Entry requirementsStandard Entry Applicants should normally have a minimum of a lower second class (2:2) honours degree from a UK university or its equivalent. Professional qualifications that are equivalent to an honours degree may also be acceptable. Plus one of the following: * Other: English language requirements: International students are required to satisfy a minimum proficiency in both written and spoken English. This requirement is currently a British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575 (or above).
Academic titleComputing and Information Technology (MSc)
Course descriptionCOURSE INFORMATION
This practically oriented course introduces students to the skills and knowledge that they will require to pursue a successful career in computing and information technology.
What will you study?
Programme Design and Implementation: uses the Java language to introduce the principles, knowledge and skills required to design, implement, test and document programs written in a structured high level language.
Database Modelling: introduces the principles of database modelling, relational database design and manipulation with SQL, database processing with transactions and procedures,object and distributed databases, data exchange and interoperability and emerging data models. Practical experience is gained in all areas of Oracle.
Computer Networks and Operating Systems: provides an appreciation of computer systems and their underpinning hardware and software, including an appreciation of how computers can be linked through the internet and local networks.
Project Management Studies: An introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to manage a computer project.
Research Methods: Develops an understanding of the research methods that can be applied to the subject of Computer Science.
Hypermedia for the Information Professional: familiarises students with some of the principles of effective web site design and with some of the tools required to create and develop hypermedia documents for integration into web pages. Current industry standard page mark-up scripting languages will also be introduced.
Systems Analysis and Design with UML: introduces students to the software development life cycle, systems analysis and IT applications. It will also enable students to develop workable solutions to business information system problems using the object oriented (OO) paradigm. They will have the opportunity to apply a well-established OO method. Advanced modelling concepts and techniques will also be used to build complex object models. Students will understand the need for, and have appreciation of, professional codes of practice for analysis and design.
MSc Project: provides students with experience of undertaking a substantial piece of research and software development related to the modules taken elsewhere on the programme. It should enable them to demonstrate personal enterprise and self reliance, combined with a high level of subject understanding and technical competence within the field of computing and information technology.
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
Each module on the course is separately assessed. This could be by either coursework assignments and/or examinations. Assignments can take the form of research reports, systems analysis documentation, or programming exercises, as appropriate for the module. The programme also includes a major project.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates will have gained a number of valuable transferable skills including programming in the Java language, database design (using Oracle), system analysis (including the Unified Modelling Language (UML)) and computer networking. They will also gain exposure to project management and aspects of web development.
CAREERS
Graduates from the programme learn the latest skills and computing knowledge that equips them for entry into the computing and information technology profession. They take up a variety of careers in the industry, such as programming, systems analysis, website design and management, IT consultancy and software training. Some graduates return to their previous careers, benefiting from a greater understanding of the nature, capabilities and limitations of computer systems.
OTHER INFO
The computing facilities at Northumbria are excellent. Students are taught in specialist computing laboratories, using the same software and hardware platforms that are used in industry.
APPLICATION DETAIL
Applicants should complete a standard university application form available from the enquiries office listed on the right of this page.