Advanced Computer Science - MSc

Mode of study: Full time
Entry months: September
Duration of Study: 1 Year

Subject Area: Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Science
FEES (2022/23 academic year): UK - £9,500; International - £17,900

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Programme specifications

Course Overview

In order to apply for this course, you will need to have studied Computing at undergraduate level. The MSc in Advanced Computer Science combines cutting edge techniques with consultancy and experience of working on real company projects to ensure you graduate with the skills that employers demand for in a career in computing and IT sectors across the globe. You will develop new techniques, consultancy skills and deepen your understanding within this discipline.

Aaron Whittaker, MSc Advanced Computer Science, 2019 graduate

"The cloud computing, programming and web technologies modules are particularly useful to me because they offer skills that parallel the skills required to work in my chosen job sectors." - read more about Aaron Whittaker, MSc Advanced Computer Science, 2019 graduate

James Mitchell, MSc Advanced Computer Science graduate

"I like the idea of working on something big that changes how people interact with things. I would urge anybody considering this programme to take the plunge. I’ve not been disappointed. It was a life changing experience. " - read more about James Mitchell, MSc Advanced Computer Science graduate

Lara Saunders, MSc Student Consultant of the Year

"The MSc in Advanced Computer Science has been hugely beneficial to me, with a variety of interesting modules to help me with my future employment. It has proven to be a challenging but enjoyable course."

About the course

Overview

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science gives the in-depth knowledge and cutting edge skills required for careers where advanced computer systems are used to solve difficult business goals, control complex processes and equipment, and undertake deep and detailed analysis, management, and presentation of data.

You will gain advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts of Internet technologies, software development, and intelligent systems. Alongside this you will develop the practical skills that are necessary for the design, build, deployment and evaluation of distributed information systems and complex, Internet-enabled business applications.

The course covers a wide range of practical skills and theory, from a fast-track programming and systems design course through to advanced data analysis and the use of private cloud hardware. During the course you will learn many techniques, including manipulating large amounts of data, designing and building large applications, leveraging and provisioning cloud services and developing autonomous systems.

The course also teaches you the skills needed to become a technology consultant through the dedicated modules where you are taught and assessed through applying your learning to real-world problems.

In the first part of the programme you will study 8 taught modules over two semesters. In the second part you will have the choice to undertake a formal academic project supervised by academic staff in the School or to take an industry placement. In both options you will apply the skills you have learned during the taught modules. Example companies where students have taken an industry placement include Synectics Solutions, Collective Crunch and Greenhous.

Should you wish for an alternative route and/or complete flexibility with your studies, we also offer 100% online Computer Science programmes. Find out more here.

100% Online Computer Science Programmes:

Course structure

How the course is taught

You will have formal lectures delivered by academic staff as well as small group tutorial and practical sessions. The course uses a variety of innovative learning tools and methods working with real clients, to give you the experience and skills you can apply directly to your career and jobs in the future.

Small group teaching is central to delivering the course and our staff and students quickly create supportive working relationships.

Modules in the first semester are taught intensively and will provide foundational concepts before moving into more advanced topics in semester 2, where we will allow more time for you to creatively explore the topics and put your learning into practice.

It is expected that you will have on average sixteen hours of lectures and tutorials each week. Alongside this you will be expected to work independently on exercises and coursework projects, as well as researching course topics online and in Keele’s University library.

Assessment

The taught modules are mainly assessed by coursework. For example, this might include analysing some large sample dataset (using appropriate languages and tools; for example, Python and/or SQL) and create a report of the findings which are then assessed.

Some modules are assessed by examinations, normally 2 hours in length and not allowing use of books or notes.

Taught Modules

An indicative list of modules, current as of the 2021/22 academic year are provided below. We expect the same modules to be offered in the future. Should any change be required due to staff availability, we will inform you during the admissions process.

Core Taught Modules

CSC-40043 User Interaction Design (15 credits – Semester 1): The module provides the knowledge and skills required for a student to be able to work on User Interaction Design based on an evaluated assessment of the factors associated with a given application or user interaction scenario.

