How you learn

This course starts by helping you develop your fundamental computing skills that are the building blocks of cloud technologies. This includes programming, database development, and web development. These are taught around a professional software development lifecycle using a project-based learning approach with industry-based projects. Through this approach, you will develop both technical and professional skills needed in the industry by taking ownership of your applied projects while being fully supported throughout the learning process. This further embraces and encourages students to contribute their diverse backgrounds to applied projects.

Building upon those foundational skills, you will start to develop your research skills alongside your specialisation into cloud technologies.  Cloud technologies is a fast-growing field where you will learn how to develop and deploy techniques and technologies including:  

• Deployment models 
• System architectures (N-tier, Monolithic, Microservices) 
• MVC a design pattern for structuring application code within these architectures 
• Virtualisation (Virtual Machines and Containerisation) 
• Frameworks (Django a Python web framework) 
• User-Interface (React) 
• Version Control (GitHub) 
• Microsoft Azure cloud services 

The teaching strategy integrates critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis to systematically devise solutions.  You will be using industry-based projects to enhance your learning while continuously developing professional skills that prepare you for the real-world challenges in your future career. 

You will learn through: 

• Project-based learning 
• Hands-on lab sessions and tutorials 
• Regular feedback 
• Individual and group activities 
• Presentations & discussions 
• Personal research and development projects,  
• Technical development work and portfolio creation for employability 
• Self-directed learning 

Key themes

Through the hands-on learning experience of the course, you will develop the essential cloud computing skills sought-after by employers for the design and development of scalable applications. The development of scalable applications can drive innovation in web, data, and artificial intelligence, at the forefront of technological advancements, empowering you to shape the future through cloud development.

An introduction to Artificial Intelligence is another central part of the course, focusing on machine learning, using your programming skills and concepts to create solutions for businesses. This includes an exploration and understanding of ethical and responsible AI deployment, which is especially important in recognizing data bias in solutions.

The research skills you develop through the course prepare you to undertake a research-led project that showcases the skills and knowledge you have developed . The project is a significant piece of work that facilitates your continued development, for example by further specialising in a particular area inspired directly by the course content or building more awareness in a parallel topic of interest. This is supported by a supervisor and further tailors your learning while reinforcing your confidence in undertaking an independent piece of work.

Course leaders and tutors

James Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University

Senior Lecturer

James Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University

• LinkedIn

Applied learning

Work Experience 

You’ll have the opportunity to go on a work placement for up to 12 months, where you’ll apply academic theory and your skills in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience will enhance your professional development and help you to make informed career choices after graduation. We’ll support you to source a placement that is relevant to your course. Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported to reflect on your experience and contribution to the organisation you work for. You'll also share your progress and achievements with your Placement Academic Supervisor as part of your final assessment.

Students from this course have been to work placement with companies such as: 

• 3Squared 
• XLN 
• Next Retail Ltd 
• EDF Energy 
• WANdisco 
• DB Cargo 

In addition, the transformative impact that a placement can have on personal and professional development can be further enhanced through the completion of Sheffield Hallam’s Applied Professional Diploma. The Applied Professional Diploma is a qualification that demonstrates the learning you have gained from the placement, and it is undertaken while on placement not during the normal academic class time.  

On the Work Experience route, students will complete an additional credit bearing module that introduces them to the UK employment landscape and prepares them for the recruitment and assessment activities they will experience as they secure their placement. 

Network Opportunities 

Throughout the course, there are opportunities for students to engage with career management, attend career fairs and workshops, participate in employer presentations and visits, and seek guidance from professional advisors. 

The course provides a unique blend of academic and practical exposure by integrating guest lecture talks and networking opportunities within the curriculum. This offers insights into the practical application of cutting-edge technologies and best practices.  

Employability and Industry Needs  

The program prepares students for Computing employment by integrating the student employability agenda. It achieves this through thoughtfully selected technical content in modules aligned with industry demands, enhancing students' job prospects. The course continuously adapts to industry advancements, ensuring relevance.  

Collaborating with subject matter experts, the design team stays updated on current industry trends and requirements. This collaborative approach includes consultations with industry partners and connections.

Future careers

MSc in Computing with Cloud Technologies is designed to provide fundamental computing skills and specialised in cloud development including career pathways such as:  

• Database Designer and Developer
• Web Application Developer
• Software Consultant
• Software Developer
• Cloud Developer
• Machine Learning Engineer

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies that include:

• Amazon
• Sky
• PlusNet
• Sumo Digital
• Jet2.com
• Sheffield City Council

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour 

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Fees and funding

• Home students
• International students

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £12,120 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. For this work experience route, your fees will be payable over two years, divided into two annual payments based on credits studied. The fee includes dedicated employability support to help you prepare for and secure work experience. It does not guarantee you a placement and if a placement is not secured the work experience fee will still be charged. If a placement is not secured you will transfer to the standard version of the course to complete your remaining credits, where the balance of your course fees will be due in year one in line with completing the course.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £19,225 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. For this work experience route, your fees will be payable over two years, divided into two annual payments based on credits studied. The fee includes dedicated employability support to help you prepare for and secure work experience. It does not guarantee you a placement and if a placement is not secured the work experience fee will still be charged. If a placement is not secured you will transfer to the standard version of the course to complete your remaining credits, where the balance of your course fees will be due in year one in line with completing the course.

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.

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Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for School of Computing and Digital Technologies (PDF, 131.3KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.