Advanced Computer Science – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The portfolio of taught MSc programmes offers extensive choice and flexibility in entry routes, content and format.

Types of programme
The most appropriate type of programme will depend largely on your original degree subject:

* Computing and related disciplines – consider the Advanced Master's or IT and Business Master's programmes.
* Other disciplines but with a sound working knowledge of IT (perhaps gained through personal interest or work experience) – consider the IT and Business Master's or Conversion Master's programmes.
* No prior knowledge of computer science – consider the Conversion Master's programme.

Formats and attendance
Each of the programmes is available in a number of formats:

* Without an industrial placement – one year full-time or three years part-time
* With an industrial placement – 14-24 months full-time
* International Master's without an industrial placement – two years full-time
* International Master's with an industrial placement – 26-36 months full-time.

Industrial placements
Each programme may optionally include an industrial placement of between eight and 50 weeks. The timing and duration of the placements depend on the particular employer. We have a dedicated team to help organise this.

International Master's
The International Master's courses are equivalent to a Pre-Master's Graduate Diploma, followed by a one-year MSc programme with an optional industrial placement. They are aimed at international students with undergraduate degrees from institutions that do not award the equivalent of UK honours degrees and who prefer (or whose financial sponsors require) enrolment on a single MSc programme..

Part-time study
Applications for part-time study are considered on an individual basis. Admission will depend on whether the student's availability is compatible with the timetable. Note that International Master's programmes and programmes involving an industrial placement are only available on a full-time basis.

Java programming
All courses include at least one module on Java programming. Students with substantial prior experience of programming take a single module on Advanced Java for Programmers. Others take an introductory module followed by a more advanced one (depending on their Master's course).

Optional modules
All programmes allow students to choose one or more modules from a wide variety of options. The number and selection of options depend on the particular programme. The options available may vary from year to year and are subject to timetabling and prerequisite constraints.

Advanced English language module
An Advanced English module is available to all overseas students who are not native speakers. This provides support throughout the taught programme and develops key communication skills, such as technical writing and presentations.

Course content
* Either Advanced Java for Programmers or Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming, plus Advanced Object-Oriented Programming
* Project research
* Project and dissertation.

You also choose five or six modules from a wide variety drawn from the Advanced Master's programmes in Computational Intelligence, Advanced Software Development, Multi-core Systems Programming, Networks, Computer Security and Future Computing. Selected modules from the IT and Business Master's programmes are also available as options. See the sections on those other programmes for further details.

Assessment
Assessment is through a mixture of written examinations and coursework, the relative weights of which vary according to the nature of the module. The final project is assessed by a dissertation.