Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £12,120 for the course
International/EU: £19,225 for the course -
How long will I study?
2 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
January 2026
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Placement year available?
Yes
Course summary
- Gain knowledge in key computing topics relevant to the current job market.
- Explore programming, web development, databases and artificial intelligence.
- Develop your professionalism by working on industry-based case studies.
- Cultivate an adaptable approach towards new and emerging technologies.
- Complete research in either software development or data management.
Designed for graduates without a computing background, the course builds your fundamental computing skills, before specialising at an advanced level in either software development or data management. You'll also develop your research, critical thinking and professional skills through practical projects and real-world applications, preparing you for careers in various computing roles.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
This course is taught around a professional software development lifecycle, developing both the technical and professional skills needed in the industry. You’ll take ownership of your applied projects while being fully supported throughout your learning. We also encourage our students to contribute their diverse backgrounds to their applied projects
You’ll then develop your research skills through one of two specialisms. By choosing the Advanced Software Design and Development Project you’ll consider layered frameworks, design patterns and software testing – alongside more advanced programming and web techniques and technologies that integrate databases and services. Or by choosing the Advanced Data Management Project, you’ll integrate, manage and analyse data to extract business insight and intelligence – demonstrating your understanding of data warehouse management, data source acquisition, integration, real-time transaction processing and visualisation.
Our teaching strategy integrates critical thinking, analysis and synthesis to systematically devise solutions. You’ll use industry-based projects to enhance your learning while continuously developing professional skills that prepare you for real-world challenges.
You learn through:
- Project-based learning
- Hands-on lab sessions and tutorials
- Regular feedback
- Individual and group activities
- Presentations and discussions
- Personal research and development projects
- Technical development work
- Portfolio creation
- Self-directed learning
Key themes
You'll start by learning foundational computing skills, the software development lifecycle, and specialisations in advanced software development or data management.
You’ll also explore AI and machine learning, using programming to create solutions for businesses. This includes an exploration and understanding of ethical and responsible AI deployment, which is especially important in recognising data bias in solutions.
Finally you’ll undertake a research-led project that facilitates your continued development – specialising in a particular part of the course or building more awareness in a parallel topic. You’ll be supported by a supervisor while reinforcing your confidence in undertaking an independent piece of work.
Course leaders and tutors
James Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
Senior LecturerJames Baldwin, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
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, you’ll complete an additional placement preparation program that introduces you to the UK employment landscape and prepares you for the recruitment and assessment activities you will experience when applying for placement opportunities.
Network Opportunities
You’ll be able to develop your career through career fairs and workshops, employer presentations and visits, and by seeking 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.
Future careers
The course prepares you for computing employment by integrating technical content that’s aligned with industry demands, ensuring relevance. We continuously adapt to industry advancements, collaborating with subject matter experts and industry connections to keep up to date with the latest industry trends and requirements.
You’ll gain fundamental computing skills and specialisms in either advanced software development or advanced data management, preparing you for career pathways such as:
- Database design and development
- Web application development
- Software consultancy
- Software ddevelopment
- Data analysis
- Machine learning engineering
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work:
- Sky
- EDF Energy
- PlusNet
- Sumo Digital
- Jet2.com
- Sheffield City Council
- Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- FDM Group
- Kagool
- Our Digital Technology Solutions team
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
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Computing facilities tour
Take a look around the facilities and equipment in the Department of Computing at Sheffield Hallam University.
Equipment and facilities
You’ll learn across our Extended Campus – a dynamic blend of physical and digital spaces for applied learning, collaboration and career preparation. The Computing Department will be your on-campus hub, providing dedicated areas to connect with classmates, take part in course activities, and network with faculty and potential employers.
You'll master essential tools and technologies widely used in the computing industry:
- Industry-standard IDEs like Visual Studio
- Programming languages like C# & Python
- Database technologies like MySQL and MongoDB
- Web development using PHP, HTML and CSS
- JavaScript and React for advanced software design
- SQL, the Hadoop Ecosystem and Tableau for advanced data management
Entry requirements
All students
Normally you need a 2:2 honours degree or above in any discipline from a UK university or equivalent from an overseas university. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam.
We also consider applicants who do not meet these academic criteria but have several years' experience and a keen interest in computing.
Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Essentials Of Full-Stack Software Development
Postgraduate Work Experience Applied Professional Diploma
Professional Practices In Software Projects
Research Skills For Computing
Elective modules
Advanced Data Management Project
Advanced Software Design And Development Project
Final year
Compulsory modules
Computing Research Project
Programming For Artificial Intelligence
Fees and funding
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.
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.
