Entry requirementsENTRY REQUIREMENTS * Applicants should have a degree with a substantial computing element from a course such as Computing or IT. Graduates in a scientific or engineering discipline who have studied a significant component of technical computing at all, or most levels, will also be considered. Professionals with experience in computing or IT who wish to update their skills in this area will also find the course of interest.
Academic titleMSc Advanced Computer Systems Development
Course descriptionIn recent years, the field of computing and information technology has become increasingly complex. The pace of change in computing is such that many computing/IT graduates and professionals feel that they may not have been able to keep up with new developments in the field. This programme will bring degree-holders in relevant subject areas, or equivalently qualified computer professionals with significant experience, up-to-date in software and software development practices, enhancing their ability in the work setting.
In particular, it offers the ability to re-skill the workforce enabling them to implement new IT strategies or review current and developing trends to assess likely investment decisions. For employees it offers the ability to upgrade their skills and simultaneously enhance their qualifications.
Topics covered for this purpose include aspects such as relational databases with Oracle; web development; object-oriented analysis and design; object-oriented software implementation; and business information technology systems.
The programme was designed with significant industrial input and represents the latest developments in information systems analysis, design and implementation – the main areas of employment in the computing/IT sector.
Course Contents
Students follow up to three modules in each trimester from a range of core topics which will include object-oriented system development; project management for software; professional, legal and ethical issues in IT; and research methods. A range of options* will also be offered, which may include advanced internet technologies; advanced oracle development; artificial neural network; information systems theory and practice; interactive system design; m-business; object-oriented software implementation; oracle database development; and semantic information theories.
MSc students also complete an individual project, equivalent to three 20-credit modules. To prepare students for their MSc dissertation project, which may lead to studies for a higher degree (MPhil and PhD) by research, a number of ‘research-oriented’ topics are also included, such as research methods, semantic information theories, artificial neural networks and interactive system design. Research-active academics will run these modules and students will have opportunities to participate in research projects and/or join research groups.
Career Prospects
This advanced programme of study develops skills in the analysis, design and implementation of information systems. It is anticipated that diplomates and graduates from this programme will be able to make an immediate contribution to IS/IT functions within organisations. Positions occupied by recent diplomates/ graduates of the programme include:
* Database Developer
* Doctoral (PhD) Researcher
* Software Engineer
* Project Manager
* Systems Analyst
* Business Analyst
* Modern Systems Developer
* Distributed Applications Designer and Programmer
* Website Manager
Professional Recognition
This course is recognised by the British Computer Society (BCS). Diplomates (PgDip) from this programme are exempt from Part I of the academic requirements for membership of the BCS, while graduates (MSc) are exempt from Part II and hence satisfy all of the academic requirements for membership of the BCS.