Oxford Brookes University, MSc, Computer Science

This course in detail

The MSc in Computer Science has a modular course-unit design providing you with maximum flexibility and choice. To qualify for a master’s degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).

The MSc in Computer Science with placement enables you to work in industry for a year in the middle of your course to give valuable workplace experience. Placements are not guaranteed, but the Department's dedicated placement team will help with the process of finding and applying for placements. To qualify for a master’s degree with placement, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits plus the zero credit placement module. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science allows you to concentrate on the taught part of the degree and is ideal for people working in the computing industry who wish to update their skills. To qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma, you must pass modules amounting to 120 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each). In some cases, it may be possible for a student on a Postgraduate Diploma to do 3 taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (60 credits).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science allows you to concentrate on the taught part of the degree and is ideal for people working in the computing industry who wish to learn a specific area in this rapidly changing discipline. To qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate, you must pass modules amounting to 60 credits. This comprises three taught modules (20 credits each).

You can also do a Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science Research Project.

Part-time students normally distribute the work evenly over a two-year period.

Semester 1

You will be studying the following modules:

• Research, Scholarship and Professional Skills (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip) equips you with the tools necessary for the scholarship and research skills needed for the computing field as well as equipping you with the professional skills and outlook needed for a lifelong career in the computer industry.
• Secure Systems Architecture (compulsory for MSc) studies computer and network security and the ways that computer systems can be secured. This module looks at both the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of a modern networked computer system. It also introduces basic concepts of operating systems and architecture.
• Enterprise Networking (compulsory for MSc) teaches the principles and practice of computer networking looking at how networks are used in modern enterprises.  

Semester 2

You will be studying the following modules:

• Advanced Software Development (compulsory for MSc and PG Dip) studies the current practices, skills and techniques applied to managing software development related projects, individually and in project teams. This module combines theory with pragmatic and professional insights and considers requirements engineering, project management, risk, quality assurance, usability and HCI issues.
• Data Science and Machine Learning (compulsory for MSc) introduces you to the fascinating and increasingly important worlds of Data Analytics and Machine Intelligence. This module covers the key current technologies in these areas, illustrates how these technologies are being used to revolutionise business, and exposes you to current research directions in this rapidly evolving field. 
• Big Data and the Cloud (compulsory for MSc) The cloud has become a key part of modern life and with it comes vast amounts of data. This module looks at how clouds work and can be used to tackle the big data challenges of modern science and business. 

As courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, modules offered may differ from those listed.

Students undertaking an MSc with placement will do a 1 year placement in industry. The placement will be undertaken after the taught component and before doing the dissertation.

Students studying for an MSc will also take:

• MSc Dissertation which is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You undertake  your dissertation over the summer period.