Masters study

We know that it can be hard to fit in further study around other life commitments. Work, family life and caring responsibilities can make it hard to fit in time for extra study, particularly for women, who are an under-represented group in computer science and engineering. 

To help with this we’ve ensured that many of our Masters degrees can be taken part-time. You’ll carry out your studies across two years instead of one, reducing the amount of time you need to commit in a single year. This makes it easier to manage around everything else in your life, so you don’t lose out on opportunities to expand your knowledge.

If you have a background in humanities or social sciences then our conversion course, MSc Artificial Intelligence and its Applications, is an ideal way to develop a thorough understanding of AI and how it can be used in the modern world.

This course has been designed to help students from a non-science background gain an insight in to the world of artificial intelligence, including an introduction to programming for those with no prior coding experience, and several optional modules that cover areas such as data science, Big Data, and computational modelling.

Artificial intelligence is a growing area of interest for a range of fields outside of computer science and engineering. However, the UK government has identified a significant skills shortage in an understanding of how AI can be applied to these different fields. By undertaking this specialist course you will develop a new set of skills that will be helpful in the modern workplace.

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science also offers two more conversion courses; MSc Applied Data Science, and MSc Data Science and its Applications.

We offer Masters degrees in some of the key growth areas for 21st century computing and engineering.

Artificial intelligence, FinTech, and robotics and intelligent systems, are all important fields of growth in our modern world. By focusing your studies on areas like these you will be at the forefront of rapid, exciting change and development. You can contribute to designing and developing tools and platforms that can transform the world, or use them to make a positive impact.

National and local governments, and large and small businesses, are all looking for people with knowledge and understanding of these aspects of 21st century technology. By studying them at Masters level you’ll be giving yourself a head start in your career.

Our School has close links with local and national businesses and organisations through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, the University's Knowledge Gateway, and the professional relationships developed by our academics. Partners include Tiptree and Sons, SEA-KIT International, and Spark EV Technology.

Through these relationships we understand the skills that technology companies feel are missing from the modern workforce. Our modules are tailored to fit with these identified needs, so you will gain the experience needed to flourish in the 21st century world of work.

If you’re planning on creating your own tech start-up then you can benefit from a range of support to help our students and graduates take the first steps to self-employment.

The University of Essex campus includes the Innovation Centre, and the University Enterprise Zone. Through these spaces you’ll have access to business support and guidance including networking events, help identifying sources of funding, and workspaces with a range of office facilities.

Our School is home to a broad international community of staff and students who have travelled across the world to study and work together. We come from different backgrounds and speak different first languages, but we’re all united by our interest in computer science and engineering, and we will help support you as you join us at Essex for your studies.

Our Students' Union is also home to a range of cultural societies, who can help you get in touch with students from your home country who are also finding their feet.

Artificial Intelligence

Our research covers five specialist interest areas: Analytics and Data Science; Computational Finance and Economics; Natural Language and Information Processing; Games and AI; and Health AI.

Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering

We specialise in non-invasive research to develop brain-computer interfaces. Our research looks at a broad range of BCI applications.

Communications and Networks

The focus of our group is the design of next-gen wireless communication and network architectures and systems.

Robotics and Embedded Systems

Our research group covers intelligent embedded systems and robotics and mechatronics, with academics working on areas such as system-on-chip design, robotics for hostile environments, and computer vision.

In our School we know that computer science and engineering have huge impacts on all areas of life. Our academics work collaboratively on projects funded by a range of bodies such as Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Much of our work has impact through our close connections with industry partners and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Our research has strong interdisciplinary links across the university, with our staff working closely with colleagues in departments including the School of Life Sciences, the Department of Psychology, and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

The research we carry out feeds in to your teaching, so you are taught the latest theories and discoveries by the same people who have tried and tested then in our labs.

Our Research Experience Scheme is open to Masters degree students in our School who wish to contribute to academic research.

Our Scheme has two options; working on a project just within our School, or working on a project that is run in collaboration with the Department of Psychology.

There will be opportunities throughout the year, with tasks ranging from developing software to setting up experiments and collecting data.

If you're considering a research degree or have always wanted to know how academic research is carried out them our Scheme is a great way for you to gain insight and experience.

As a Masters student in our School you will have access to a range of facilities on our Colchester campus. Along with dedicated PC labs that are solely for use by our students, we also have specialist research facilities such as our recently refurbished Brain-Computer Interfaces lab, iSpace, and the Network Convergence lab.

Our facilities come equipped with the tools and programmes you need to take part in taught modules, and to carry out your own MSc project.