Course description
MSc
The MSc in Computing course is tailored for non-computing graduates who wish to study software design and development. It is based on sound software engineering principles and includes modern formal and object-oriented design methods, as well as established techniques. This ensures that our postgraduates are equipped for change in the processes of software production.
The course will enable you to develop a good knowledge of computer software development for a range of problem areas, such as interactive websites, stand-alone applications and network systems. Because of its emphasis on software system construction and data organisation, the qualification is applicable to a wide variety of fields concerned with using computers, as well as directly to the computer industry itself. The optional specialist modules, combined with the dissertation, provide further experience in specific areas.
Lecturing staff have extensive experience in teaching on undergraduate and specialist MSc courses in computing, as well as a wide range of previous industrial and commercial backgrounds. The department maintains and develops industrial links in a number of ways, including consultancy, courses for industry and the undergraduate industrial placement scheme.
Lectures and practicals take place on Oxford Brookes’ Wheatley Campus.
Course content
The MSc in Computing has a modular course-unit design. To qualify for the MSc you will need to pass two compulsory modules in Semester 1, one compulsory module and two elective modules in Semester 2 and the dissertation, together with the Research and Study Methods module. Additionally, during the induction period before the formal start of the course, you may take a limited number of primer modules relevant to your course.
Compulsory modules:
* Computer Hardware and Network Principles introduces the concepts, operations and components of computer systems and the principles of computer networks.
* Programming assumes no previous experience of computer programming and covers the fundamentals of structured programming design, testing and implementation.
* Software Engineering covers the principles and techniques for the specification, design, implementation, testing, maintenance and project management of effective software products.
Elective modules:
* Optical and Broadband Networks examines the design and principles of operation of the individual components in an optical fibre communication system, and examines the performance analysis of complete systems and networks.
* Computer-Assisted Software Development examines the use of a formal notation and an associated software tool in the specification and development of software that is proven correct with respect to its specification.
* Database Technology involves the analysis, design, implementation and operation of database application systems. It looks at database system software, query processing, data structures and file organisation.
* Object Oriented Software Development gives you the opportunity to learn the principles of object orientation and apply them to software development using an appropriate object oriented programming language.
* Artificial Intelligence involves an application oriented study of the principles and methods that support the development of artificial intelligent systems.
* Advances in User Interface Design involves a study of the principles and methods that support the development of a range of cutting-edge user interfaces.
* eCommerce Technology introduces the technology required to support business activities conducted on the internet.
Research and Study Methods is designed to underpin work carried out for the dissertations. The module, delivered in a seminar style, will provide you with research skills, planning techniques, progress management and review, and the ability to use ICT support materials. You will be given guidance on the analysis and technical presentation of research material.
Dissertation is an individual research and development project of 10,000-15,000 words on a topic closely related to your programme of study. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Our teaching methods reflect the subject’s content, character and, of course, each lecturer’s personality and expertise. Lectures serve to provide a theoretical basis, while the practical sessions are used to strengthen your understanding by active involvement. Assessed coursework and projects form the basis for continuous assessment.
The methods of assessment include examination and coursework reflecting the development of academic content from the more practical aspects to the more conceptual.
A benefit of the modular structure of this course is that you have a wide choice of modules in the second semester. If you find your interests tend more to the business applications of computing it is also possible to transfer to eCommerce Computing in the second semester as both courses have a common first semester.
Quality
Teaching staff are drawn from the School of Technology and many of the modules are enriched by their research expertise. Visiting lecturers are also invited from research organisations and industry. The programme benefits from the rigorous validation and review processes at the University, and the external examiners are very positive about the course.
