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Which Country Is Best For MS In Computer Science?

Updated on 21 February, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Did you know that computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of $131,490 annually in 2021, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS)? How is it relevant? An MS in computer science will help you build a similarly lucrative and fulfilling global career in the future.

 

The report adds that there were approximately 33,500 jobs in the field in 2021, while forecasting handsome job growth of 21% between 2021-2031. This points to growing demand for skilled and qualified professionals in the field. However, if you are firming up your study plans, which country is best to study MS in computer science? More specifically, which country is best for MS in computer science for Indian students? Quite a few, as it turns out. 

Why Study MS in Computer Science? 

What’s all the hullabaloo about an MS in computer science? Why should you consider it in the first place? Here are some reasons worth noting: 

  • Attractive Salaries- Computer science professionals have an opportunity to earn lucrative salaries as compared to many other fields. Computer and information technology fields in the U.S. saw median annual salaries of $97,431 as of May 2021, in comparison to the median wages for all workers, which was $45,760 at the time. Master’s degree holders are also likely to earn sizably more than those holding bachelor's degrees, with the difference estimated at $200 and more each week, as per the BLS. 
  • Steady Job Growth- Job growth for computer science occupations is likely to be more than average estimates. Reports indicate growth in job openings by 15% by the year 2030, indicating more opportunities for exploring aspects such as data science, network security, and machine learning. 
  • Advanced Knowledge- An MS in computer science will give you an opportunity to build your skill-sets and knowledge across diverse fields, including game design, visualization, data science, and machine learning. Masters courses equip you with the knowledge and tools required to succeed in a rapidly evolving field. 
  • Boosting competitiveness and future prospects- Master's degrees in computer science may enhance your overall competitiveness in the job market. Reports indicate that just 20% of software developers have master's degrees, while 72% of them have bachelor's degrees. You may also be eligible to apply for more advanced job positions with master's degrees like computer and information scientist jobs for instance. 

Specializations in Master’s in Computer Science

There is a wide gamut of specializations that you will encounter while exploring a masters degree in computer science. Some of them include the following: 

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Game Design
  • Computer-Human Interface
  • Computer Graphics
  • Networks
  • Data Science
  • Information Security 
  • Software Engineering
  • Programming Languages
  • Theory
  • Systems

 

Best Countries to Study Computer Science

Coming back to our core question, i.e. which country is best to study MS in computer science, here are four options that you should know more about. 

  • USA- Computer science jobs are anticipated to grow by 15% from 2018-2028 in the country, with 200,000 job vacancies in 2021 alone as per the BLS. Computer science specialists in the USA usually witness salary hikes of approximately 10% every 15 months, while the unemployment rate for computer science graduates is low at 5%. This makes the USA a great choice for studying an MS in computer science, considering its reputed and globally-ranked educational institutions. 
  • UK- The UK stands out for its rich history of computer science evolution and progress, along with reputed educational institutions. 1/5th of workers in the entire country are employed in the technology sector, while advertised job roles for software developers increased 36% in 2020 as per reports. The tech sector is worth roughly 180 billion pounds in the country. There are more than 2,000 computer science programs at 200 top universities, including the likes of Cambridge and Oxford as well. 
  • Germany- Germany is one nation that is synonymous with digitization and cutting-edge technological progress. Germany is home to several leading universities for the subject, along with offering programs that include intensive learning, coursework, and projects. Germany has several technology companies, corporations, and start-ups that ensure excellent opportunities for graduates. Computer engineers can earn attractive salaries up to 4,000 Euros per month, with many earning even higher. 
  • Australia- Australia is known for its leading educational institutions, which have tie-ups with several technology conglomerates and IT companies. Australian universities also offer attractive placement options for graduates. Universities here offer varied specializations like data management, machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence, and more. 

Top universities in UK for masters in computer science 

Here are the top universities in the UK for masters in computer science programs: 

University  NameQS World University Rankings by Subject 2022- Computer Science and Information Systems Location Fees 
University of Oxford5Oxford

£32,760 per year

 

University of Cambridge8Cambridge£39,708 per year
Imperial College London17London£39,400 per year 
UCL22London£35,000 per year 
The University of Edinburgh23Edinburgh£38,500 per year 

Top Universities in USA for Masters in Computer Science 

Here is a list of the top universities in USA for masters in computer science 

University  NameQS World University Rankings by Subject 2022- Computer Science and Information Systems Location Fees 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)1Cambridge

$28,795 per year

 

Stanford University2Stanford$1,400 per unit 
Carnegie Mellon University3Pittsburgh

$52,320 per year 

 

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)4Berkeley$18,103 per semester
Harvard University7Cambridge$57,246 per year 

Top universities in Australia for masters in computer science 

Here is a list of top universities in Australia for masters in computer science: 

University  NameQS World University Rankings by Subject 2022- Computer Science and Information Systems Location Fees 
The University of Melbourne43ParkvilleAU$40,640 per year 
Australian National University (ANU)51CanberraAU$49,330 per year 
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)58SydneyAU$36,480 per year 
The University of Sydney 60SydneyAU$49,000 per year 
Monash University68MelbourneAU$4587.50 per unit 

 

Top Universities in Germany for Masters in Computer Science

Here is a list of top universities in Germany for masters in computer science: 

University  NameQS World University Rankings by Subject 2022- Computer Science and Information Systems Location Fees 
Technical University of Munich 29MunichNo tuition fees, only 152.30 Euros in semester fees 
Technische Universitat Berlin (TU Berlin)68BerlinNo tuition fees, only semester fees of 231.89 Euros
RWTH Aachen University86AachenNo tuition fees, only social contribution fees of 317.51 Euros per semester
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen89MunichNo tuition fees, only Munich Student Union costs are payable 
KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology98KarlsruheTuition fees of approximately 1,500 Euros per semester 

 

Career Prospects after Masters in Computer Science 

Here are some of the top job positions after completing a masters program in computer science with their average annual salaries: 

  • Computer science professional- $65,281 
  • Manager of operations- $68,462 
  • Master data analyst- $73,095 
  • MIS manager- $76,917 
  • Network architect- $74,045 
  • Cybersecurity manager- $80,806
  • Computer systems analyst- $77,634
  • UNIX system administrator- $91,365
  • Computer and information systems manager- $87,839
  • Database administrator- $95,783 
  • Security engineer- $106,088
  • Computer and information research scientist- $106,426
  • Data scientist- $121,340 
  • Mobile application developer- $117,070
  • Senior software developer- $131,294
  • Senior DevOps engineer- $122,448
  • Senior software architect- $153,452
  • Senior software engineer- $131,294 
  • Machine learning engineer- $150,045 

Conclusion

Pursuing an MS in computer science, as evident, will be a great option for taking your career to the next level. Compare the countries mentioned above, along with their top universities, and finalize your decision accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better- Canada or USA for MS in computer science?

Canada offers comparatively affordable options for students and has several acclaimed programs as well. Yet, the USA is where you will find some of the world’s highest-ranked universities for pursuing a master's in computer science, although it will be costlier. 

Which is better for MS- USA or UK?

The USA usually has two-year master's degree programs, while the UK has one-year MS programs. Hence, the latter could be a more affordable option for students while offering the same competitiveness in the global job market. However, both countries are excellent options for MS programs in a variety of subjects.

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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