Advanced Computer Science (Cloud Computing) MSc

Course overview

Developments in cloud computing technology are transforming the way we live and work. This Masters degree will equip you with specialist knowledge in this fast-growing field and allow you to explore a range of advanced topics in computer science.

Our Advanced Computer Science MSc will build on your existing knowledge of computer science, giving you a foundation in topics like systems programming and algorithms, as well as specialist modules in advanced distributed systems – especially cloud techniques, technologies and applications.

The programme will give you the theoretical and practical skills required to design and implement larger, more complex systems using state-of-the-art technologies. You’ll even have the chance to work as an integral member of one of our research groups when you develop your main project.

Studying in our School of Computer Science gives you access to a whole range of specialist facilities, whilst being taught by academics who are experts in their fields. We’re also responsible for producing internationally excellent research and have excellent links with the Cloud Computing industry including Atos, Alibaba Cloud and Microsoft meaning you’ll be learning the most up-to-date practices and techniques needed to pursue an exciting career in industry.

Why study at Leeds:

• Research produced by the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and our School’s globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking.
• Benefit from studying at a university that’s partnered with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas of computing including software engineering, whilst focusing on both theory and practice so you can understand and implement cloud computing applications and architectures.
• Tailor the degree to suit your specific interests with a selection of optional modules to choose from such as data science, data mining, machine learning and blockchain technologies.
• Build industry experience by conducting your own individual project which focuses on a real-world topic of your choice, giving you the chance to develop professional skills in research and critical thinking.
• Develop your communication skills and advance your academic vocabulary with our Professional and Academic Communication for Engineering and Physical Sciences optional module​.
• Access a wide range of industry-standard specialist facilities including a state-of-the-art cloud computing lab, a large High Performance Computing (HPC) resource and a visualisation lab including a Powerwall, benchtop display with tracking system, WorldViz PPT optical tracking system and Intersense InertiaCube orientation tracker.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics who specialise in a wide range of computing topics.
• Study in the Sir William Henry Bragg building which provides excellent facilities and teaching spaces for an outstanding student experience.

Applying

Entry requirements

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

Computing is an essential component of nearly every daily activity, from the collection and processing of information in business, through to smart systems embedded in devices, image processing in medical diagnosis and the middleware that underpins distributed technologies like cloud computing and the semantic web.

This course will give you the practical skills to enter many areas of applied computing, working as application developers, system designers and evaluators. Links between the taught modules and our research provide our students with added strengths in artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, distributed systems, and the analysis of complex data. As a result, you’ll be well-prepared for a range of careers, as well as further research at PhD level.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous advanced computer science graduates have secured:

• Technical Graduate, Thomson Reuters
• Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
• Senior Software Engineer, Funding Circle
• Technical Developer, Reading Room
• Head of Audience Development, Al Jazeera Media Network
• Systems Engineer, Systematic
• Software Engineer, THG
• Programmer, Alibaba