Computer Science

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The MSc in Computer Science allows you to build an individual course that incorporates knowledge from several areas of computing. It aims to provide you with a diverse range of skills so that you will be able to produce optimal solutions in hybrid projects which are increasingly widespread in industry.

Examples of such projects include web technology combining networking, human-computer interface and intelligent systems, and high-speed networks using concepts from artificial intelligence and requiring intelligent front ends.

This course is aimed at new graduates and those with substantial experience in the computing industry who want to gain a qualification that develops their expertise.

Why Brookes?
Our computing courses are rooted in real-world and industry-relevant experiences. They give students the opportunity to develop the advanced skills and knowledge needed to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields.

You will be joining a department with a diverse and truly international postgraduate community. Students from many countries around the world study with us. Their contribution helps ensure our courses reflects the global reach of modern computing and communication technologies. The universal nature of the technical skills developed in our programmes means our courses are of equal relevance to both new graduates and those with many years of industrial experience.

Career prospects
Our MSc students come from all over the world and graduate to follow careers in technical, business-related and creative roles, for example as developers, engineers, managers or consultants. Whatever their interest, our graduates tell us that the relevance of our courses and the skills they've learnt enable them to achieve their goals and build their careers.

Course length
Full-time: 1 year (12 months)
Part-time: 2 years

To qualify for a masters degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises five taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits) and modules on research and study methods and risk/reliability issues (10 credits each). Part-time students normally distribute the work evenly over a two-year period

Semester 1

In Semester 1 you take two of the following 20 credit modules and start the compulsory 20 credit Software Project Management module and the two 10 credit modules (these three modules run over semesters 1 and 2):

* Paradigms of Programming teaches universal programming concepts such as programming paradigms, design strategies, development environments and testing. This will enable you to adapt to the use of different programming languages needed on your course.
* Network Principles introduces the principles and practice of computer networking, with an emphasis on data communications and local area network technologies and design.
* Software Project Management (compulsory) studies the latest practices, skills and techniques that are used in the management and quality assurance of computing software projects.
* Middleware introduces the concept of middleware and how it supports interoperability across heterogeneous programming, operating systems and network platforms. The module covers a variety of middleware platforms, with a particular focus on those used for web-based and pervasive systems.
* Research and Study Methods (compulsory) covers the research skills, planning and management techniques and guidance on analysis and technical presentation that you will need for your dissertation.
* Risk and Reliability Professional Issues (compulsory) covers risk and reliability concepts, and issues relevant to research and development in communications and computing.

Semester 2

In Semester 2 you take two of the following five modules and continue with those listed above as running over two semesters.

* Language Specification and Compiler Construction studies the principles, methods and techniques of compiler construction imperative for programming languages. It also covers the role of language tools in the broad context of software development.
* Programming Mobile Devices covers the current and emerging mobile technologies, giving you experience of developing software applications for mobile devices using appropriate programming languages and tools.
* Computer and Network Security covers the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of modern networked computer systems, as well as looking at digital forensics.
* Semantic Web covers the key current technologies associated with the semantic web and introduces you to current research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
* Multiservice Networks covers the principles of multiservice network design and technology, illustrating these with case studies including state-of-the-art practice.

As courses are reviewed regularly, the list of taught modules you choose from may vary from the list here.

You also take:

* MSc Dissertation which is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You start your dissertation in Semester 2, continuing over the summer period.

You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British lower second class bachelor's degree in a computer-related subject. If your first degree is not in computing but you have worked in the computing industry you can also be considered.English language requirementsIf your first language is not English you must satisfy our English language requirement by providing us with evidence of a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based), or IELTS score of 6.0. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.