Course Catalogue

The overall aim of the programme is to provide people of graduate status working, or planning to work, in an advanced Computer Science and software development environment with the opportunity to enhance their career prospects by gaining additional knowledge and skills in the areas of Computer Science. The specific aims of the programme are as follows: -To provide students with a fuller, systematic understanding of current and developing computer science. To enable students to explore the issues surrounding Computer Science and algorithm development in Industrial contexts. -To facilitate students in the development of expertise and interest in topic areas of direct and complementary relevance to their work. -To encourage students to become advanced autonomous learners. -To provide students with a comprehensive understanding, critical awareness and ability to conduct evaluation of current Computer Science research issues. -To further develop students originality in applying analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills. -To provide advanced, conceptual understanding, underpinning career development, innovation and further study such as PhD.

Acquisition of 1 - 14 is through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Throughout the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Knowledge and understanding is assessed via formal examination, individual and team coursework, and a full-scale individual MSc Dissertation. Skills 1 - 9 are taught through lectures and developed through tutorial work throughout the programme. Cognitive skills are partly assessed via formal examinations, but mainly through coursework assessment. The MSc Dissertation allows a student to demonstrate his/her cognitive skills. Practical advanced skills are developed throughout the programme. Key skills are developed throughout the programme in a variety of forms. Specifically through a combination of research related coursework, guided independent study and projects, group work and presentations. Key skills are assessed as part of coursework, projects, written examinations and presentations.

There are no external placements during the programme. However business skills of project development, management, implementation and presentation are embedded throughout the course. Each student will be allocated to a supervisor who will act as the line-managers for the project. The supervisor will have complementary skill sets in the problem domain and the machine learning domain. Weekly 1 hour meetings of the supervisor and student will monitor progress and provide opportunities for developmental feedback. The aim is to run the projects in the same fashion as either an academic or industrial project is done externally. As part of the research methods and project modules, the students will be encouraged and assisted to develop a professional on-line presence.