Computer Science, MSc, PGDip

This course offers the chance to study a range of topics in the computer science area, including principles of system design, software engineering, enterprise computing, computing architecture and applications of artificial intelligence. You will also have the opportunity to undertake an individual project based on subjects that interest you as well as research at the University or your industrial experience if you do a placement. Why study this courses?

Developed with Siemens, this MSc/PG Dip course covers a range of topics within the computer science area including system design, software engineering, enterprise computing, computing architecture and applications of artificial intelligence.

You will have the opportunity to undertake an individual project based on subjects that interest you as well as further research or your industrial experience if you opt to do a work placement.

Demand for high-level software engineering skills continues to rise. Employers are finding it increasingly hard to recruit suitably qualified programmers and software technologists, and skilled employees enjoy highly rewarding careers in the computing industry with its emphasis on the application of the latest research ideas.

Study routes
We are able to offer students the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Computer Science. The MSc offers a placement element so you can gain real life work experience whilst still completing your degree.

Questions? AskNTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

How will I study?

• Terms one – three: Six taught modules
• Term four: Research project

What will I study?

Computing Systems - 20 CP
Learn about assembler language constructs vital to operating system design and how to use architectural knowledge to affect performance in time critical applications design.

Applied Artificial Intelligence - 10 CP
Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) in the computer games environment so that you are able to implement appropriate approaches to game enhancement through the use of AI.

Enterprise Computing - 20CP
This module addresses languages for network architectures and will develop your skills in the analysis, design and software development of large-scale distributed applications.

Advanced Software Engineering - 20 CP
Extend your existing programming skills and develop expertise in a variety of intelligent system engineering contexts and object-orientated program development.

Systems Analysis and Design – 20 CP
Understand the life cycle software process. The module introduces a number of Systems Development (SD) methodologies and associated techniques: Real Time Analysis and Design (RTAD), Data Modelling (DM) and Usability Engineering (UE).

Research Methods - 20 CP
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.

Major Project - 60 CP
You will develop advanced skills in a relevant specialist topic area through the completion of a research project. The project integrates knowledge of the course and includes the design and / or development of an innovative solution to a complex and challenging technical problem presented as a dissertation or technical research paper.

Optional modules
To cater for students from diverse backgrounds, two modules are available (at an additional cost to the enrolment fee of the main course and to be taken prior to its commencement in October) as a preparation for the main syllabus material:

• C++ programming
• Introduction to object technology.

Assessment

There is one formal written examination and the remaining assessments are by coursework. Coursework assessment can take a number of forms such as technical reports, practical demonstrations and presentations. The project modules are assessed by dissertations and viva voce examination.

Who will teach me?

MSc Computer Science is taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are involved with cutting-edge research that ensures their teaching remains at the forefront of computing technology.

Much of our research is internationally recognised, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and in Security. For example, Prof David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology while Prof Paul Evans’ innovative developments in security are supported by USA Dept of Homeland Security.

We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity are:

• developing patents e.g. in voice signal processing
• involvement in the GameCity Festival
• organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
• working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
• publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, detection of human behaviour patterns.

We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres including:

• games console laboratories
• networking and security laboratories
• human-interactive technology
• stereo-projection.

Students also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

• EnCase
• 3D StudioMax
• XNA Xbox development suite
• The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
• the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including:

• an £8m computing and informatics building
• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
• a crime scene house forensic-training facility
• as well as a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.