Master's · Manchester Computer Science
The University of Manchester's MSc Advanced Computer Science is a 12-month, full-time, in-person course in the Department of Computer Science. Its page describes a selective, staged admissions process, says successful applicants typically hold a First-class degree with a 70% average in a computer science degree, and asks for transcripts rather than a personal statement or references. Stage 1 closes on 6 November 2026.
2027-28 entry · Official information
Taken from the University of Manchester course page for the MSc Advanced Computer Science (2027 entry) and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
The page says successful applicants typically hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content.
All applicants are required to have a strong background in Computer Science, reflected for example in solid programming and software development skills.
The course operates a selective staged admissions process and gives preference to students with the strongest grades from high-ranking institutions.
References and personal statements are not required. Applicants submit official transcripts, a weighted-average-mark document if the transcript lacks one, a degree certificate if graduated and a CV if they graduated more than three years ago.
Stage 1 closes on 6 November 2026 with a decision by 8 January 2027, stage 2 on 1 January 2027 and stage 4 on 21 May 2027. Applications after 21 May 2027 are considered depending on course availability.
The course lasts 12 months full-time and includes an individual project applying advanced computational techniques to real-world problems.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the University of Manchester course page for the MSc Advanced Computer Science (2027 entry), which describes 2027-28 entry. The module lists, the country-specific entry benchmarks, the fee and funding sections and the careers pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
The page states entry through the degree you hold and the marks you hold in it. The readings below mix Manchester's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
The page describes a computer science degree with a minimum of 50% computer science content, and asks for solid programming and software development skills.
The page describes a typical successful applicant, and the university also says it considers the full academic history, including the course units taken and the marks obtained.
Read the 70% figure as the university's description of who is typically successful, not as a cut-off that decides the outcome. If your degree is not in computer science, compare conversion courses before relying on this one.
Decision
The page describes advancing existing computer science knowledge through core topics and specialisations.
A broad range of technical areas, including core topics and areas across Manchester's research strengths, with the choice of specialisations left to the student.
An individual project applying advanced computational techniques to real-world problems.
Because the course assumes the foundations, it suits applicants who already have them. Applicants who want to build those foundations should look at courses designed for conversion.
Application
The page lists the documents and a staged timetable of deadlines and decision dates.
Official transcripts, a weighted average mark document where needed, a degree certificate or a list of final-year modules, a CV if you graduated more than three years ago, and proof of English ability if needed.
Four stages, with applications received by 6 November 2026, 1 January 2027, 26 February 2027 and 21 May 2027, and decisions by dates after each. The university may roll an application forward to the next stage.
The page recommends applying early because places are limited and some courses close at capacity. If your documents are not ready for stage 1, the later stages remain open while places last, but the page says some courses close when they reach capacity.
Planning
The page describes entry in September 2027 and states fees and deadlines for that entry.
Check your degree content and programming evidence, request official transcripts and a weighted average mark document, and choose a stage. Re-read the page before submitting, because Manchester can change it.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with The University of Manchester or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
No. The page says references and personal statements are not required for this programme.
The page says successful applicants typically hold a First-class honours degree (70% average), or the overseas equivalent, in a computer science degree with a minimum of 50% computer science content.
The page lists four stages. Stage 1 closes on 6 November 2026, stage 2 on 1 January 2027, stage 3 on 26 February 2027 and stage 4 on 21 May 2027.
Twelve months full-time, taught in person.
The page says applications received after 21 May 2027 will be considered depending on course availability.
Students and families
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.
