MSc in Advanced Computer Science draft

Program Overview

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science at Oxford Brookes University is a one-year (full-time) postgraduate program designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in computer science, including cybersecurity, machine learning, and software development. The program emphasizes research and practical experience through projects and collaborations with researchers and industry professionals, preparing graduates for specialized roles in various industries, including software development, project management, and data analysis.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science at Oxford Brookes University is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in computer science. The program covers a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, networking, machine learning, data mining, and software development. The program's objective is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the computer science field, and to conduct research. The program also offers opportunities for students to collaborate with researchers and industry professionals, and to gain practical experience through real-world projects.

Outline:

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is a full-time program that can be completed in one year (September start) or 1.5 years (January start). Part-time options are also available. The program is divided into several modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Methods (20 credits):
This module equips students with the tools necessary for the scholarship and research skills needed for the computing field, as well as equipping students with the professional skills and outlook needed for a lifelong career in the computer industry.
• Principles of Cybersecurity (20 credits): This module studies the ways that computer systems can be secured, considering both the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing modern networked computer systems.
Topics covered include the governance, management, and operational aspects of cybersecurity.
• Group Software Project (20 credits): This module teaches current practices, skills, and techniques for managing software development in a team setting.
Real case scenarios are used to underpin learning, and the module considers requirements engineering, project management, risk, quality assurance, usability, and HCI issues.
• Secure Networking (20 credits): This module teaches the principles and practice of setting up enterprise networks protected through standard security mechanisms.
Students develop the ability to understand standard security vulnerabilities in networked systems and apply security mechanisms to harden the enterprise network.
• Machine Learning and Data Mining (20 credits): This module introduces students to the fields of machine learning and data mining.
It covers key current technologies in these areas, illustrates how these technologies are being used to revolutionize business, and exposes students to current research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
• Secure Programming (20 credits): This module focuses on the analysis, design, and implementation of secure software.
It considers what software engineering principles can and should be used to help ensure the security of software in a range of environments. Students learn about common classes of vulnerability at design and implementation stages and how they can be defended and mitigated against.
• Final Project:
• MSc Dissertation in Computer Subjects (60 credits):
This is an individual research and development project that allows students to study a topic of their choice in depth, guided by their supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial, or commercial organization. Students undertake their dissertation over the summer period.

Assessment:

Students are assessed throughout the course through coursework and projects.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of lectures and practical sessions. Teaching staff bring their research expertise to the modules, and visiting lecturers from research organizations and industry are also invited.

Careers:

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science opens the door to specialized roles across various industries. Many alumni hold job titles such as:

• Software Developer
• Project Manager
• Data Analyst
• Product Engineer
• IT Manager
The program provides opportunities to attend guest talks, build connections with industry professionals, and gain experience through research collaborations.

Other:

• Research: The university has active research groups in areas from cybersecurity and augmented reality to visual and ethical AI, offering opportunities for postgraduate students.
• Facilities: The program is housed in brand new custom-designed buildings at the Headington site, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a VR cave, digital, computing and robotics labs, as well as social learning spaces, teaching rooms, and café space.

Home (UK) full time

£8,700 (Masters); £7,700 (Diploma); £4,350 (Certificate)

Home (UK) part time

£4,350

International full time

£17,200

Home (UK) full time

£10,700 (Masters); £9,700 (Diploma); £5,350 (Certificate)

Home (UK) part time

£5,350

International full time

£17,900 Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year. The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.