Computing MSc - 2 years part time

This module considers how the Internet can be used to provide services, such as the web enabled provision of information, cloud computing and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). As well as providing a service the Internet can also be used as a medium for the control of remote agents, such as robotic devices, and within this you’ll consider the technologies that facilitate the provision of remote access control. This module also provides you with the opportunity to to explore contemporary research areas regarding Internet related subjects.

This module aims to provide you with skills that are key to helping you become a successful computing researcher or practitioner. You'll get the opportunity to study topics including the nature of research, the scientific method, research methods, literature review and referencing. The module aims to cover the structure of research papers and project reports, reviewing research papers, ethical issues (including plagiarism), defining projects, project management, writing project reports and making presentations.

Many existing and future computer-based applications impose exceptional demands on performance that traditional predominantly single-processor systems cannot offer. Large-scale computational simulations for scientific and engineering applications now routinely require highly parallel computers. In this module you will learn about Parallel Computer Architectures, Legacy and Current Parallel Computers, trends in Supercomputers and Software Issues in Parallel Computing; you will be introduced to Computer Cluster, Cloud and Grid technologies and applications. You will study the fundamental components of Cluster environments, such as Commodity Components for Clusters, Network Services/Communication software, Cluster Middleware, Resource management, and Programming Environments. The module is assessed by examination (60%) and practical assignment based on laboratory work (40%).

You’ll be provided with the opportunity to develop advanced skills in software design and development. You’ll have the opportunity to examine the issues that software programmers and developers face every day in their quest to develop successful technology systems and applications.

With ever-increasing advancements in Internet-of-Things, Cyber-Physical Systems, and social media applications huge volume of complex and multi-dimensional datasets are being generated every day. Visually analysing these datasets facilitates the transformation of raw data into valuable knowledge and information. The biggest challenge is to articulate suitable solutions of complex analytical problems by visually interacting with the designed artefacts without going into underlying complexities. Tremendous endeavours have been devoted to streamline innovative solutions, novel methods, tools, processes and methodologies to address underlying challenges. This module aims to provide students with core knowledge and deep understanding of advanced theories underpinning data visualisation, best practices in using visualisation artefacts effectively and practical skills in implementing the theoretical knowledge into certain application domains. Students will be engaged in practical utilisation of state-of-the-art visualisation tools and methods to understand real-world big data problems, and to rectify complex issues with visual analysis. Topics that will be covered in this module include exploratory data visualisation; data visualisation theories, existing and emerging interactive 2D and 3D visualisation toolkits, and application of visualisation skillset in application specific domains.

This module will cover basic ontology languages, semantic modelling, linked data principles, semantic query languages and basic reasoning methods for processing semantic data. Working both individually and in teams, you will be introduced to industry practice.

Autonomous systems are intelligent systems that can act independently to accomplish goals based on their knowledge and understanding of their environment and the tasks they have to complete. This module aims to cover the background and requirements for intelligent systems autonomy in a wide range of applications, taken from a computer science and software-oriented viewpoint. As well as the technical challenges of system autonomy, you’ll get the opportunity to study ethical and legal issues, and human factors implications.

This module aims to cover planning for different types of change – discontinuous, radical, incremental or continuous, focusing on both the human and organisational impacts of these changes. As a manager it’s important for you to be able to incorporate management theory and concepts within your working practice. This module aims to help you understand how planning and project management provide opportunities for you to manage change more effectively and efficiently. You’ll have the opportunity to study project management methods, tools and techniques as well as developing an understanding of risk.

This module enables the student to work independently on a project related to a self-selected problem. A key feature in this final stage of the MSc is that students will be encouraged to undertake an in-company project with an external Client. Where appropriate, however, the Project may be undertaken with an internal Client - research-active staff - on larger research and knowledge transfer projects. The Project is intended to be integrative, a culmination of knowledge, skills, competencies and experiences acquired in other modules, coupled with further development of these assets. In the case where an external client is involved, both the Client and Student will be required to sign a learning agreement that clearly outlines scope, responsibilities and ownership of the project and its products or other deliverables. The Project will be student-driven, with the clear onus on the student to negotiate agreement, and communicate effectively, with all parties involved at each stage of the Project.

You will be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials, practical's in computer labs and independent study.Assessment will include coursework and peer review and reflect the emphasis of the course on the ability to apply knowledge and skills.

17% of the study time on this course is spent in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results.