Computing

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Computers are now ubiquitous with devices and systems being controlled by software. Building robust and reliable software systems requires deeper knowledge of software design principles and programming methodologies.

The MSc Computing is a full time, one year taught course, intended for students seeking a professional career in the Software Industry with the focus on programming and programming related aspects. The course is designed for students who already possess a degree in IT or related discipline or have equivalent industrial experience. The course covers a range of topics including advanced programming, advanced user-interface design, concurrent programming, formal methods and software engineering. The course has been specifically designed for those who already possess basic IT and programming skills and want to deepen their knowledge in software systems.

Course aims:
* Advanced Programming: A thorough grounding of advanced programming concepts using Java, concurrent and realtime programming principles and practical introduction to reactive systems.
* User-Interfaces: Introductory and advanced methods in HCI (Human Computer Interaction).
* Advanced Software Engineering: Principles of software engineering using UML, formal methods and software testing.

We expect successful graduates to have an in-depth understanding of software systems and programming principles and be able to lead a team of developers in the IT industry. A thorough understanding of the following subjects are expected:

* Advanced progamming knowledge including Java and concurrent programming
* Designing and specifying software components and systems using UML
* In depth knowledge of user interface design principles
* Understanding of formal methods

Graduates are expected to be capable of becoming team leaders or skilled developers in the IT industry.

Course Structure

Course aims

* Advanced Programming:A thorough grounding of advanced programming concepts using Java, concurrent and realtime programming principles and practical introduction to reactive systems.
* User-Interfaces:Introductory and advanced methods in HCI (Human-Computer Interaction).
* Advanced Software Engineering: Principles of software engineering using UML, formal methods and software testing.

Personal Supervisor

You will be assigned a personal supervisor, a member of our academic staff, who will meet with you at the start and finish of each term, and periodically review your progress with you. Your supervisor will also help you to choose appropriate modules, and help you decide which project to undertake. Once your project starts, you will be assigned a project supervisor, who will be an expert in the area of your research. You will become part of their research group, and will benefit from the knowledge and resources of the group as a whole.

Assessment
Assessment of students' performance in the course modules takes place in a variety of forms: practical exercises, reports, closed examinations and a dissertation for the project. Students are deliberately exposed to a variety of assessment methods so that they are not disadvantaged by background.

The assessments take place at various times during the year. Closed examinations take place in:

* the 1st week of Term 2 (for those courses taught during Term 1) and
* around the 10th week of Term 2 (for those courses taught during Terms 2)

Practical exercises, reports and other forms of open assessment are due either during the course module or just after its completion.

The individual project is undertaken by students in Terms 3 and 4. The subject matter of projects varies widely; most projects are suggested by members of staff, some by external organisations, and some by students themselves, perhaps relating to an area of personal interest that they wish to develop further. All project proposals are rigorously vetted and must meet a number of requirements before these are made available to the students. The department uses an automated project allocation system for assigning projects to students that takes into account supervisor and student preferences.

The individual project is undertaken by students in Terms 3 and 4. The subject matter of projects varies widely; most projects are suggested by members of staff, some by external organisations, and some by students themselves, allowing students to undertake work relating to an area of personal interest that they wish to develop further.

All project proposals are rigorously vetted and must meet a number of requirements before these are made available to the students. The department uses an automated project allocation system for assigning projects to students that takes into account supervisor and student preferences.

Examples of previous project titles include:

* Autosuggestions using Ajax to improve tag based tactile image retrieval
* An Implementation of Mobile Application in Location-aware Service Domain
* Design and Implementation of a Tool Support for Time Bands Modelling
* Image Anomaly Detection and Object Recognition
* Image retrieval using region of interest detection
* Modelling and Simulation of Business Processes
* Reinforcement Learning for the StarCraft Real-Time Strategy Game
* Software for Autistic Children with Communication Difficulties
* The Design, Implementation, and Safety Analysis of a Mobile ePrescription System
* Using Procedural Content Generation to Provide a Set of Game Challenges During a Single Playthrough

The MSc in Computing is intended for students who already have a Computing or related degree.Typically, you will have achieved at least an upper second class honours degree (or international equivalent), and you will have already studied databases, programming and relevant mathematics.We are willing to consider applications from those who do not fit this profile. We will, for example, consider applicants who do not have an appropriate qualification but have appropriate industrial experience. Selectors for the course are looking for four essential criteria to be satisfied: * Good knowledge of programming in any programming language * Basic knowledge of databases including basic SQL programming * Basic knowledge of logic, set theory, relations, and function * Basic knowledge of concurrent process managementIf you don't meet these four essential criteria, have you thought about our MSc in Information Technology?English Language Requirements The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 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. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 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.