Introduction
The MSc Advanced Computer Science offers students exposure to state-of-the-art topics that are driving key technological developments and trends.
Course Aims
Designed for computing graduates who wish to differentiate themselves further through an advanced mastery of the discipline, this flagship programme offers exposure to state-of-the-art topics that are driving key technological developments and trends.
Special Features
An advanced computer science course for computing graduates.
In addition to coverage of core advanced computer science topics, students further differentiate themselves by selecting from up to two of three cutting-edge research topics to specialise in:
Informatics
Visual Computing
Distributed and Scientific Computing.
Course Description
Computer Science is one of the fastest moving academic disciplines and the outcomes of research and innovation in this field have a massive social impact. The subject spans all aspects of modern life, and this programme offers you the opportunity to apply new skills and advanced techniques to the area of your choice, whilst allowing you to demonstrate that you are at the forefront of your discipline.
Core to this programme is the opportunity to further develop the scope of your problem-solving skills by studying advanced programming languages and new programming paradigms. You will choose to study optional, research-led modules that allow the freedom to build a distinctive personal portfolio of skills and knowledge. These are structured around advanced topics in the School's three core research areas:
Informatics
Visual Computing
Distributed and Scientific Computing
A module in e-commerce and innovation will enhance your transferable skills and employment prospects. In 2014-15, optional topics will include Web and Social Computing and Forensics, Trust and Identity (which includes the opportunity to gain external accreditation for use of forensic tools including the market-leading Micro Systemation XRY forensic software).
During the summer months, you will undertake an individual research project and complete a dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic research staff. The topic for this will be driven by your own interests.
Successful graduates will be able to demonstrate to employers both a deep understanding and broad knowledge concerning state-of-the-art computer science from a research and development perspective. 60 credits of the 180 credit programme concern the dissertation and individual supervision.
Course Structure
Full-time students will take two compulsory modules per term with an additional two optional modules. Part-time students take one compulsory module per term with an additional optional module.
Core Modules
Dissertation
E-Commerce and Innovation
Programming Paradigms
Option Modules
Computational Operational Research
Distributed and Cloud Computing
Forensics, Trust and Identity
High-Performance Computing
Human-Centric Computing
Informatics
Information, Network and Cyber Security
Pattern Recognition & Data Mining
Visual Computing
Web and Social Computing
Skills Acquired
Successful graduates will be able to demonstrate to employers both a deep understanding and broad knowledge concerning state-of-the-art computer science from a research and development perspective.
Career Prospects
Graduates from this course will be ideally placed to pursue a number of careers, such as systems architects, programmers and software developers, and could also pursue a research career via doctoral studies.
Testimonials
"The world needs the next generation of leaders in the field of computer science. Innovation depends upon people who have the knowledge and skills to make a difference; the opportunities out there for qualified and talented people are enormous. Our ethos on this programme is for research-led teaching so students are exposed to the state-of-the-art from our internationally recognised subject specialists." Professor Stephen Hurley, Head of the School of Computer Science and Informatics.
Admissions criteria
We welcome applications from computer literate graduates who have a good honours degree or equivalent professional qualification in a subject such as Computer Science or a related subject.
Applicants will possess a 2:2 honours degree in computer science, computing or a cognate subject.
If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of competence in English. Our standard requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no area less than 5.5. The University offers English language courses that can help you achieve this.
Please feel free to supplement your application with a detailed CV or any other supporting material you may consider to be appropriate.
Programmes start in September each year but applications are considered as they arrive throughout the year.
You apply directly to the University online for a postgraduate taught course.
Tuition Fees
Full-time
UK and EU students: £9,700
Students from outside the EU: £22,950
Part-time
UK and EU students: £4,850/year
Students from outside the EU: £11,475/year
