This two-year master’s programme Computer Science offers stimulating, significant and innovative research at an internationally renowned institute and combines theoretical, experimental and applied approaches.
The two-year master’s programme in Computer Science offers six specialisations which combine excellent theoretical teaching with possibilities for applied work with industrial relevance. This is achieved by intensive collaboration with companies at the Leiden Centre of Data Science. Course themes include topics such as Evolutionary Algorithms, Neural Networks, Databases and Data Mining, Swarm-Based Computation, Bayesian Networks, Multimedia Systems, Embedded Systems and Software, Advanced Compilers and Architectures, Bio-Modeling and Petri Nets.
Read more about our Computer Science programme.
Find more reasons to choose Computer Science at Leiden University.
The programme is open for students with an internationally recognized bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent. You will be trained as an independent researcher, equipped with the necessary skills to advance your career as a computer scientist.
Read more about the entry requirements for Computer Science.
The demand for better products and commercial services drives the search for creative solutions using computing-based systems, and has established a critical dependence between computing and practically every industry and sector. This flexible programme offers a broad range of advanced study options, reflecting the emerging technologies in industry.
You will be able to shape your programme to match your interests and career ambitions, choosing modules from a range of areas, including the development of human-computer communications (dialogue systems), ubiquitous computing, applying interactive digital multimedia techniques, security and surveillance, and building decision-support tools for uncertain problems in various contexts (e.g. legal, medical, safety). This is a multidisciplinary programme and, in addition to pure computer science modules, you may choose options where computer science intersects with other fields and builds on your first degree.
This programme will:
Your tuition will be delivered by field leading academics engaged in world class research projects in collaboration with industry, external institutions and research councils.
Undertaking a masters programme is a serious commitment, with weekly contact hours being in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research needed to progress at the required level. When coursework or examination deadlines are approaching independent learning hours may need to increase significantly. Please contact the course convenor for precise information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.
Part-time study options often mean that the number of modules taken is reduced per semester, with the full modules required to complete the programme spread over two academic years. Teaching is generally done during the day and part-time students should contact the course convenor to get an idea of when these teaching hours are likely to take place. Timetables are likely to be finalised in September but you may be able to gain an expectation of what will be required.
Important note regarding Part Time Study
We regret that, due to complex timetabling constraints, we are not able to guarantee that lectures and labs for part time students will be limited to two days per week, neither do we currently support any evening classes. If you have specific enquiries about the timetabling of part time courses, please contact the MSc Administrator.
MSc Computer Science is currently available for one year full-time study, two years part-time study.
Semester 1 - (Maximum of 4 modules to be taken in Semester 1)
Select at least one from:
Further options:
Semester 2 - (Maximum of 4 modules to be taken in Semester 2)
Select at least one from:
Further options from:
Semester 3
Please note that elective modules are subject to availability, timetabling constraints and may be subject to change.
This course is an ideal next step following a first degree in computer science subjects, covering the school's research strengths such as artificial intelligence, iterative systems and the mathematical foundations of programming. The degree will prepare you a for highly skilled career in industry and/or research.
Subjects taught within the degree reflect the research strengths of the School of Computer Science, particularly in the mathematical foundations of programming, in automated scheduling and planning, in artificial intelligence, in human computer interaction, in modelling, and in interactive systems. The degree aims to bring you to the forefront of research in these areas, equipping you to take leading roles in software and research development where the demands of reliability and efficiency are particularly important.
The MSc in Computer Science is offered on a full-time basis over one year. The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits’ worth of compulsory and optional modules and a 60-credit research project.
The first semester provides a rigorous basis for the development of advanced software. The second semester gives the opportunity to specialise in an area close to the research strengths of the School. This specialisation is reinforced by the individual project completed over the summer months. This project involves conducting an in-depth piece of research, carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
Please visit the online prospectus for detailed module information.
The MSc Computer Science prepares its students for careers in advanced software development, particularly where reliability and efficiency are vital requirements. Its graduates are likely to assume leading roles in major software-development projects in one of the areas of specialisation.
This course also provides an excellent foundation for further study and you may decide to progress to a PhD in order to continue your research.
The demand for better products and commercial services drives the search for creative solutions using computing-based systems, and has established a critical dependence between computing and practically every industry and sector. This flexible programme offers a broad range of advanced study options, reflecting the emerging technologies in industry.
This is a multidisciplinary programme and, in addition to pure computer science modules, you may choose options where computer science intersects with other fields and builds on your first degree.
Industrial Experience
The industrial placement currently takes place towards the end of the first year for a maximum of 12 months. It is the student’s responsibility to secure their placement, the school will offer guidance and support in finding and securing the placement but the onus is on the student to secure the job and arrange the details of the placement.
Currently if you are not able to secure a placement by the end of your second semester we will transfer you onto the 1 year FT taught programme without the Industrial Experience, this change would also be applied to any visa if you were here on a student visa.
The industrial placement consists of 8-12 months spent working with an appropriate employer in a role that relates directly to your field of study. The placement is currently undertaken between the taught component and the project. This will provide you with the opportunity to apply the key technical knowledge and skills that you have learnt in your taught modules, and will enable you to gain a better understanding of your own abilities, aptitudes, attitudes and employment potential. The module is only open to students enrolled on a programme of study with integrated placement.
