Computer Science MSci

This course is industry relevant and our graduates are sought after by industry for their practical skills. In the first year we cover computing topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, networks, procedural and object-oriented programming, algorithms, systems analysis and design, and mathematics.
In the second year, you will cover low level programming, systems programming and interfacing and computer control techniques, as well as preparing you to work in industry by covering the skills you need as a computing professional.
The majority of students spend Year 3 on a placement, applying your knowledge in the workplace and gaining hands-on experience. You'll gain the skills that employers want so you'll be prepared for the workplace when you graduate.
Applicants who require the Tier 4 visa for a full time study in the UK are not able to apply for the Sandwich degree in the first instance due to Immigration regulations.
However, we do encourage International students on a Tier 4 visa , once enrolled, to apply for a placement. Students who are successful with finding a placement will be provided with help and advice with their visa extension application (subject to the University deadlines and Immigration requirements).
In your level 6, we'll introduce you to advanced subjects such as real-time systems, safety critical systems and distributed computer systems. You'll also complete a major project, which gives you the opportunity to develop a substantial computing artefact within an area of computing that may be of a particular interest to you.
In the final, level 7 (Masters) year you will complete a group project where you demonstrate your skill in working in a team as computing professionals, to produce a computing based solution to some problem and doing so to commercial or near commercial standards. You will also develop further research specialisms and complement your well developed technical skills to include commercially relevant soft skills in such areas as project management.
Our academics are experts in their field and specialise in areas such as embedded systems, real time systems, operating systems and the Internet of Things. You'll also get to use our new computer hardware and embedded systems laboratory.

In Level 4, Computer Science students learn about computing fundamentals namely How to program in a modern language, Basic computing algorithms and algorithmic strategies and Techniques for computer system development, including requirements elicitation and analysis, logical and physical design, system implementation, and testing. They also cover the Mathematical foundations for Computing and the Structure and Operation of Hardware and Software systems and Graphics. Teaching is via a combination of whole-class lectures, and tutorial / practicals in smaller groups (maximum 20). Where possible, students are kept together in the same practical/tutorial group for all their modules, so that they can build friendships and a group identity. Similarly in Level 5 most modules have a combinations of whole class lectures and of tutorials or practicals depending on the subject. The core modules in Semester 1 are Professional & Enterprise Development and Database Systems. Professional & Enterprise Development, PED, is specifically designed to make the student aware of some of the problems they will encounter on their placement year and includes lectures by both academics and careers staff, a case study and discussions. Database systems should give all the students a background in database principles and practice and is taught with lectures and tutorials with a number of real world scenarios being discussed.

In Level 5 Semester 2 all the students must study the Principles & Practice of Software Production, System Programming & Computer Control and Computer Systems & Low Level Techniques. The idea of principles and practice of software production is to enable the student to create and issue software as a product to a third party in a professional manner. The teaching style is heavily embedded in group work and problem solving. System Programming & Computer Control and Computer Systems & Low Level Techniques are very technical programming modules with considerable real world problems to solve based on the industrial experience of the staff. They are generally a combination of lectures and tutorials which change dependent on whether theory or Programming skills are being taught.
The project is a major component of Level 6, comprising three of the eight modules. Students are expected to use recognised development techniques to create a major computing artefact, supported by documented research. Most of the academic support for the project is through regular meetings with the project supervisor and feedback from the second assessor at a mid-point interview. Computer Science students have to do Real Time systems as a core module in Semester 1. Real Time systems takes all of their existing design and development knowledge and adds an extra layer of complexity namely time related events. The module has 2 elements an assignment solving a real world time based problem and a discursive examination based on a series of lectures by professionals in the field and including a case study of a major real time project. The remaining option modules all require an existing understanding of systems development and involve real world scenarios.
At level 7 (Masters level), students will complete a group project where you demonstrate your skill in working in a team as computing professionals, to produce a computing based solution to some problem and doing so to commercial or near commercial standards.