Developments in artificial intelligence, computer vision, cloud computing, machine learning, and cybersecurity have all become a normal part of society’s interaction with computing devices.
This Master’s programme is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to develop the innovative solutions required by today’s rapidly advancing computing industry.
Through laboratory workshops, lectures, debates, and independent research, this MSc Computer Science provides the opportunity for students to enhance their existing knowledge of computer programming and mathematical frameworks.
Working alongside academic staff, students have the chance to develop a critical understanding and gain practical experience in innovative areas such as computer vision and surveillance, cloud computing, robotics, mobile computing, machine learning, and cybersecurity in order to develop advanced solutions to current and future challenges.
How You Study
The teaching and learning strategy adopted within the MSc Computer Science derives from a methodology designed to develop knowledge and understanding in the domain of computing.
In particular, students can experience a blend of different approaches. The programme aims to enable the acquisition of skills through practical workshops in the laboratory and develop academic knowledge through debate, lectures, discussion, and personal research.
Modules assume familiarity with programming concepts and the supporting mathematical framework while presenting advanced concepts relating specifically to the computing domain.
The programme offers two approaches depending on the time of entry:
The October intake will take the following structure:
Semester A
Advanced Programming (Core)
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Advanced Cyber Security (Core)
Semester B
Computer Vision (Core)
Frontiers of Computer Science Research (Core)
Machine Learning (Core)
Advanced Software Engineering (Core)
Semester C
Research Project (Core)
Research Methods (Core)
The February intake will take the following structure:
Semester B
Computer Vision (Core)
Frontiers of Computer Science Research (Core)
Machine Learning (Core)
Advanced Software Engineering (Core)
Semester C
Research Project (Core)
Research Methods (Core)
Semester A
Advanced Programming (Core)
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Advanced Cyber Security (Core)
Each module consists typically of 12 weeks of study, which includes a supporting lecture programme, a series of supported laboratory sessions, and time for the completion of assignment exercises and/or examinations.
The research project module is an independent study and is supported by a specialised supervisor, and is carried out over the last three months of the programme.
Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study. The programme is supported by online access to lecture material and related information.
The postgraduate-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study.
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.
Researchers in the School of Computer Science 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 £3.3 million grant from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for advances in medical imaging.
How You Are Assessed
The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, presentation, posters, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science.
The final stage research project enables students to further specialise 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.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Modules
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Advanced Machine Learning (Core)
Advanced Programming (Core)
Advanced Software Engineering (Core)
Computer Vision (Core)
Frontiers of Computer Science Research (Core)
Information Systems Security (Core)
Research Methods (MSc Computer Science) (Core)
Research Project (Core)
Accreditations and Memberships
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
Students should hold a first or second-class honours degree in one of the following subjects: Computer Science, Computing, Computing and Information Systems, Software Engineering, Games Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Cyber Security.
Knowledge of object-oriented programming concepts and a good mathematical framework is required.
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.
EU and 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.
Career Opportunities
This Master’s programme is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to develop the innovative solutions required by today’s rapidly advancing computing industry. Students can develop the knowledge and specialist skills necessary to progress to roles in the computing and technology industries. Some may choose to continue to research at the doctoral level.
