Advanced Computer Science MSc

MSc- full time: 12 months, part time: 24 months

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Profile

Our Advanced Computer Science MSc provides you with training in a range of emerging computer science topics that will underpin your future career in computing.

Your course during COVID-19

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

About this course

You'll be suitable for this course if you're an honours graduates within computing science. You can also be a graduate from a discipline with a significant computing component such as:

engineering
systems engineering
mathematics

We also value relevant industrial computing experience and transferable skills.

We provide flexible study options so you can tailor your module choices to match your interests and skills. You can select from a wide range of taught modules in the first half of the course and then select your own focus for the final project.

Comprehensive computer science research training will help to develop your skills in computer and information systems. This provides a basis for PhD study. You'll also develop your technical and professional skills to underpin personal development and future career success.

What you'll learn

We teach the topics covered at an advanced level and they have close links to the research strengths of the School. We will introduce you to the latest developments in the fields covered. You will focus on both the theory and application of the associated techniques. The topics covered include:

advanced programming
distributed algorithms
information management
safety and dependable systems
security and trust
formal modelling and system validation
internet programming
human factors engineering

A team project is also incorporated into the course to provide an opportunity for the development of team working skills.

Your development

Research links

The course is demanding and rewarding with close links to ongoing research in the School of Computing. We have leading international research groups and three research centres focusing on a wide range of computer science fields, including:

security and resilience
dependable systems
cybercrime
cloud computing

Your experience

You will be encouraged to play a full part in the life of the School, participating in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers. Our experienced and helpful staff will be happy to offer support with all aspects of your course from admissions to graduation and developing your career.

The course is part of a suite of related courses that also include:

All three courses share core modules. This creates a tight-knit cohort that has encouraged collaborations on projects undertaking interdisciplinary research.

Project work

During the course you will also complete an individual project. This five month project gives you an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in depth, and to work in a research or development team. You will have one-to-one supervision from an experienced member of staff, supported with supervision from industry partners as required.
The project can be carried out in:

one of the research groups at Newcastle
an industry laboratory
your place of work

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS is the chartered institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.

The School of Computing at Newcastle University is an accredited and a recognised Partner in the Network of Teaching Excellence in Computer Science.

Our staff

Our staff teaching you have international reputations for their contributions to the field and some have extensive experience as practitioners in industry.

Delivery

You can study over one year full time, or two years part time, leading to the award of an MSc. It will provide you with the skills to be able to pursue a career as a software architect or project manager. You will also be able to undertake basic research or establish your own consulting or software development company.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of latest tools in areas such as security analysis, cloud development, and system development.

The School of Computing is based in the £58million Urban Sciences Building, a flagship development located on the £350m Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle.

Contact us

Admissions Secretary
School of Computing
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736
Email: Computing.Admissions@ncl.ac.uk

@ComputingNcl

PG Café: Postgraduate events

Downloads

Download: Postgraduate Guide 2020 (PDF: 8MB)

Explore Modules

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Modules for 2020 entry

Compulsory modules

If you have the necessary prerequisites you may seek Degree Programme Director permission to replace CSC8208 with CSC8113 Research Methods and Group Project in Cloud Computing

You normally select one module from the following list*:

*If you have very good programming skills on entry you may seek permission to replace a module from this section with a further 10 credits from the list of optional modules.

**If you have limited programming experience on entry, you are required to take this module option.

Optional modules

You take one optional module from the following:

You take two optional modules from the following:

CSC8105 System Validation
CSC8106 System Evaluation
CSC8112 Internet of Things
CSC8210 Security Fundamentals and Tools
CSC8414 Security Tools and Analysis (this is a 20 credit module, so reducing the number of modules that can be taken from this list)

You normally take two optional modules from the following*:

*If you have taken CSC8414 from the list above you take one optional module from the above list.

You take one optional module from the following:

Module changes

Course content changes

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Explore Careers

Careers

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Explore Fees & Funding

Fees & Funding

Here are the fees you will pay for your course and some potential funding opportunities.

2021-2022 fees

The fees displayed here are per year.

If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.

MSc

Home

Full time: £12,000
Part time: £6,000

International

Full time: £24,300

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

Explore Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Here are the academic and English language requirements you need to study on this course.

A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computing science. We also accept subjects with a significant computing component, such as:

engineering
systems engineering
mathematics

We also value relevant industrial computing experience and transferable skills.

Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.

Select a country

Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.

English Language Requirements

Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.

Select a certification

Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

8 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
12 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in all sub-skills)

Find out How to Apply

How to Apply

You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step-by-step guide can help you on your way.