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MSc Computer Science

Future-proof your career by gaining
industry-relevant skills

Apply By

14 October 2024

To Start

28 October 2024

  • icon_timer_white Minimum programme length: 12 months
  • icon_money_white Fees: £6,600

Get further information on your degree

Why Abertay?

University of the Year for Teaching Quality *

One of the UK's leading tech universities

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education **

Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction with Teaching ***

95% of graduates in full-time work or study within six months of graduating

100% online, with six
starts per year

Pay per module

Ranked 31st in UK for Computer Science****

* Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2021 | ** Recognised by the UK Government's National Cyber Security Centre | *** Student Satisfaction with Teaching, Course and Feedback, Guardian University Guide, 2020 | **** Guardian University Rankings, 2024

Develop sought-after skills for the modern work environment

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the current world of business as it adapts to new and improved computer science techniques. Designed to equip you with up-to-date skills and knowledge, our MSc Computer Science is a degree that will prepare you for a successful future.

Developed based on our strong relationship with industry, this programme will provide you with the skills that are in-demand with employers. Ideal for individuals looking to change career into this exciting field, this master's degree will prepare you for technical roles across many sectors.

With six starts a year, you're not restricted to the traditional year and can begin your studies within weeks. On top of this, you will learn entirely online, and have the option to study either full-time or part-time, allowing you to fit your studies around your current commitments.

Develop sought-after skills for the modern work environment

What you'll learn

This degree is a modern course, consisting of up-to-date content covering the full spectrum of the computer science discipline to give you a thorough grounding of networking, databases, and web development, whilst introducing you to growing trends in the field such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable technology, and smart devices.

You will delve into both theory and hands-on practice, preparing you to tackle real-world computer science challenges.

On successful completion of this MSc Computer Science, you will be able to:
1

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts of computer science, including the principles of software development, databases, networking, and human factors

2

Develop a critical awareness of current issues in computer science and specialisms such as emergent technologies and artificial intelligence or cyber security

3

Apply a range of specialised skills and practices in computer science as informed by developments in areas of coding, networking human factors and emergent technologies

4

Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation, or development within a computer science specialism with due consideration of ethical approval and legal requirements

5

Deal with complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues commensurate with current professional and ethical codes or practices

Modules

This module introduces the core ideas of computer architecture and programming. You will build a mental model of the functioning of a typical computer system that can be used to reason about system (hardware/software) behaviour. You will explore fundamental programming constructs, using the Python scripting language. You will use a problem-based approach to develop skills fundamental to programming.

This module introduces the standard data structures and algorithms that form the core of algorithmic thought in computer science, and introduces you to the idea of reasoning about the behaviour and performance of a computer programme.

This module introduces you to dynamic web applications, through client-side and server-side web development. The module also will enable you to develop the necessary skills to develop complex database-driven web applications, effectively employing server-side technology.

This module introduces database concepts and designs using relational databases and NoSQL design techniques. The course includes fundamentals of relational and NoSQL databases to understand the advantages and limitations as a database administrator or database application developer. You will be able to apply this knowledge to design, deploy and maintain databases for advanced and complex systems.

This module introduces the operation of various networking models through studying networking components, protocols and applications. The content includes networking fundamentals, network layers and modes with associated protocols and applications. You will be able to apply this knowledge to build and maintain advanced and complex networks.

This module will enable you to critically appraise next-generation technologies and their impact on society. The module will provide you with an awareness of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and interconnectivity, 5G and 6G technologies, cloud computing and decentralised systems such as drones. Technology awareness will be supplemented with data-driven and smart applications of these technologies, and you will consider the role of AI in application deployment.

This module will introduce you to generic concepts of human factors such as interactions between user and computing systems and/or services, and how these interactions can be evaluated. You will learn about interface design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and ethics in the data gathering process. Aspects of user experience, usability and accessibility will be explored.

This module will enable you to recognise key wicked challenges facing society now and in the near future, and explore the potential of and challenges facing solutions founded on computer science and AI technologies. The module will provide you with a grounding in the nature of wicked problems that span socio-techno-economic challenge spaces. The role of technology-mediate solutions will be explored through concrete examples, including shortcomings in solutions to date and how the rapidly developing fields of computer science and technology can be harnessed going forwards.

This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical approaches to research and statistical concepts are taught in online lectures with virtual lab sessions using both quantitative and qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.

This module is designed to enable you to develop a research proposal. The module will provide guidance on the essential steps in research proposal development including literature searching, research question setting, identifying objectives and proposing a research methodology. Proposal development will also consider project planning, risks and mitigation, and legal and ethical issues.

Through an independent research project, you will select, plan, conduct and write up a research-based investigation. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data and information and the evaluation and communication of findings and require the synthesis of a solution appropriate to the project aims. You will produce an artefact to complement the write-up of your investigation.

Who our MSc Computer Science is suited to

This online MSc Computer Science is suited to working mid-level professionals who are aiming to either change careers into this field or to take the next step in their career and progress into a more senior position.

As this degree is taught part-time, you can continue to work in your current role, earn while you learn, and apply your learnings to your current position to boost progression opportunities as you develop your skills.

Who our MSc Computer Science is suited to

Potential career paths for this MSc Computer Science

The skills you will develop on this innovative master's degree will prepare you for the modern computer science industry and make you a sought-after graduate. On successful completion, your knowledge will apply to many technical roles.

  • Data Analyst
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Application Analyst

Accredited by BCS

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Entry requirements for home and international students

To study this MSc, you must have:
  • An undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification)
  • Or, at least two years of relevant work experience in a professional, managerial, or supervisory role
English language requirements:
  • IELTS 6.0 and equivalents

Start dates

We have six start dates a year, so you can begin your studies within weeks.

Next start date:

28 October 2024

Application deadline:

14 October 2024

APPLY NOW