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Computing, MSc, University of Staffordshire

the United Kingdom

University of Staffordshire

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MScPart-time, Distance3 yearsJanuary, SeptemberGBP 2040GBP 2040

About Computing, MSc - at University of Staffordshire

  • This course is for non computing graduates.

  • Introduces a wide range of computing related topics with further opportunity to specialise.

  • Aims to build on your existing graduate skills.

  • Start in September or January.

This course is for non computing graduates who would like to study the area of computing, and would like to do so at a postgraduate level and undertake a dissertation of considerable depth at the end of the course.

The award includes the option of a placement in industry for a period of 12 months which may give focus to the dissertation. Alternatively the student's dissertation may research a relevant issue linked to their employment.

Note a separate preliminary course fee also applies for the computing skills module.

Course Fees and Finance

The expected study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 60 credits in your first year of study and the other 120 credits, split equally over your second and third years of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will pay a fee of £2,040 for your first year in 2017/18. The fee for your second and third year of study will be broadly the same, except that an inflationary uplift may apply.* You will be invoiced for the modules that you register for each year, so if your study pattern is different from the expected pattern, you will pay more or less each year accordingly.

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

* The fees listed are for the 2017/18 academic year only. Any subsequent years may be subject to an inflationary uplift.

Alumni Discount: If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to 15% off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact Graduate Relations.'

Postgraduate Loans:

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a loan of up to £10,280 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. You won't have to start repaying the loan until you are earning more than (currently) £21,000 per year.

Course content

Year 1 (indicative structure) based on 2 12 week modules studied per semester via distance learning.

Core modules:

COSE70521 Computing Skills (2 week preliminary module in Sept.) via distance learning.

COSE70466 Principles of Software Engineering (PSE)
COIS70692 The Management of Database Environments (MDE)
COSE70467 Computer Systems Architecture (CSA)
COIS70693 Systems Analysis and Design (SAD)


Year 2 (indicative structure) based on 2 12 week modules studied per semester via distance learning.

Three Option modules taken from the following list:

COIS70698 Perspectives in Information Technology Security
COSE70561 Object Oriented Software Systems Development
MECH7069 Management of Business and IT
COIS70692 Management of Database Environments
COSE70479 Java for Enterprise Applications
COIS70845 Electronic Commerce
COCS70547 Design of Enterprise Communications Systems
COIS70697 Business Process Re-engineering with IT

Core module:
COIS70696 Personal Development and Research Methods (PDRM)


Year 3


COIS71052 MSc Dissertation (60 Credits)

Graduate destinations

On completion of the award you may seek employment as an analyst, interface designer, computing manager, or applications programmer.

Entry requirements

Normal requirements are at least a UK second class honours degree or equivalent in a non-computing discipline.

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work.
If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

Computing Open evenings are held throughout each semester and each individual gets a 15 to 30 minute appointment.
For date and time please visit the Events listing on the main university website www.staffs.ac.uk

If you intend to attend an open evening please confirm your attendance via email to Jonathan Westlake [email protected] For remote distance learning students the open evening slot can be conducted via Skype or equivalent. Send a contact invitation to jcwestlake

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