles and foundations, while phase two builds on this knowledge, enabling students to effectively navigate and adapt to different computing environments in units such as Functional Programming, Databases and Cloud and more. 

In the third phase, students deepen their expertise through further applications and optional units tailored to their interests and career goals — options include Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Deep Learning, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, among others. 

Students will learn four or five programming languages, such as C, Java, Python, Haskell, and SQL, while also exploring the wider social, political, and ethical dimensions of technology. The course concludes with a dissertation, allowing students to apply their learning to an independent research project.

Faculty include industry and subject matter experts, and you’ll also benefit from real-world insights through prestigious departments conducting research on cutting-edge topics such as new perspectives on deep neural networks, efficient learning in large-scale models, assistive technology, autonomous systems and much more.

Dissertation topics students have previously explored include:

  • The role of chatbots and gamification in language app attrition using generative AI models to create cooking recipes
  • Can Denmark withstand modern DNS attack vectors?

Our curriculum is informed by the research strengths in our department. 92% of our Computer Science online MSc students stay enrolled.2

Online learning that is active and engaged

engaging content

hands-on interactive assignments

interaction and networking

digital resources

For people with existing work and lifestyle commitments, our online MSc courses are a passage to sought-after careers. Our Virtual Learning Environment makes our online Master of Science degrees as immersive as our on-campus courses. So, wherever you choose to study, you’ll always be engaged with the content, your lecturers and your fellow students.

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Our research activity is internationally excellent

Not only are our MSc’s taught by experts in their respective fields, but our research is highly regarded. According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 98% of our Computer Science submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, and we’re proud to be on the cutting-edge side of research.3

Through our leading role in the Institute of Coding — an initiative made up of universities and corporations committed to filling the digital skills gap — students can identify and progress in job-ready skills that align with their career goals. 

From research to real-world application, we’re committed to ensuring our students have the access, faculty and knowledge bases to set them up for success. 

Expert guidance from classroom to career

At Bath we provide our students with dedicated support to ensure they feel supported every step of the way. In addition to working with your professors in a group setting and on a one-on-one basis during the dissertation phase, our Skills Centre provides pre-sessional, academic, mathematics, language and digital skills support and enhancement, both for your studies and future employment.

To meet your career goals, our career services offer dedicated student support and are here to help you one-on-one to bolster your CV and work with you on tailored interview preparation.  We also provide access to career events and fairs, skills training (such as peer-led classes on public speaking), job portals such as MyFuture, and more. Alumni also retain unlimited access to our services for life.

Samer Francy

“The programme had a transformative impact on my career, equipping me with the deep technical knowledge and practical experience needed to successfully transition into the Data and AI field. Shortly after completing my studies, I was offered a key role as a Data and AI Director.”

–Samer Francy, Artificial Intelligence online MSc Graduate

Choose Bath’s online MSc in Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science

Taught by leading experts, our online MSc degrees in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence combine foundational theory with real-world application. You’ll master programming as well as learn how to select the right tools to solve complex problems.

Delivered part-time and fully online, both online MSc degrees combine the flexibility of online learning with the confidence that you’ll be prepared to lead in the fast-evolving tech landscape. 

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of online methods, and it will vary between units. These methods are expertly designed to promote comprehensive learning and understanding. Methods can include videos, reading, practical coding exercises, and real-world applications. Discussion forums also provide opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Alumni hired by top companies

Bath’s research-inspired curriculum prepares students to be competitive in the classroom and workplace. Students hold positions at companies such as:

  • Amazon
  • American Express
  • Apple
  • Barclays
  • Bloomberg
  • Cisco
  • Meta
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Google
  • HSBC
  • IBM
  • J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
  • McLaren Automotive
  • Mercedes Formula 1 Team
  • Microsoft
  • Moody’s Analytics
  • Shell
  • Visa

More than 50 years of educational excellence

In 1966 the University of Bath was established by Royal Charter. Last year we ranked top 10* in the UK and have a reputation for research and teaching excellence.
Additional rankings include:

Top 10 in Computer Science by The Complete University Guide 2027*

98% of Computer Science submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021)

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Guided by expert faculty, a research-led, practice-informed curriculum, and real-world insight, you’ll be ready to meet challenges head-on in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Sources and disclaimers

  1. We have students on Artificial Intelligence online MSc and Computer Science online MSc in 65 countries of the United Nations 193 countries. Data accessed August 2025.
  2. Data pulled from previous 12 months June 2025 student retention.
  3. University of Bath, “Our results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021” Retrieved 15 August 2025, https://www.bath.ac.uk/
  4. Based on employment of University of Bath on-campus graduates; not a complete list of employers.

*Rankings based on undergraduate data

**Valid up to and including September 2026 intake. Tuition fees are liable to increase each January. You should budget for an increase of up to a maximum of 8% each year. Terms and conditions for tuition fee payments for online courses.