Academic Programmes

MSc in Computer Science (MSc CS)

Objectives and contents

This is a two-year full-time and evening masters' programme in Computer Science. It aims to provide a leading-edge adaptable and relevant Computer Science education that produces highly sought after professionals capable of thriving in the challenging environments demanded in today’s highly evolving business world. Specifically, the program aims to:

1. Promote students with high achievement in theoretical and practical problems within the field of Computer Science.
2. Address the rapidly increasing education demands for graduates and professionals with advanced education in the field of Computer Science.
3. Provide students with a technically oriented and scientific post-graduate education in core areas and exposure to cutting-edge research in Computer Science.
4. Provide students with the tools needed to compete in any marketplace.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge and competence in fundamental areas of computer science such as algorithms, design and analysis, computational theory, computer architecture and software-based systems.
2. Use analytical skills necessary to effectively evaluate the relative merits of software and computer systems and algorithmic approaches.
3. Demonstrate understanding of Computer Science topics (such as database management, data security, program efficiency, etc.) in a global context (ethics, privacy, human expectations, etc).
4. Analyze, design and develop database solutions by translating database modelling theory into sound database design and implementation.
5. Conduct in-depth research, both individually as well as in teams, in specific areas of computer science.
6. Analyse, evaluate and synthesise research and apply theoretical ideas to practical settings.

Career prospects

Students graduating from this programme can work in different technical capacities in private DNA public organisations holding positions such as:

1. Network Administrators
2. ICT directors/managers leading ICT units
3. Network engineers 
4. Information systems specialists
5. Software Engineers
6. innovators of ICT related products
7. ICT Project managers

Additionally, graduates of this programme can venture into ICT innovations initiatives and entrepreneurship by starting their businesses providing ICT-related services and products. For those with a passion for academic, can join research and academic instructions as researcher and lecturers with the ability to teach a wide range of courses in computer science. 

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission into this programme, a student should satisfy the general University minimum requirements with the following additional requirements.

Direct Entry Qualification
An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related field from a recognized institution with at least a lower second class award (G.P.A of at least 2.7 out of 5).

Equivalent Entry Qualification
Advanced Diploma in relevant and respective field with at least lower second class award OR undergraduate degree with at least a pass in related field PLUS a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant and respective field from a recognized institution certified by TCU with at least an upper second class award (G.P.A at least 3.5 out of 5).

Registration Process
Detailed information about the registration process and the required supporting documents is available on the main UDSM website under the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies. Open the link HERE.

Fee Structure

For Tanzanian students, the school fee for this programme is TZS 6,412,500/= for 24 months (2 years) by coursework and dissertation and TZS 4,200,000 by thesis. For international students, the fee is USD 8,040 for 24 months (2 years) both by thesis and coursework and dissertation. The fee can be paid in 2 instalments annually or in 4 instalments (per semester).

The University may change schools fees in each new academic year. Therefore, for accurate/ updated information about fees and other related direct costs paid to the University please visit the University Webpage on the fees structure for postgraduates programmes under CoICT. See the Registration Process page HERE and UDSM Postgraduate Fees Structure for the 2021/2022 academic year.

For more information about this programme please contact the Department of Computer Science and Engineering by email through cse@udsm.ac.tz or Telephone +255(0) 222700225. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit us to learn more about this programme at CoICT Kijitonyama Campus along Alli Hassan Mwinyi Road, Block A Room 002. We are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm, except weekends and public holidays.