Computing Science with Industrial Placement

Program Overview

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Computing Science with Industrial Placement, MSci

Introduction

The 5-year MSci is an integrated Master's programme that adds a year-long placement in industry to the 4-year BSc Computing Science degree.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSci
• Duration: 60 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: G401

Are you excited by the possibilities of quantum computing, blockchain, encryption, data science, machine learning and other emerging AI technologies that have been making headlines recently, such as ChatGPT?

Computing Science 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, AI and cyber security and learn to apply your technical and creative problem 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).

Industry Placement

Students can spend a year on industrial placement during their studies of Computing Science. It is an excellent opportunity for students to gain first-hand professional experience of working in industry. A year of industrial placement can be taken either between the third and fourth year of studies or after the fourth year.

Students who successfully complete a CS50IP-style placement, and otherwise fulfil the requirements for an honours degree, will be awarded an MSci degree "with industrial placement" to acknowledge the fact that these degrees take five years.

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

Year 1

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

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Software Programming (CS2020)
  • Human - Computer Interaction (CS2506)
  • Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)
• Optional Courses:
  • Progression from First Year Only:
    • Databases and Data Management (CS2019)
  • Direct Entrant Only:
    • Computer Systems and Architecture (CS1533)
  • Plus, select a further 45 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)
  • Distributed Systems and Security (CS3524)
  • Enterprise Computing and Business (CS3525)
  • Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Business and Industrial Applications of IT (CS50IP)

Year 5

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Research Methods (CS4040)
  • Security (CS4028)
  • Single Honours Computing Project (CS4527)
• Optional Courses: Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

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; and
• 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 Science?

• The MSci is an integrated Master's programme that adds a year-long placement in industry to the degree.
• 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
• The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house that enables students gain experience working on larger software projects for external clients. Other extra-curricular activities include ACM programming Contest, Code The City and Global Service Jam.
• We keep you updated with exciting computing science opportunities such as networking events, career fairs, internships, placements and graduate jobs
• We work closely with the Careers and Employability Service to support you with one-on-one mock interviews, CV planning, and more.
• We also help organise sector career fairs in technology, business, finance, and other related areas where you get the opportunity to interact directly with the employers.
• Some of the organisations that our graduates have gone to work for in recent years include Google, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Danske Bank, Dell, Disney Pixar, Morgan Stanley, Huawei, JPMorgan Chase, GE Digital and Allianz Insurance.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA: Applicants who achieve AAAB or better over S4 and S5 are likely to be made an offer of admission. This may be unconditional or it may be conditional, dependent upon academic profile. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers may be required.
• A Level: A minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB.
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 34 points. 6 points at HL from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

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: £24,800
• 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

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Our Experts

Find out about the experts you will be taught by.

Features

Year-long placement

As part of the degree, students undertake a year-long placement in industry.

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.

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• MA Business Management and Information Systems
• MA Computing
• BSc Computing Science
• MEng Computing Science (5 years)
• BSc Computing Science and Mathematics
• BSc Computing Science and Physics
• MSci Computing Science with Industrial Placement
• MA Computing and Music

Discover Uni

Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.

• 70% of students were satisfied overall with their course.
• 80% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 75% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

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Program Outline

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Outline:

The MSci Computing Science with Industrial Placement is a 5-year integrated Master's program. The program integrates a year-long industrial placement within the 4-year BSc Computing Science degree.

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Year 1:

• Focus on fundamental programming skills and concepts.

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Year 2:

• Builds upon foundational knowledge and introduces advanced programming techniques.
• Courses include: Software Programming, Human - Computer Interaction, Algorithms and Data Structures, and elective courses.

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Year 3:

• Introduces core concepts in artificial intelligence, operating systems, software engineering, and distributed systems.
• Courses include: Artificial Intelligence, Operating Systems, Principles of Software Engineering, Distributed Systems and Security, Enterprise Computing and Business, Software Engineering and Professional Practice, and elective courses.

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Year 4:

• Students undertake a year-long industrial placement in a relevant industry.
• Upon successful completion, the program title changes to "with Industrial Placement."
• Course: Business and Industrial Applications of IT.

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Year 5:

• Focus on research and advanced computing topics.
• Courses include: Research Methods, Security, Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining, and Single Honours Computing Project.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, research, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and individual and group projects.
• The program is taught by leading researchers whose work underpins the curriculum.
• Strong industry links provide guest lectures, seminars, and prizes.

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Careers:

• Graduates have been employed by companies like Google, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Danske Bank, Dell, Disney Pixar, Morgan Stanley, Huawei, JPMorgan Chase, GE Digital, and Allianz Insurance.
• The program equips students for careers in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more.

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Other:

• The program provides opportunities to interact with employers through networking events, career fairs, internships, placements, and graduate jobs.
• The Careers and Employability Service offers mock interviews, CV planning, and support with job applications.
• Students can participate in extracurricular activities such as the Aberdeen University Artificial Intelligence Society, the Aberdeen University Computing Society, and the Aberdeen Software Factory.

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RUK:

£9,250

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EU / International students:

£24,800

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Home Students:

£1,820