Masters Degrees (Computing)

This degree programme aims to give students a Masters-level postgraduate education in the knowledge, skills and understanding of research methods to enable them to operate effectively in the application of computing in industry, commerce or research. Students with an interest in topics covered by our research teams will find this is an excellent opportunity to get involved in progressive research.

Why study MSc Computing Research at Dundee?

The MSc Computing Research degree is designed for graduates with a good degree in Computing or a related subject who wish to gain deep knowledge of research methods and experience of working in an active research environment.

The School of Computing provides a distinctive, balanced and enjoyable learning environment, matched to the future needs of both society and the computing field. Its research has strong foundations in mathematical and logical techniques, and in probabilistic and machine learning algorithms that are applied in its work on computer vision and multi-agent systems. In its applied research, the multi-disciplinary School has an international reputation in computer support for older and disabled people, healthcare computing, space systems and interaction design. All these areas of research have been developed through strong, long-term relationships with other leading academic institutions worldwide, and in collaboration with professional and industrial partners. The School is also active in commercialising its research, with several recent spin out companies fostering an entrepreneurial atmosphere.

The School of Computing has four major research groups:
Assistive and Healthcare Systems
Computational Systems
Interactive Systems Design
Space Technology Centre

What's so good about MSc Computing Research at Dundee?

The University of Dundee is at the forefront of computing research. We currently have 23 academics and 35 researchers working alongside our 27 PhD students. Since January 2008 our school of computing has generated 313 publications and counting. In this time, we've produced 129 projects totalling more than £12.3 million in funding making Dundee a great place to come to engage in computing research.

We encourage a professional, inter-disciplinary and user-centred approach to computer systems design and production, and will enable you to develop the skills so that you can undertake independent research and participate in proposal development and innovation.

Our facilities

You will have 24-hour access to our award winning and purpose-built Queen Mother Building. It has an unusual mixture of lab space and breakout areas, with a range of conventional and special equipment for you to use. It's also easy to work on your own laptop as there is wireless access throughout the building. Our close ties to industry allows us access to facilities such as Windows Azure and Teradata, and university and industry standard software such as Tableau for you to evaluate and use.

Postgraduate culture

The School of Computing maintains a friendly, intimate and supportive atmosphere, and we take pride in the fact that we know all of our students - you're far more than just a matriculation number to us. We have a thriving postgraduate department with regular seminars and guest speakers.

How you will be taught

We know how important it is to be at the leading edge of computing and so you will learn from research-active staff in the School of Computing. Leading researchers teach you and small class sizes mean that they really get to know you, making for an informal and supportive community.

What you will study

You study three taught modules, during the period January-March, making your module selections with your advisor, as follows:
Computing Research Frontiers
One of: Designing Innovative Research OR Research Methods
One of: Human Computer Interaction OR Multi-agent Systems and Grid Computing

Subject to examination performance, you then progress to the individual research project which runs from May to December. You will be based with one of the research groups within the School of Computing:

Assistive & healthcare technologies
Computational systems
Interactive systems design
Space technology centre

How you will be assessed

The taught modules are assessed by continuous assessment plus end of semester examinations in March/April. The project is assessed by dissertation.

Careers

Our students are highly employable:
They develop the expertise that employers want from computing graduates - our Industrial Advisory Board includes experts from a range of industries including Amazon, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, NCR, Chevron and Microsoft
They are prepared for a wide range of good career prospects in computing - the UK faces a massive shortage of graduates qualified to fill the 120,000 new jobs in computing and IT every year

Graduates may also choose to continue to a PhD in the School of Computing or elsewhere.

Computing at the University of Dundee is ranked 21st in the UK according to most recent Times Good University Guide and 12th in the UK according to the Guardian University League Table 2009. The University of Dundee has powered its way to a position as one of Scotland's leading universities with an international reputation for excellence across a range of activities. With over 18,000 students, it is growing fast in both size and reputation. It has performed extremely well in both teaching and research assessment exercises, has spawned a range of spin-out companies to exploit its research and has a model wider-access programme.

Dundee has been described as the largest village in Scotland which gives an indication of how friendly and compact it is. With a population of 150,000 it is not too large but has virtually all the cultural and leisure activities you would expect in a much larger city. It is situated beside a broad estuary of the river Tay, surrounded by hills and farmland, and for lovers of the great outdoors it is hard to imagine another UK location that offers so much all year round on land and water. The University is situated in the centre of Dundee, and everything needed is on the one-stop campus: study facilities, help, advice, leisure activities... yet the attractions of the city centre and the cultural quarter are just a stroll away.

Read less

Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study High Performance and Scientific Computing at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The MSc in High Performance and Scientific Computing is for you if you are a graduate in a scientific or engineering discipline and want to specialise in applications of High Performance computing in your chosen scientific area. During your studies in High Performance and Scientific Computing you will develop your computational and scientific knowledge and skills in tandem helping emphasise their inter-dependence.

On the course in High Performance and Scientific Computing you will develop a solid knowledge base of high performance computing tools and concepts with a flexibility in terms of techniques and applications. As s student of the MSc High Performance and Scientific Computing you will take core computational modules in addition to specialising in high performance computing applications in a scientific discipline that defines the route you have chosen (Biosciences, Computer Science, Geography or Physics). You will also be encouraged to take at least one module in a related discipline.

Modules of High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc

The modules you study on the High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc depend on the route you choose and routes are as follows:

Biosciences route (High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc):

Graphics Processor Programming

High Performance Computing in C/C++

Operating Systems and Architectures

Software Testing

Programming in C/C++

Conservation of Aquatic Resources or Environmental Impact Assessment

Ecosystems

Research Project in Environmental Biology

+ 10 credits from optional modules

Computer Science route (High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc):

Graphics Processor Programming

High Performance Computing in C/C++

Operating Systems and Architectures

Software Testing

Programming in C/C++

Partial Differential Equations

Numerics of ODEs and PDEs

Software Engineering

Data Visualization

MSc Project

+ 30 credits from optional modules

Geography route (High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc):

Graphics Processor Programming

High Performance Computing in C/C++

Operating Systems and Architectures

Software Testing

Programming in C/C++

Partial Differential Equations

Numerics of ODEs and PDEs

Modelling Earth Systems or Satellite Remote Sensing or Climate Change – Past, Present and Future or Geographical Information Systems

Research Project

+ 10 credits from optional modules

Physics route (High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc):

Graphics Processor Programming

High Performance Computing in C/C++

Operating Systems and Architectures

Software Testing

Programming in C/C++

Partial Differential Equations

Numerics of ODEs and PDEs

Monte Carlo Methods

Quantum Information Processing

Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena

Physics Project

+ 20 credits from optional modules

Optional Modules (High Performance and Scientific Computing MSc):

Software Engineering

Data Visualization

Monte Carlo Methods

Quantum Information Processing

Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena

Modelling Earth Systems

Satellite Remote Sensing

Climate Change – Past, Present and Future

Geographical Information Systems

Conservation of Aquatic Resources

Environmental Impact Assessment

Ecosystems

Facilities

Students of the High Performance and Scientific Computing programme will benefit from the Department that is well-resourced to support research. Swansea physics graduates are more fortunate than most, gaining unique insights into exciting cutting-edge areas of physics due to the specialized research interests of all the teaching staff. This combined with a great staff-student ratio enables individual supervision in advanced final year research projects. Projects range from superconductivity and nano-technology to superstring theory and anti-matter. The success of this programme is apparent in the large proportion of our M.Phys. students who seek to continue with postgraduate programmes in research.

