Computing MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

About the course

This was one of the first ever computing MScs, beginning in the early 1970s, and it continues to lead the way in advanced computing more than 30 years later. We take pride in producing extremely employable computing graduates for business, government and research. If you want to learn the very latest theory and practice in computing then this course is ideal.

Computing is a broad-ranging course that concentrates on the latest tools and techniques of modern computer science. Covering object-oriented programming, computer systems and networking, database analysis and design, systems analysis and design and much more, you will be exposed to the most recent developments in both the theory and practice of modern computing.

The Computing MSc, Information Systems Management (ISM) MSc| and Information Technology (IT) MSc are very closely linked with a common first semester, giving you the option of changing between these courses up until the Christmas vacation.

The course assumes no previous experience in computing or IT but you will need some aptitude for logical analysis. It is ideally suited to graduates of other subjects who wish to add this discipline to their portfolio. The most essential requirements are an enthusiasm for the subject and an inquiring mind.

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Key facts

UKPASS course code: G40073

Duration: One year full-time (with optional one year placement available), two to six years part-time

Start Date: September or January (please contact the Admissions Team for further information)

Entry and admission criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning|, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

If you have no formal academic qualifications but do have extensive industry experience we will consider your application on an individual basis.

If you feel you would like to talk to us about your qualifications before submitting an application please do not hesitate to call or email using the contact details below.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes formal lectures, tutorials and labs. You will also be expected to undertake independent study and research to support your assignments and your dissertation. Assessment will be by various group and individual methods including exams, projects, presentations, written essays and reports.

Course modules

The course can be studied either full- time over one year or part-time for two–six years, beginning in September each year (a January start date may also be available).

There will be two or three-week vacations at Christmas and New Year (December/January) and Easter (March/April) and some students also take a brief break in June or July before completing their dissertation.

First semester (October to January)

During the first semester you will study four modules:

• Object-Oriented Programming covers the theory and practice of modern programming, enabling you to design, develop and implement object-oriented programs.
• Database Systems and Design addresses the analysis of data storage requirements and the design of complex relational databases to meet those requirements. The module makes extensive use of commercial and industrial case studies.
• Computer Systems and Networks explains the technical infrastructure upon which modern computer systems and networks are run. It provides a sufficient level of understanding of hardware, operating systems, systems software, network protocols and topologies to enable you to appreciate the use of computer systems and networks in commerce and industry, to be able to construct a technical specification for a computer system, and to select an appropriate system.
• Systems Analysis and Design covers the theory and practice of systems analysis and design and introduces the internationally-recognised UML modelling language. Extensive use of case studies allows the application of selected UML techniques, and Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE) tools are used to support the development of complex UML models.

Second semester (February to May)

During the second semester you will study four further modules:

• Research Methods, Professionalism and Ethics links the teaching of social, ethical, legal and professional issues with an overview of research approaches and methodologies. This module is important for your professional development and is also a central preparation for the master’s project/dissertation. Such an introduction to research paves the way for you to pursue a research degree and thereby contributes to your continued employability.
• E-Commerce Software is a highly practical module that addresses topics ranging from core internet standards and technologies through to the design and construction of transactional e-commerce applications. Covers a range of technologies used to develop e-commerce applications. Specific topics typically change each year to reflect developments and innovations in this fast-moving field, but in recent years have included JSP, Java Beans and JDBC.
• E-Commerce Systems develops a conceptual understanding of the management and support of e-commerce systems within an organisation. This module provides a critical awareness of strategy issues, the provision of information and the support of such systems and examines the process of e-commerce systems development. There is a detailed study of the strategy process and the benefits of e-commerce are explored with reference to current research.
• Human Factors in Systems Design introduces and explores the human factors that need to be considered when designing interactive systems. You will develop skills that will enable you to design effective and usable interactive systems. You will also learn how to evaluate the usability and appropriateness of competing designs

Third semester (June to September)

During the final semester you will work on your project/dissertation, chosen by you and agreed with your project supervisor. Part-time students normally choose to work on their project over an entire academic year.

Academic expertise

The Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility |is internationally recognised for its applied research expertise. In a world where individuals, businesses and governments increasingly depend on information and communication technologies, this acclaimed research centre is looked to for authoritative advice on their social, organisational and ethical impacts. Our experts collaborate with a range of worldwide partners assessing implications and shaping codes of practice.

Graduate careers

Past students are now working in a wide variety of organisations all over the world, from small consultancies to large, multinational companies.

Typical roles include systems analysts, analyst/programmers, software architects and research and development project leaders.

Fees and funding

Annual Tuition Fees for Higher Education Courses from 1st September 2013 to 31st August 2014

Full-time UK/EU Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £4,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £650 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* £5,000 International
Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £12,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £750 Part-time Part-time fees are charged on a credit basis, you will need to complete 180 credits over the course of an MSc programme. 15 Credits £350 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* 15 Credits
£420 Continuation Fee** £150

For more information please take a look at our Funding| section.

* ELQ Student definition - If you are a Home or EU status student and you already have a qualification at or above the level of the programme you wish to study from any country you will be considered as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. In 2008 the UK Government decided to stop funding universities for student in this situation and therefore the following fees will apply £5,000. Students from outside the EU are not affected by the policy.

** A fee that is charged on a periodic basis where PG or Research students need to extend their registration to complete the course.

Scholarships

Are you a DMU Alumni? Receive up to £2000 off your Tuition Fees*

As part of the University’s on-going commitment to enhance the personal and career development of graduates, we are pleased to announce that from this September the University will be introducing The Faculty of Technology Alumni Scholarship| which will allow graduates to receive up to £2000 off tuition fees* for Postgraduate study.

Facilities

The newly refurbished computer science laboratories in Gateway House provide 80 computer workstations for students to use. The space is divided into four interconnected laboratories each with 20 machines (20 HP PCs running Windows/Linux and 60 Apple iMac computers running OS X and Windows).

All labs have printing facilities, Internet, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. All the machines are connected via the faculty network to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work.

The computer science laboratories include a study space area, equivalent in size to one of the individual laboratories, in which you can work individually or in groups – this study space is not timetabled so is available for you to use on a casual basis throughout the year.