Our MSc Cloud Computing programme aims to provide students with an extensive learning experience that equips them with the cutting-edge skillsets required within the fast-growing cloud computing industry. Students will have the opportunity to gain in-demand skills for professional roles such as Cloud Developers, Solution Architects, DevOps, and Data specialists.
The programme provides a considered balance of Computer Science principles, along with a strong focus on the conceptual knowledge and industry practices for cloud computing. Students can gain a rigorous conceptual understanding of state-of-the-art, scalable cloud systems across multiple cloud service providers.
A distinct feature of the programme is the integration of cloud vendor certification that is aligned with programme and module outcomes. This approach gives students the opportunity to demonstrate industry-transferable competencies in core areas whilst enhancing their employability attributes.
How You Study
Emphasis is placed on the broad concepts of cloud computing for understanding cloud-based compute, storage, and networking, whilst providing the opportunity to develop practical skills around cloud architecture design and deployment, as well as cloud development.
Cloud development is an important topic threaded throughout the programme and is delivered through topics such as infrastructure-as-code and serverless computing. The programme modules assume familiarity with programming concepts and supporting mathematical frameworks where appropriate.
Each module consists typically of 12 weeks of study, which includes a supporting lecture programme, a series of supported workshop sessions, and time for the completion of assignment exercises and/or examinations.
The final research project module is separate and carried out over the last three months of the programme.
The postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and workshops. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Modules
Advanced Cyber Security (Core)
Advanced Machine Learning (Core)
Cloud Computing & Administration (Core)
Cloud Data Platforms & Tools (Core)
Cloud Development (Core)
Frontiers of Computer Science Research (Core)
Networks & Cloud Systems (Core)
Research Methods (MSc Computer Science) (Core)
Research Project (Core)
How You Are Assessed
The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, presentations, posters, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science and cloud computing.
The final stage research project enables students to further specialise in cloud computing and complete a piece of work of significant complexity. Communication and presentation skills will be assessed by an informal oral presentation (viva voce) with poster presentations in various modules.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honours degree in a relevant Computing subject.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses.
These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Industry Certification
Students on the MSc Cloud Computing have the opportunity to gain cutting-edge industry certification in areas such as cloud data and the administration of cloud services. Examples of the digital certification badges you can achieve as part of the programme include Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals and Microsoft Azure Administrator.
Special Features
There is a range of equipment for loan, including Raspberry Pi devices, smartphones, robots, and virtual reality equipment such as HTC Vive and Oculus Quest.
Students on this course are taught by academics whose research has been internationally recognised. Researchers in the School include Marc Hanheide, Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Interactive Systems, and Nigel Allinson MBE, Distinguished Professor of Image Engineering, who has been supported with a multi-million-pound grant from the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for advances in medical imaging.
The School is also a Microsoft Imagine Academy member, Cisco Academy member, and AWS academy which gives students on the MSc Cloud Computing programme the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications such as Microsoft cloud-focused fundamentals and associate-level certifications.
Placements
This programme is optionally available with a placement year. If students choose the placement option, they must apply for placements independently. The second year of the programme is then spent on placement where support is provided throughout. This offers the opportunity to gain industrial experience and apply learning in practice. Students are required to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs while on placement. There is no tuition fee for the placement year.
Career Opportunities
There is a global skills shortage of graduates with Cloud Computing skillsets. Upon completion of the programme, graduates are well-positioned to fill cloud-focused roles such as a Cloud Developer, Data Engineer, DevOps Engineer, and Cloud Consultant.
