MSc or PGDip or PGCert in Computing Science

Program Overview

The MSc in Computing Science at Oxford Brookes University specializes in technical computing areas, providing expert-level knowledge in programming, software, hardware, and networks. The program emphasizes practical projects and industry relevance, preparing graduates for careers as developers, engineers, and IT managers. It features a blend of lectures, practical sessions, and research expertise from experienced professionals. The program is accredited by the British Computer Society, ensuring a strong grounding in professional issues.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Computing Science at Oxford Brookes University is designed for those seeking to specialize in technical computing areas. It emphasizes real-world projects and industry-relevant experience. The program is ideal for individuals looking to:

• Develop specialist skills and expert-level knowledge in a range of IT areas, including programming, hardware, software, and networks.
• Acquire a professional standard in computing skills regardless of their undergraduate background.
• Gain a solid foundation for a wide range of technical careers.
• Benefit from the expertise of experienced professionals and top researchers in fields such as computer vision and system design.
The program is accredited by the British Computer Society, offering a strong grounding in professional issues relevant to IT careers.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• MSc: Consists of 6 taught modules of 20 credits each and a dissertation of 60 credits.
• PG Dip: Offers a shorter pathway, focusing on a selection of relevant taught modules.
• PG Cert: Provides a focused introduction to key computing areas, covering a reduced set of modules.

Learning and Teaching:

• Lectures: Deliver theoretical foundations.
• Practical Sessions: Enhance understanding through active involvement.
• Coursework and Projects: Form the basis of continuous assessment.
• Research Expertise: Modules are enriched by teaching staff's research expertise.
• Research Methods (20 credits):
Equips students with scholarship and research skills needed for the computing field and professional skills for a lifelong career.
• Programming and Software Tools (20 credits): Introduces problem-solving and programming in Python, covering core programming techniques essential for data science tasks.
• Principles of Data Science (20 credits): Presents an overview of core data science concepts and tools, focusing on real-life data science research questions.
Students learn to analyze and visualize large data sets using programming libraries and tools.
• Group Software Project (20 credits): Studies current practices, skills, and techniques for managing software development projects, both individually and in teams.
It combines theory with pragmatic and professional insights, covering topics like requirements engineering, project management, risk, quality assurance, usability, and HCI issues.
• Principles of Cyber Security (20 credits): Investigates ways to secure computer systems, covering technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing modern systems.
The module explores governance, management, and operational aspects of cybersecurity.
• Web Application Development (20 credits): Introduces key concepts of web development, providing students with the skills to design and build interactive websites while ensuring their security.
• MSc Dissertation in Computer Subjects (60 credits): An individual research and development project allows students to study a topic of their choice in depth, guided by a supervisor.
The work can be undertaken in collaboration with research, industrial, or commercial organizations. The dissertation is completed over the summer period.

Assessment:

• Coursework Exercises:
• Projects:
• Presentations:
• Lab Work:
• Reports:
• Examinations:

Teaching:

• The teaching approach emphasizes a blend of lectures and practical sessions, encouraging active learning.
• Faculty members bring their research expertise to the classroom, enriching the learning experience.
• Visiting lecturers from industry and research organizations provide real-world perspectives.

Careers:

• The MSc in Computing Science equips graduates for a wide range of careers in various industries.
• Common career paths include:
• Developer
• Engineer
• IT Manager
• Web Developer
• Graduates find employment in diverse organizations, including small startups, the NHS, and the public sector.
• Some individuals pursue PhD study, aiming for a career in scientific research.

Other:

• The program is housed in the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics, known for its user-inspired research with real-world applications.
• The school boasts world-leading research in areas such as model-driven system design, empirical software engineering, web technologies, cloud computing, big data, digital forensics, and computer vision.
• Staff and students collaborate on research projects supported by organizations like the EPSRC, EU, DTI, and major UK companies.
• Computing achieved an excellent assessment in REF 2014 (Research Excellence Framework).
• Students have the opportunity to get involved in research in several research groups:
• Advanced Reliable Computer Systems (ARCoS)
• Applied Software Engineering and Data Analytics (ASEDA)
• Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity group (CCC)
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Group (AIR)
• Visual Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (VAIL)

2023 / 24

• Home (UK) full time: £8,700 (Masters); £7,700 (Diploma); £4,350 (Certificate)
• Home (UK) part time: £4,350
• International full time: £17,200

2024 / 25

• Home (UK) full time: £9,150 (Masters); £8,150 (Diploma); £4,575 (Certificate)
• Home (UK) part time: £4,575
• International full time: £17,900

Payment Information:

• 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.