Program Overview

About this course

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science with a Year in Industry is designed for graduates of the highest calibre, directed at graduates with a previous Computer Science or IT degree. This programme will extend your knowledge of computer science, placing you at the cutting edge of the discipline. The wide range of options on the programme will enable you to develop expertise in computer science research while tailoring your studies to your own interests, prior to an extended industrial placement in a real-world environment.

Introduction

This programme will underpin and enhance your current knowledge and understanding; along with skills that you develop during the programme, it will provide you with a strong basis for your future career in the IT industry and towards specialisation in the field of Computer Science related research and development.

Course content

Year one of the programme is highly flexible, with one compulsory module that will develop the skills needed to conduct computer science research. You'll 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
• How maps can be visualised online

You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a group project where you can work with your peers as part of a programming team to find a solution to a practical problem.

In year two, you'll undertake an industrial project in a real-world environment as part of an extended placement opportunity. While on placement, you'll develop transferable skills and gain insight into the operations, products, practices and culture of the placement provider.

Modules

Compulsory modules include:

• Research Methods in Computer Science (COMP516) Optional modules include:
• Knowledge Representation (COMP521)
• Privacy and Security (COMP522)
• Efficient Algorithms (COMP526)
• Multi-Core and Multi-Processor Programming (COMP528)
• Geographic Data Science (ENVS563)
• Advanced Algorithmic Techniques (COMP523)
• Image Processing (ELEC319)
• Optimisation (COMP557)
• Ontologies and Semantic Web (COMP318)
• Algorithmic Game Theory (COMP559)
• Data Mining and Visualisation (COMP527)
• Information Theory and Coding (ELEC415)
• Machine Learning and Bioinspired Optimisation (COMP532)
• Multi-Agent Systems (COMP310)
• Reasoning About Action and Change (COMP525)
• Safety and Dependability (COMP524)
• Cloud Computing for E-Commerce (COMP315)
• Advanced Geovisualisation (ENVS456)
• Computational Intelligence (COMP575)
• MSc Group Project (COMP530)

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. The programme is available with or without a year in industry placement. Completing this programme without the year in industry usually takes one year when completing full-time.

Your experience

The School of Computer Science and Informatics is a Centre of Excellence for teaching and research. The latest Research Excellence Framework rated 100% of our research outputs as being world-leading or internationally excellent, the highest proportion of any Computer Science school/department in the UK.

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we're with you all the way, providing:

• Careers and employability support
• A dedicated student services team
• Confidential counselling and support
• Support for students with differing needs

Careers and employability

Graduating in Advanced Computer Science will provide you with a basis for further career development towards senior technical and managerial positions in the IT industry, and towards specialisation in the field of Computer Science-related research and development. Examples of relevant careers include:

• Database administrator
• Information systems manager
• Senior Software Engineer
• IT consultant
• Network engineer
• Systems designer

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider:

• UK fees: £14,000 (full-time), £7,000 (part-time)
• International fees: £34,000 (full-time), £17,000 (part-time)
• Year in industry fee: £2,800 (UK), £6,800 (International)
• Scholarships and bursaries available

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course:

• Postgraduate entry requirements: 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution
• International qualifications: Select your country or region to view specific entry requirements
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or equivalent

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.