Advanced Computer Science Masters Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

 Compulsory modules:

• Technology Project Management (20 credits)
  

This module aims to foster in students a critical appreciation of project management principles and practices in preparation for when they will manage – or be managed via – technology projects.


• End User Computing Risk Management (20 credits)
  

This module is designed to provide the student with a critical appreciation of End User Computing (EUC) risk management with an emphasis on the risks and management of spreadsheet technology.


• Geospatial Analysis (20 credits)

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in handling spatial data, and to both identify and understand any patterns revealed within that data through the application of various techniques in spatial analysis.


• Programming for Data Analysis (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to help students acquire skills for job roles of Data Scientist, Data Modellers and Data Analyst. Students taking this module will have the opportunity to understand and implement various statistical and computational techniques for analysing datasets using various industry standard software and programming languages.


• Research Methods for Technology Dissertations (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to equip the student with the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to produce a dissertation with a research or technical focus.


• Information Security (20 credits)
  

This module aims to provide an insight into the implementation of data security in computer systems and to encourage students to appreciate the practical and theoretical management principles associated with information security.


• Technology Dissertation (40 credits)

The aim of the technology project is for the student to apply knowledge, skills and techniques developed during directed and independent study to solve a real world technology related project. The technology project may take the form of an in-depth research project or the development of a computer system.

• Team Software Development Project (20 credits)

This module aims to provide students with a practical and reflective experience of developing a software prototype in a team.


To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as standalone or exit awards.

A range of teaching methods are used in the new Cardiff School of Technologies, including lectures, practical workshops, tutorials, seminars and real-world case studies, all supported by online learning via Moodle. With a student-centred approach, the School operates an open door policy to staff and all students will be assigned a personal tutor.

Lectures

Lectures are a major part of the teaching strategy for the programme. Lectures are an effective way of delivering core material and establishing a framework for a module against which other material can be set.

Modular Subject Tutorials

Tutorials are meetings of a student or group of students with a lecturer or lecturers and are used in two ways within the programme:

• expanding upon material covered in lectures through an enquiry-driven problem solving approach
• remedial work to overcome any deficiencies in a student’s background knowledge.

Seminars

Seminars involve a student or students presenting previously prepared work to peers and a lecturer. This strategy is used to extend specific theoretical or practical concepts as well as introducing problem solving exercises. Seminars are used in most modules and provide students with valuable experience in presentational skills as well as providing staff with a method of assessing student-centred learning.

Practical Workshops

In these classes students are able to practise and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can receive feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and the workplace.

Case Studies

Case studies are a teaching and learning strategy, employed in a range of modules; they also are a useful assessment tool. Students are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.

Assessments take the form of individual or group coursework, research based assignments, practical assessments, presentations, reports, class tests and a dissertation.​​​

Skilled graduates in Computer Science are met with a wide range of career opportunities. The Advanced Computer Science programme is career-focused and broad in scope, enabling you to enhance your existing skills to meet the increasing commercial demand for Computer Science graduates.​​​

Applicants should have an Honours degree at least 2:2 or its equivalent in a relevant area e.g. Computing, Information Systems or an appropriate Engineering specialism.

Relevance shall be determined by the Programme Director with reference to the applicant’s transcript, and, if required, via an interview.

Equivalence shall be determined by:

• International Office for applicants from outside the European Union.

• The Programme Director for applicants who present professional qualifications such as from the BCS. Such an applicant would be interviewed by the Programme Director to establish suitability.

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard, with no element under 5.5 or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Students with extant level 7 qualifications wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of RPL for admission with Credit. In such cases the regulations detailed in the Academic Handbook will apply and allows for a maximum RPL of 120 credits on a Master’s programme. In this case the remaining 60 credits would consist of the research methods module and the dissertation.

If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met,  you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time Fees:
Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.

For general enquiries, please contact the Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)29 2041 6044 or email directapplications@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Sheik Tahir Bakhsh:
Email: SBakhsh@cardiffmet.ac.uk