Program Overview

MSc Advanced Computer Science

The MSc Advanced Computer Science program at the University of Strathclyde is designed for graduates with a degree in computer science or a related discipline, with significant programming experience. The program offers a broad range of optional modules to match students' interests and career aspirations.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
• Research project: Opportunity to undertake a research project with one of the university's external partners

Why this Course?

Computer science supports the build, development, and use of computer systems. Systems development is of crucial importance in many areas of modern life. As new technologies continue to emerge, there's a growing worldwide need for skilled, expert computer science professionals.

Course Content

The program includes a small number of compulsory modules, supplemented by a wide variety of optional modules. Students can choose from this range of optional modules to tailor their own program of advanced study to meet their academic interests and career aspirations.

Compulsory Modules

• Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues for the Information Society (10 credits)
• Research Methods (10 credits)

Elective Modules

• Concepts & Theories of Sustainability (10 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Software Engineering (20 credits)
• Designing Usable Systems (20 credits)
• Advanced Information Retrieval (20 credits)
• Deep Learning Theory and Practice (20 credits)
• Big Data Technologies (20 credits)
• Software Architecture & Design (20 credits)
• Mobile Software & Applications (20 credits)
• Distributed Information Systems (20 credits)
• Machine Learning for Data Analytics (20 credits)
• Business Analysis (10 credits)
• Game Theory and Multi-Agent Systems (10 credits)
• Evolutionary Computing for Finance (20 credits)
• Human Centred Security (20 credits)

Learning & Teaching

The teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and combinations of individual and group work. These will not only develop expertise in computer science but also in communication, team-working, and analytical skills.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of individual work, group work, exams, and practical work in laboratories. Around half the classes are assessed entirely by coursework, the others are a combination of coursework and examination.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum second-class (2:2) honors degree or international equivalent in computer science or a closely related discipline
• Significant programming experience, preferably in Java or another object-oriented language

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £11,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £30,250

Careers

There will be opportunities for students to meet industry employers and take part in recruitment events, in addition to taking advantage of a wealth of support offered by the university's careers service. Graduates could progress to be analysts, architects, or developers, with a demand for advanced practitioners and researchers in the growing area of embedded systems development. Potential earnings for graduates include:

• Systems Analyst: Junior analysts can expect to earn between £20,000 and £25,000, while more experienced analysts earn, on average, in excess of £40,000.
• Applications Developer: Graduate salaries for applications developers start at around £25,000. Once established, you can expect to earn £35,000 to £40,000. As a senior applications developer, your salary will be in the region of £45,000 to £70,000.
• Machine Learning Engineer: As a graduate starting out in your career, you can expect a salary of around £35,000. The average salary for a machine learning engineer in the UK is £52,000. This can rise to as much as £170,000 if you work for a large multinational company like Google or Facebook.
• Data Scientist: Salaries for junior data scientists tend to start at around £25,000 to £30,000, rising to £40,000 depending on your experience. With a few years' experience, you can expect to earn between £40,000 and £60,000. Lead and chief data scientists can earn upwards of £60,000, in some cases reaching more than £100,000.
• Software Engineer: Typical graduate software engineer salaries start from £18,000 a year. The average annual salary for a software engineer is between £25,000 and £50,000. At senior or management level, software engineers can earn £45,000 to £70,000 or more per annum. Bonus schemes may be available.