Introduction
This programme combines a computing core with computer vision, data science, and machine learning specialisms. This offers students the theoretical and practical experience needed to develop the innovative solutions required in a dynamic and innovative technology sector.
Course content is informed by the work and research carried out in the School, especially in machine learning and Computer Vision, as well as related areas. This approach aims to ensure content is both leading-edge and underpinned by the latest thinking in the field.
The programme enables students to explore topics including advanced artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, applied signal and image processing, and neural computing.
Students also have the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project focusing on an area of personal and professional interest, through the development of a dissertation and substantive software implementation.
How You Study
Students on this course are expected to study the core modules which include Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Frontiers of Machine Learning and Computer Vision Research, Machine Learning, Applied Signal and Image Processing, and Neural Computing.
Students also have the opportunity to undertake a research methods module designed to cover the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students may require for undertaking research in this area.
Students can then complete a substantial research project focusing on an area of personal and professional interest, for example through substantive software implementation and the development of a dissertation.
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 in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Advanced Machine Learning (Core)
Applied Signal and Image Processing (Core)
Big Data Analytics and Modelling (Core)
Computer Vision (Core)
Frontiers of Machine Learning and Computer Vision Research (Core)
Neural Computing (Core)
Research Methods (MSc Computer Science) (Core)
Research Project (Core)
How You Are Assessed
The programme may be assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects and examinations. The final stage research project provides further opportunity to specialise and to complete an extended piece of work.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly – usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Scholarships
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, you 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.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, students may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities to undertake fieldwork or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in the fee. Where these are optional, students will normally be required to pay their own transport, accommodation, and general living costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and students will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that they are required to read. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honours degree in a discipline involving a significant element of computer programming, such as computer science, engineering, or other science and technology subjects.
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 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
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.
Research-Informed
Students in the School of Computer Science are taught by academics with specialist experience in areas including computer vision and medical imaging, autonomous systems and robotics, cloud computing, data science, and games computing.
The School of Computer Science's highly active research centres are focused on world-leading developments in computer vision, robotics and autonomous systems, and agri-food technologies, with strong links to many industrial collaborators and other universities around the world. We aim to incorporate as much of our research as possible into our taught curriculum and we provide students with opportunities to get involved in our exciting cutting-edge research activity.
Special Features
At Lincoln, we constantly invest in our campus as we aim to provide the best learning environment for our students. Whatever the area of study, the University strives to ensure students have access to specialist equipment and resources, to develop the skills, which they may need in their future career.
Technical resources for Computer Science include research facilities and laboratories, a computer engineering workshop, workstations with full development software platforms, and a range of equipment for loan including, Raspberry Pi, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive virtual reality kit, smartphones, and robots.
Students can study and research in the University's Great Central Warehouse Library, which provides access to more than 200,000 journals and 600,000 print and electronic books, as well as databases and specialist collections. The library is open 24/7 for the majority of the academic year.
Career Opportunities
This programme aims to provide students with skills spanning two key disciplines of modern computing and its applications, namely imaging and data science, and their combined use. Such skills are in high demand not only in academia and industries dealing with imaging technologies and related challenges but also in many other areas where analytical and multidisciplinary mindsets and skills are critical. Some students may choose to continue towards doctoral level, including within the School of Computer Science.
