Programme Specifications

September 2023

The aim of the MSc Computer Science is to provide an intensive, professionally-oriented introduction to computing for able graduates in other disciplines, to enable them to enter the software industry on broadly the same footing as new graduates in Computer Science. No previous experience of computing is required.

The degree scheme has an emphasis on discipline specific skills while enabling the graduates to work in other disciplines which is reflected in the learning outcomes. All learning outcomes are listed below placing them into four different categories.

A1 Have a general overview of the field of Software Engineering and be aware of focused areas of research interest within it.

A2 Identify and document user requirements for a system in a specific context

A3 Critically reflect on the choice of techniques and the manner of their use, in the light of the experience gained from developing software

A4 Constructively participate in advanced technical debate in the field.

A5 Identify and document user requirements for a system in a specific context

Learning and Teaching

The learning outcomes listed above are delivered via a mixture of lectures, problem classes, seminars, laboratory work, group and individual projects, and visiting lecture series.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

A number of different assessment methods are used to assess practical skills as well as theoretical understanding. This includes writing of reports and survey papers, poster presentations, group work and group presentations, and exams.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

B1 Be able to reflect on project needs.

B2 Describe and use the basic principles of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Learning and Teaching

The learning outcomes listed above are delivered via a mixture of lectures, problem classes, seminars, laboratory work, group and individual projects, and visiting lecture series.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Students have to write an essay, a technical report, and do an oral presentation.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

C1 Write code

C2 Perform a number of tasks in the context of databases

C3 Perform a number of tasks in software engineering

Learning and Teaching

The learning outcomes listed above are delivered via a mixture of lectures, problem classes, seminars, laboratory work, group and individual projects, and visiting lecture series.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

A number of different assessment methods are used to assess practical skills as well as theoretical understanding. This includes writing of reports and survey papers, poster presentations, group work and group presentations, and exams.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1 Present the material they have learned in an informed, clear manner.

D2 Present current research at an appropriate level of detail to a technical audience.

D3 Use the professional and academic literature to survey possible approaches to the construction of a specific system and select the most suitable

D4 Identify weaknesses and lacunae in the available techniques

D5 Practically apply AI and ML principles in different contexts

Learning and Teaching

The learning outcomes listed above are delivered via a mixture of lectures, problem classes, seminars, laboratory work, group and individual projects, and visiting lecture series.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

A number of different assessment methods are used to assess practical skills as well as theoretical understanding. This includes writing of reports and survey papers, poster presentations, group work and group presentations, and exams.