Computer Science with Integrated Master's - MCOMP
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-26 | 2023-06-01 |
| 2024-01-23 | 2023-10-16 |
Program Overview
Course overview
Computer systems are vital to business, government, science and society, and there is much demand for graduates with the professional understanding and practical skills to harness software and hardware technologies to tackle real-world problems.
Our Integrated Master's explores the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline and places an emphasis on developing advanced skills in research, practical computer programming and software development in your fourth year of study, to enable you to start your career in a sector in constant evolution.
Course structure
In your first year you will explore the fundamental concepts and techniques for object-oriented programming. Our initial modules are designed to bring everyone up to speed, regardless of the starting level of coding experience, and to provide a gentle introduction to the skills required for effective academic study. You will then move on to learn advanced programming concepts that can be applied in areas such as games programming, mobile app and web development, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security.
You will also explore the human aspect of Computer Science, thanks to the focus on user interaction and user interface design, software engineering methodologies (SCRUM, Agile) and cutting edge research in AI and machine learning. In your third year of study, you will have the opportunity to further specialise in advanced topics such as games computing, AI and software engineering project management. You will also hone your research skills by working on a third year project - where you can unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies. In your final year, you will explore master's level, research-led topics such as Cloud computing, that will enable you to gain the specialist knowledge to pursue a career or research in your chosen field.
You will also complete a substantial research project. This will allow you to integrate and apply your theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to an identified design and implementation need and/or an advanced research problem within the discipline. To equip you with the skills needed for your final year project, you will learn how to develop a novel research idea and plan for a research proposal in addition to exploring advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques - to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data.
Gain experience in industry
From a year working in industry to paid internships, summer research projects and practical modules, there are many opportunities embedded throughout the curriculum to develop and enhance your practical skills. Paid or voluntary experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field.
Study abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It demonstrates your ability to embrace new experiences and enables you to immerse yourself in another culture whilst developing your independence and cultural awareness. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
Support
We offer a robust multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. You will benefit from the guidance of an academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with your lecturers directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback, or discuss any matters relating to your studies on a regular basis. In addition to this, experienced students and doctoral researchers usually run help-desk sessions to help with the use and configuration of software especially when exam and coursework deadlines get closer.
Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to Computer Science is a great opportunity to continue to develop your computing, web design or multimedia skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends and share interests with fellow students. You may choose to participate in exciting hackathons and competitive programming challenges in the student-led HACK Keele Society, join the talks and activities organised by the Keele BCS Student Chapter or engage in competitive gaming with the Keele Esports Society.
Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Keele University strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for all. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core values underpinning the University’s mission to making a difference in society by providing innovative, high-quality education for students from all backgrounds and by undertaking world-leading research that transforms understanding and brings benefit to society, communities and individuals.
As a School, we embrace this approach and will actively aim to ensure that all our activities will be organised so that everyone is made to feel safe and welcome, and that diversity is encouraged. We believe that this attitude is vital to help everyone flourish and feel valued for who they are. To achieve this, we promote fair treatment for all, irrespective of gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, relationship status, caring responsibilities, race, religion or belief. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and we are proud to hold a school-level Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition for our activities in this area.
Program Outline
Modules
Modules for Computer Science (MCOMP)
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
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Foundation year
Foundation year content based on prop being passed to component
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Year one modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Year two modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Year three modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Year four modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Your future career
95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)
Computer science careers have seen a huge rise over the last ten years and are expected to grow substantially for the foreseeable future. As an MComp graduate you will have knowledge of advanced areas that may also lead to more specialist careers or further research study.
Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do include:
Please note you may need to take further postgraduate study to enter some of the professions listed above.
Keele Careers and Employability team
Our Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Interactive learning
We embrace a modern approach to learning that includes a balanced mixture of immersive lectures and lab-based sessions. Each taught module will include traditional lectures with all support material provided via our virtual learning environment and our labs are also offer remote accessibility. Learning and teaching methods used on the programme vary according to the subject matter and level of the module.
Teaching methods include:
Assessments
Assessments are formulated to represent real world use cases and problems and to challenge your knowledge of the subject matters in realistic scenarios. Teaching staff pay particular attention to specifying clear assessment criteria and providing timely, regular and constructive feedback.
Assessment methods include: