The Masters in Information Technology is an intensive, practically oriented taught postgraduate programme which will equip you with advanced IT skills. This is a conversion degree programme intended for students without a computing science background. You will apply your knowledge and skills by conducting a development project.
Modes of delivery of the MSc in Information Technology include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.
Depending on staff availability, the optional courses listed here may change.
If you wish to engage in part-time study, please be aware that dependent upon your optional taught courses, you may still be expected to be on campus on most week days.
Former students are now employed in the chemical, electronics, travel, food, and oil industries, in banking and insurance, in software houses, in retailing, in education, in the health service, in management consultancy, in civil engineering, and in other sectors. Some graduates apply their newly-acquired IT skills within their existing careers, or move into research or teaching.
Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as:
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Data Science at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
MSc in Data Science aims to equip students with a solid grounding in data science concepts and technologies for extracting information and constructing knowledge from data. Students of the MSc Data Science will study the computational principles, methods, and systems for a variety of real world applications that require mathematical foundations, programming skills, critical thinking, and ingenuity. Development of research skills will be an essential element of the Data Science programme so that students can bring a critical perspective to current data science discipline and apply this to future developments in a rapidly changing technological environment.
The MSc Data Science programme focuses on three core technical themes: data mining, machine learning, and visualisation. Data mining is fundamental to data science and the students will learn how to mine both structured data and unstructured data. Students will gain practical data mining experience and will gain a systematic understanding of the fundamental concepts of analysing complex and heterogeneous data. They will be able to manipulate large heterogeneous datasets, from storage to processing, be able to extract information from large datasets, gain experience of data mining algorithms and techniques, and be able to apply them in real world applications. Machine learning has proven to be an effective and exciting technology for data and it is of high value when it comes to employment. Students of the Data Science programme will learn the fundamentals of both conventional and state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, be able to apply the methods and techniques to synthesise solutions using machine learning, and will have the necessary practical skills to apply their understanding to big data problems. We will train students to explore a variety visualisation concepts and techniques for data analysis. Students will be able to apply important concepts in data visualisation, information visualisation, and visual analytics to support data process and knowledge discovery. The students of the Data Science programme also learn important mathematical concepts and methods required by a data scientist. A specifically designed module that is accessible to students with different background will cover the basics of algebra, optimisation techniques, statistics, and so on. More advanced mathematical concepts are integrated in individual modules where necessary.
The MSc Data Science programme delivers the practical components using a number of programming languages and software packages, such as Hadoop, Python, Matlab, C++, OpenGL, OpenCV, and Spark. Students will also be exposed to a range of closely related subject areas, including pattern recognition, high performance computing, GPU processing, computer vision, human computer interaction, and software validation and verification. The delivery of both core and optional modules leverage on the research strength and capacity in the department. The modules are delivered by lecturers who are actively engaged in world leading researches in this field. Students of the Data Science programme will benefit from state-of-the-art materials and contents, and will work on individual degree projects that can be research-led or application driven.
Modules for the MSc Data Science programme include:
- Visual Analytics
- Data Science Research Methods and Seminars
- Big Data and Data Mining
- Big Data and Machine Learning
- Mathematical Skills for Data Scientists
- Data Visualization
- Human Computer Interaction
- High Performance Computing in C/C++
- Graphics Processor Programming
- Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
- Modelling and Verification Techniques
- Operating Systems and Architectures
The Department of Computer Science is well equipped for teaching, and is continually upgrading its laboratories to ensure equipment is up-to-date – equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently, our Computer Science students use three fully networked laboratories: one, running Windows; another running Linux; and a project laboratory, containing specialised equipment. These laboratories support a wide range of software, including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog among many; integrated programme development environments such as Visual Studio and Netbeans; the widely-used Microsoft Office package; web access tools; and many special purpose software tools including graphical rendering and image manipulation tools; expert system production tools; concurrent system modelling tools; World Wide Web authoring tools; and databases.
As part of the expansion of the Department of Computer Science, we are building the Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus for computer science and mathematical science.
- Data Analyst
- Data mining Developer
- Machine Learning Developer
- Visual Analytics Developer
- Visualisation Developer
- Visual Computing Software Developer
- Database Developer
- Data Science Researcher
- Computer Vision Developer
- Medical Computing Developer
- Informatics Developer
- Software Engineer
On the MSc in Cyber Security course at Swansea University your studies will include themes including cryptography, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, the security and privacy of personal data, cyberterrorism, cybercrime and mobile security to name but a few. In the Cyber Security course, Swansea Computer Science takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, bringing together modules on diverse topics such as penetration testing, formal modelling, information security management, cryptography and AI in order to equip our students with a suitable mindset for a career in cyber security. The department's cyber security lab provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the security landscape, allowing Cyber Security students and staff to carry out experiments in network security, mobile security, and to explore threats and defence mechanisms in the context of the Internet of Things.
Our increasingly connected world presents continual new and serious security threats. From privacy violations (hacking, monitoring communications, leaking sensitive data, stealing and publishing private information) through to the drugs trade, sex trafficking and terrorism, Computer Science can provide the techniques required for mitigating such risks, in order to provide secure, reliable and trustworthy systems.
Taught component: The MSc in Cyber Security offers a range of modules, taught by internationally renowned researchers and covering topics such as: Cryptography and Network Security, Penetration Testing, Information Security Management, Embedded Systems Modelling and Verification Techniques, Web Application Development, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts, Advanced Topics: AI and Cyber Security Invention and Innovation in Computing.
Dissertation component: A further four months duration is spent undertaking a substantial research project (60 credits), which will involve using and exploring cutting edge techniques for specifying, developing, verifying and accessing systems against security criteria. Cyber Security Students will benefit from our broad range of industrial partners and internationally leading research expertise.
Possible Future Pathways: Cyber Threat Analyst - Penetration Tester PhD Researcher - Data Security Analyst Secure Web Developer - Verification Engineer.
Modules on the Cyber Security course may include:
The Department is well equipped for teaching, and is continually upgrading its laboratories to ensure equipment is up-to-date – equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently, students use three fully networked laboratories: one, running Windows; another running Linux; and a project laboratory, containing specialised equipment. These laboratories support a wide range of software, including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog among many; integrated programme development environments such as Visual Studio and Netbeans; the widely-used Microsoft Office package; web access tools; and many special purpose software tools including graphical rendering and image manipulation tools; expert system production tools; concurrent system modelling tools; World Wide Web authoring tools; and databases.
As part of our expansion, we are building the Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus for computer and mathematical sciences. As a student on the MSc in Cyber Security, you will study at the Bay Campus in the new Computational Foundry, a dedicated £32 million building for computational studies, providing the latest labs, resources and ecosystems for world leading, interdisciplinary research.
All Computer Science courses including the MSc in Cyber Security will provide you the transferable skills and knowledge to help you take advantage of the excellent employment and career development prospects in an ever growing and changing computing and ICT industry.
94% of our Postgraduate Taught Graduates were in professional level work or study [DLHE 14/15].
Jobs include:
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Logic and Computation at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
Logic is the basis for reasoning about what we can express and compute, having a profound influence in philosophy, linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and electronics. Since the invention of computers, logic has always been the primary source of ideas and techniques for the theoretical and practical development of programming.
Today, as the scope of programming technologies expands, and the horizon of applications widens, research in logic and its applications in software and hardware development is booming. In industry, formal methods are an integral part of system development, e.g., in automotive electronics, avionics, and chip design.
The MRes Logic and Computation course will teach you about advanced techniques in logic and their applications in research problems in computer science. You will receive an elite education of direct relevance to research and development problems in contemporary information and communication technology (ICT).
Teaching score of Excellent.
Highest percentage of top-class researchers of any Computer Science department in Wales – and only 12 in the UK have higher.
70% of the research activity assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Our industrial programme IT Wales which can arrange vacation employment placements.
A state-of-the-art education.
Friendly staff, committed to the highest standards.
A university with high success rate, low drop-out rate, and excellent student support.
Swansea's Library spends more per student on books and other resources than any other university in Wales, and most in the UK.
Research Component
The main part of the MRes in Logic and Computation is a substantial and challenging project involving cutting edge research. The completion of such a project will give you the ability and confidence to pursue a successful career in industrial research and development, or to proceed to academic PhD studies.
Taught Component
In seminars and reading courses you will enter the world of research by studying general topics in theoretical computer science as well as special topics for your research project. Guided by your supervisor you will conquer new technical subjects and learn to critically assess current research.
Lecturers and students will meet regularly to discuss recent developments and give informal talks. Topics of the seminars are chosen in accordance with the research projects, and will cover material such as:
Theorem proving techniques
Formal program verification
Algebraic and coalgebraic specification
Modelling of distributed systems
Advanced methods in complexity theory
Additionally you will choose selected taught modules covering important topics such as Critical Systems, IT Security, Concepts of Programming
Languages, Artificial Intelligence Applications, Design Patterns and Generic Programming.
The Department is well equipped for teaching, and is continually upgrading its laboratories to ensure equipment is up-to-date – equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently, students use three fully networked laboratories: one, running Windows; another running Linux; and a project laboratory, containing specialised equipment. These laboratories support a wide range of software, including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog among many; integrated programme development environments such as Visual Studio and Netbeans; the widely-used Microsoft Office package; web access tools; and many special purpose software tools including graphical rendering and image manipulation tools; expert system production tools; concurrent system modelling tools; World Wide Web authoring tools; and databases.
All Computer Science courses will provide you the transferable skills and knowledge to help you take advantage of the excellent employment and career development prospects in an ever growing and changing computing and ICT industry.
90% of Swansea’s Computer Science graduates are in full-time employment or further study within six months of graduating (HESA June 2011).
Some example job titles from the HESA survey 2011:
Software Engineer: Motorola Solutions
Change Coordinator: Logica
Software Developer/Engineer: NS Technology
Workflow Developer: Irwin Mitchell
IT Developer: Crimsan Consultants
Consultant: Crimsan Consultants
Programmer: Evil Twin Artworks
Web Developer & Web Support: VSI Thinking
Software Developer: Wireless Innovations
Associate Business Application Analyst: CDC Software
Software Developer: OpenBet Technologies
Technical Support Consultant: Alterian
Programming: Rock It
Software Developer: BMJ Group
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Swansea Computer Science ranked 11th in the UK for percentage of world-leading research, and 1st in Wales for research excellence. 40% of our submitted research assessed as world-leading quality (4*).
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Computer Science: Informatique at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc in Computer Science: Informatique is a Dual Degree scheme between Swansea University and Université Grenoble Alpes for computer science.
The MSc in Computer Science: Informatique Grenoble dual degree scheme is a two year programme that provides students with an opportunity to study in both Swansea, UK and Grenoble, France. One year of the Computer Science: Informatique programme students study at Swansea University and the second year of the programme students study at Université Grenoble Alpes. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive an M.Sc. in Advanced Computer Science from Swansea University and a Master from Université Grenoble Alpes.
- We are top in the UK for career prospects [Guardian University Guide 2018]
- 5th in the UK overall [Guardian University Guide 2018]7th in the UK for student satisfaction with 98% [National Student Survey 2016]
- We are in the UK Top 10 for teaching quality [Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2017]
- 12th in the UK overall and Top in Wales [Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2017]
- 92% in graduate employment or further study six months after leaving University [HESA data 2014/15]
- UK TOP 20 for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014]
- Our Project Fair allows students to present their work to local industry
- Strong links with industry
- £31m Computational Foundry for computer and mathematical sciences will provide the most up-to-date and high quality teaching facilities featuring world-leading experimental set-ups, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation and ensure students will be ready for exciting and successful careers. (From September 2018)
- Top University in Wales [Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2017]
Modules on the MSc in Computer Science: Informatique may include:
Critical Systems; IT-Security: Theory and Practice; Visual Analytics; Data Science Research Methods and Seminars; Big Data and Data Mining; Data Visualization; Human Computer Interaction; Big Data and Machine Learning; Web Application Development; High Performance Computing in C/C++; Software Testing; Graphics Processor Programming; Embedded System Design; Mathematical Skills for Data Scientists; Logic in Computer Science; Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition; High-Performance Computing in C/C++; Hardware and Devices; Modelling and Verification Techniques; Operating Systems and Architectures.
The Department of Computer Science is well equipped for teaching, and is continually upgrading its laboratories to ensure equipment is up-to-date – equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two. Currently, Computer Science students use three fully networked laboratories: one, running Windows; another running Linux; and a project laboratory, containing specialised equipment. These laboratories support a wide range of software, including the programming languages Java, C# and the .net framework, C, C++, Haskell and Prolog among many; integrated programme development environments such as Visual Studio and Netbeans; the widely-used Microsoft Office package; web access tools; and many special purpose software tools including graphical rendering and image manipulation tools; expert system production tools; concurrent system modelling tools; World Wide Web authoring tools; and databases.
As part of our expansion, we are building the Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus for computer and mathematical sciences. This development is exciting news for Swansea Mathematics who are part of the vibrant and growing community of world-class research leaders drawn from computer and mathematical sciences.
All Computer Science courses will provide you the transferable skills and knowledge to help you take advantage of the excellent employment and career development prospects in an ever growing and changing computing and ICT industry.
94% of our Postgraduate Taught Computer Science Graduates were in professional level work or study [DLHE 14/15].
Some example job titles include:
Software Engineer: Motorola Solutions
Change Coordinator: Logica
Software Developer/Engineer: NS Technology
Workflow Developer: Irwin Mitchell
IT Developer: Crimsan Consultants
Consultant: Crimsan Consultants
Programmer: Evil Twin Artworks
Web Developer & Web Support: VSI Thinking
Software Developer: Wireless Innovations
Associate Business Application Analyst: CDC Software
Software Developer: OpenBet Technologies
Technical Support Consultant: Alterian
Programming: Rock It
Software Developer: BMJ Group
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Swansea Computer Science ranked 11th in the UK for percentage of world-leading research, and 1st in Wales for research excellence. 40% of our submitted research assessed as world-leading quality (4*).
The Advanced Software Engineering MSc is a newly redesigned course that enables graduates enable students to extend their knowledge of, and gain valuable experience in, software engineering as it applies to a number of new and important areas of IT and computing.
Graduates will be able to follow a flexible program of study designed to lead to, and enhance, a career in software engineering with a focus on new technologies and areas of application, such as cybersecurity, big data, or mobile application development.
The rapid pace of technical change in software development is notorious and this has been accompanied and compounded by an increase in the complexity of the systems that are developed. Recently this has been most noticeable in the increase in mobile computing and the use of sophisticated hardware that require developer knowledge of new paradigms.
Many applications that run on these systems whether mobile or stationary are distributed in nature and will consume web services provided by service-oriented architectures and cloud-based platforms. There has also been an increase in the use of virtualisation techniques for providing flexible and maintainable systems. Businesses are now regularly using virtualised systems and techniques to lower cost and complexity and increase availability in computing environments.
The surge in cybersecurity issues and threats facing businesses and organisations that depend on IT systems has meant that software engineers need a thorough understanding of security when building and maintaining software applications and systems.
There is an acknowledged national shortage of IT and computing skills in the workforce. In the specific area of software development, a number of factors contribute to this. Most obviously, the rate of technological change means that an individual's specific knowledge frequently becomes out of date. Secondly, many significant technological developments originate in industry rather than academia, and are not yet firmly embedded in undergraduate curricula. Finally, many people enter the software industry without a specific educational background in computer science and acquire much vital knowledge in the workplace in relatively ad hoc ways.
In response to this, for many years the Department of Computer Science has been running courses that combine an emphasis on methodical approaches to the development of software applications and information systems with a determination to equip graduates with a portfolio of relevant research-oriented and practical skills and knowledge to compliment and expand their own knowledge.
The rationale behind the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering is to draw on this experience to provide an education that will cover in-depth specific skills and best current practice in software development where there is currently a significant skills shortage, whilst at the same time instilling important research-based skills that will equip students for independent lifelong learning in fast-changing and technically challenging environment.
The Masters of Science in Advanced Software Engineering takes into account the emerging needs of industry underpinned by theory and software engineering practices. As a consequence the modules emphasise both the critical conceptual underpinnings as well as the practical skills for each subject.
Career prospects for Software Engineering students are excellent and students on graduation can be expected to follow these typical career routes:
Graduate career roles
Programmer, web developer, junior specialist developer and software developer.
Early to mid-career roles
Computer systems analysts, computer system engineers, software QA, database administrators, research and development, network systems administration and software engineer.
Senior roles
Senior application developer, lead developer, chief technical officer, lead researcher, senior systems architect or analyst.
The Advanced Software Engineering MSc is a newly redesigned course that enables graduates enable students to extend their knowledge of, and gain valuable experience in, software engineering as it applies to a number of new and important areas of IT and computing.
Graduates will be able to follow a flexible program of study designed to lead to, and enhance, a career in software engineering with a focus on new technologies and areas of application, such as cybersecurity, big data, or mobile application development.
The rapid pace of technical change in software development is notorious and this has been accompanied and compounded by an increase in the complexity of the systems that are developed. Recently this has been most noticeable in the increase in mobile computing and the use of sophisticated hardware that require developer knowledge of new paradigms.
Many applications that run on these systems whether mobile or stationary are distributed in nature and will consume web services provided by service-oriented architectures and cloud-based platforms. There has also been an increase in the use of virtualisation techniques for providing flexible and maintainable systems. Businesses are now regularly using virtualised systems and techniques to lower cost and complexity and increase availability in computing environments.
The surge in cybersecurity issues and threats facing businesses and organisations that depend on IT systems has meant that software engineers need a thorough understanding of security when building and maintaining software applications and systems.
There is an acknowledged national shortage of IT and computing skills in the workforce. In the specific area of software development, a number of factors contribute to this. Most obviously, the rate of technological change means that an individual's specific knowledge frequently becomes out of date. Secondly, many significant technological developments originate in industry rather than academia, and are not yet firmly embedded in undergraduate curricula. Finally, many people enter the software industry without a specific educational background in computer science and acquire much vital knowledge in the workplace in relatively ad hoc ways.
In response to this, for many years the Department of Computer Science has been running courses that combine an emphasis on methodical approaches to the development of software applications and information systems with a determination to equip graduates with a portfolio of relevant research-oriented and practical skills and knowledge to compliment and expand their own knowledge.
The rationale behind the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering is to draw on this experience to provide an education that will cover in-depth specific skills and best current practice in software development where there is currently a significant skills shortage, whilst at the same time instilling important research-based skills that will equip students for independent lifelong learning in fast-changing and technically challenging environment.
The Masters of Science in Advanced Software Engineering takes into account the emerging needs of industry underpinned by theory and software engineering practices. As a consequence the modules emphasise both the critical conceptual underpinnings as well as the practical skills for each subject.
This programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for fully meeting the further learning educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status and for partially satisfying the underpinning knowledge requirements set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and the Science Council for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng or IEng) status. Note that there are additional requirements, including work experience, to achieve full CITP, CEng, or IEng status. Graduates of this accredited degree will also be eligible for professional membership of BCS (MBCS).
The BCS accreditation is an indicator of the programme’s quality to students and employers; it is also an important benchmark of the programme’s standard in providing high quality computing education, and commitment to developing future IT professionals that have the potential to achieve Chartered status. The programme is also likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Career prospects for Software Engineering students are excellent and students on graduation can be expected to follow these typical career routes:
Graduate career roles
Programmer, web developer, junior specialist developer and software developer.
Early to mid-career roles
Computer systems analysts, computer system engineers, software QA, database administrators, research and development, network systems administration and software engineer.
Senior roles
Senior application developer, lead developer, chief technical officer, lead researcher, senior systems architect or analyst.
Computer science has an ever-greater influence on our lives, and the technological breakthroughs of today shape the way we live tomorrow. Opportunities continue to grow for highly skilled practitioners, and the taught Masters course allows you to make great advancements on your existing skills and knowledge. By the end of the programme you will be equipped to thrive in one of the fastest moving industries in the world.
You will learn specialist computer science techniques and fundamental theories, but you’ll also have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice by developing applications and working with real software. We cover a range of topics, including real time graphics and computational science, and you can choose from options including artificial intelligence, robotics and visualisation – built upon a solid foundation of good programming skills.
The course begins each September each year and lasts twelve months. There are two trimesters of taught modules, followed by an individual dissertation project during the third trimester. There is an option to take an extra trimester – immediately before the dissertation, adding an extra three months of study but letting you gain insights into industry through a module based on commercial practice, typically working with commercial clients and software.
The Department of Computer Science creates an excellent experience for students, with a supportive student community. We have an international reputation for our research activities, with a strong record of industrial and public grant funding. We are also affiliated with Microsoft’s DreamSpark programme, which allows you to access the latest Microsoft operating systems and development software for home use. Once registered with the department, you can download the software free of charge.
This MSc programme is designed to support students with various levels of computing and programming practice experience. However, it is particularly suited to those with significant experience of writing code.
There is a focus on the transition to further postgraduate study, with suitable content on professional skills and the importance of ethics for practising computer scientists.
In lectures you’ll benefit from a range of techniques, from interpreting complex ideas through interactive discussions, to live programming or other problem-solving demonstrations.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation
Teaching and learning
We place a strong emphasis on practical laboratory sessions. These will significantly develop your core computer science skills, and enhance your employability through exposure to commercial projects.
As teamwork plays a key role in commercial software development and has great value as an employable skill, group work is used in a number of modules.
Assessment
Practical coursework is the main form of assessment, and you will design, build and test software solutions to a variety of problems. Written coursework is used to complement this. The largest assessment is the dissertation.
* All modules are subject to availability.
The MSc Advanced Computer Science programme is designed to open pathways to postgraduate research, as well as a wide range of careers. The computational science module introduces concepts and ideas which will help prepare you for further study; the industrial placement option, meanwhile, will enable you to practise your skills and knowledge of computer science in situ, giving you a useful insight and advantage when it comes to starting your career.
We have a range of inspirational extra-curricular activities including the Three Thing Game, Imagine Cup Worldwide Software Development Challenge, Really Useful Seminars and Global Game Jam. They are designed to boost your CV and employability, and taking part costs very little.
Our MSc graduates typically gain roles including: applications developer; business systems analyst; computer analyst; computer programmer; computer operations manager; data management analyst; database assistant; developer support engineer; games programmer; games programmer (engine design); information manager; IT design; IT systems manager; IT technician; IT user support; mobile developer; operations director; software designer; software developer; software engineer; solutions developer; systems engineer; technical sales; technical specialist; and web developer.
Modern devices often rely on data that is distributed across multiple computers, whether closely located or more distant. Developing software for such systems offers many benefits, but it also poses new challenges to be overcome, particularly in guaranteeing the security and robustness of the communication between devices.
The MSc at Hull is designed to enable you to overcome those challenges. It prepares you to exploit the extraordinary potential of distributed systems, both in terms of storage capacity and processing power, whilst being aware of the unique constraints and security problems they introduce. You will have access to cutting-edge equipment and facilities, and you will finish with a much greater understanding of how software development needs to adapt to the unique environment of a distributed system. These skills and knowledge are highly sought-after in an industry that is increasingly adopting new distributed technology, such as cloud-based solutions.
The course begins in September each year and lasts twelve months. There are two trimesters of taught modules, followed by an individual dissertation project during the third trimester. There is an option to take an extra trimester – immediately before the dissertation, adding an extra three months of study but letting you gain insights into industry through a module based on commercial practice, typically working with commercial clients and software.
Studying Computer Science at Hull, you'll benefit from an excellent experience for students, with a supportive student community. We have an international reputation for our research activities, with a strong record of industrial and public grant funding. We are also affiliated with Microsoft’s DreamSpark programme, which allows you to access the latest Microsoft operating systems and development software for home use. Once registered with the department, you can download the software free of charge.
The MSc Computer Science (Security and Distributed Computing) programme supports students with various levels of computing and programming practice experience, with material that supports the transition into the postgraduate environment. There is also suitable content on professional skills and the importance of ethics for practising computer scientists.
As a route into research, the programme supports the development of postgraduate technical skills, alongside critical research, analysis and planning activities.
In lectures you’ll benefit from a range of techniques, from interpreting complex ideas through interactive discussions, to live programming or other problem-solving demonstrations.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation
Teaching and learning
We place a strong emphasis on practical laboratory sessions. This will significantly develop your core computer science skills, and enhance your employability through exposure to commercial projects.
As teamwork plays a key role in commercial software development and has great value as an employable skill, group work is used in a number of modules.
Assessment
Practical coursework is the main form of assessment, and you will design, build and test software solutions to a variety of problems. This is complemented by written coursework. The largest assessment is the dissertation.
* All modules are subject to availability.
The MSc Computer Science (Security and Distributed Computing) is designed to open up pathways to postgraduate research, as well as careers in a wide range of areas within your discipline. The industrial placement option will enable you to practise your skills and knowledge of computer science ‘in situ’, giving you a useful insight and advantage when it comes to starting your career.
We have a range of inspirational extra-curricular activities including the Three Thing Game, Imagine Cup Worldwide Software Development Challenge, Really Useful Seminars and Global Game Jam. They are designed to boost your CV and employability, and taking part costs very little.
Our graduates typically gain roles including: Applications Developer, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Operations Manager, Data Management Analyst, Database Assistant, Developer Support Engineer, Games Programmer, Games Programmer (Engine design), Information Manager, IT Design, IT Systems Manager, IT Technician, IT user Support, Mobile Developer, Operations Director, Software Designer, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Solutions Developer, Systems Engineer, Technical Sales, Technical Specialist, Web Developer.
Software development is one of the most rapidly evolving industries in the world, presenting an ever-greater number of creative opportunities and exciting challenges. Software developers therefore need a special set of skills to keep pace with technology and innovation. Our course gives you the knowledge and confidence to do just that.
We focus on large-scale development of advanced software, teaching you how to make use of the latest frameworks, methodologies and technology to produce professional-quality applications. Crucially, you will also learn how to be an effective member of a development team. With close links to software giants such as Microsoft, Sony, and IBM, we work hard to ensure that our course is always up to date and that our graduates leave with the cutting-edge skills demanded by industry. Therefore, this MSc is appropriate not just for fresh Computer Science graduates, but also for those with existing commercial experience who wish to update their skills and knowledge.
The course begins each September and lasts 12 months. There are two trimesters of taught modules, followed by an individual dissertation project during the third trimester. There is an option to take an extra trimester – immediately before the dissertation, adding an extra three months of study but letting you gain insights into industry through a module based on commercial practice, typically working with commercial clients and software.
Studying Computer Science at Hull, you'll benefit from an excellent experience for students, with a supportive student community. We have an international reputation for our research activities, with a strong record of industrial and public grant funding. We are also affiliated with Microsoft’s DreamSpark programme, which allows you to access the latest Microsoft operating systems and development software for home use. Once registered with the department, you can download the software free of charge.
The MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) programme is designed to support students with various levels of computing and programming practice experience. There is suitable content on professional skills and the importance of ethics for practising computer scientists. Material on software engineering, referencing and unfair means supports the transition into the postgraduate environment.
As a route into research, the programme supports the development of postgraduate technical skills, alongside critical research, analysis and planning activities.
In lectures you’ll benefit from a range of techniques, from interpreting complex ideas through interactive discussions, to live programming or other problem-solving demonstrations.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation
Teaching and learning
We place a strong emphasis on practical laboratory sessions. These will significantly develop your core computer science skills, and enhance your employability through exposure to commercial projects.
As teamwork plays a key role in commercial software development and has great value as an employable skill, group work is used in a number of modules.
Assessment
Practical coursework is the main form of assessment, and you will design, build and test software solutions to a variety of problems. This is complemented by written coursework. The largest assessment is the dissertation.
* All modules are subject to availability.
The MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) is designed to open up pathways to postgraduate research, as well as careers in a wide range of areas within your discipline. The industrial placement option will enable you to practise your skills and knowledge of computer science in situ, giving you a useful insight and advantage when it comes to starting your career.
We have a range of inspirational extra-curricular activities including the Three Thing Game, Imagine Cup Worldwide Software Development Challenge, Really Useful Seminars and Global Game Jam. They are designed to boost your CV and employability, and taking part costs very little.
Our graduates gain a wide range of roles including: applications developer; business systems analyst; computer analyst; computer programmer; computer operations manager; data management analyst; database assistant; developer support engineer; games programmer; games programmer (engine design); information manager; IT design; IT systems manager; IT technician; IT user support; mobile developer; operations director; software designer; software developer; software engineer; solutions developer; systems engineer technical sales; technical specialist; and web developer.
This course is a conversion course that will give you a grounding in computer programming. There's a particular focus on in-demand mobile and web applications, software engineering, and computer security. You'll learn through classes and extensive lab based work. You'll undertake a practical software development dissertation project. All classes within the course are tailored to the needs of students from non-computing backgrounds. They'll equip you with the key skills you'll need to begin a successful career as a software developer.
This course will prepare you for a professional and rewarding career in software development not only within the IT sector, but within many other sectors including education, engineering, health, finance, government, manufacturing, retail, and transport.
You'll also develop other valuable transferable skills including effective presentation, team working, and report writing, which will further enhance your skills as a future leader.
The Department of Computer & Information Sciences is based on levels 11 to 14 of the Livingstone Tower. We have a large quiet study zone and a large social zone for working on group activities.
There are three large computer laboratories within the department, each containing state-of-the-art equipment with over 175 dual boot Windows and Linux machines available. Each lab machine is equipped with up-to-date software.
All departmental machines are linked by a high-speed local area network and operate under a single network file system so you can access your files from any of our machines. High-speed wireless access is also available throughout the department.
The University has a large modern library which contains all of the materials that you need for your course. Many of the books are also available online electronically meaning they are available to all students at all times.
Software Development graduates are highly employable and can look forward to well-paid professional careers. You could end up designing and building the digital technologies that underpin the global economy and, indeed, every aspect of human activity from recreation through healthcare to business and the natural environment.
Example roles include:
Strathclyde University provides a range of professional development services, including career support services introduced during induction and offered throughout the period of study and even after graduation, to help our students achieve their career ambitions.
The Masters in Software Development will give you an intensive grounding in computer programming, professional software development, and related skills. This is a conversion degree programme intended for students without a computing science background. You will apply your knowledge and skills by undertaking a demanding software development project.
Modes of delivery of the MSc in Software Development include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.
Depending on staff availability, the optional courses listed here may change.
If you wish to engage in part-time study, please be aware that dependent upon your optional taught courses, you may still be expected to be on campus on most week days.
Former students are now employed in the chemical, electronics, travel, food, and oil industries, in banking and insurance, in software houses, in retailing, in education, in the health service, in management consultancy, in civil engineering, and in other sectors. Some graduates apply their newly-acquired software development skills within their existing careers, or move into research or teaching.
Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as:
The course's main feature is the industry internship (FMCS596) paper which gives you industry experience for one whole semester. As an intern you will be mentored and supported by your employer and University supervisor, as you work on a real-world problem in an industry team setting.
The MInfoTech was developed as part of the Auckland ICT Graduate School, a joint initiative between the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland, to develop industry-ready ICT experts. The aim of the programme is to meet the explosive demand for highly-skilled network and data professionals, coders, system architects, web developers and other work-ready ICT professionals. Technology is the fastest growing sector in New Zealand and with a $1.3 trillion projected growth in the global ICT industry from 2013-2020, the MInfoTech prepares you to make the most of the significant opportunities available in this industry.
Our aim is to ensure you move beyond the classroom and into professional work situations with a full complement of employable IT skills.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology (PGCertInfoTech) provides the ideal pathway to the Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech).
Within the MInfoTech you may choose to specialise in:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Students take 30 points from the following 15 point papers (this list may vary from year to year):
In addition, students will need to have a GIS component in the compulsory 60 point FCMS596 Computer Science Internship.
Our MSc in Information Technology course is ideal if you have a degree in a subject other than IT or computing and would like to develop much sought after business-relevant IT knowledge and skills.
While a MSc Information Technology student, you will examine:
Our course will equip you with up-to-date technological and business skills, and specialist knowledge to assist your employer in designing and/or implementing appropriate, IT driven solutions in ways that address the needs of modern business organisations.
“The course was broad which allowed me to choose an area of specialisation, so I decided to choose software development. Another benefit was that the University had a tie in with Microsoft which allowed me to access free development environments”
Chris Burns, MSc Information Technology graduate and graduate software developer at Aggreko
Business requires IT professionals who can design, deploy and utilise business-relevant IT-based systems and services. Our Information Technology course helps to satisfy this demand, deepening your understanding of modern IT-based business systems and addressing related development, acquisition and deployment issues in modern organisations.
Our course consists of a combination of core and specialisation-option modules. Please note that specialisations are offered subject to demand.
Topics that you will cover in Trimester 1 include:
Trimester 2 topics will include:
Teaching and Assessment
Our MSc Information Technology course employs face to face large and small group delivery and activities supported by the use of Moodle. Small group tutorials are favoured as they are key to the development of behavioural and effective competencies. These are the competencies needed by employers, to develop reflective IT practitioners engaging in purposeful activity for the benefit of the business or organisation.
Your assessment will take the form of:
Jobs
You may wish to consider a career in the following well-known companies:
Examples of roles that you may secure are:
Further Study
If you would like to continue your studies in the area of Information Technology then this is possible through research degrees (MPhil/PhD.) Additionally, the IT Academy of the School of Computing offers a progression route for developing further industry specific technical skills though agreed programmes with the following companies:
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