Computer Science (with an industrial placement year)
(MComp) Computer Science (with an industrial placement year)
Entry for 2021
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of computer science, through studying the principles of the subject and by gaining experience in its applications. Students will study computer software, hardware and foundations, and can specialise in applications of computer science to areas such as artificial intelligence, business and management, digital media, embedded systems, and mobile and pervasive systems.
Students will work on substantial individual and group-based projects, and will develop skills in: analysing current practice in computing; engineering complex software systems; managing software development projects; using scientific methods to design and evaluate innovative technologies; and analysing and critiquing research ideas.
Graduates will be equipped to work in technical roles in the computing industry which may require a high degree of creativity as well as complex problem solving and analytical skills. The course is also suitable preparation for research in computer science and its applications.
Course learning outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how these principles, logical concepts, data structures, algorithms and design approaches such as object orientation can be used to develop
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the professional and ethical responsibilities of computer scientists
Apply and implement appropriate theories and techniques to the design and development of computer systems such as information systems, distributed systems, programming language implementations, computer graphics, intelligent systems and human-computer interfaces
Use appropriate criteria and tools for the planning, development, documentation, testing and evaluation of software systems
Use appropriate presentation skills
Specify, design, construct, test and evaluate computer-based systems using appropriate tools
Recognise sources of risk in computer-based systems
Recognise the capabilities and the limitations of computer-based solutions
Demonstrate an ability to undertake the management of complex software engineering projects, choosing and combining appropriate techniques from the range of current professional practice based on an informed critique.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake self-directed software engineering of complex systems, in particular through proposing and evaluating novel solutions to complex requirements.
Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of issues such as distributed systems, scalability, reliability, mobile devices, and multi-core systems, using appropriate models and tools,
Be able to clearly communicate challenges and risks, and the evaluation and choice amongst alternative solutions to these challenges, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate an working knowledge of scientific techniques in computer science, and design evaluations of innovative technologies using appropriate choices from these approaches.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the relevant research literature to relevant topics, e.g. distributed systems, scalability, reliability, mobile devices, and multi-core systems, and the ability to further research, analyse and critique the ideas presented.
Full-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Autumn Semester | Core | Comparative Programming (G6021) | 15 | 6 |
| Core | Human-Computer Interaction (G5026) | 15 | 6 | ||
| Core | Introduction to Computer Security (G6077) | 15 | 6 | ||
| Autumn & Spring Teaching | Core | Individual Project (G5038) | 45 | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | Core | Limits of Computation (G5029) | 15 | 6 | |
| Option | Advanced Natural Language Engineering (G5114) | 15 | 6 | ||
| Neural Networks (G5015) | 15 | 6 | |||
| Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments (G5065) | 15 | 6 | |||
| Web 3D Applications (H7006) | 15 | 6 |
Please note that the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.