Objectives
On this course you acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the production and distribution of interactive multimedia within a wide range of application areas, from interactive TV to the web, video games and 3G mobile phones. You will study advanced topics in multimedia production including specification, storyboarding, planning and information architecture, and covering contemporary media standards, from the mainstream of Macromedia Flash(R) and Director(R) to the more theoretical approaches offered by SMIL, SVG and other XML based multimedia tools. You will also learn about the distribution of multimedia: networking, wireless communications techniques, and quality of service from existing networks. This course is part of our Masters Programme in Computer Science. For more information about the different course titles, visit our Programme Summary page. Here you can also download the Programme Prospectus as a pdf file.
Course description
Course Structure:
The course lasts for 12 months over three semesters; in the first two there are four or more taught modules, to make a total of 120 credits, and there is a 60 credit project in the third.
There are two core modules fixed for this course. You will also take two or more optional modules, making up 60 credits, which you can choose from the full list of advanced, specialist modules in Computer Science. Alternatively you can elect to replace up to 30 credits worth with masters modules taught by the University’s Business School.
Core Modules:
-Mobile, Multicast and Multimedia Networking (30 credits)
-Multimedia Specification, Design and Production (30 credits)
Project:
In the third semester, you complete a project in your chosen specialism under the guidance of an experienced individual supervisor. Supporting tuition for the project includes the general principles of research methods.
Through the project you will demonstrate your understanding of the principles and concepts you have learned in the taught modules and your ability to apply them to a substantial piece of development or investigative work.
Careers
Our masters programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research.
This particular course will prepare you for a variety of careers such as a multimedia systems designer, developer or producer.
Teaching methods
Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for masters students.
In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Distributed Systems Security
-Introduction to Programming
-Mobile, Multicast and Multimedia Networking
-Object-oriented Programming
-Software Development Tools and Methods
Optional modules
-Advanced Database
-Computer Simulation for Business
-Data Mining and E-Marketing
-E-Business Processes and Strategies
-Human Computer Interaction: Principles and Practice
-Information Management
-Network System Administration
-Neural Networks, Evolutionary Computation And Robotics
-Operational Research Techniques
-Professional Issues
-STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
-Secure Systems Programming
-Web Services
