Cloud Computing - MSc

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.