MSc in Advanced Computer Science

Frequently-asked questions

This page includes answers to questions applicants often ask about the MSc in Advanced Computer Science.

It is subdivided into these sections:

How is this programme different from other MSc programmes?

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is different from almost all other Master's programmes in Computing because of its mix of taught material and individual supervised project work. This allows you to both broaden and deepen your knowledge of computing.

Almost all Master's programmes in computing fall into one of two categories:

  • programmes that broaden your knowledge of computing
  • programmes that deepen your knowledge of a specific area of computing

Our MSc in Advanced Computer Science is designed to include both broadening and deepening in a programme that prepares students for research study or research-related industrial employment.

You will:

  • broaden your knowledge of the computing sciences by attending lectures drawn from a wide selection from the theoretical (eg Automatic Verification), through software engineering (eg Parallel Computer Architecture), to Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science (eg Quantum Computing and Cryptography).
  • deepen your knowledge of parts of the computing sciences by carrying out one mini-project in each semester. These mini-projects are supervised by a research-active member of the School's staff and can best be thought of a preliminary study for the summer project. (This work is supported by a first semester module on Research Skills.) You will then develop one of these mini-projects into a large summer project.

You will spend about two-thirds of your time working on mini-projects and projects and one-third of your time on lecture-based teaching.

 

What are the first degree requirements?

Most applications for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science are rejected because the applicant doesn't satisfy the following requirements:

  • You must have a first degree before starting the programme.
    You cannot join this programme unless you will have a degree by the time you start the programme. We do not accept certificates and diplomas that are not of degree level.
    You can apply before you have passed your first degree. If we offer you a place, it will be a conditional offer until your degree result is known.
  • You must have at least an Upper Second class degree from a United Kingdom university, or the equivalent from overseas.
    If your degree is not classified like a British honours degree, you need to show you are within the top 15% of your year. If your degree has a GPA score, we consider applicants with a GPA of 3.5/4.0.
  • Your degree must be in one of the computing disciplines
    We consider applicants whose first degree is in one of a wide range of disciplines. Our only consideration is whether they have the necessary knowledge to benefit from our range of modules and project topics. We will consider:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cognitive Science
    • Computer Engineering
    • Computer Science (and variants, eg Computing Science, Computer Studies)
    • Mathematics -providing it includes:
      • calculus (integration and differentiation), elements of linear algebra (vector and matrix operations) and trigonometry and you wish to specialize in image processing

        OR
      • continuous maths at the first year undergraduate level (including calculus, algebra, matrix computation), and applied probability and statistics (including distributions, density functions, statistical tests, Bayesian theorem, means, variance, co-variance) and you wish to specialize in evolutionary and genetic computation
    • Software Engineering
    If you have a first degree in the following subjects, you should not apply for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science. You may apply for the MSc in Computer Science (conversion programme).

    • Business Information Systems
    • Electronic Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Information Technology
    • Management Information Systems
 

English language requirements

If you have recently studied for a degree at an English speaking university (eg in the United Kingdom, USA, etc), you do not need a separate English language qualification. Otherwise, you need to provide an English qualification.

We accept a number of qualifications and our minimum requirements are:

  • TOEFL (Internet-based Test) 
    A minimum of 82 with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking, 19 in Writing
  • IELTS 
    A minimum of 6.0 with no score below 5.5 in any section of the IELTS test
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    PTE Academic 51 in all four skills
  • GCE O Level English Language 
    Grade C
  • GCSE English Language 
    Grade C
  • IGCSE English (First Language) 
    Grade C
  • IGCSE English (Second Language)
    Grade C
  • UCLES Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English 
    Grade C
  • UCLES University Certificate in Advanced English 
    Grade A
 

How much does it cost to study?

There are three main costs in studying:

  • Tuition fees. In 2013/14, these are £5,130 per year for UK/European Union students; £16,770 per year for International Students.
  • Living expenses. You need about £8,000 per year for living expenses (accommodation, food, clothing etc.). If you bring members of your family with you, then you will need more money.
  • Travel costs - eg flight to and from the UK.

No health insurance is needed as medical services are free to students studying in the United Kingdom.

 

Are there scholarships?

We provide a separate list of scholarships

 

When does the programme start?

The starting dates for the programme are:

  • 2013/14: 30th September 2013.
  • 2014/15: 29th September 2013.

It is not possible to join the programme in January or at any other time after the start date.

 

Is it possible to study part-time or externally?

This programme is only available as a full-time programme with full-time attendance at the University of Birmingham.

It is not possible to study this programme by distance learning or external study.

 

Is it possible to transfer from other programmes?

No. It is not possible to transfer from other MSc programmes in the UK or elsewhere because the structure of this programme is very different from other programmes.

It is not possible to transfer credits from other programmes to count toward this programme.

 

What do students do after this programme?

There are three main career paths for graduates from this programme:

  • to become a research student in the University of Birmingham
  • to become a research student elsewhere in the UK or abroad
  • to work in software engineering in the UK or abroad

The number of students in each of these three categories has been about equal.