Program Overview

Advanced Computer Science (with integrated year in industry)

Key Facts

• Course Code: G498-MSC
• Qualification: MSc
• Course duration: 2 years
• Available for September start 2025

Typical Entry Requirements

• Entry Requirements: 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent
• Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application

Fees and Finance

• Course Fees: Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase
• Funding: Possible funding opportunities can be found in our funding calculator

Course Overview

This is a two-year full-time programme. The taught component is identical to MSc Advanced Computer Science (G493), after which you will spend a year working in industry.

This course broadens your experience of the tools, methods and techniques used by professional software engineers, and focuses on the application of advanced software engineering, preparing you for responsible positions in the software industry. Whatever your own previous experience or future aspirations, with this course you will benefit from the marvellous integration of cutting-edge theory and practical application within a world-class department.

Recent MSc project topics include machine learning for the internet of things, augmented reality applications for tourism, analysis and management of agricultural emissions data, network intrusion detection and supply chain management.

Modules September start - 2025

Year 1

• Core:
  • Agile Software Development Project (CSM2020, 20 credits)
  • Research Topics in Computing (SEM1020, 20 credits)
• Options:
  • Advanced Data Analytics (CSM6720, 20 credits)
  • Computational Intelligence (CSM6520, 20 credits)
  • Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems (CSM6420, 20 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Intelligent Systems (CSM6120, 20 credits)
  • Internet Technologies (CHM5720, 20 credits)
  • Modelling, Managing and Securing Data (CSM3120, 20 credits)
  • Statistical Concepts, Methods and Tools (MAM5120, 20 credits)

Year 2

• Core:
  • Sandwich Year (PG) (CSS0260, 60 credits)
  • MSC Project (CHM9360, 60 credits)

Careers

Our taught Masters degrees are designed to meet the needs of students wanting to expand their skills to accelerate their industrial career or those seeking a foundation for a career in research. Employment opportunities for computer scientists are wide-ranging, and include IT consultancies and IT service providers, aerospace and defence sectors, agricultural and financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and the public and third sectors. Graduates also set up their own companies, providing web design and consultancy.

The University Careers Service can provide advice on employment opportunities, setting up your own business and freelancing.

Teaching & Learning

• How will I be taught?
  • In the first year you will establish a breadth of essential skills in a number of core modules, whilst directing your own study by choosing from a number of specialist modules. In the second year, you will gain valuable experience working in industry and apply your learning in the individual Project.
• What will I learn?
  • In the first two semesters of Year 1, you will undertake a number of core and optional modules. The modules will be delivered through lectures, problem classes, seminars, workshops, group and individual projects, and invited lecturer series. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities, and other attributes in the following areas:
    • Comprehensive understanding of design principles used in software systems to meet security, performance, quality of service and reliability requirements
    • Critical awareness of current practice, opportunities and limitations relating to advanced software engineering
    • Knowledge of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues that apply to software development and delivery
    • Understanding of important standards, best practices and legal issues that govern the construction, operation and use of software systems
    • Knowledge of important architectural frameworks, tools and techniques for developing complex software systems
    • Critical awareness of current problems and/or recent development within the discipline
    • Knowledge of several development methodologies that might be employed when developing complex systems
    • Application of discipline principles, methods, approaches, concepts, skills and/or theories in a professional context, as well as understanding the challenges of working in a professional environment
• How will I be assessed?
  • Assessment is a mix of written assignments, programming assignments, practical portfolios, practical examinations, oral presentations and written examinations. Relevant professional skills will be evidenced by a report on the industrial placement accompanied by a corresponding report from the employer.