MSci Computer Science - 2021

Educational Aims Of Programme

• Thorough coverage of the core areas of computer science, with a systematic grounding both in its theoretical underpinnings and in practical software development, through a focussed programme offering an extensive choice of advanced and specialist options in the third and fourth year.
• A basis for a career as a computer science professional, producing graduates who are equipped to work effectively in a professional capacity, with transferable skills in numeracy, problem-solving, team working and general communication and information technology.
• A solid foundation for advanced study in computing/IT, producing graduates who are self-motivating and are able to take responsibility for their continuing personal and professional development.
• A curiosity-driven programme offering a choice of options in the second year and an extensive choice of advanced and specialist options from our specialised Masters programmes in the third and fourth year.
• Flexibility to change programmes after the first year, e.g. to the BSc in Computer Science or the MEng in Computer Science/Software Engineering.

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge and Understanding

• The essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing and computer applications as appropriate to the topics covered in the programme.
• Appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems.
• Current problems and issues at the forefront of Computing including an awareness of emerging technology.

Skills & Other Attributes

• The ability to apply the knowledge and understanding noted above to the analysis of a large given information handling problem.
• The ability to specify, design and construct high quality computer-based systems in a professional manner, using appropriate tools, and to document all stages of this process.
• The ability to evaluate critically and apply areas of current research and advanced scholarship in computer science.
• A professional software engineering ethos, and a responsible, ethical and open-minded attitude to their work.

Transferable Skills

• The ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• The ability to use and apply general IT facilities, including those required for effective information-retrieval.
• Numeracy, in both understanding and presenting cases involving quantitative or similar formal, symbolic dimensions.
• Management of learning and development, including time management, organizational skills, and the ability to pursue independently further professional development.

Footnotes

• Programme Year Requirements: Students without Grade A in A Level Computing, who will be required to take a 40-credit Fundamentals of Programming in Java module in Year 1, in place of our 20-credit Programming in Java module and the 20 credits of Widening Horizons Modules available.
• Module Failure: The Syllabus web page for every module defines the resit rules if they are different from the first attempt -- follow the links under the module code.
• Language Modules: Language modules (at Level 2 or above) may only be chosen in order to continue study of a language successfully passed in Year 1. Language modules (at Level 3 or above) may only be chosen in order to continue study of a language successfully passed in Year 2.
• Progress Decisions: Please refer to Section 7 of the University Regulations for further information on assessment, progression and awards. Students on the MSci programme must have acquired at least 100 credits in Year 2, at least 220 credits altogether, and an average of at least 55% in Year 2 modules in order to be eligible for progression to Year 3 of the MSci programme.
• Optional Modules: Not all options may be available in any particular year. Some option combinations are only available if the timetable permits. As students may have to make preliminary option choices before timetables are available, changes may be needed later if there are clashes. In selecting options, students are responsible for checking pre-requisite and co-requisite information requirements.
• Optional Modules (MSci/MEng): Students on this degree should note when choosing options that some topics may be studied either in the third year or in the fourth year but not both. Hence it is important to plan option choices across both years. Module descriptions for each module list the prohibited combinations.
• Degree Classification: Refer to the University Regulations for further information on the general rules governing degree classification.
• Accreditation: Whether to award accreditation is a decision made from time to time by a professional body according to criteria which are then current; hence there is no guarantee that the programme will actually be accredited for any particular year of entry by any particular professional body.