MSc Computer Studies

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc Computer Studies

Objectives MSc Computer Studies is an intensive programme of study designed specifically for graduates with little or no previous experience of computing. Its main teaching aims are: 1) to prepare students for careers in the computing industry and elsewhere by equipping them with advanced state-of-the-art computing skills 2) to enable students to adapt to future developments in computing by providing them with a solid grounding in its underlying concepts and principles 3) to provide students with the theoretical background and practical skills necessary to implement database-driven, dynamic, web-based solutions for a wide variety of distributed applications 4) to develop the students' ability to undertake research by providing appropriate resources and guidance in their use 5) to develop the students' ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity 6) to encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop autonomous study skills in order to assist their continuing professional development.
Entry requirements Entry Qualifications 1st or 2nd class degree (or equivalent) in a subject other than Computer Science. Account is taken of relevant experience.
Academic title MSc Computer Studies
Course description
Course Description
This course teaches the essential skills of database design, object oriented programming and web based application development, using tools such as Visual Studio, C#, SQL Server and ASP.NET 2. Alternative and emerging approaches to web development, such as Ajax (as used by Google Maps) and Ruby on Rails will also be explored, giving graduates of the course access to a wide range of future employment opportunities. In addition to these technical skills, students will learn about the use of HCI design principles to improve navigation and accessibility, and the legal issues that are relevant to one of the most important application areas, e-Commerce. This course is appropriate for students who have not studied Computer Science for their first degree.

Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

    Compulsory: DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
    Compulsory: HUMAN COMPUTER INTERFACE DESIGN
    Compulsory: INTERACTIVE WEB APPLICATIONS
    Compulsory: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
    Compulsory: PROGRAMMING WITH C# (DOUBLE MODULE)
    Core: GROUP PROJECT
    INDUSTRY BASED PROJECT AND DISSERTATION
    MSC PROJECT/DISSERTATION

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Theory : current concepts, principles and theories relevant to the design and construction of software.
    A2 : Techniques : methods, tools and enabling technologies used in, or arising from the design and construction of software.
    A3 : Applications : established and potential applications of techniques developed within the design and construction of software.
    A4 : Professional Issues : legal and ethical issues relating to the present and future use of technology developed within the design and construction of software.

    Teaching Methods
    Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A4. Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and on-line material.

    Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories and assignments.

    Knowledge of a particular topic, chosen by the student from within his/her areas of specialisation, is gained in CE902 through a staff led literature search which forms the basis for weekly group discussions.

    Individual supervision of the summer project and dissertation provides further support for the development of those areas of knowledge relevant to the student's chosen topic.

    Assessment Methods
    Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations and marked coursework.

    Understanding of professional issues (A4) is assessed by MCT during the course of the term.
    The assessments of CE902 coursework and the CC901 dissertation includes specific allocation of marks for the breadth and depth of the knowledge gained during the study of the chosen topic.

    An assessment of the understanding of principles and implementation techniques forms part of the overall assessment of the summer project and dissertation.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : Analyse a given information handling problem and select the most appropriate methods and tools for its solution
    B2 : Evaluate the relative strengths of the languages, components, methods and tools used in the creation of computing systems.
    B3 : Interpret the contents of research articles and identify those results and findings that are significant.
    B4 : Construct informed, succinct and reasoned descriptions of, and proposals for, computer-based systems

    Teaching Methods
    The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work.

    B1 is a key element of most assignments and central to the group project.

    B2 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software.

    In CE902, the acquisition of B3 and B4 is supported by lectures about research methodology and report writing, and further developed during tutor led group discussions.

    Individual supervision of the summer project and dissertation provides further support for the development of skills B1 - B4.

    Assessment Methods
    Achievement of intellectual skills B1 and B2 is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, marked assignments and project work.

    The assessments of CE902 coursework and the CC901 dissertation include specific allocation of marks for use of original sources (B3), clarity of description and originality (B4).

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : Make effective use of a range of theories, techniques, programming languages, operating systems, design support tools and development environments
    C2 : Specify, design, implement, test and document a computer-based system
    C3 : Work as a member of a development team, contributing to the planning and construction of a computer-based system.
    C4 : Propose, plan, undertake and report a self-directed individual programme of investigation, design and implementation

    Teaching Methods
    Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.

    C1 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software.

    Various aspects of C2 are acquired in design, programming and other assignments, and further developed in group and individual project work.

    C3 is developed in the group project, CC403.

    C4 is developed during the supervision of the summer project and dissertation.

    Assessment Methods
    Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.

    An assessment of the extent to which students have demonstrated practical research skills (C4) forms part of the overall assessment of CE902, and the summer project and dissertation, CC901.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : Communicate effectively in written reports and oral presentations using appropriate terminology and technical language
    D2 : Retrieve information using search engines, browsers and catalogues; use appropriate IT facilities to prepare and present technical reports in various formats (documents, oral presentations)
    D3 : Use mathematical techniques in the processes of analysis and design
    D4 : Analyse complex problems and design effective solutions
    D5 : Plan and manage team projects using available support tools; work effectively as part of a team
    D6 : Organise activity and manage time in a programme of self-directed study

    Teaching Methods
    The development of key skills forms an integral part of the students' overall learning activity. In particular

    D1 and D2 are developed in group and individual project work.

    D2 is developed through the use of the internet as a major information source, and practice in the effective use of tools such as Word and PowerPoint.

    D3 and D4 are developed in exercises and assignments.

    D5 and D6 are developed in the group project.

    D6 is further developed in CC901, the summer project and dissertation.

    Assessment Methods
    Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.

    The assessment of project work includes specific allocations of credit for project management (D5, D6) and the quality of presentations (D1 and D2).

    An individual's contribution to the group project (D5) is in part determined by means of a submission containing reflective and self-assessment components.

    The assessments of the CE902 coursework and the CC901 dissertation include specific allocation of credit for the quality, extent and relevance of a bibliography, including internet sources (D2).