Structure and Content
The programme starts with two semesters of taught modules, followed by a three-month project and dissertation period. Practical work is a key component in our degrees, and provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It builds from self contained tasks in the first semester, over a larger programming assignment in the winter break to a group project in Semester 2.
Finally, the dissertation project is your largest single piece of work leading to your MSc dissertation. For the MSc projects, we will make a number of industrial placements available.
In the autumn semester you will take the following modules:
- Principles and Practice of Programming: Covers the designing and testing of programs written in Java. You learn good practice in program construction, programming with data structures and graphical user interfaces
- Foundations of Information Technology: Covers central topics including machine architecture, operating systems, networks, algorithm efficiency, the limits of computation, software engineering, professional and ethical issues
- Database Principles and Applications: Provides a critical understanding of the role of database management systems and the ability to creatively design and implement practical databases
- Interface Design and the World Wide Web: Provides a detailed knowledge of the construction of web pages, a critical awareness of the role of the World Wide Web and the usability issues underlying human-computer interface design
During the winter break there is an extended programming assignment.
Spring semester modules:
- Decision Support Systems: Discusses IT methods and techniques supporting decision-making in organisations, in particular data modelling and mining, and intelligent decision support systems
- Networking and Technologies for Ecommerce: Discusses computer networks and their layered architecture. You also study web scripting using PHP, Java script and XML
- Multimedia: introduces multimedia authoring, graphics and sound. It also gives experience with specialised image, audio and multimedia development tools
- Object-oriented Software Design: Discusses how to analyse and model requirements and develop software using object-oriented analysis and design, through the use of UML and CASE tools for software design
Delivery and Assessment
You will learn about key areas in computing through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. Lectures involve the whole class, while tutorials and practicals are for small groups. Practical work is a key component in our degrees, and provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. It builds from self contained tasks in the first semester, over a larger programming assignment in the winter break to a group project in Semester 2. Finally, you will embark on a three month project working on your dissertation topic. At the end of the project you will write up your findings as your MSc dissertation.
Timetable
Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.