Course Structure
The MSc in Computer Science programme takes one year to complete. In the first two semesters students take a range of taught modules, and then from April to August work full-time on their individual dissertations. All students take a set of core modules but then have the option to specialise in one of four strands:
Data Science Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Optimisation Algorithms for Data Analysis | Dissertation |
| Data Analytics | Applied Statistical Modelling | |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Data Visualisation | |
| Scalable Computing | Security & Privacy | |
| Option 1 | Option 2 | |
| Option 3 |
Option 1, 2 and 3 are elective modules selected from the other strands.
Intelligent Systems Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Text Analytics | Dissertation |
| Information Retrieval &Web Search | Artificial Intelligence | |
| Knowledge & Data Engineering | Adaptive Applications | |
| Advanced Software Engineering 1 | Advanced Software Engineering 2 | |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Option 2 | |
| Option 1 | Option 3 |
Option 1 and Option 2 are elective modules selected from the other strands.
Future Networked Systems Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Urban Computing | Dissertation |
| NS Elective 1 | Security & Privacy | |
| Advanced Software Engineering 1 | Advanced Software Engineering 2 | |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Distributed Systems | |
| Scalable Computing | Option 2 | |
| Option 1 | Option 3 |
NS Elective is selected from: Internet of Things and Next Generation Networks.
Option 1 and Option 2 are elective modules selected from the other strands.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Strand Module Summary
Michaelmas Term (Sept-Dec) |
Hilary Term (Jan-March) |
Summer Term (April-August) |
| Machine Learning | Real-time Rendering | Dissertation |
| Research Methods and Innovation | Augmented Reality | |
| Advanced Software Engineering 1 | Advanced Software Engineering 2 | |
| Computer Vision | Real-time Animation | |
| Computer Graphics* | Option 1 | |
| Mathematics of Light & Sound | Option 2 |
Computer Graphics is a mandatory module but students who can demonstrate that they have covered the material elsewhere may select an alternative module from other strands.
Option 1 and 2 are elective modules selected from other strands.
Here is the link to the MSc in Computer Science which covers all four strands.
Asessment and Results
The taught component makes up the first two semesters of the course and accounts for 60 ECTS credits out of a total of 90. These are examined either continuously during the course or by end of semester exams. The pass rate for these subjects is 50%.At the end of the 2nd semester, students who have passed at least 50 ECTS credits at a level of >=50% and 10 ECTS at a level of >=40% will be granted permission to "Proceed to Dissertation". Those who fail to achieve that level will cease working on their dissertation at that point. They may re-sit the exams they have failed, but are only eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science.
Dissertations are submitted in August and students who obtain 50% or greater will be eligible for an MSc in Computer Science. Students who obtain >=70% in their dissertation and obtain an average of >=70% in the taught component will be eligible for an MSc in Computer Science with Distinction.