Computer Science (MSc)

Location: Canterbury

This conversion programme provides you with a broad and balanced introduction to computer science, including the key technologies and skills needed for employment. You can also explore your personal interests through a variety of optional modules.

The programme will equip you for technical roles in leading software houses, advanced technology companies and commercial sectors or for working at the interface with clients as a systems analyst or consultant. Graduates from this programme work across the globe for companies such as IBM, Cisco, Logica/CMG, Pfizer, Reuters, Shell and Zurich Financial.

This programme is available with an optional industrial placement of between eight and 50 weeks. The industrial placement provides an opportunity to work in real-world, technical and business roles, enhancing your study experience and having a dramatic impact on your choices after graduation.

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• how to engineer software systems that satisfy the needs of customers, using a state-of-the art methodology and an industrially-relevant programming language
• a broad variety of advanced topics relating to computing/IT (the specific topics will depend on the optional modules you chose and may vary from year to year in response to developments in the field, staff changes etc)
• the specification, design and implementation of software systems for a variety of platforms and across a range of application domains
• the theoretical foundations of computer science
• the architecture of computer systems including hardware components and operating systems in terms of their functionality, performance and interactions
• the specification, design and implementation of information systems using the latest database and web technologies
• professional, legal, social, cultural and ethical issues related to your chosen field of computing.

Intellectual Skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

• the ability to identify, analyse and formulate criteria and specifications appropriate to a given problem
• the ability to model problems and their solutions with an awareness of any tradeoffs involved
• the ability to evaluate systems, processes or methodologies in terms of general quality attributes and possible tradeoffs
• the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively
• the ability to work with self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
• the ability to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data
• the ability to review a research paper or technical report critically and to present your findings to a group of peers
• the ability to plan and execute a substantial research or development-based project and to report the work in the form of a dissertation.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in:

• the ability to specify, design, implement and test computer-based systems
• the ability to deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of software
• the ability to undertake practical work that explores techniques covered in the programme and to analyse and comment on the findings.

Transferable skills

You gain the following transferable skills:

• the ability to plan, work and study independently and to use relevant resources in a manner that reflects good practice
• the ability to make effective use of general IT facilities, including information retrieval skills 
• time management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage your own learning and development
• an appreciation of the importance of continued professional development as part of lifelong learning
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• the ability to communicate technical issues clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences
• the ability to present ideas, arguments and results in the form of a well-structured written report
• the ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at professional or equivalent level.

This programme aims to:

• enhance the career prospects of graduates seeking employment in the computing/IT sector
• prepare you for research and/or professional practice at the forefront of the discipline
• develop an integrated and critically aware understanding of one or more areas of computing/IT and their applications (according to your degree title)
• develop a variety of advanced intellectual and transferable skills
• equip you with the lifelong learning skills necessary to keep abreast of future developments in the field.