Frequently asked questions

The School of Computing is a multicultural department, with staff and students from all over the world. Masters students are typically from countries such as the UK, India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, Greece, North Africa and East Asia.

All our programmes are one full year’s duration, from September to September. You will work through the summer months on your research project.

The University teaching calendar is divided into two semesters (September-January and January-June), based on a number of teaching weeks and an assessment period. Semester one begins with a compulsory induction period for all MSc students.

There are scheduled breaks over the Christmas and Easter periods, but you should not expect to take more than about 4-5 weeks leave during the year. The programmes do not allow for the same amount of holiday as an undergraduate degree.

Research projects are undertaken full-time during the summer months, after semester two teaching and assessment has finished.

No, September is the only starting point.

Several of the MSc programmes may be taken part-time by arrangement, and staff are happy to discuss workable options with interested applicants. Applicants should be aware, however, that this is not intended to be the primary mode of study.

Masters groups tend to be much smaller than undergraduate groups. You should expect to be in a cohort of between 12 - 30 students, depending on which course you study.

You are expected to spend about 40 hours per week on your studies, including teaching and private study.

Learning and teaching takes place via lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical lab sessions. There are opportunities in some modules for groupwork and group project work. Most module leaders use slide presentations, and lecture notes are made available online.

Modules are assessed either by a combination of examinations and assessed coursework, or by coursework only. You should consult the module information for the programme you are interested in. Research projects are assessed by a final dissertation, plus either an assessed mid-term report or poster presentation.

Classes are taught either within the department, or in the lecture theatre building (Roger Stevens). Masters students are provided with computer labs with top-of-the-range Linux and Windows workstations, and along with all staff and students in the department, these are supported by a dedicated Computing Technical Support Team. Students may work elsewhere, if they wish. A dialup connection to the School’s network is available.

Yes – a number of industrial placements are available each year. Students interested in doing a project of this nature should discuss this with a tutor early on in the programme.

All students are assigned a pastoral tutor who will advise on general issues regarding progress and welfare. For specific issues relating to individual modules, students have access to module leaders, and each student is assigned to a research project supervisor for this element of the programme.

The University provides a full range of academic support and welfare services to all its students, for example, the International Centre; Disability Services; Student Advice Centre; the Library; the Skills Centre. More information is available on:

Disability services
International students
The University Skills Centre
Student Counselling Service

Your full application should include:

- completed taught postgraduate application form
- two references (one academic)
- a CV and supporting statement, making it clear why you have chosen the particular programme you are interested in
- evidence of competence in English, if English is not your first language
- full academic transcripts – either originals or certified copies.

The closing date for UK/EU applicants is 10th September and for international applicants it is 31st August.

Information on current fees and available scholarships are available on the Faculty fees and scholarships page.

Yes - the University allows the payment of fees in four annual instalments

Information about scholarships can be found on the Faculty fees and scholarships page.

Applicants may be invited for an informal meeting with an admissions tutor, if this is practical. Applicants holding an offer who are able to visit Leeds prior to commencing their course are strongly advised to do so. Note the timing of the Postgraduate Open Day, which is an excellent opportunity to get information, meet staff and students and tour the department.

Yes – the department is well known for its world-class research groups, and quite a few Masters students do go on to further research in this or another University. However, sources of funding are very competitive, and students should not expect that successfully completing a Masters will be any kind of guarantee of funding for research. Further information is available in the research section of the School's web site.

The department has strong links with industry through both undergraduate and postgraduate industrial placements, and through collaborative projects and knowledge transfer. In addition, the support of an Industrial Advisory Board means that the content of the programmes is regularly reviewed to ensure appropriateness for industry, and Board members are called on to contribute guest lectures or seminars.

Overseas students holding either conditional or unconditional offers are guaranteed a place in a University self-catered flat if they apply online before the deadline (usually mid-July). There is a limited range of accommodation for students with dependents, or students with a disability. UK/EU students are expected to find accommodation in the private rented sector.

Information on the procedure for applying using the University’s online facility is available here.

The best starting point is UNIPOL. Towards the end of the summer, UNIPOL organises postgraduate mixing days, when you can come to Leeds and join with other postgraduate students seeking accommodation.

This is very variable, and depends on the student’s individual financial circumstances. Studying for an MSc is essentially a full-time commitment, and it can be very demanding to take on paid work in addition. However, we recognize that for many students this is a necessity, and most students in this situation cope with taking on some paid work per week. We recommend that 20 hours per week should be an absolute maximum. Overseas students with a study visa are usually permitted to take on paid work up to 20 hours per week. The University Union provides a ‘Joblink’ service which helps students find paid employment in Leeds.

The School of Computing does regularly employ postgraduate students for lab demonstrating, invigilating exams, checking exam marks, acting as tour guides for open days, etc. There are also opportunities for paid work in other University units, e.g., the Library

The Student Support Office, e: pgadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk, or t: +44 (0)113 343 5465.