Computing Systems, MSc, PGDip

The course addresses commercial topics such as analysis and design, software implementation and computer architecture through practical project-work, and develops the use of programming languages and their environments in the production of new software solutions. These skills are highly applicable to applied software engineering in business and research. Why study this course?

By studying Computing Systems at postgraduate level at NTU, you will learn the high-level skills necessary to pursue a career in software engineering, specifically for industrial and business systems.

Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc courses address commercially relevant topics such as analysis and design, software implementation and computer architecture. You are also encouraged to take a hands-on approach to developing your skills through practical projects.

Both courses aim to produce individuals who have the skills relevant to applied software engineering for computing systems in industry, business and research, and are able to hit the ground running in their chosen careers. On completing these courses, you should be able to use suitable programming languages and their development environments to produce new software solutions.

There is an increasing demand for individuals who are capable of implementing the new computerised and automated industrial and business processes. Companies are finding it hard to recruit the suitably qualified people who are needed to maintain the cutting-edge status of global business and exploit new technologies. As a result, career prospects for Computing Systems graduates are excellent.

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

The course addresses commercially relevant topics such as analysis and design, software implementation and computer architecture. You are encouraged to take a hands-on approach to developing your skills through practical projects involving new computerised and automated industrial and business processes

What will I study?

Core modules

Internet Development – 20 CP
You'll cover current Internet technologies and develop an understanding of the analysis, design and implementation of Internet and Intranet based software.

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).

Software Engineering 1 - 20 CP
This module will develop your programming skills using suitable high level language and enhance your understanding of software implementation principles.

Software Engineering 2 - 20 CP
Your skills will be developed to an advanced level where you can demonstrate expertise in the design of software, showing analytical judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques.

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

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.

Enterprise Systems Management - 20 CP
You will learn how to analyse the strategic impact of information systems on organisations, looking at business models for Internet trading and organisational change.

Assessment
Both these modules are assessed by a combination of 50 per cent coursework and 50 per cent examination.
All other modules are assessed by coursework only.

The project modules are assessed by dissertation and viva voce examination.

How will I study?

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

The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework, assignments, software development, mini projects and the possibility to complete a significant and practical Masters project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.

Who will teach me?

MSc Computing Systems 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.