Program Overview

Introduction to Advanced Computer Science MSc

The Advanced Computer Science MSc program at the University of Liverpool is designed to extend students' knowledge of computer science, placing them at the cutting edge of the discipline. The program offers a wide range of options, enabling students to develop expertise in computer science research while tailoring their studies to their own interests.

Course Content

The program is highly flexible, with one compulsory module, Research Methods in Computer Science (COMP516), which develops the skills needed to conduct computer science research. Students choose the remaining topics from a variety of optional modules, including:

• Practical algorithms and data mining techniques
• Biologically inspired optimisation
• Advanced web technologies
• Neural networks for artificial intelligence
• Technical and organisational discussions about cryptography and security
• Geographic information science and data science

Course Structure

The course is available to start in September or January. Students undertaking the September start will complete taught modules from September to May, followed by an MSc project over the summer. Those starting in January will undertake taught modules from January to May, followed by their MSc project over the summer and then a final set of modules from September to January.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

• RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP516) - 15 credits

Optional Modules for September Start

• IMAGE PROCESSING (ELEC319) - 7.5 credits
• KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION (COMP521) - 15 credits
• PRIVACY AND SECURITY (COMP522) - 15 credits
• EFFICIENT ALGORITHMS (COMP526) - 15 credits
• MULTI-CORE AND MULTI-PROCESSOR PROGRAMMING (COMP528) - 15 credits
• QUANTUM COMPUTING AND SECURITY (COMP535) - 15 credits
• OPTIMISATION (COMP557) - 15 credits
• GEOGRAPHIC DATA SCIENCE (ENVS563) - 15 credits
• INFORMATION THEORY AND CODING (ELEC415) - 7.5 credits
• MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS (COMP310) - 15 credits
• CLOUD COMPUTING FOR E-COMMERCE (COMP315) - 15 credits
• ONTOLOGIES AND SEMANTIC WEB (COMP318) - 15 credits
• ADVANCED ALGORITHMIC TECHNIQUES (COMP523) - 15 credits
• SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY (COMP524) - 15 credits
• DATA MINING AND VISUALISATION (COMP527) - 15 credits
• MSC GROUP PROJECT (COMP530) - 15 credits
• MACHINE LEARNING AND BIOINSPIRED OPTIMISATION (COMP532) - 15 credits
• ALGORITHMIC GAME THEORY (COMP559) - 15 credits
• COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE (COMP575) - 15 credits
• ADVANCED GEOVISUALISATION (ENVS456) - 15 credits

Optional Modules for January Start

• IMAGE PROCESSING (ELEC319) - 7.5 credits
• INFORMATION THEORY AND CODING (ELEC415) - 7.5 credits
• MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS (COMP310) - 15 credits
• CLOUD COMPUTING FOR E-COMMERCE (COMP315) - 15 credits
• ONTOLOGIES AND SEMANTIC WEB (COMP318) - 15 credits
• ADVANCED ALGORITHMIC TECHNIQUES (COMP523) - 15 credits
• SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY (COMP524) - 15 credits
• DATA MINING AND VISUALISATION (COMP527) - 15 credits
• MSC GROUP PROJECT (COMP530) - 15 credits
• MACHINE LEARNING AND BIOINSPIRED OPTIMISATION (COMP532) - 15 credits
• ALGORITHMIC GAME THEORY (COMP559) - 15 credits
• COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE (COMP575) - 15 credits
• ADVANCED GEOVISUALISATION (ENVS456) - 15 credits
• KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION (COMP521) - 15 credits
• EFFICIENT ALGORITHMS (COMP526) - 15 credits
• MULTI-CORE AND MULTI-PROCESSOR PROGRAMMING (COMP528) - 15 credits
• QUANTUM COMPUTING AND SECURITY (COMP535) - 15 credits
• OPTIMISATION (COMP557) - 15 credits
• GEOGRAPHIC DATA SCIENCE (ENVS563) - 15 credits

Final Project

The final project, undertaken over the summer, provides students with the opportunity to work independently, exploring a substantial problem in depth and making practical use of principles, techniques, and methodologies acquired during the program. Students will create a proposal, deliver a presentation with a Q&A, and submit a final dissertation.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching comprises formal lectures, small group tutorials, and practical sessions in computer laboratories. Students may also participate in one or more group projects. Assessment includes a combination of examinations and coursework, with examinations typically held at the end of each semester and coursework completed throughout the semester.

Liverpool Hallmarks

The University of Liverpool's distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment. This framework ensures students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens, with graduate attributes including digital fluency, confidence, and global citizenship.

Course Options

The program offers a Year in Industry option, which provides students with in-depth workplace experience, allowing them to develop skills and apply learning. This option is available for students starting in September and typically lasts for 30 weeks.

Careers and Employability

Graduating in Advanced Computer Science provides a basis for further career development towards senior technical and managerial positions in the IT industry and towards specialisation in Computer Science-related research and development. The program also offers a strong foundation for potential PhD research. Career support is available from day one to graduation and beyond, including career planning, networking events, and employability programs.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program are as follows:

• UK fees: Ł14,000 per year (full-time)
• International fees: Ł34,000 per year (full-time)

The University of Liverpool offers various scholarships and bursaries to help with tuition and living expenses, including the Graduate Loyalty Scholarship, The Salters' Fellowship, Bracken Scholarship, John Lennon Memorial Scholarship, and Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary.

Entry Requirements

To apply for the Advanced Computer Science MSc program, students must meet the following requirements:

• A 2:2 honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution in computer science or a closely related subject.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or equivalent qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete a Pre-Sessional English course to achieve the required level.