ObjectivesThis MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Real-Time Computing Applications offers the chance to study real-time software engineering for industrial systems, including principles of software engineering, designing Windows applications, computer architectures, enterprise computing and Internet programming. You will also have the opportunity to take on employer-based projects. Demand for high-level software skills for the real-time industry is rising to meet the growth in newly computerised and automated systems such as industrial processes, mobile telephones, avionics and other computer control applications. Employers are finding it increasingly hard to recruit suitably qualified programmers and software technologists, and skilled employees enjoy highly rewarding careers in the cutting-edge automation industry with its emphasis on the application of the latest research ideas.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements The course is open to graduates with a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any relevant subject that includes development of programming skills in Java, C++ or similar. Mature applicants with relevant experience may also be considered. If you are an international student and English is not your first language, you will require an English language qualification equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
What do you study?
Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Real-Time Computing Applications cover the following taught modules:
Principles of Software Engineering
This module addresses topics such as requirements analysis, software life cycle, structured analysis and design, and software management.
Design of Windows Applications
Here, you will explore Windows programming and application design techniques, such as Microsoft Foundation Classes.
Internet Programming
Learn more about web based mark up languages, internet based applications, object oriented methodologies’ pattern based approach, and XHTML.
Software Project Management
Develop your understanding of the planning and control of complex software projects, and the people and organisational issues associated with managing projects.
Computer Architecture
This module explores systems software architecture, microprogramming, caching, pipelining systems, and assembler language programming.
Enterprise Computing
This module addresses languages for network architectures.
You will undertake a significant MSc Project tailored, where appropriate, to you or your employer’s circumstances, and lasting 15 weeks.
To cater for students from diverse backgrounds, two modules are available (at an additional cost to the enrolment fee of the main course and to be taken prior to its commencement in October) as a preparation for the main syllabus material:
C++ Programming
Introduction to Object Technology
Study routes
We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Real-Time Computing Applications.
How do you study?
The course offers a carefully selected range of specialist computing skills, supported by a broad spectrum of theoretical studies. It is consolidated through a wealth of exercises, assignments, software developments and projects.
Assessment
Computer Architecture will be assessed by a combination of 50 per cent coursework and 50 per cent examination. All other modules will be assessed by coursework only. The project modules are assessed by dissertations and viva voce examinations.
Why study at Nottingham Trent University?
Students in the School of Science and Technology have use of a new, purpose-built £8 million building, which offers state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities specific to the subjects taught in the School. This includes exceptional computing resources, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications.
The Real-Time Computing Applications courses within the School are taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are involved with cutting-edge research that ensures their teaching remains at the forefront of computing technology.
Coupled with the strength of our teaching and facilities is the direct relevance of the MSc Real-Time Computing Applications course to real-world employment. You will have the chance to undertake a range of real-time programming mini projects from low level for high-speed precision applications to high level and computer network environments.
The course provides a high quality academic framework for career-orientated learning. Your real-time software engineering skills will be challenged by practical assignments. Work during the project stage is directly linked to the school research programme, which includes intelligent systems, modelling and simulation, intelligent machines, and interactive systems. Opportunities to continue to Doctorate (PhD) level research are excellent for outstanding candidates.
Place of study
Brand new building
In 2006, the doors opened on our £8m purpose-designed building. We’ve invested heavily in computing facilities, which include multiple networked computer rooms, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications for the use of our students. Everything students need is in one building, from a one-stop shop for student enquiries to high-spec teaching and tutorial rooms. A large area has been designed specifically for the School’s postgraduate students and includes computer labs, teaching rooms and an open plan social area.
Clifton campus
Situated just four miles from the centre of Nottingham, the Clifton campus is a self-contained green-field site with excellent accommodation and facilities.
The Clifton campus Library is open seven days a week and students have 24-hour access to a number of IT resource rooms. The campus has benefited from considerable investment over the past five years. It has comprehensive sports facilities - including a multi-million pound sports hall, two gyms, and an all-weather floodlit sports pitch, as well as a new Student Support Centre, offering careers advice and support with financial and personal issues.
Food, drink and retail outlets include The Point – a multi-purpose venue with a bar, a cafe, and an entertainments programme. There is also the campus News and Food convenience store, which sells all the student essentials.
The campus hosts Blackwell’s bookshop, the Sunrise Medical Practice and a friendly branch of HSBC. There is a regular bus service available that provides easy access to Nottingham’s vibrant and exciting city centre.
Your future career
This course will provide you with the software engineering knowledge and programming skills for a broad range of careers in the real-time computer industry and business sectors. You will also develop a range of transferable skills for general employment in the continually changing ICT job market. As there is a skills shortage in real-time computing applications, your opportunities for career progression will be exciting.
The industry-focused nature of this course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career. Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our students are perceived as having the competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.
Recent graduates have found employment in the sharper end of software engineering, nearest to the computer architecture level and its interface to the controlled process, e.g. industrial computer control and telecommunications.