CSC-40045 Distributed Intelligent Systems (15 credits – Semester 1): This module provides the knowledge and skills required for a student to be able to develop applications to control intelligent systems in a distributed and collaborative context, including the programming of robots or intelligent home appliances (e.g. TV, fridge, etc. equipped with embedded computers).

CSC-40054 Data Analytics & Databases (15 credits – Semester 1): This module equips you with the knowledge of database operations and a variety of tools and statistical techniques to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data. You will understand big data issues, advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques and evaluate their applicability for different types of problems.

CSC-40039 Cloud Computing (15 credits – Semester 2): In recent years many organisations have migrated applications to cloud computing providers. This module explores the underlying technologies, the practical and ethical issues involved, and provides students with the ability to plan design and implement cloud-based solutions to common business problems. Reliability and performance concerns are addressed, together with the crucial issues relating to the security and privacy of data stored and managed remotely. Cloud computing is dominated by global software companies that make claims relating both to the efficacy of their products and compliance with global objectives in environmental impacts. Students will be able to analyse and objectively assess such claims in coming to reasoned and reflective judgements relating to the appropriateness of cloud-based solutions to a range of problem scenarios.

CSC-40046 Web Technologies and Security (15 credits – Semester 2): The module provides an understanding of contemporary web technologies used for both server and client side development of web applications, with particular focus on mobile applications. The module will consider technology and its application as well as a critical evaluation of when and where to apply specific approached. The module will provide an understanding of security aspects of such web and mobile applications and of the defence methods and techniques employed to defend against security threats.

CSC-40038 Collaborative Application Development (15 credits – Semester 2): The module places students in a real world scenario requiring cooperation and communication as well as analysis and design skills. This will involve work for a real world client working as a development team.

CSC-40050 Research and Consultancy Skills for Consultants (15 credits – Semester 2): The module aims to enhance students' skills and knowledge in preparation for their MSc Project or Industrial Placement and for a successful career as a computing professional.

Optional Modules

All students will take an optional module. The module you take will depend on how much computer programming experience you have This will be decided with the Programme Director at the start of the course. Our current optional modules are:

CSC-40044 System Design & Programming(15 credits – Semester 1): This module provides a comprehensive introduction to system design and programming for those who did not graduate from a computer science or related programme. You will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on this course. This module covers:

The principles and practice of system design in the context of an available set of requirements
Introduction to programming (algorithms, data structures, data storage and manipulation and user interfaces)
Introduction to object oriented programming
The development of computer programs using appropriate technology and including accessing data over the internet
The use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data

CSC-40041 Research Horizons (15 credits – Semester 1): This module provides the knowledge to the student about a selected computer science research area, and the skills required for development of a mini-project in this area.

Project or Industrial Placement (60 credits)

After you have completed the taught modules you have the choice to undertake a formal academic project supervised by academic staff in the School or to take an industry placement. In both options you will apply the skills you have learned during the taught modules.

The decision about the type of project or placement you will do will be made together with the academic supervisors and will be based on your performance during the taught modules.

Academic Project

The Academic Project assessment is based largely on a substantial final written report of 10,000 - 15,000 words.

You will be able to select your project from a list of projects offered by the academic supervisors. We also encourage students to develop their own projects. Your supervisor who will guide and support you through the project.

Our MSc students have worked with a variety of businesses, including as part of advanced projects related to Keele’s Smart Energy Network Demonstrator. This is a multimillion-pound European research project.

Examples of dissertation projects by previous students include:

Egocentric video summarisation of lifelogging on wearable devices - Philip Mainwaring, 2018
A semi-flexible web API for mobile app data storage - Shamayal Scott, 2018

Industrial Placement

The aim of the Industrial Placement is to give you an opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical content taught during the course in the workplace; solving a problem that relates to the needs of a local business or organisation. You will not only gain valuable computing related work experience but also further develop professionalism and communication skills that employers are looking for.

We find projects through the our existing links with business or you can develop your own project. You will get personal supervision from an academic member of staff in the School and also direction from the industry partner.

Our excellent central location is ideal for industrial projects with over 40 companies situated next to the campus in the Keele Science Park.