Specialist equipment includes:

a low-energy positron beam with a highfield superconducting magnet for the study of positronium

a number of CW and pulsed laser systems

scanning tunnelling electron and nearfield optical microscopes

a Raman microscope

a 72 CPU parallel cluster

access to the IBM-built ‘Blue C’ Supercomputer at Swansea University and is part of the shared use of the teraflop QCDOC facility based in Edinburgh

The Physics laboratories and teaching rooms were refurbished during 2012 and were officially opened by Professor Lyn Evans, Project Leader of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. This major refurbishment was made possible through the University’s capital programme, the College of Science, and a generous bequest made to the Physics Department by Dr Gething Morgan Lewis FRSE, an eminent physicist who grew up in Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley and was educated at Brecon College.

Read less

Industry and commerce have an increasing need for IT-enabled decision makers and business-aware IT professionals. This postgraduate degree is designed to meet that need. The degree aims to give students a firm grounding in the knowledge, skills and understanding of computing, software development with a user-centric approach and the global business environment.

Why study MSc Computing with International Business at Dundee?

The MSc in Computing with International Business offers students a practical mix of technical computing modules such as internet programming and software development and business modules like economics for business managers and international business strategy.

At the University of Dundee we have a flexible approach to Computing with International Business. This course can be tailored to suit students with a strong computing background or those with less experience seeking to develop their skills while simultaneously developing their business acumen.

We encourage a professional, inter-disciplinary and user-centred approach to software design and production, and enable you to develop research skills so that you can undertake a major software development project.

What's great about Computing with International Business at Dundee?

International Business at the University of Dundee is well known abroad and as a result, there is a strong multicultural aspect in these classes. Students from countries all over the world like India, China Nigeria and more come here to study giving you the opportunity to work alongside people with a multitude of different ideas, skills and experiences.

The University of Dundee is at the leading edge of computing giving you the opportunity to take advantage of tutelage from leading researchers in an informal and supportive environment.

Your studies will take place in the Queen Mother Building, the University of Dundee’s award-winning epicentre of computing, which boasts an array of conventional and specialised equipment.

The start date is September each year. The MSc course lasts for 12 months and the PGDip lasts for 9 months.

- Degree Combinations
Computing with International Business with Work Placement MSc

How you will be taught

We know how important it is to be at the leading edge and so you will learn from research-active staff. Leading researchers teach you and small class sizes mean that they really get to know you, making for an informal and supportive community.

Industrial collaboration is part of our ethos too, so we regularly include guest experts from industry.

What you will study

You select six taught modules, three per semester, during the period September-April. You make module selections with your advisor, and this will be partially dictated by your background and previous study, plus any timetabling restrictions.

The typical list for students with limited computing background is shown *. Any module which has a significant overlap with your previous education will be disallowed, for students with a computing-related degree this will usually include most of the modules shown +.

Four Computing modules from:

Software Development+
Technology Innovation Management
Computer Vision
Computer Graphics
Computing the User Experience
Big Data Analysis
Database Systems
Secure Internet Programming
Software Engineering+
Agile Engineering
Computing Research Frontiers
Research Methods
Human Computer Interaction and Usability Engineering

Two Business modules from:

Corporate Finance
Performance Management and Reporting
Operations Management and Change
Business Accounting for Non-specialists
Principles of Marketing Practice
International Business Strategy
Global Marketing
Human Resource Management Strategies
Marketing Management and Strategy
Strategic Management Accounting
International Human Resource Management

Subject to examination performance, you then progress to the MSc project which runs from May to September, or to a Diploma project lasting 9 weeks.

Please note that some of the modules in the programme are shared with other masters programmes and some of the teaching and resources may be shared with our BSc programme. These joint classes offer a valuable opportunity to learn from, and discuss the material with, other groups of students with different backgrounds and perspectives.

How you will be assessed

The taught modules are assessed by continuous assessment plus end of semester examinations in December and March/April. The project is assessed by dissertation.

Coursework is often very practical, eg writing computer programs, designing interfaces, writing reports, constructing web sites, testing software, implementing databases, analysing problems or presenting solutions to clients.

Careers

Career opportunities in software development, website design, network support, database development and research, working as computer systems manager, data processing manager, software engineer, computer analyst & programmer, computer & IT consultant.

Our students are highly employable:
They develop the expertise that employers want from computing graduates - our Industrial Advisory Board includes experts from a range of industries including Amazon, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, NCR, Chevron and Microsoft

They are prepared for a wide range of good career prospects in computing - the UK faces a massive shortage of graduates qualified to fill the 120,000 new jobs in computing and IT every year

Computing at the University of Dundee is ranked 21st in the UK according to most recent Times Good University Guide and 12th in the UK according to the Guardian University League Table 2009. The University of Dundee has powered its way to a position as one of Scotland's leading universities with an international reputation for excellence across a range of activities. With over 18,000 students, it is growing fast in both size and reputation. It has performed extremely well in both teaching and research assessment exercises, has spawned a range of spin-out companies to exploit its research and has a model wider-access programme.

With a population of 150,000 Dundee is not too large but has virtually all the cultural and leisure activities you would expect in a much larger city. It is situated beside a broad estuary of the river Tay, surrounded by hills and farmland, and for lovers of the great outdoors it is hard to imagine another UK location that offers so much all year round on land and water. The University is situated in the centre of Dundee, and everything needed is on the one-stop campus: study facilities, help, advice, leisure activities... yet the attractions of the city centre and the cultural quarter are just a stroll away.

Read less

The MSc in Computing is perfect for students looking to develop upon their previous computing-based qualifications from courses such as Computing, Information Technology, Information Systems, Software Engineering or related disciplines. This course provides the opportunity and guidance necessary for students to build upon their existing knowledge and gain the skills necessary to succeed in both commercial computing and research.

Why study MSc Computing at Dundee?

This degree programme aims to give students a Masters-level postgraduate education in the knowledge, skills and understanding of computing and software development to enable them to operate effectively in the application of computing in industry, commerce or research.

"The intersection of business models and IT requires people with varied experience, professional versatility, multidiscipline knowledge and technology understanding – a hybrid professional, in other words."
Diane Morello, Vice President and Gartner Fellow, Gartner Inc, 2008

What's so good about MSc Computing at Dundee?

This course is highly flexible, adapting to your skill level to create a programme tailored to suit you. We encourage a professional, inter-disciplinary and user-centred approach to software design and production, and will enable you to develop the skills so that you can undertake a major software development project.

In keeping with our theme of flexibility, this course offers its students a wide choice of individual projects to choose from.

Our facilities

You will have 24-hour access to our award winning and purpose-built Queen Mother Building. It has an unusual mixture of lab space and breakout areas, with a range of conventional and special equipment for you to use. It's also easy to work on your own laptop as there is wireless access throughout the building. Our close ties to industry allows us access to facilities such as Windows Azure and Teradata, and university and industry standard software such as Tableau for you to evaluate and use.

How you will be taught

We know how important it is to be at the leading edge of computing and so you will learn from research-active staff in the School of Computing. Leading researchers teach you and small class sizes mean that they really get to know you, making for an informal and supportive community.

Industrial collaboration is part of our ethos too, so we regularly include guest experts from industry.

What you will study

You select six taught modules, three per semester, during the period September-April. You will make module selections with your advisor, and this will be partially dictated by your background and previous study.

The typical list for students with limited computing background is shown *. Any module which has a significant overlap with your previous education will be disallowed, for students with a computing-related degree this will usually include most of the modules shown +.

The six taught modules will be chosen from topics such as the following:

Software Development+
Technology Innovation Management
Computer Vision
Computer Graphics
Computing the User Experience
Big Data Analysis
Database Systems
Secure Internet Programming
Software Engineering+
Agile Engineering
Computing Research Frontiers
Research Methods
Human Computer Interaction and Usability Engineering


Subject to examination performance, you then progress to the MSc project which runs from May to September, or to a Diploma project lasting 9 weeks.

Please note that some of the modules in the programme are shared with other masters programmes and some of the teaching and resources may be shared with our BSc programme. These joint classes offer a valuable opportunity to learn from, and discuss the material with, other groups of students with different backgrounds and perspectives.

How you will be assessed

The taught modules are assessed by continuous assessment plus end of semester examinations in December and March/April. The project is assessed by dissertation.

Coursework is often very practical, eg writing computer programs, designing interfaces, writing reports, constructing web sites, testing software, implementing databases, analysing problems or presenting solutions to clients.

Careers

Career opportunities in software development, website design, network support, database development and research, working as computer systems manager, data processing manager, software engineer, computer analyst & programmer, computer & IT consultant.

Our students are highly employable:
They develop the expertise that employers want from computing graduates - our Industrial Advisory Board includes experts from a range of industries including Amazon, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, NCR, Chevron and Microsoft
They are prepared for a wide range of good career prospects in computing - the UK faces a massive shortage of graduates qualified to fill the 120,000 new jobs in computing and IT every year

Computing at the University of Dundee is ranked 21st in the UK according to most recent Times Good University Guide and 12th in the UK according to the Guardian University League Table 2009. The University of Dundee has powered its way to a position as one of Scotland's leading universities with an international reputation for excellence across a range of activities. With over 18,000 students, it is growing fast in both size and reputation. It has performed extremely well in both teaching and research assessment exercises, has spawned a range of spin-out companies to exploit its research and has a model wider-access programme.

Dundee has been described as the largest village in Scotland which gives an indication of how friendly and compact it is. With a population of 150,000 it is not too large but has virtually all the cultural and leisure activities you would expect in a much larger city. It is situated beside a broad estuary of the river Tay, surrounded by hills and farmland, and for lovers of the great outdoors it is hard to imagine another UK location that offers so much all year round on land and water. The University is situated in the centre of Dundee, and everything needed is on the one-stop campus: study facilities, help, advice, leisure activities... yet the attractions of the city centre and the cultural quarter are just a stroll away.

Read less

Computing and communications technologies are having a truly disruptive effect on societies and business worldwide. Mobile payments, wireless communications and the ‘Internet of Things’ are transforming the way we approach key challenges in development, security, healthcare and the environment.

Taught jointly by the School of Computing and the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, this course will give you a grasp of all layers needed for mobile communication and computation, from the physical network layer through to the applications that run on mobile devices.

You’ll gain a full understanding of the web and cloud computing infrastructure, as core modules give you a foundation in key topics like systems programming and data communications. A range of optional modules will then allow you to focus on topics that suit your interests and career plans, from cloud computing to embedded systems design and high speed web architecture.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from world-class facilities to support your learning. State-of-the-art visualisation labs including a powerwall, a benchtop display with tracking system, WorldViz PPT optical tracking system and Intersense InertiaCube orientation tracker are all among the specialist facilities we have within the School of Computing.

We also have Ascension Flock of Birds tracking systems, three DOF and 6DOF Phantom force feedback devices, Twin Immersion Corp CyberGloves, a cloud computing testbed, rendering cluster and labs containing both Microsoft and Linux platforms among others. It’s an exciting environment in which to gain a range of skills and experience cutting-edge technology.

Course content

You’ll take two core modules in Semester 1 that introduce you to fundamental topics like systems programming and network security. With this foundation, you’ll be able to gain high-level specialist knowledge through your choice of optional modules taught by the School of Computing and the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

The optional modules you choose will enable you to direct your studies towards topics that suit your personal interests and career ambitions such as mobile app development, digital media engineering, big data, cloud computing and embedded systems design, among others.

Over the summer months you’ll also work on your research project. This gives you the chance to work as an integral part of one of our active research groups, focusing on a specialist topic in computer science and selecting the appropriate research methods.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• MSc Project 60 credits
• Data Communications and Network Security 15 credits

Optional modules

• Distributed Systems 10 credits
• Mobile Application Development 10 credits
• Combinatorial Optimisation 10 credits
• Secure Computing 10 credits
• Graph Algorithms and Complexity Theory 10 credits
• Functional Programming 10 credits
• Big Data Systems 15 credits
• Mobile Applications Development 15 credits
• Algorithms 15 credits
• Parallel and Concurrent Programming 15 credits
• Cloud Computing 15 credits
• Graph Theory: Structure and Algorithms 15 credits
• Communication Network Design 15 credits
• Optical Communications Networks 15 credits
• High Speed Internet Architecture 15 credits
• Digital Media Engineering 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Mobile Computing and Communication Networks MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.

