Program Overview

Advanced Computer Science

Key Facts

• Course Code: G493-MSC
• Qualification: MSc
• Course duration: 1 year
• 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 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

• MSC Project (CHM9360, 60 credits)
• 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)

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.

Teaching & Learning

How will I be taught?

This course is a full-time one-year course, divided into three semesters.

During the first two semesters you will complete 120 taught credits. The third semester is dedicated to the MSc project (60 credits). Contact time for this course is approximately 12 hours a week in the first two semesters. During semester three, you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned supervisor.

What will I learn?

In the first two semesters 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:

• A comprehensive understanding of design principles used in software systems to meet security, performance, quality of service and reliability requirements.
• A critical awareness of current practice, opportunities and limitations relating to advanced software engineering.
• A knowledge of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues that apply to software development and delivery.
• An understanding of important standards, best practices and legal issues that govern the construction, operation and use of software systems.
• A knowledge of important architectural frameworks, tools and techniques for developing complex software systems.
• A critical awareness of current problems and/or recent development within the discipline.
• A knowledge of several development methodologies that might be employed when developing complex systems.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods include a mixture of written assignments, programming assignments, practical portfolios, practical examinations, oral presentations and written examinations. The successful submission of your MSc Project in semester three leads to the award of an MSc.