University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science

NOTE: This is a formal specification for the degree programme. If you are not yet a student in the School, you will find more appropriate information on the Taught Postgraduate Admissions pages.

Final Award MSc
Interim Awards PGDip
Programme Title Advanced Computer Science
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 014
Mode(s) of Study Full-time
Length of Programme 1 year
Total Credits 180
UCAS Code N/A
Awarding Institution The University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution The University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by -
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Dr P Coxhead
Date 15 Feb 2006
Educational Aims of Programme

The programme is intended for graduates with a previous degree in one of the relevant Computing disciplines (e.g. Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, Computational Mathematics), either as a Single or as a Joint Honours subject. The programme aims to:

  1. Allow students to broaden their knowledge of leading edge areas of computing through the choice of options from a range of taught modules.
  2. Allow students to deepen their knowledge of selected areas of Computing by individual project work supervised by research-active members of staff and to develop appropriate research skills.
  3. Provide a solid foundation for all graduates to pursue a career in the software industry [only for those completing the research-oriented MSc project:] with a particular focus on a research and development, or the pursuit of further studies (e.g. a PhD).
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
The programme has been designed to conform to Masters level as set out in the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Special features of the Programme
None.

 

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge & Understanding
Ref A. Students are expected to have knowledge and understanding of... Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The ideas and concepts underlying a selected set of advanced topics in Computing. Lectures, seminars, project work Examinations, presentations/demonstrations, reports
2 Appropriate techniques for analysing and building computer-based systems related to these advanced topics. Lectures, seminars, project work Presentations/demonstrations, reports

Skills & Other Attributes
Ref B. Students are expected to have attained the following skills and other attributes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The ability to carry out project work with limited supervision in some field of Computing appropriate to the selected topics [only for those completing the research-oriented MSc project:] where the project involves original research and development. Mainly project work, both mini-projects and the final project Presentations/demonstrations, reports
(transferable skills)
2 The ability to use appropriate methods for literature searching and information retrieval. Lectures and project work Presentations/demonstrations, reports
3 Presentation skills, both written and verbal, with particular application to research related topics. Lectures and project work Presentations, reports
4 The ability to apply a variety of research methods in advanced problem-solving. Lectures and project work Presentations/demonstrations, reports

Footnotes

  1. The Learning & Teaching and Assessment Methods above are not intended to be exclusive, but to indicate the main methods in use. Module Descriptions contain more detail.

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