Projects

The professional project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.Most projects are experimentally based and linked with companies within the oil and gas industry to ensure the topic of research is relevant to the field whilst also addressing a real-world problem.

A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry, and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities are extremely broad, covering jobs in the design of embedded software running on multi-core devices through to jobs involving the design and implementation of new mobile-applications centric systems for business. In the application of mobile computing skills, job opportunities span every area, from the automotive sector through to retail and banking.

You could launch a career in fields such as mobile app development, mobile systems architecture, project management, network consultancy. You could also work as an engineer in embedded mobile communications, network security or research and development among many others – and you’ll even be well-prepared for PhD study.

Careers support

You’ll have access to the wide range of engineering and computing careers resources held by our Employability team in our dedicated Employability Suite. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops. Our annual Engineering and Computing Careers Fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UK’s leading employers.

The University's Careers Centre also provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Read less

The MPhil programme in Scientific Computing is a full-time 12-month course which aims to provide education of the highest quality at Master’s level. Covering topics of high-performance scientific computing and advanced numerical methods and techniques, it produces graduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are well-equipped to proceed to doctoral research or directly into employment in industry, the professions, and the public service. It also provides training for the academic researchers and teachers of the future, encouraging the pursuit of research in computational methods for science and technology disciplines, thus being an important gateway for entering PhD programmes containing a substantial component of computational modelling.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcphmpscm

Course detail

The MPhil in Scientific Computing has a research and a taught element. The research element is a project on a science or technology topic which is studied by means of scientific computation. The taught element comprises of core lecture courses on topics of scientific computing and elective lecture courses relevant to the science or technology topic of the project. Most of the projects are expected to make use of the University’s High Performance Computing Service.

The students will attend lecture courses during Michaelmas Term (some courses may be during Lent Term) and then they will undertake a substantial Research Project over the next 6 months (from March to the end of August) in a participating Department. The research element aims to provide essential skills for continuation to a PhD programme or employment, as well as to assess and enhance the research capacity of the students. It is based on a science or technology topic which is studied by means of scientific computation. Research project topics will be provided by academic supervisors or by the industrial partners who are working with the participating Departments and may be sponsoring the research project.

There is equal examination credit weighting between the taught and the research elements of the course, which is gained by submitting a dissertation on the project and by written assignments and examinations on the core and elective courses, respectively.

Weighting of the assessed course components is as follows: Dissertation (research) 50%; written assignments on the core courses 25%; written examinations on the elective courses 25%.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have:

- a comprehensive understanding of numerical methods, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
- demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Format

The taught element comprises core lecture courses on topics of all aspects of scientific computing, and elective lecture courses relevant to the topic of the research project.

The taught element comprises core lecture courses on topics of all aspects of scientific computing, and elective lecture courses relevant to the topic of the research project. There is equal examination credit weighting between the taught and the research elements of the course, which is gained by submitting a dissertation on the project and by written assignments and examinations on the core and elective courses, respectively. Weighting of the assessed course components is as follows: Dissertation (research) 50%; written assignments 25%; written examinations 25%.

The core lectures are on topics of high performance scientific computing numerical analysis and advanced numerical methods and techniques. They are organized by the Centre for Scientific Computing and are taught and examined during the first five months (October-February). Their purpose is to provide the students with essential background knowledge for completing their dissertation and for their general education in scientific computing.

In particular, their objective is to introduce students to the simulation science pipeline of problem identification, modelling, simulation and evaluation - all from the perspective of employing high-performance computing. Numerical discretisation of mathematical models will be a priority, with a specific emphasis on understanding the trade-offs (in terms of modelling time, pre-processing time, computational time, and post-processing time) that must be made when solving realistic science and engineering problems. Understanding and working with computational methods and parallel computing will be a high priority. To help the students understand the material, the lecturers will furnish the courses with practical coursework assignments.

The lectures on topics of numerical analysis and HPC are complemented with hands-on practicals using Linux-based laptops provided by the course (students may bring their own), as well as on the University’s High Performance Computing Service.

Appropriate elective lecture courses are selected from Master’s-level courses offered by the Departments of the School of Physical Sciences, Technology or Biological Sciences. The choice of courses will be such as to provide the students with essential background knowledge for completing their theses and for their general education in the materials science application of the project. They are decided in consultation with the project supervisor. While every effort is made within the Departments to arrange the timetable in a coherent fashion, it is inevitable that some combinations of courses will be ruled out by their schedule, particularly if the choices span more than one department.

Continuing

For continuation to a PhD programme in Scientific Computing, students are required to gain a Distinction (overall grade equal or greater than 75%).

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

Read less

Program overview

Developers of computing systems and practitioners in all computing disciplines need an understanding of the critical importance of building security and survivability into the hardware and software of computing systems they design, rather than trying to add it on once these systems have been designed, developed, and installed.

The MS in computing security gives students an understanding of the technological and ethical roles of computing security in today's society and its importance across the breadth of computing disciplines. Students can develop a specialization in one of several security-related areas by selecting technical electives under the guidance of a faculty adviser. The program enables students to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation in secure computing, preparing them for leadership positions in both the private and public sectors of the computing security industry, for academic or research careers in computing security, or to pursue a more advanced degree in a computing discipline.

Plan of study

The program is designed for students who have an undergraduate computing degree in an area such as computing security, computer science, information technology, networking, or software engineering, as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied, such as computer or electrical engineering. The curriculum consists of three required core courses, up to 6 technical electives (depending on the capstone option chosen), and a capstone thesis, project, or capstone course for a total of 30 semester credit hours.

Electives

Students are required to choose up to six technical electives, from:
-Advanced Computer Forensics
-Web Server and Application Security Audits
-Mobile Device Forensics
-Information Security Risk Management
-Sensor and SCADA Security
-Computer System Security
-Computer Viruses and Malicious Software
-Network Security
-Covert Communications
-Information Security Policy and Law
-Information Assurance Fundamentals
-Secure Data Management
-Secure Coding
-Foundations of Cryptography
-Foundations of Security Measurement and Evaluation
-Foundations of Intelligent Security Systems
-Advanced Cryptography
-Hardware and Software Design for Cryptographic Applications

Curriculum

Thesis/project/capstone course options differ in course sequence, see the website for a particular course's module information.

Other admission requirements

-Have a minimum grade point average equivalent to a 3.0/4.0.
-Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
-Submit a minimum of two recommendations from individuals who are well-qualified to assess the applicant's potential for success, and complete a graduate application.
-International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based) or 88 (Internet-based) are required. Applicants who have completed undergraduate study at foreign universities must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. GRE scores are also recommended for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
-Applicants must satisfy prerequisite requirements in mathematics (integral calculus, discrete mathematics), statistics, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.), and computing (programming, computer networking theory and practice, and systems administration theory and practice).

Bridge program

Students whose undergraduate preparation or employment experience does not satisfy the prerequisites required for the program may make up deficiencies through additional study. Bridge course work, designed to close gaps in a student's preparation, can be completed either before or after enrolling in the program as advised by the graduate program director. Generally, formal acceptance into the program is deferred until the applicant has made significant progress through this additional preparation.

If completed through academic study, bridge courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better. Courses with lower grades must be repeated. Bridge courses are not counted toward the 30 credit hours required for the master's degree. However, grades earned from bridge courses taken at RIT are included in a student's graduate grade point average. A bridge program can be designed in different ways. Courses may be substituted based upon availability, and courses at other colleges may be applied. All bridge course work must be approved in advance by the graduate program director.

Additional information

Study options:
Students may pursue the degree on a full-time basis, on-campus only.

Faculty:
The program faculty are actively engaged in consulting and research in various areas of secure computing and information assurance, such as cryptography, databases, networking, secure software development, and critical infrastructure security. There are opportunities for students to participate in research activities towards capstone completion or as independent study work.

Maximum time limit:
University policy requires that graduate programs be completed within seven years of the student's initial registration for courses in the program. Bridge courses are excluded.

Read less

Cloud computing is revolutionising the way that large, and often complex, datasets are stored and analysed. Our course aims to produce experts in cloud computing and big data required by academia and industry.

The MRes can only be applied for as part of the four-year (MRes plus PhD) EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data. The programme is suitable for students from both computing and mathematical backgrounds. It is very skills-focussed and also offers a high degree of research training.

Our course focuses on both theory and practice so that you can understand and implement cloud computing applications. You will cover key subjects such as advanced object-oriented programming, data mining and big data analytics.

All academic staff involved in teaching cloud computing modules have international reputations for their contributions to the field and some have extensive experience as practitioners in industry.

Delivery

During the MRes you will undertake advanced Masters’ level training in cloud computing and data analytics. The training will begin with a module in either computing science for mathematicians (for those with a statistics background) or statistics for computing scientists (for those from a computer science background).

All students will then be taught topics including statistics for big data, programming for big data, cloud computing, machine learning, big data analytics and time series analysis. The taught component will finish with a substantial group project, where you will have the opportunity to work with students from different backgrounds on a practical industry-focused data analysis problem.

Following this in years 2-4, you will carry out PhD research, guided by PhD supervisors from within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data, and typically additional advisors from industry.

Facilities

You will have access to free cloud computing resources to manage your research, a purpose-built Decision Theatre and 3D visualisation facility and a 3D printing learning lab.

You will be based in The Core building, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside experts in key areas of computing science, as well as access to industrial partners. You will also receive funding to attend selected conferences in emerging areas of your research discipline. We also offer funding for equipment and software to support your research.

Read less

About the course

This course runs in Germany.

This course covers a range of essential topics related to distributed computing systems. Yet these modules are not isolated; each one takes its place in the field in relation to others.

The emphasis in the course is to build the connections between topics, enabling software engineers to achieve co-operation between distinct autonomous systems under constraints of cost and performance requirements.

The course is suitable for:

Recent graduates in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or Computer Science, who wish to develop their skills in the field of distributed computing systems.
Practicing engineers and computer professionals who wish to develop their knowledge in this area.
People with suitable mathematical, scientific or other engineering qualifications, usually with some relevant experience, who wish to enter this field.

Aims

The past few years have witnessed that Grid computing is evolving as a promising large-scale distributed computing infrastructure for scientists and engineers around the world to share various resources on the Internet including computers, software, data, instruments.

Many countries around the world have invested heavily on the development of the Grid computing infrastructure. Many IT companies have been actively involved in Grid development. Grid computing has been applied in a variety of areas such as particle physics, bio-informatics, finance, social science and manufacturing. The IT industry has seen the Grid computing infrastructure as the next generation of the Internet.

The aim of the programme is to equip high quality and ambitious graduates with the necessary advanced technical and professional skills for an enhanced career either in industry or leading edge research in the area of distributed computing systems.

Specifically, the main objectives of the programme are:

To critically appraise advanced technologies for developing distributed systems;
To practically examine the development of large scale distributed systems;
To critically investigate the problems and pitfalls of distributed systems in business, commerce, and industry.

Course Content

Compulsory Modules:

Computer Networks
Network Security and Encryption
Distributed Systems Architecture
Project and Personal Management
High Performance Computing and Big Data
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Intelligent Systems
Dissertation

Special Features

Electronic and Computer Engineering is one of the largest disciplines in the University, with a portfolio of research contracts totalling £7.5 million, and has strong links with industry.

The laboratories are well equipped with an excellent range of facilities to support the research work and courses. We have comprehensive computing resources in addition to those offered centrally by the University. The discipline is particularly fortunate in having extensive gifts of software and hardware to enable it to undertake far-reaching design projects.

We have a wide range of research groups, each with a complement of academics and research staff and students. The groups are:

Media Communications
Wireless Networks and Communications
Power Systems
Electronic Systems
Sensors and Instrumentation.

Women in Engineering and Computing Programme

Brunel’s Women in Engineering and Computing mentoring scheme provides our female students with invaluable help and support from their industry mentors.

Accreditation

Distributed Computing Systems Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Read less

Affective computing is an exciting, multi-disciplinary strand of computing that addresses how computers, and other technologies, will become more interactive and efficient by recognising, and responding to, human emotions.

This course offers students a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of intelligent, emotionally interactive technologies as they come to fruition in the industry and marketplace over the next 10 years. Utilising emergent technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable and mobile devices, and Big Data, the course combines theory and practice, as it prepares students to seize the opportunity to create innovative computers that are powerful, customisable, adaptive, and responsive to their users.

Ultimately, affective computing can provide a way for humans to seamlessly filter out a lot of the information they are presently swamped with and to get to the services and systems that are right for them. 

Indications from the Tech Partnership skills council show that there is a need for 1 million new employment roles in the digital economy between now and 2025 and that 52% of digital businesses currently struggle to fill specialist vacancies.

Key course features

• Gain hands-on experience of working with a range of sensors and equipment in building experimental, affective computing systems.
• Learn about the emerging fields of Affective Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data.
• The course is taught and assessed by active researchers in the field, who all belong to the University’s Affective Audio and/or ARClab groups.
• The ability to critically appraise and disseminate research results.
• Provides students with a sound basis for further research and/or professional development.

What will you study

The course provides students with immersion in several distinct subject disciplines that support the design, development, and evaluation of affective computing systems. The course modules cover the practical skills of computing, necessary to build affective, interactive technologies, supported by learning the theories, investigation techniques, and research skills that allow them to work successfully with leading edge, emerging technologies and devise solutions that are fit for purpose.

 

ALL MODULES ARE CORE.

 

As with most masters programmes this has 2 parts, a taught part followed by a dissertation.

 

Students study 5 core modules, totalling 120 credits, followed by a 60 credit dissertation, making a total of 180 credits.

 

MODULES:

• Affective Computing: This module introduces students to the theory and practical application of affective computing. Students will gain insight into the multi-disciplinary aspects and influences of affective computing and the various models and paradigms of emotion. Students will learn to design, construct, and test affective systems to address specific problems. As such, students will gain experience in configuring a range of sensors, and interpreting the data they produce, in a hands-on fashion.
• Human Factors Engineering: This module provides a range of skills that can be applied in the development efficient technologies that are easy to use and highly effective. As such, the module provides students with a deep knowledge of the societal, psychological, physical, and technical factors relating to human factors engineering. Students will develop a degree of expertise in human factors engineering, particularly focused on the evaluation of existing information and computer systems. In practical terms, students will conduct and report upon usability studies in a mature and professional manner, with an awareness of the legal and ethical issues involved.
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence: In this module students are given the opportunity to study problem-solving techniques that are applicable to artificial intelligence with the intention of providing them with the ability to develop intelligent systems. Investigating the role of human intelligence from the Computer Science point of view will enable students to appreciate the role of problem solving. Typical techniques include identification trees, neural nets, genetic algorithms, sparse spaces, near misses particularly applicable to nearest neighbours will be studied. These techniques will enable students to tackle problems in the areas of machine learning, pattern recognition, natural language processing and understanding, perception and expert systems.
• Postgraduate Study and Research Methods: This module will provide the necessary underpinning skills to ensure that competent work and standards are achieved and maintained throughout the student’s chosen programme of study. This will encompass the development of professional level information handling and analysis skills, as well as ensuring students become proficient at recognising and managing their own professional development.
• Future and Emerging Technologies: The module explores emerging and future technologies in the field of computing and affords students the opportunity to investigate novel application and research areas and environments where computing can be potentially beneficial. Consideration is given to the the legal, ethical, social, political, economic, environmental, demographic, philosophical and cultural issues on which future technologies may have influence, and be influenced by. Students are expected to apply research methods and forecasting techniques to make and justify credible predictions in their field of study.
• Dissertation: The dissertation is a study-led piece of work that focuses on applying a wide range of the technical and critical analysis skills that have been developed throughout the course. Students will agree a topic of study with their academic supervisor that falls within the remit of affective computing. This typically follows the development and implementation of a computer system and or may be based upon a research investigation.

For a full-time student, the taught components (all modules apart from the Dissertation) of the course, requiring attendance in a classroom or lab, will be in the region of 12 hours per week during each semester. In addition, students are expected to study independently outside of the classroom for around 15 hours per week. The commitment for a part-time student is approximately half that of a full-time student.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.



Read less

Cloud computing is revolutionising the way that large, and often complex, datasets are stored and analysed. Our Cloud Computing MSc aims to produce experts with practical experience who can work with companies from around the world to realise the business benefits of this exciting technology.

Our course focuses on both theory and practice so that you can understand and implement cloud computing applications. You will cover key subjects such as advanced object-oriented programming, data mining and big data analytics.

Through this course you will develop both your technical and professional skills to underpin personal development and future career success. Our comprehensive research training provides a basis for PhD study.

This is a demanding and rewarding course. We have close links to research by the Scalable Systems Group and the Digital Institute in the School of Computing Science. Our Cloud Computing research also has links with companies such as Red Hat and Hewlett-Packard. They often employ our graduates and also offer summer project internships to students.

Our graduates have an excellent record of finding employment. Recent examples include Software Engineer for IBM UK and Software Developer for Red Hat.

All academic staff involved in teaching cloud computing modules have international reputations for their contributions to the field and some have extensive experience as practitioners in industry.

As a student on this course, you will be encouraged to play a full part in the life of the School, participating in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers. Our experienced and helpful staff are happy to offer support with all aspects of your course from admissions to graduation and developing your career. The course is part of a suite of related courses, which creates a tight-knit cohort.

Delivery

Our Cloud Computing MSc can be completed full time or part time. The course typically starts in mid-September and is delivered on our Newcastle campus.

Full time students are taught in three blocks. Each block is timetabled to accommodate all formal lectures and practical sessions for the modules covered in that block. This arrangement is to provide the foundational knowledge necessary to study the modules covered in later blocks. For example, Advanced OO Programming, covered in the first block, provides the essential background for Enterprise Middleware in the second block which, in turn, supports understanding of the concepts and tools for Cloud Computing and System Design in the third block.

Modules worth 60 credits are taught in the first three months and are assessed through written examinations conducted in mid-January. The remaining 120 credits worth of study are assessed by coursework and project work. Of these 120 credits, the individual project is worth 90 credits and is carried out in the last five months.

Part time students have the flexibility to study over two years. The only constraint is that you must be examined for modules worth at least 30 credits in the January of your first year. The part time version of the course is designed to encourage participation of employees from local IT companies. As a part time student you can carry out your individual project in your place of work, as long as the supervisory processes in place meet University standards.

Project work

You will need to demonstrate your understanding and competence in cloud computing during the taught part of the course before you can proceed with your individual project. There are no formal lectures during this period. Your five month individual project gives you an opportunity to develop and deepen your knowledge and skills, and to work in a research or development team. For your project you will build a challenging and comprehensive cloud computing application, from design to prototype development, testing and demonstration. You can develop your project either at the University under an academic supervisor or by securing an industrial placement through an open competition. You will have one-to-one supervision from an experienced member of staff, supported with supervision from industry partners as required.

The project can be carried out in:
-One of our research groups at Newcastle
-An industry laboratory
-Your place of work

Accreditation

We have a policy of seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for all of our degrees, so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standards set out by the IT industry. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.

The School of Computing Science at Newcastle University is an accredited and recognised Partner in the Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science.

Read less

Are you excited by the impact of technology on our everyday lives and are keen to forge a successful career in the field? From day one, you will be immersed in an exciting, innovative environment where you will develop broad knowledge and skills in the main areas of computing and information technology which will be directly relatable to your future career.

You will take core modules covering areas of computing in programming, databases, systems analysis and design, and computer networks and web development. Designed in consultation with partners from industry, you will develop the most up-to-date computing knowledge, desired by employers across the industry.

This course fully meets the educational requirements for BCS Chartered IT Professional registration.

This course has several available starts and study options - for more information, please view the relevant web-page:
16 months full time - https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/computing-and-information-technology-dtfcin6/

Part time study - https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/computing-and-information-technology-dtpcin6/

3 years distance learning - https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/computing-and-information-technology-dtdciy6/

Learn From The Best

You will be taught by a range of academic staff who bring a wealth of professional experience. They are experts in specialist areas such as Strategic Management, Computer Science and Web Based Information Retrieval.

In a dynamic learning environment with an expert team of staff, you will be taught theoretical and practical research skills such as information literacy, as well as problem solving skills, self-directed learning and communication skills.

Teaching And Assessment

On this course, you will have the opportunity to independently research topics to deepen your learning and understanding, while learning the skills to communicate your research and investigations.

Assessment methods will include reports, presentations, individual, group and project work, alongside regular feedback on your summative assessment.

Module Overview
KC7013 - Database Modelling (Core, 20 Credits)
KF7010 - Programme Design & Implementation (Core, 20 Credits)
KF7011 - Systems Analysis & Design with UML (Core, 20 Credits)
KF7013 - Website Development and Deployment (Core, 20 Credits)
KF7023 - Computer Networks & Operating Systems (Core, 20 Credits)
KF7028 - Research Methods and Project Management (Core, 20 Credits)
KF7029 - MSc Computer Science & Digital Technologies Project (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

Throughout the duration of your course you will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities including our dedicated computing suite, Pandon Basement.

Pandon Basement houses specialist facilities and studios with industry-standard software.

You will also have access to dedicated computing areas, which can be used during free periods and into the evenings and weekends.

When you want to get hands-on with technology our range of specialist facilities will support you.

You will also have access to the University’s award winning library (online and on campus). The library achieved the second highest score in the UK in the Times Higher Student Satisfaction Survey 2015.

Research-Rich Learning

You will be immersed in a research-rich environment supported by our rapidly expanding Computer Science and Information Science Research Groups.

Northumbria’s BCS-accredited MSc has been designed to ensure you learn the most up-to-date computing knowledge required by employers across the industry. We offer research-informed teaching, industry-standard software and a strong community of like-minded students.”

You will be taught by staff with a strong academic background in areas such as Web Programming who promote innovative and excellent learning and teaching practice.

You will develop an understanding of important research methods and approaches which could be directly applicable to the demands of your future career.

Give Your Career An Edge

Industry practice has strongly influenced the design of the programme to give you the computing knowledge to work within a variety of roles in the sector.

Learning independently, working collaboratively on projects, evaluating and reflecting upon practitioner experience, are all essential skills of the computing profession. Your modules will enable you to do all of this and more as you develop the qualities needed for a career in computing.

This programme will prepare you to meet the educational requirements for BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

Your Future

Upon graduating from this course, you will have an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the main areas of Computing and Information Technology, including the key areas of systems analysis, systems development, operating systems, networking, databases and the internet .

We place a real emphasis on developing the transferable skills that will open doors to a range of careers. These include communication, analytical and problem solving skills, technical skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Graduates are expected to work in a number of career opportunities across a wide range of computer areas including software engineering, systems analysis and design, computer networks, database development and management, software testing and project management.

Read less

If your first degree is not in computing but you want to move into IT then our BCS accredited MSc in Computing is designed for you. Our course provides the basis for starting a career in computing and IT; teaching you the fundamentals of programming, hardware, networks and software engineering.

The course will enable you to develop a sound knowledge of computer software development for a range of problem areas, such as interactive websites, stand-alone applications and network systems. Because of its emphasis on software system construction and management, and data organisation, the qualification is applicable to a wide variety of fields concerned with using computers, as well as directly to the computer industry itself.

Why choose this course?

This programme is rooted in real-world and industry-relevant experiences. Lecturing staff have extensive experience in research and university teaching, as well as a wide range of previous industrial and commercial backgrounds. You will have the opportunity to put the skills you have gained into practice if you choose to undertake our 1 year optional placement.

You will be joining a department with a diverse and truly international postgraduate community. The universal nature of the technical skills developed in our programmes means our courses are of equal relevance to both new graduates and those with many years of industrial experience.

Professional accreditation

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. The MSc in Computing is accredited as partially meeting the requirements for CITP and have been awarded the EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education) label.

This course in detail

The MSc in Computing has a modular course unit design providing you with maximum flexibility and choice. To qualify for a master’s degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).

The MSc in Computing with placement enables you to work in industry for a year in the middle of your course to give valuable workplace experience. Placements are not guaranteed, but the Department's dedicated placement team will help with the process of finding and applying for placements. To qualify for a Master’s degree with placement, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits plus the zero credit placement module. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Computing allows you to concentrate on the taught part of the degree and is ideal for people working in the computing industry who wish to brush up their skills. To qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma, you must pass modules amounting to 120 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each). In some cases, it may be possible for a student on a Postgraduate Diploma to do 3 taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Computing allows you to concentrate on the taught part of the degree and is ideal for people working in the computing industry who wish to learn a specific area in this rapidly changing discipline. To qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate, you must pass modules amounting to 60 credits. This comprises three taught modules (20 credits each).

We also offer a Postgraduate Certificate Computing Research Project.

Part-time students normally distribute the work evenly over a two-year period.

Semester 1 - You can choose from the following modules:
-Research and Scholarship Methods (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip)
-Object-Oriented Programming (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip)
-Structured Data (compulsory for MSc)

Semester 2 - You can choose from the following modules:
-Computer Systems and Networks (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip)
-Software Production (compulsory for MSc)
-Cyber security and the web (Compulsory for MSc)

As courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the list of taught modules you choose from may vary from the list here.

Students undertaking an MSc with placement will do a 1 year placement in industry. The placement will be undertaken after the taught component and before doing the dissertation.

Students studying for an MSc will also take:
-MSc Dissertation (completed over summer)

Careers and professional development

Our MSc students come from all over the world and graduate to follow careers in technical, business-related and creative roles, for example as developers, engineers, IT managers or web developers. Whatever their interest, our graduates tell us that the relevance of our courses and the skills they've learnt enable them to achieve their goals and build their careers.

Read less

Designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline, the MSc Computing and IT Management provides you with a broad technical knowledge and a sound business context for managing IT systems.

Through this course you will learn the skills needed to develop business applications through a fundamental understanding of software and web development, e-commerce and database management. You will also gain an understanding of the professional skills required to lead IT managers by working as a part of a team on a business change project.

You will have the option of learning about new and emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, that are radically changing the opportunities and threats for the provision of IT systems. You may also opt for human-centric computing which focuses on defining and delivering effective information systems from a human-centric perspective. You also have the option of learning the knowledge and skills required to create interactive visualisations and explanations of data.

On successful completion of the taught phase you will move to the dissertation phase. This provides the opportunity of developing your research skills and applying technical and management concepts and techniques to solve a complex computing problem.

This one-year full-time or three-year part-time course offers a balanced combination of theory and practice, and can serve either as preparation for a career as an IT professional, doctoral research, or as a self-contained advanced qualification in its own right.

Distinctive features

• The opportunity to undertake a conversion course in Computing and IT.

• Provides an intensive course specifically designed for those who wish to move into computing and IT management from another discipline.

• Professionally accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

• The opportunity to learn the technical knowledge and skills needed to develop business applications.

• Working in a team on a business change project to develop IT management skills.

• The facility to tailor the course to your interests by the selection of an advanced option module.

Structure

You will study core modules to a total of 160 credits including dissertation, with an optional module worth 20 credits. Students will also undertake an individual project.

This is a full-time course undertaken over one calendar year. It is also available as a part-time course over three years, and with placement.

Core modules:

Information Processing in Python
Web Application Development
Information Modelling & Database Systems
Business and IT Management
E-Commerce and Innovation
Dissertation

Optional modules:

Distributed and Cloud Computing
Human Centric Computing
Visual Communication and Information Design
Computer Science Topic 1: Web and Social Computing (Part-time only)

Teaching

The School of Computer Science and Informatics has a strong and active research culture which informs and directs our teaching. We are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard and received an excellent report in the most recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review.

A diverse range of teaching and learning styles are used throughout the MSc in Computing and IT Management. Students will attend lectures, participate in seminars, workshops and tutorials, and carry out practical and laboratory work.

Students obtain support materials usually via Learning Central (Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment).

Students will also undertake a project and independent study to enable them to complete their dissertation. Dissertation topics may be suggested by the student or chosen from a list of options proposed by academic staff reflecting their current interest.

Support

As a School, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment in which we are able to help and encourage our students.

All students are allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress throughout your time at university and will support you in your personal development planning. You will see your Personal Tutor at least once each semester.

Our Senior Personal Tutor can also advise and respond to any personal matters as they arise. The School also has a formal student-staff panel to discuss topics or issues of mutual interest.

Feedback:

Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.

Assessment

The taught modules within the courses are assessed through examinations and a wide range of in-course assessments, such as written reports, extended essays, practical assignments and oral presentations.

The individual project and dissertation will enable students to demonstrate their ability to build upon and exploit knowledge and skills gained to exhibit critical and original thinking based on a period of independent study and learning.

Career prospects

Recent graduates from the MSc Computing and IT Management course have gained employment in roles such as systems and business analysts, quality assurance testers, IT consultants and project managers.

Graduates are employed by organisations of all sizes locally, nationally, and internationally.

Read less

MSc in Computing

This qualification develops a rigorous approach to the study and application of computing, and incorporates transferable skills that are highly applicable to professional development in the field. You can choose between the flexible MSc in Computing (offering a wide choice of industry relevant modules), and the more focused MSc in Computing (Software Engineering) or MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics), which enable you to develop in-depth specialist knowledge. All three routes finish with a substantial independent project, with either a professional or research orientation. The professional project engages in a research scenario in an employment-related setting of your choice, while the research project enables you to design a research proposal relating to an issue or problem of professional relevance to you or an employer, institution or public body.

Key features of the course

•Brings together theory and practice and draws on your own background and experience
•Enables you to tailor your studies to your specific career needs and professional interests
•Provides an excellent platform for further research studies.

This qualification is eligible for a Postgraduate Loan available from Student Finance England.

Modules

There are three pathways available for this degree:

•MSc in Computing
•MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)
•MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

We advise you to begin with modules from the first list for each pathway before moving on to the second.

MSc in Computing

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

60 credits from the optional modules in List A:

List A:

• Data management (M816)
• Digital forensics (M812)
• Information security (M811)
• Project management (M815)
• Software development (M813)
• Software engineering (M814)

Plus

A further 60 credits from List A, or from List B:

List B: optional modules

• Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824)
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
• Managing technological innovation (T848)
• Network security (T828)
• Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889)
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811)

Plus

60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route:

Research route

Compulsory module

• Research project (T802)

Professional route

Compulsory module

• The MSc professional project (T847)

Plus

A further 30 credits from List B, or any 30-credit module at OU Level 3 or above.

MSc in Computing (Software Engineering)

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

60 credits of compulsory modules (starting with M813):

Compulsory modules

• Software development (M813)
• Software engineering (M814)

Plus

60 credits from List C:

List C: optional modules

• Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824)
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Data management (M816)
• Digital forensics (M812)
• Information security (M811)
• Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
• Managing technological innovation (T848)
• Network security (T828)
• Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889)
• Project management (M815)
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811)

Plus

60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route:

Research route

Compulsory module

• Research project (T802)

Professional route

Compulsory module

• The MSc professional project (T847)

Plus a further 30 credits from List C, or any 30-credit module at OU Level 3 or above.

MSc in Computing (Information Security and Forensics)

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

60 credits of compulsory modules (starting with M811):

Compulsory modules

• Information security (M811)
• Digital forensics (M812)

Plus

60 credits from List D:

List D: optional modules

• Advanced routing CCNP 1 (T824)
• Continuing professional development in practice (U810)
• Data management (M816)
• Managing systemic change: inquiry, action and interaction (TU812)
• Managing technological innovation (T848)
• Network security (T828)
• Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches (T889)
• Project management (M815)
• Software development (M813)
• Software engineering (M814)
• Strategic capabilities for technological innovation (T849)
• Thinking strategically: systems tools for managing change (TU811)

Plus

60 credits from either the Research route or Professional route:

Research route

Compulsory module

• Research project (T802)

Professional route

Compulsory module

• The MSc professional project (T847)

Plus a further 30 credits from List D, or any 30-credit module at OU Level 3 or above.

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Credit transfer

If you have already completed some successful study at postgraduate level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible as it may affect your choice of OU modules. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.

Read less