MSc Computing

Overview

The MSc Computing is suitable for those who have little or no computing experience or those who have some computing but wish to pursue a very practical hands-on approach at masters level.

With a strong emphasis on practical skills, this MSc will prepare you for a career in the computing industry. You will learn fundamental computing concepts, programming, web development, database design and team working.

The course starts in both September and January.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

• 1 year

Start date:

• June
• January
• September

Course details

This course is designed to prepare you for direct entry into the workplace with a solid understanding of how information systems operate in their many different forms.

Modules

• Software Development 1
• Software Development 2
• Web Design and Development
• Programming for the Web
• Computer Systems
• Database Systems
• Group Project

How you’ll be taught

This course is studied full-time over three trimesters. It requires an intensive period of study, involving lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. While classes for each module may account for only three or four hours a week, you'll be expected to commit at least 13 hours per week per module.

Facilities

Depending on chosen modules, our specialist labs may include:

• The Sensorium - A forward-looking User Experience (UX) Evaluation Lab utilising the next generation of real time human behaviour insight technology
• SOCLAB - Virtual Security Operations Centre
• Swarm Robotics - A custom-designed robot arena and laboratory
• Lions Gate - A locus of interdisciplinary research focusing on sustainability, digital interaction, health and well-being.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Computing?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above, or equivalent. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
• Overseas and EU: £20,395

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Computing degree?

Thanks to its content, and the high demand for well-qualified graduates in computing, this course can open doors to a wide range of careers. You can take advantage of the increased opportunities for advancement that your new skills offer. You could pursue a new role in your specialist area, or take on research, education, or start up a new business.

• Business analyst
• Computer software engineer
• Data analysist
• Java developers
• System administration or network administration
• UX design
• Web developer

What does a Software Developer do?

As a software developer, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, designing and developing software applications that power various aspects of our lives. Whether it's crafting intuitive user interfaces, optimizing algorithms for efficiency, or building scalable backend systems, your contributions will have a profound impact on how people interact with technology.

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Degree Overview:

The MSc Computing is designed for individuals with limited or some computing experience who seek a practical, hands-on approach at the master's level. It emphasizes practical skills and prepares students for careers in the computing industry. The program covers fundamental computing concepts, programming, web development, database design, and teamwork. It is offered both full-time and part-time, with start dates in September and January.

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Outline:

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Course Structure:

• Full-time: 1 year (September start) or 18 months (January start) with a 3-month summer break.
• Part-time: Available.

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Modules:

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September Intake:

• Software Development 1
• Software Development 2
• Web Design and Development
• Programming for the Web
• Computer Systems
• Database Systems
• Group Project

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January Intake:

• Software Development 1
• Web Design and Development
• Computer Systems
• Database Systems
• Group Project
• Management of Software Projects
• Digital Business Environments

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Independent study

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Facilities:

• The Sensorium: User Experience (UX) Evaluation Lab
• SOCLAB: Virtual Security Operations Centre
• Swarm Robotics: Robot arena and laboratory
• Lions Gate: Interdisciplinary research focusing on sustainability, digital interaction, health, and well-being.

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Module Descriptions:

• Computer Systems: Covers PC-based systems, processor operation, operating systems, local area networks, and the Internet.
• Database Systems: Focuses on database architecture, functionality, data analysis, entity-relationship modeling, normalization, SQL, and the role of a Database Administrator.
• Group Project: Develops teamwork skills through a group project involving the creation of a software system prototype.
• Masters Dissertation: Involves an individual research project with a personal supervisor and internal examiner.
• Programming for the Web: Covers web site design and implementation, client-side technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), client-side frameworks (Bootstrap, jQuery, jQuery-Mobile), server-side development frameworks, data handling, and ASP.NET MVC.
• Software Development 1: Introduces programming environment, basic programming skills, object-oriented programming, program testing, and documentation.
• Software Development 2: Covers object-oriented design, documentation, and the development of a non-trivial software application.
• Web Design & Development: Covers web page design, Document Object Model (DOM), Document Type Definitions (DTD), web page construction, HTML coding, client and server-side scripting, and database connectivity.

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Careers:

• Business analyst
• Computer software engineer
• Data analyst
• Java developers
• System administration or network administration
• UX design
• Web developer

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|Category| 2024/25| 2025/26| |---|---|---| |Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland| £7,280| £tba| |Overseas and EU| £20,395| £tba|

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management