Computer Science, Postgraduate Taught - MSc - 2022/23 entry

The course has been designed to provide the students with practical experience with models, techniques and tools from the forefront of the discipline that drive innovation in the design of software-based systems within this domain. The key topics taught on the course include object oriented programming (using the programming language in demand in the industry), interaction design (techniques for user-centred design), semantic web (next generation of the Web), web application development and big data management (big data management techniques through practice based activities associated with real world issues). The students will also learn the key skills of research, academic writing and project management required for study at masters level. These skills are further developed and placed in the context of the dissertation.

The philosophy of the course is to promote lifelong self-learning by providing a curriculum that promotes a variety of approaches to study. The curriculum is designed to develop not only the academic knowledge, but also the engineering ethos and practical skills required by the modern Computer Science professional. On the programme, academic members of staff within the School of Computing and Digital Technology will teach topics and supervise projects according to their personal research interests. This gives students a cutting-edge experience, one that opens up new opportunities for career advancement in industry. For students who show aptitude for research, there is also the possibility of continuing their studies on a PhD programme.

The development of transferable skills is core to the learning strategy of the programme and is incorporated into work units and assessments: for example; team-working skills are fostered through the use of group, task-based practical projects. Keeping lab-books and submitting self-assessment documentation in support of personal performance fosters self-management and personal development. Learners are required to meet strict deadlines, which encourages them to plan their overall workload and develop time management skills.

The course structure and its content have been developed by taking into account input from various sources, including the curriculum philosophy of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment, suggestions from industrial partners, feedback from current students, QAA benchmark statements, British Computer Society (BCS) requirements for accreditation, and the Computer Science curriculum guidelines released by The Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula comprising the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society.

Bachelor Degree from a recognised university with a minimum grade of 60% / Good / 2.5 / C+

Even though you may have met the stated requirements, if your first language is not English, we may ask you to take an additional English Language Test when you arrive.

Based on the results of the test, you may be required to attend regular English classes to improve your level of competence. English classes are provided free of charge and are available to all non-UK students who wish to attain greater fluency in English.

Enhancing your employability skills

We know that employers are looking for graduates who have a good balance between in-depth academic knowledge and technical and practical expertise, which is why our course is geared towards employability.

What you learn on our course will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role. Because you will know how to use sophisticated, industry-standard software, you will be able to demonstrate that you can put into practice your deep theoretical knowledge.

We will also prepare you for a career by equipping you with a range of transferable skills, such as complex problem-solving expertise, the ability to analyse in a careful and considered manner, and working as a team member. We aim to have you employer-ready by the time you graduate and, as part of your Advanced Computer Science course, we will invite guest speakers to underpin the subjects taught.

Thanks to our excellent partnerships and working relationships with some of the UK’s leading companies, you have the chance to network with leading organisations such as IBM, Dignity plc, Mortgage Brain and Griffiths Waite. In addition, our specialist industry links with the Linux Professional Institute, the Oracle Academy, Cisco, and Microsoft, plus our world-class facilities, will mark you out as a highly employable graduate.

This is why our graduates have gone on to pursue computing and software development and designer careers in a wide range of industries, from SME software companies, to industry, government, banking and healthcare. Furthermore, many graduates continue their studies to Doctorate level.