Computing

MSc

These courses allow those students who have successfully completed a degree and who have some understanding of computers to continue to study at a higher level. The modules are designed to build expertise in the specific areas of Internet Technology, Software Engineering and Computer Networks Engineering. By the end of the course a student can expect to have the knowledge and skills that are relevant to industry and so increase their job prospects.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time, Full time

Attendance

In full-time mode the programme runs for a full calendar year, taught over three terms, from October to September. In two of the terms, students study three taught modules over 1.5 days, and complete the dissertation in the other.

Location

Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold a recognised first or second class honours degree from a UK university of international equivalent in a relevant subject area. It is assumed that students will have a knowledge of computer and networks and it is essential that they have a working knowledge of at least one programming language.

Students for whom English is not the first language will be required to demonstrate that they meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS 6.5.

UKPASS code

031469 - view details at UKPASS

Length of study

One year full-time, or up to four years part-time

Start date

September

School

School of Science and Technology

Course content

The current Masters framework identifies the four core areas of Computing, which allows us to provide two thirds of the modules as core with one third of the modules allocated to each of the specialist pathways.

The general pathway provides a rounded Computing education and broadly based Computing qualification for recent UK graduates and equivalently qualified international students. The specialist pathways provide more focused routes for students who have clearly defined career aspirations while still seeking to develop knowledge and skills in a broad range of Computing disciplines.

All modules are 20 credit modules except for the dissertation which is a 60 credit module. An MSc is awarded on successful completion of 180 credits (6 x 20 credit modules + 1 x 60 credit dissertation module). The three levels of award are, 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma, or 180 credits for the MSc.

The framework has four core compulsory modules based on the generic areas of design, software, hardware and databases. These modules will be studied by all students.

Special course features

The small student numbers on these very specialist courses ensures that students are given the attention they deserve from staff who are approachable and helpful with a wide range of specialist backgrounds in both research and consultancy.

Typical modules

Core

Visual Object Software
Databases
Modern Computer Architecture
Specification Analysis and Design
Dissertation

Optional

Software Engineering
Formal Methods For Software Construction
Internet Programming
Internet Security
Computer Networks
Mobile Device Software Development
Intelligent Systems
Distributed Systems
Media Techniques
Java Programming

Reading list

Visual C# 2010 Step by Step Sharp J. 0735626707 Microsoft Press 2010

Assessment

All modules are assessed by assignment only, to ensure that the learning outcomes have been achieved. Assignments will generally consist of design exercises for the more skills-based modules (such as programming), reports that critically appraise case studies, and problem solving situations. The assignments will be equivalent to 5000 word essays. Exceptions to this pattern occur in the dissertation module which teaches initially about research methods to help with the following dissertation work.

Facilities available

The students will have access to approximately 150 PC and Linux workstation computers housed in six bespoke computer laboratories, all with digital projection facilities, and maintained by two technicians. These facilities were brand new, state-of-the-art hardware and furniture for the start of the calendar year 2010 in the newly refurbished Newton building.

Career opportunities

The growth of the computing has spawned a vast industry which focuses on developing computing systems and services. This has produced a demand for flexible individuals with relevant knowledge and expertise. Companies of all sorts now require professionals to plan, acquire, install, operate, manage and program computer systems. The career opportunities for graduates from this course are, therefore, very good.

For general application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Full time fees

£5200

Part-time fees

20 credits £650
40 credits £1300
60 credits £1950
80 credits £2600
100 credits £3250

MA and MSc degrees consist of 180 credits in total.

Tuition fees will be charged for the total number of credits you enrol on in each academic year. The amount you pay each year depends on the number of credits you enrol on in each year of study.

For example, if you enrol on 100 credits in year 1 and 80 credits in year 2 the fees would be calculated as follows:

2012/13: 100 credits - £3250
2013/14: 80 credits - £2600 (plus annual fee increase)

The above fees are for the academic year 2012/13. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase; therefore the cost in future years is likely to be higher the 2012/13 rates stated here.