MSc Computer Science with Placement Year

The course has been designed to provide you with practical experience with models, techniques and tools from the forefront of the discipline that drive innovation in the design of software-based systems within this domain. The key topics taught on the course include Software Development (using the programming language in demand in the industry), Software Analysis & Design (techniques for designing large and complex software), Database Design & Development (backend storage for almost every IT installation in the world), Web Application Development (full stack web application development) and Artificial Intelligence (foundation of machine learning and the future of all contextual decision making). You will also learn the key skills of research, academic writing and project management required for study at masters’ level. These skills are further developed and placed in the context of the dissertation.

As a conversion course, it is assumed that you are starting fresh with little or no experience of computer science. The course offers several arrangements to ensure your smooth transition to computer science. This includes pre-semester week long programming boot camp, where you will have the opportunity to develop fundamental understanding of the programming languages that will be taught in the course. Before starting the course, you will be directed to some online short courses that will help you to develop basic understanding of various technical aspects covered in the course. You will be allocated to a personal tutor, who will be there to monitor your personal and academic welfare. In weekly meetings, your personal tutor will review your progress, discuss goals and expectations, and help you to set action plans. The philosophy of the course is to promote lifelong self-learning by providing a curriculum that promotes a variety of approaches to study. The curriculum is designed to develop not only the academic knowledge, but also the engineering ethos and practical skills required by the modern computer science professional. Academic members of staff within the School of Computing and Digital Technology will teach topics and supervise projects according to their personal research interests. This will give you a cutting-edge experience, one that opens up new opportunities for career advancement in industry. For students who show an aptitude for research, there is also the possibility of continuing their studies on a PhD programme.

The development of transferable skills is core to the learning strategy of the programme and is incorporated into work units and assessments: for example; team-working skills are fostered through the use of group, task-based practical projects. Keeping lab-books and submitting self assessment documentation in support of personal performance fosters self-management and personal development. You are required to meet strict deadlines, which will help you to plan your overall workload and develop time management skills.

The course structure and its content have been developed by taking into account input from various sources, including the curriculum philosophy of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment, suggestions from industrial partners, feedback from current students, QAA benchmark statements, British Computer Society (BCS) requirements for accreditation, and the Computer Science curriculum guidelines released by The Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula comprising the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society.

This course is offered full-time, part-time and also full-time with the Professional Placement option to give you the opportunity to gain work experience as part of your degree.