The Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth has a strong research focus on techniques and applications of intelligent systems, working with many major companies. Our taught Masters degrees draw on this focus, and link to the expertise and interests of the Department. They are designed to meet the needs of both students wanting a foundation for a career in research, and those wanting to expand on their skills to accelerate their industrial career.
Contemporary software is frequently developed to function in distributed systems. Applications are deployed across multiple computers, interacting to provide services and to solve problems in a distributed way. This Masters course is suitable for students intending to pursue a career in the software industry, and is a qualifying Masters Degree for Chartered Engineer status. It can also lead to a career in research.
Key Facts
Duration:
This course can be taken or as a two year course incorporating professional experience. It can also be taken part-time.
Contact Time:
Approximately 12 hours a week in the first two semesters. During semester three you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned supervisor.
Assessment:
The taught part of the course is delivered and assessed through lectures, student seminars, practical exercises, case studies, course work and formal examinations. The subsequent successful submission of your research dissertation leads to the award of an MSc.
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this MSc is a second class honours in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related subject. This should include programming in a language like Java, C or C++. Sometimes it may be possible to substitute industrial experience (supplemented by preliminary study) for these academic qualifications.
Industrial Year:
This degree is the same as the one year MSc in Advanced Computer Science, with the addition that the student spends a year working in industry after the taught part of the course.
• Students study at Aberystwyth University from September to May, and are supported in applying for suitable jobs in the software industry. • They work in the UK from June to the following May. • They return to Aberystwyth to complete their dissertation from June to September
The work in industry is paid employment, not just work experience. Typical annual salaries for an industrial year are between £11,000 and £15,000.
Students wishing to do the industrial year are assisted in finding a place in industry. There is assistance with preparing an appropriate CV, training in what to expect at an interview, and practice in being interviewed by experienced industry interviewers. The Department of Computer Science sends about 70 students each year for a year's experience in industry, and has many contacts in companies enthusiastic to take good students from Aberystwyth University.
As these are paid jobs for companies, we cannot guarantee any student a job - the companies select the employees they want. Students that are unable to find a job can complete the Masters degree without an industrial year.
There is an additional but much reduced fee for the year in industry (presently £800 for the year), and members of staff stay in touch electronically and by visiting students during the year.
English Language Requirements:
If you have a Bachelor’s degree from a UK University, you do not need to take an English proficiency test.
Non-native English speakers who do not meet this requirement must take a University-recognised test of academic English language proficiency. For further information please see our English Language requirements page.
Course Fees:
Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.
Funding:
Possible funding opportunities can be found in our funding calculator.
Overview
The course in Advanced Computer Science is a two year full-time programme. This degree is the same as the one year MSc
in Advanced Computer Science - G493, with the addition that the student
spends a year working in industry after the taught part of the course.
Year one of the course is divided into two parts over three semesters. In part one, you will establish a breadth of necessary skills in a number of core modules whilst directing your own study by choosing specialist modules, worth a total of 120 credits. In part two, you will apply your learning in the individual dissertation worth an additional 60 credits.
Previous study topics have included: Transmission of MIDI music over internet connection, Designing a network intrusion detection system, Online results and statistics using web service technology, Supply chain management system applications and Prototype railway track measurement system.
Whatever your own previous experience or future aspiration, with this course you will benefit from the marvellous integration of cutting-edge theory and practical application, within a world-class department. The most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014) assessment found that 100% of the impact research the department of Computer Science undertakes is world leading or internationally excellent.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
