Computer Science MSc

Postgraduate

This master’s degree aims to expand your capability and expertise in IT related fields. It focuses on the underlying theories of computer science and their practical applications.

Year of entry

2023-24 2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT043

Start date

May 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

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Course overview

This course aims to provide you with a sound understanding of development platforms, protocols and standards with an emphasis on agile software development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analysis, internet security and the development of web-based and mobile applications.

The course is designed with the inputs from our industry professionals to deliver the syllabus that is up-to-date and reflects employment trends.
Upon successful completion of this course, you should have acquired the advanced skills and knowledge needed to help you to develop a career in the IT related fields. You may, for example, look to progress as a computer system designer, programmer, consultant, or researcher.
You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity², which if secured, is designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

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Why you should study this course

The curriculum has been designed with the aim of supporting you in pursuing employment or further research opportunities in computing or IT related fields.

The course emphasises both the underlying theories of computer science and their practical application, so as to provide solutions to real-world problems. The course covers a wide range of key topics to reflect the latest technologies and employment trends, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, security of connected systems, web-based and mobile applications, as well as agile software development projects.

If you are interested in learning about programming or wish to update your existing skills in building computer systems, this course provides opportunities to equip you with the skills and knowledge of IT and computing professionals.
This course aims to provide you with a sound understanding of essential development platforms, protocols and standards.
We offer excellent facilities⁴, so you have the opportunity to explore core technical competencies of disciplines for building applications, and to learn advanced topics at the forefront of the computer science research community and industry.

Being part of this MSc program is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The course has provided me with the required problem solving and IT skills to effectively apply knowledge in the real-world environment. I am truly grateful for this experience and would recommend it for any student.
Chidiebere Okeke, Computer Science MSc, 2022

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What you'll study

During this programme you will focus on the core technical knowledge and skills used in building computer systems with emerging platforms, protocols, industry recognised best practices and standards. This programme aims to cover key technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning and their application in big data, web-based and mobile applications.

Furthermore, this programme should enable you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have learned by undertaking a software development project in a teamwork environment and an in-depth individual project. Guided by an experienced tutor, the projects will help develop your research skills and experience the work of IT professionals.

Modules

Computer Architecture and System Programming – 15 credits

This module aims to enhance your understanding of computer systems including the structure, organisation and operation. Underpinned by knowledge of the technology and of computing principles, the module is extended to more advanced architectures, including systems software and application tools they support.

Compulsory

Artificial Neural Networks – 15 credits

This module introduces the concepts used in neural networks and their application in solving real-world problems. The main topics covered in this course include biological motivations of neural networks, different approaches including the main supervised and unsupervised neural network architectures, static and temporal learning approaches, data collection and preparation methods for neural network learning, applications of neural networks, current trends, and future developments.

Compulsory

Web Applications and AI – 15 credits

Machine Learning and Big Data – 15 credits

This module aims to enable you to understand the areas of big data and machine learning, specifically the application of different machine learning techniques to gain valuable information from such data and aid in decision making processes. You will also develop an appreciation of diverse machine learning theories and tools that are available for use and how their applications are of real benefits.

Compulsory

Security of Emerging Connected Systems – 15 credits

This module seeks to provide you with an appreciation of information security concepts and an understanding of how they are applied using Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobile Device (MD) technologies. The importance of a security policy is considered, and client-side, data-transmission, server, and operating system security vulnerabilities are examined in-depth.

Compulsory

Mobile Platforms and Application Development – 15 credits

This module will discuss the features and benefits of developing native applications and cross-platform mobile apps. Different approaches to cross-platform app development will be evaluated, including hybrid mobile app development and rapid mobile app development (RMAD) or codeless mobile app development. The module will then focus on the process of building hybrid or native apps that can run on multiple operating systems.

Compulsory

Software Development Project – 30 credits

The module aims to enable you to develop a range of professional skills and enhance your employability by undertaking a software development project in a team environment. These include team working, leadership, problem solving, communication. analytical skills, and project management.

Compulsory

Computing Individual Research Project – 60 credits

The project is intended to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate competence in applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The project may be a solution to a practical industry requirement or focus on a research topic. The module will require investigation and research as core activities, leading to analysis, final summations, and insightful recommendations.

