Computer and Internet Applications

MSc Computer and Internet Applications
Mode: full-time (September start)

There has been massive growth in demand for computer programmers over recent years.

While the economic climate has undergone change, with some smaller companies suffering as the "dotcom" bubble burst, there has remained a need for programmers with the ability to display and manipulate information over the Internet. As Computer Weekly states, "IT spending in Europe has bottomed out, and the beginnings of a gradual recovery are already appearing, according to IDC's monthly-updated index of technology expenditure across Western Europe.

It aims to address those key areas in which there is a widely acknowledged skills gap in what businesses are seeking and are afforded to students on an undergraduate programme.

Why choose this course?

• You will study in a friendly environment with state-of-the-art computer facilities
• There are opportunities for Independent and Work-Related Learning
• There are opportunities for professionals or employees wishing to pursue Continuing Professional Development via our individual taught modular scheme (Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate)

Career Opportunities

There is a clear market for graduates of the MSc programme in Computer Science.

A survey conducted by the e-Skills National Training Organisation (NTO) reveals that there is a 'skills gap', and that IT and telecoms businesses suffered most from the skills shortage, with one in four companies affected (Computer Weekly, 2002).

More specifically, where jobs involving the Internet are concerned, there is an even greater expectation that these skills will be in demand. Recent research has found that one of the top areas for projects in the next six months would be e-commerce.

It is expected that there will be much demand for skills in customer service, Web development and middleware … David Metcalfe, an analyst at Forrester Research, believes there will be further demand for skills in Web services using XML to expose application interfaces to the outside world (From the article: The skills you need to succeed in 2002, Computer Weekly, 2001).

Entry requirements

• For standard entry, applicants should have a good honours degree or equivalent qualifications, or a post-graduate qualification, in a science related subject area, with a significant (generally one third) element in computing. Example subjects may be first awards in Physics, Mathematics, Electronics or Computer Engineering.
• For mature applicants with non-standard academic profiles, entry and exemption on the basis of Accreditation by Prior Learning, certificated or experiential (APL/APEL) is available.

Special entry requirements

For international students, evidence of sufficient skill in English is required, with a minimum requirement being an IELTS score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of 580, or an equivalent score in TELAS, the University of Luton's own testing scheme.