MSc Advanced Computing Science
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Course Overview
Program your future, just the way you want it. Whether you’re an aspiring programmer, software engineer, data or computer scientist, this Master’s in Advanced Computing Science is the ideal opportunity to set yourself apart from other graduates.
Starting from your BSc degree in computing science (or equivalent), you’ll broaden and deepen your knowledge to an advanced level in research-led subjects such as programming language paradigms, artificial intelligence, cyber security, data science, computer vision and more.
Your studies will culminate in an MSc research project on a suitable topic of your choice – giving you the chance to showcase everything you’ve learned and demonstrate your research abilities. The emphasis on research is a perfect preparation for the job market once you graduate or alternatively, to do further research studies.
From day one, you’ll be immersed in the expertise of our world-leading research team who work at the cutting edge of computing science.
You’ll study key core subjects including our flagship module Advanced Programming. This will cover historical, established and upcoming programming languages, compilers and interpreters, functional languages, assembly and intermediate languages, code optimisation, high performance computing and software testing. The assessment of this module is based on a project that requires you to develop a compiler or interpreter in a general purpose language (GPL) of your choice, and a course test that includes a programming element and tests your knowledge of the curriculum.
We also have specialist MSc lab with humanoid robots, haptic feedback devices, optical motion capture and high-res video cameras and mainstream Virtual Reality (VR) hardware.
Thanks to our strong ties with the IT and computing industries, we're able to shape our course content and coursework projects based on current trends and real-world problems. This ensures that your experience is aligned with the industries that you may well be moving into after your course.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our Master's programme consists of a series of advanced level modules to develop your skills and knowledge, as well as a dissertation that gives you the chance to complete your own research project.
The compulsory module will help you master crucial skills such as writing scientific reports and analysing and critically reviewing scientific publications. You’ll also develop your ability to analyse and process big data resources using basic and advanced statistical methods.
Your dissertation counts for 60 (out of a total of 180) credits and you can either choose a topic from a list of projects set by the academic staff or propose your own suitable subject. Recent dissertation topics include:
- Comparing the Unreal and Unity games engines by developing a first-person shooter game
- Creating an augmented reality (AR) game on mobile devices
- Midi to tablature transcription
- Sentiment polarity classification of tweets using supervised models
- Reconstructing speech from articulatory data
- Comparing MPI and GPU Computing in the Cloud
- Programming the Nao robot to play draughts
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in games
You have until mid to late August to complete the project, which will be assessed based on the dissertation itself and a demonstration of your final deliverable.
Your remaining 120 credits are made up of six 20-credit modules, and two of them are compulsory modules. You’ll then be able to select four optional modules from a range of topics including: artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, information visualisation, computer vision, cyber security, audio-visual processing, ubiquitous computing, data science and more.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 80)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll have an average of 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars – though this may vary depending on your module choices.
Most modules are taught mainly through lectures and laboratory sessions, led by our experienced lecturers. You’ll also benefit from your lab sessions being facilitated by postgraduate associate tutors who are experts in your specific subject.
Our class sizes are relatively small – ranging from 15-30 students – meaning that you’ll have more opportunity to engage directly with our academics.
The very nature of a Masters course means that you'll spend a lot of time carrying out independent study. On top of your taught sessions, you’ll spend at least 25 hours a week on independent study, coursework assignments and projects.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of: Examination/course test, Demonstrations/Presentation, Project and Written assignments.
The project is assessed on a project proposal, demonstration and dissertation.
Employability
After the Course
As a professional in this rapidly evolving sector, the ability to learn new skills is as important as what you know already. After successfully completing this Master’s you’ll be fully prepared for a successful career, in which you’ll be continually learning and extending yourself.
Careers may include software engineering, , programming, systems analysis, data science, artificial intelligence development, academic/industrial research, entrepreneurship or teaching.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Applications programming
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Scientific programming
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Software development and engineering
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IT consultancy
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Industries reliant on computing (e.g. finance, automotive, electronics, retail, government, police)
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Research position in R&D department of a company or higher education
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Computer Science or related subjects with strong Computing Science content including significant programming experience.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in all components
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year
Additional Information or Requirements
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
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UK Students: £11,000 (full time)
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International Students: £22,900 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.