MSc Advanced Computer Science
Cardiff, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
15 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,200 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EU non-EEA | EA and EEA: £11,700
Key Summary
The MSc Advanced Computer Science will offer you exposure to key topics that are driving emerging technological developments and trends.
Computer Science is one of the fastest moving academic disciplines and the outcomes of research and innovation in this field are likely to have a significant social impact.
The subject spans all aspects of modern life, and this programme offers you the opportunity to apply new skills and advanced techniques to the area of your choice, whilst allowing you to demonstrate that you are at the forefront of your discipline.
Core to this programme is the opportunity to further develop the scope of your problem-solving skills by studying advanced programming languages and programming paradigms, and to gain knowledge and skills across a breadth of topics in Computer Science.
You will choose to study optional, research-led modules that allow the freedom to build a distinctive personal portfolio of skills and knowledge.
Why study this course
Designed for computing graduates who wish to differentiate themselves further through an advanced mastery of the discipline, this flagship programme offers exposure to contemporary topics that are driving key technological developments and trends.
Specialise your degree
Choose from three research topics in which to specialise: complex systems, visual computing, and data and knowledge engineering.
Distinguish yourself
Designed for those who wish to differentiate themselves through an advanced mastery of the discipline
Cutting edge facilities
You'll be taught in our newly-built flagship building Abacws.
We are committed to investing up to a total of £500,000 in this high value competitive scholarship scheme to support UK students who are planning to start an eligible Master’s programme in 2025/26.
The Scholarships are each worth £3,000 and will be awarded in the form of a tuition fee discount.
Eligibility
UK students are eligible to apply for the Scholarship. You normally need to have achieved at least a 2.1 or equivalent in your first degree to be eligible. You need to submit an application to study at Cardiff University and be made an offer to study, before your fee status can be confirmed.
You will study taught modules to a total of 120 credits during the Diploma stage of your degree. All taught modules are worth 20 credits.
The Master’s stage of your degree will be an individual project (worth 60 credits) which you will write up as a dissertation, after the Diploma stage. This project will be carried out during the summer under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
You will take one compulsory 20-credit module on programming paradigms providing you with experience of both the depth and breadth of programming skills, and you will be guided in choosing five optional 20-credit modules from a range of carefully selected modules focusing on contemporary and relevant topics currently emerging within the discipline.
Core modules for year one
- Dissertation
- Team Project
- Programming Paradigms
Optional modules for year one
- Visual Computing
- Cyber Security and Risk Management
- Knowledge Representation
- Penetration Testing and Malware Analysis
- Machine Learning for NLP
- Introduction to Computational Robotics
- Distributed and Cloud Computing
- Automated Reasoning
- Computer and Network Forensics
- Internet of Things: Systems Design
- Social Computing
- Advanced Topics in NLP
- Principles of Machine Learning
- Applications of Machine Learning: Natural Language Processing/Computer Vision
How will I be taught?
The School of Computer Science and Informatics has a strong and active research culture which informs and directs our teaching. We are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard.
Modules are delivered through a series of either full or half-day contact sessions, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and laboratory classes.
Most of your taught modules will have further information for you to study and you will be expected to work through this in your own time according to the guidance provided by the lecturer for that module.
How will I be assessed?
Modules will be assessed either by coursework, examination, or a combination of both.
Feedback:
Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you.
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the broad range of concepts, principles and theories underpinning advanced computer science
- an understanding of the methods, techniques, and tools available to specify, design, implement and manage computer-based systems
- an understanding of the representation of data in structured forms and its interplay with the implementation of algorithms
- a critical awareness of current trends in selected research areas of computer science, and an ability to discuss their contribution to developing computer based systems
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- a mastery of the practical methodologies in key areas of computing; their application to well-established areas of software development and their use in selected specialised application areas
- an ability to objectively analyse computational problems and develop appropriate, creative solutions
- an ability to model complex scenarios to design computer systems that meet stated requirements
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- an awareness of professional, legal, social, cultural and ethical issues that arise in the implementation of existing and future computer systems and an awareness of societal and environmental impact
- an ability to pursue opportunities for career development and lifelong learning and appreciate the importance of commercial awareness
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to critically review the literature, and to effectively communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and electronic means
- an ability to work effectively as team member or leader in a team and as an individual
- an ability to make effective use of a range of IT systems
Graduates from this course will be ideally placed to pursue a number of careers, such as systems architects, programmers and software developers, and could also pursue a research career via doctoral studies.
The selection of modules on offer aim to enhance your transferable skills and boost employment prospects.