If you do not secure a placement you will be transferred onto the 1 year FT programme.
Your tuition will be delivered by field leading academics engaged in world class research projects in collaboration with industry, external institutions and research councils.
The modules listed below provide some general guidance on what you may be expected to learn during each semester and year of this degree. The exact modules available may vary depending on staff availability, research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
MSc Computer Science is currently available for one year full-time study, two years full-time study with industrial experience and two years part-time study.
You will take four taught modules per semester followed by final examinations and the MSc research project (dissertation).
Undertaking a masters programme is a serious commitment, with weekly contact hours in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research needed to progress at the required level. When coursework or examination deadlines are approaching independent learning hours may need to increase significantly. Please contact the course convenor for precise information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.
Part-time study options often mean that the number of modules taken is reduced per semester, with the full modules required to complete the programme spread over two academic years. Teaching is generally done during the day and part-time students should contact the course convenor to get an idea of when these teaching hours are likely to take place. Timetables are likely to be finalised in September but you may be able to gain an expectation of what will be required.
Year 1
Semester 1 - (Maximum of 4 modules to be taken in Semester 1)
Select at least one from:
Further options:
Semester 2 - (Maximum of 4 modules to be taken in Semester 2)
Select at least one from:
Further options from:
Semester 3
Year 2
Please note that elective modules are subject to availability, timetabling constraints and may be subject to change
MSc Computer Science with Business combines core Computer Science modules with modules in Management, Strategy, Marketing and Accounting. This course is taught in partnership between the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the University of Exeter Business School. This blend of business and science is designed for students wanting management or leadership roles working with data.
You will be able to engage with the latest developments from a range of Computer Science topics with leading academics in the field. Course content draws directly upon our particular research strengths in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, high performance computing and networks, and cyber-security.
This MSc is career-focused, with an emphasis on postgraduate training. You will develop a wide range of important skills such as team-working, coding, independent research and problem solving. This course is suited to those looking to use their expertise commercially in any sector, particularly in management or leadership roles.
Your project, which forms a major part of the MSc, will maintain a business focus as you explore data science in a commercial environment.
Constituent modules and pathways may be updated, deleted or replaced in future years as a consequence of programme development. Details at any time may be obtained from the programme website.
The compulsory modules can include;
Optional modules can include;
Assessment methods include essays, closed book tests, exercises in problem solving, use of the Web for tool-based analysis and investigation, mini-projects, extended essays on specialized topics, and individual and group presentations.
The MSc Computer Science is an advanced programme for graduates and professionals. It focuses on the latest techniques and technologies, teaching you how to apply these to complex contemporary problems across the breadth of society.
You will be able to engage with the latest developments from a range of Computer Science topics with leading academics in the field. Course content draws directly upon our particular research strengths in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, high performance computing and networks, and cyber-security.
This MSc is career-focused, with an emphasis on postgraduate training. You will develop a wide range of important skills such as team-working, coding, independent research and problem solving. This course is particularly suited to those looking to continue in academia or use their expertise commercially in any sector.
Constituent modules and pathways may be updated, deleted or replaced in future years as a consequence of programme development. Details at any time may be obtained from the programme website.
The compulsory modules can include;
Optional modules can include;
Assessment methods include essays, closed book tests, exercises in problem solving, use of the Web for tool-based analysis and investigation, mini-projects, extended essays on specialized topics, and individual and group presentations.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Computer Science at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc in Computer Science course is for you if you are a graduate from one of a wide range of disciplines and are looking to change direction or because of the needs of your chosen career, require a solid foundation in Computer Science.
As the use of computers and computer based systems continues to grow in all aspects of life, at home and at work, it is apparent that there will be for years to come a need for many people who can combine a knowledge of Computer Science, the discipline that underlies Information Technology, and degree level knowledge in a wide variety of other disciplines.
Over the duration of the MSc Computer Science course you will study a variety of modules taught by academic staff that are part of internationally renowned research groups. The course is also regularly updated to ensure that it keeps pace with the rapid developments in Computer Science.
• We are top in the UK for career prospects*
• We are 3rd in the UK for teaching quality**
• 5th in the UK overall*
• 7th in the UK for student satisfaction with 98% [National Student Survey 2016]
• 7th in the UK overall and Top in Wales*
• High employability prospects - we are 8th in the UK for graduate prospects*
• 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)
*Guardian University Guide 2017
**Times & Sunday Times University Guide 2016
Modules for the MSc in Computer Science include Computer Science Project Research Methods but please visit our course page for more information.
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.
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 Graduates of Computer Science were in professional level work or study [DLHE 14/15].
“I chose the MSc Computer Science as a conversion from my previous War and Society degree, primarily employment opportunities. The course was by no means easy for me coming from an arts background, and the first few weeks I felt a little over my head, but thanks to the truly stimulating content from the syllabus and the high quality of the teaching within the department I soon caught up and began to thrive on the course. My project revolved around a comparative study of the Haskell Web-Framework Yesod and ASP.NET. During the completion of this I picked up many of the skills that I now use on an everyday basis in my role at Kinspeed (A Sheffield based Software House). Since starting work I have been able to apply many of the skills I obtained during my time at Swansea and have no doubt that choosing to study the MSc Computer Science at Swansea was one of the better decisions of my life.”
Chris Swires
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*).
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