Computing

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If your first degree is not in computing but you want to move into IT then this course is designed for you. It provides the basis for starting a career in IT - teaching you the fundamentals of programming, software engineering, and the hardware involved.

The course will enable you to develop a sound knowledge of computer software development for a range of problem areas, such as interactive websites, stand-alone applications and network systems. Because of its emphasis on software system construction and management, and data organisation, the qualification is applicable to a wide variety of fields concerned with using computers, as well as directly to the computer industry itself.

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. Lecturing staff have extensive experience in research, teaching on undergraduate and specialist MSc courses in computing, as well as a wide range of previous industrial and commercial backgrounds.

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

The MSc in Computing has a modular course-unit design. 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), a module on research and study methods (10 credits) and a module on risk and reliability professional issues (10 credits).

Semester 1

In Semester 1 you take two compulsory 20 credit modules (Object-Oriented Programming and Structured Data) and start the 20 credit Software Project Management module and the two 10 credit modules (these three modules run over semesters 1 and 2). * Object-Oriented Programming (compulsory) covers the principles of programming and object orientation, giving you the opportunity to apply these using an object-oriented programming language.
* Structured Data (compulsory) covers the principles and practice of structured data, including how it is represented, managed and transformed.
* Software Project Management (compulsory) studies the latest practices, skill and techniques that are used in the management and quality assurance of computing software projects.
* Research and Study Methods (compulsory), which covers research skills, planning and management techniques and provides guidance on the analysis and technical presentation you will need for your dissertation. Runs over Semester 1 & 2.
* Risk & Reliability Professional Issues (compulsory), covers risk and reliability concepts and issues relevant to research and development in communications and computing. Runs over Semesters 1 & 2.

Semester 2

In Semester 2 you take two compulsory 20 credit modules(Computer Systems & Networks and Web Interfaces & Media) and continue with those listed above as running over two semesters. * Computer Systems and Networks (compulsory) introduces the concepts, operations and components of computer systems and the principles of computer networks.
* Web Interfaces and Media (compulsory) looks at the challenges of designing and constructing interfaces using a variety of media (eg text, speech, graphics) that are accessible to users in a wide variety of situations. It covers the physical, technical and psychological aspects of web interfaces design.

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.

Part-time students normally take these modules in their second year.

You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British lower second-class bachelor's degree, in a non-computing subject. If your first degree contains only a small element of technical computing 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.