Computing, MA

Program Overview

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Computing, MA

Introduction

Are you excited by the possibilities of quantum computing, blockchain, encryption, data science, machine learning and other emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT?

A degree in Computing offers excellent career prospects across a wide variety of exciting sectors from e-commerce and fintech to healthcare and telecommunications.

This MA Computing degree covers the same core computing courses as taken in the BSc Computing Science degree programme. You will also have the option to follow a range of arts-based courses.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: G402
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Computing at Aberdeen encompasses both the theory and the practice of computing with particular emphasis on developing your technical analysis, design and programming skills. You will study topics including software programming, databases and data management, computer systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security and learn to apply your programming and creative problem-solving skills to a wide variety of commercial, scientific and socio-economic contexts.

Our teaching reflects how advances in computing are constantly transforming how we live, learn, work and socialise – from how we detect and treat disease or analyse business, scientific or social data to how we make online shopping easier and more secure.

You will be taught by leading researchers whose work in multi-agent systems, natural language generation, machine learning and blockchain underpins what you will learn in your lectures.

Our teaching is also heavily informed by our strong links with industry organisations, who support our students through guest lectures and seminars as well as prizes (including for example Amazon, CGI and ScotlandIS). You can also undertake a placement during your studies, which is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand professional experience.

BSc Computer Science or MA Computing?

Both the BSc Computer Science and MA Computing contain the same core computing courses. BSc Computing Science students have the option to take further science-related courses as part of their degree while MA Computing students have the option to take other arts-based courses.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

A degree in Computing is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Programming 1 (CS1032)
  • Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (CS1029)
  • Web Development (CS1534)
  • Object - Oriented Programming (CS1527)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Software Programming (CS2020)
  • Databases and Data Management (CS2019)
  • Human - Computer Interaction (CS2506)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • CS3518 Languages and Computability
  • Artificial Intelligence (CS3033)
  • Operating Systems (CS3026)
  • Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)
  • Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)
  • Distributed Systems and Security (CS3524)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 30 credits from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Research Methods (CS4040)
  • Security (CS4028)
  • Single Honours Computing Project (CS4527)
• Optional Courses: Select 45 credit points from courses of choice.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Computing?

• Flexible degrees available, including; Single/Joint Honours BSc, MA or MSci degrees.
• Extra-curricular activities - Studying Computing is not just about programming. We run a variety of social and professional events regularly including; ACM programming Contest, Code The City and Global Service Jam.
• We send newsletters to keep you updated with exciting computing science opportunities such as networking events, career fairs, internships, placements and graduate jobs.
• The department also works closely with the Careers and Employability Service to support you with one-on-one mock interviews, CV planning, and more. We also help to organise sector career fairs in technology, business, finance, and other related areas where you get to interact directly with the employers.
• The Aberdeen University Artificial Intelligence Society and the Aberdeen University Computing Society provide a forum for students to share their interest and expertise in computing through workshops, guest talks, coding challenges and social events
• Students can also undertake industry placement during their studies, which is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand professional experience.
• The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house that enables students gain experience working on larger software projects for external clients.
• Some of the organisations that our graduates have gone to work for in recent years include Google, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Danske Bank, Disney Pixar, Morgan Stanley, Huawei, JPMorgan Chase, GE Digital and Allianz Insurance.
• The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

Our degrees develop an ability to understand new and complex computer systems and to communicate this to others. Our graduates can choose from a variety of employment opportunities in industry, commerce or research. Some of the organisations which employ our recent computing graduates include: Amazon, IBM, BP, Conoco, Hewlett Packard, EDS, Logica CMG, SAIC, British Telecom, QinetiQ, Microsoft, Prudential, the Health Service, and Local Councils.

Employment prospects for our graduates are excellent and, furthermore, the entrepreneurial spirit of some of our graduates has led them to establishing successful companies.

Career Opportunities

• Business Relationship Manager
• Cloud Engineer
• IT Analyst
• Junior Software Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Project Manager
• Software Developer
• Technical Support Agent

Facilities

• Aberdeen Software Factory: The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house. Students can gain experience working on larger software projects and benefit from work experience, while clients will benefit from a flexible, cost effective solution to suit their needs.
• Computing Placements: Placements are encouraged and available within a range of computing firms - summer months, between second and third year, or between third and fourth year.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview

The MA Computing degree is a four-year program designed to equip students with the technical analysis, design, and programming skills necessary for a successful career in computing. This program emphasizes both the theoretical and practical aspects of computing while exploring various emerging technologies such as quantum computing, blockchain, encryption, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. The MA Computing degree covers the same core computing courses as the BSc Computing Science program. However, MA Computing students have the option to explore arts-based courses, offering a broader educational experience.

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Objectives

The objectives of the MA Computing program are:

• To develop advanced technical skills in programming, software development, and data analysis.
• To introduce emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and blockchain.
• To foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• To equip students for a range of career opportunities in computing and related fields.

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Program Description

The MA Computing degree is a four-year program divided into eight semesters, each covering different modules. The first year focuses on foundational computing concepts and programming skills, while subsequent years delve into more specialized areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

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Program Structure

The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of computing, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and hands-on learning. Students engage in various activities such as individual and group projects, lectures, tutorials, research, and practical assessments. The MA program offers flexibility, allowing students to personalize their learning experience by choosing optional courses from a wide range of disciplines outside the core computing curriculum.

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Course Schedule and Individual Modules

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Year 1

• Semester 1
• Object - Oriented Programming
• Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing
• Programming 1
• Computer Systems and Architecture
• Semester 2
• Object - Oriented Programming
• Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing
• Programming 1
• Computer Systems and Architecture

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Year 2

• Semester 1
• Human - Computer Interaction
• Mathematics for Computing Science
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Databases and Data Management
• Semester 2
• Human - Computer Interaction
• Mathematics for Computing Science
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Software Programming

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Year 3

• Semester 1
• Operating Systems
• Principles of Software Engineering
• Languages and Computability
• Semester 2
• Software Engineering and Professional Practice
• Artificial Intelligence
• Distributed Systems

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Year 4

• Semester 1
• Research Methods
• Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining
• Semester 2
• Security

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Assessment:

The MA program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate students' learning outcomes, including:

• Coursework: essays, reports, and other written assignments.
• Practical assessments: demonstration of skills and competencies acquired during the course.
• Written examinations: testing knowledge and understanding of core concepts.
The specific mix of assessments varies depending on the module and year of study.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods

The program utilizes various teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. These methods include:

• Lectures: delivering theoretical knowledge and introducing key concepts.
• Tutorials: providing guidance and support for students to practice and consolidate learning.
• Individual and Group Projects: encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Research: fostering critical thinking, independent learning, and the ability to conduct and analyze research in the field of computing.

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Faculty

The MA Computing program is taught by leading researchers and experienced academics in the field of computer science and related disciplines.

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Other:

• The University of Aberdeen is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds.
• The MA Computing program prepares students for a wide range of career paths in the computing industry, including:
> Software developer > Data analyst > Systems analyst > Cybersecurity analyst > Artificial intelligence engineer > Research scientist

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Fee category

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RUK | £9,250 EU / International students | £20,800 Home Students | £1,820