Increasing chances of getting a research internship with no experience? I am starting an MSc in Computer Science in the autumn and I am concerned that I don't have any research experience. My interest is in Theoretical Computer Science and I am finding it hard to find any internships, as there is very little funding for undergraduates available at my university and no advertised positions in this area. I have seen an industrial position that matched my interests, but it was only advertised for Msc/PhD students. 

I asked around last year and was unsuccessful but it was suggested that I self study a topic, so I don't know if I should do this again, or try to pursue an actual internship.

I think the reason I was unsuccessful was that I was too general and not specific enough about my interests. However, as an undergrad I am finding it hard to identify something that is achievable at my level and to narrow down to one area.

Therefore, would it be better to find a paper and a topic and directly approach an academic, or would I be better off using the summer to study more broadly and find a specific topic to pursue? Is there anything else I should do to increase my chances of getting an internship?
I am starting an MSc in Computer Science in the autumn and I am concerned that I don't have any research experience.


Not having research experience when starting an MSc is not a problem! One of the goals of MSc is to acquire research experience.


  However, as an undergrad I am finding it hard to identify something that is achievable at my level and to narrow down to one area


It is perfectly normal that at this stage you do not already have well defined interests.

A potentially more successful approach would be to ask your current teachers. Even if they do not have any funding in their lab, they may be able to suggest some of their colleagues and to recommend you.