Compulsory

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity² enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semester’s 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Part-time students should be aware that not all modules run every semester; your study plan for the course will be arranged between yourself and the Course Director and is subject to module availability.

Teaching computer science doesn't simply mean teaching how to code. It is teaching students how to think in a different way, an algorithmic way, a creative way and it is a skill that they can apply throughout life, rather than just in computing.
Diana Hintea, Associate Head of School for Global Engagement, 2022

How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include:

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Presentations
Group projects
Workshops
Practical laboratory sessions⁴

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is estimated 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters with self-study approximately 36 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The MSc project-based semester will include supervisor meetings about 1 hour per week (depending on the arrangement with the supervisor), with self-study approximately 45 hours per week.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which may vary depending upon the modules. Assessment methods may include:

Phase tests
Essays
Group work
Presentations
Reports
Projects
Coursework
Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Post studies, I secured a position as a Researcher/Software Developer for an SME in Cyprus, focusing on conducting research in the security domain through European funding. Having the opportunity to study at Coventry University has provided me with all required skills to secure this position. The constant updates of material throughout my course provided me with every chance possible to learn and use the latest and most useful technologies.
Kyriakos Georgiades, Computer Science MSc, 2022

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

To apply for this course, you need to have one of the following:

A minimum of a second class honours degree in a computing related subject. Applications from graduates in other disciplines (such as mathematics, physics or engineering) with experience in programming would also be considered on individual merits. For further information on the type of subjects that would qualify, please fill in our request information form.
An unclassified degree plus at least two years' further study or professional experience in computing related subjects.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree in a computing related subject. Applications from graduates in other disciplines (such as mathematics, physics or engineering) with experience in programming would also be considered on individual merits. For further information on the type of subjects that would qualify, please fill in our request information form.
An unclassified degree plus at least two years' further study or professional experience in computing related subjects.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The course offers facilities in the modern Engineering and Computing Building (EEC) and Beatrice Shilling Building (BSB), located on the Coventry main campus, with laboratories equipped with the latest workstations and software packages⁴.

The course-specific laboratory facilities on the Coventry main campus may include the following software packages:

Android Studio
IntelliJ IDEA
Microsoft Azure
Oracle
PyCharm IDE

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The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

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Jaguar Centre

The Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students including social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Spirituality and Faith Centre, the Tank Studio, Student Success Coaches and the Enterprise Hub.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have knowledge of/be able to:

Critically evaluate computation complexity associated with programming algorithms to deliver effective solutions to real-world problems
Critically evaluate computer architecture and networked system solutions along with their related security issues and threats
Develop relevant technical skills in emerging technologies to adapt to the challenges in the computing related field in a global context
Develop a wide range of postgraduate level professional and transferable skills in building computer-based systems in a teamwork environment
Develop the awareness of professional, social, ethical, and legal issues along with commercial risk and management for computer-based systems
Develop research skills required for advanced computer science topics selected according to the interests of individual students
Critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts.

The content of this course acknowledges the borderless nature of computer science alongside the common practices and technologies used throughout the globe. Our course will offer you the opportunity to acquire relevant skills and experience with the use of emerging technologies and tools in a global context.

The practical nature of our course means that upon successful graduation, you should have developed a wide range of technical, analytical, design and professional skills, which should support a move into a range of IT and computing related areas. The course content is annually reviewed within the School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics (CEM) in consultation with industry experts to ensure its currency and validity.

Where our graduates work

Career opportunities in the areas of IT and computing are many and varied, including IT consultants, system designers and programmers.

You may find yourself working in the private and public sector in computing or IT related areas, in sectors such as business, health, education, finance and manufacturing.

The course forced me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to learn for myself through building varied projects and learning to apply my knowledge in new ways. Wonderful lecturers shared their valuable practical experience and encouraged me to try new approaches even if it wasn't strictly necessary. It was a great year where I made friends from all over the world and experienced a modern university committed to continuously improving.
Bassel Ballout El Mawla, Computer Science MSc, 2022

Exterior view of the EEC building on a summers day

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.