Computer Science MSc

Program Overview

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Course overview

This course aims to equip you with the skills needed to drive innovations in fields like weather prediction, financial forecasting, medical diagnostics and customer behaviour analysis.

Master core concepts

Gain a deep understanding of essential computing principles, applications and technologies

Explore fascinating fields

Master practical skills and theoretical knowledge in artificial intelligence, cyber security, data science, and parallel and distributed computing, and learn how these areas continue to drive major developments and innovations in the domain of computer science

Engage in vocationally driven study

Course content is informed by professional practice and the needs of industry with a focus on your employability

Hone your skills

Specialise in cutting-edge fields like machine learning, big data, cloud computing, or high-performance computing

What you'll study

Essential theoretical foundations are balanced with practical, hands-on experience through projects, research and industry advisory inputs, aiming to equip you with the latest skills to pursue a career in technology leadership, research, and development across diverse industries

Modules

• Advanced Programming – 30 credits
  • Develop advanced programming skills essential for modern industrial and real-world computing applications
  • Critically examine key applications and approaches
  • Explore different programming paradigms and approaches, including their applications, and learn to critically evaluate the best choice for a given application space
  • Cover languages such as Python, C++, Haskell, Prolog, Z3, or similar
• Advanced Software Development – 30 credits
  • Learn and apply advanced software development techniques informed by leading industrial practices
  • Gain practical experience in applying these techniques to develop complex, high-performance, and scalable software systems, adhering to professional standards
  • This module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
• Secure Computing Systems – 30 credits
  • Build your cyber security skills by focusing on network security, cryptography, and threat intelligence for both networks and the cloud
  • Learn to spot vulnerabilities, apply strong security measures and handle threats in different environments
  • Gain a critical understanding of legal, ethical and professional issues while evaluating new and emerging advancements in network security
• Machine Learning and Big Data – 30 credits
  • Explore how machine learning is used in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, bioinformatics, image recognition and natural language processing
  • Develop skills to address real-world challenges involving big data
  • Learn about various machine learning models, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning and neural networks
• Master’s with professional placement
  • Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement
  • The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester
  • Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process
  • Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course
  • The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes
• Individual Research Project – 60 credits
  • Develop essential components of research from conceptualisation to dissemination
  • Learn about different research designs, data collection methods, and analysis techniques while learning the importance of ethical research practices and effective time management
  • Produce a substantial piece of original work

How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• presentations
• group projects
• workshops
• practical laboratory sessions

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

• reports
• tests
• essays
• coursework
• assignments
• group work
• presentations

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• UK
• International

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a computational discipline.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Fees and funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £11,200 per year
£1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year | Not available
EU | £11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary**
£1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary** | Not available
International | £18,600 per year
£1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year | Not available

Facilities

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you may choose to pursue a career as:

• Software Developer (App/web developer, embedded software developer / Internet of Things developer, cloud developer)
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Cloud Solutions Architect
• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Machine Learning Specialist
• AI developer or specialist
• Software Engineer

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced expertise across a range of programming paradigms and computing resources including parallel and distributed computing
• develop and understand algorithms to solve problems; identify algorithmic complexity; deploy a range of approaches to solving computationally hard problems
• understand key issues on cybersecurity, engage in ethical hacking, ensure software security across a range of platforms according to standards
• show proficiency in data science techniques and advanced AI and machine learning approaches to interrogating data
• create advanced software according to contemporary industrial practice and standards, involving teamwork, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership
• become intellectually independent, develop and apply critical skills, identify research and innovation opportunities, motivate, develop and demonstrate solutions
• be familiar with professional practice, and act ethically, responsibly and sustainably
• demonstrate skills in strategic management and leadership practice

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

• Infinitive
• Unity
• Next
• Loycol
• Booker Group
• Morse Micro
• Wordplay

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

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Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Objective:

• To equip students with advanced expertise and knowledge in IT-related fields, focusing on the underlying theories of computer science and their practical applications.
• To prepare graduates for careers as computer system designers, programmers, consultants, or researchers.

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Description:

• The MSc in Computer Science delves into the core technical knowledge and skills needed to build computer systems with emerging platforms, protocols, industry-recognised best practices, and standards.
• The program emphasizes key technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and their application in big data, web-based, and mobile applications.
• Students develop hands-on experience through various projects, including a software development project in a team environment and an in-depth individual project.
• The program aims to equip students with the ability to analyze and solve complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues found in various organizations and professional contexts.
• The content of the program acknowledges the global nature of computer science and promotes the use of emerging technologies and tools in a global context.
## Outline:

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Years of Entry:

2023-24, 2024-25

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Study Modes:

Full-time, Part-time, Sandwich

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Duration:

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2-3 years
• Sandwich: 2 years

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Course Code:

EECT043

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Start Dates:

September 2024, May 2025

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Modules:

• Computer Architecture and System Programming (15 credits): Focuses on the structure, organization, and operation of computer systems and their underlying technologies.
• Artificial Neural Networks (15 credits): Introduces the concepts of neural networks and their applications in real-world problem-solving.
Covers architectures, learning approaches, data preparation, and applications.
• Web Applications and AI (15 credits): Extends object-oriented programming and web technologies to the development of modern web applications with an emphasis on integrating server-side programming with AI tools and techniques.
• Machine Learning and Big Data (15 credits): Explores the fields of big data and machine learning, with a focus on applying various machine learning techniques to extract valuable information and aid in decision-making processes.
• Security of Emerging Connected Systems (15 credits): Provides an understanding of information security concepts and their application in the context of Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Device (MD) technologies.
Investigates security policies, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
• Mobile Platforms and Application Development (15 credits): Discusses the features and benefits of developing native and cross-platform mobile apps, including hybrid and rapid development approaches.
Focuses on building applications that can run on multiple operating systems.
• Software Development Project (30 credits): Students work in teams to develop a software project, strengthening their professional skills in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, communication, analysis, and project management.
• Computing Individual Research Project (60 credits): Students conduct in-depth research on a chosen topic or industry requirement, culminating in a project that demonstrates their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the program.

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With Work Placement Pathway:

• Optional opportunity to apply for a work placement in semesters 3, 4, and 5, extending the program duration to 24 months.
• Work placement aims to enhance employability by providing experience in the chosen field.
• Additional tuition fee of £4,000 applies to the work placement option.
## Assessment:
• Methods may include:
• Phase tests
• Essays
• Group work
• Presentations
• Reports
• Projects
• Coursework
• Individual assignments
• Each module may employ different assessment methods.
## Teaching:
• Teaching methods may include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Workshops
• Practical laboratory sessions
• Online technologies and methods
• Contact hours:
• Full-time: Approximately 12 contact hours per week during taught semesters, with self-study approximately 36 hours per week.
• Part-time: Contact hours vary depending on the modules and semester.
• MSc project-based semester: Approximately 1-2 hours of supervisor meetings per week, with self-study approximately 45 hours per week.
• Faculty: Experienced and qualified lecturers with expertise in the field of computer science.
## Careers:
• Potential career paths include:
• IT consultant
• System designer
• Programmer
• Graduates may find employment in various sectors, including:
• Business
• Health
• Education
• Finance
• Manufacturing
## Other:
• The program emphasizes the importance of developing both technical and professional skills.
• The content of the program is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current and relevant.
• The program utilizes modern facilities and industry-standard software packages.
• The program aims to equip graduates with the ability to critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK, Ireland , Channel Islands or Isle of Man
£11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year Request fee information
• EU
£11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU support bursary
• £20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU support bursary
Not available
• International
£20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year Not available