MSc Programmes
The Department offers five MSc programmes:
MSc in Computer Science (MS50)
This is a conversion MSc which aims to provide you with a wide
understanding of computer science. The programme is sufficiently
general to
give you an excellent background for a professional career in
industrial,
commercial and educational organisations, and the required background
in
computer science to enable you to undertake further study leading to
the
specialisation needed for a research career.
MSc in Machine Learning and Data
Mining (MS51)
This programme is aimed at giving you a solid grounding in Machine
Learning and Data Mining technology and equipping you with the skills
necessary to construct and apply ML and DM tools to the solution of
complex
scientific and business problems.
MSc in Internet Technologies with
Multimedia (MS52)
This programme is aimed at giving you the skills to design and use
global networks, to design and use multimedia software (including
creative
aspects), and to build interactive multimedia networks. Emphasis is
placed
on teaching the fundamental theory combined with giving practical
experience in the design and use of real systems.
MSc in Internet Technologies with
Security (MS53)
This programme is aimed at giving you the skills to design and use
global networks, in particular network services, security, and legal
issues. Emphasis is placed on applying the theory to practical
applications and the design and use of real systems.
MSc Advanced Microelectronic
Systems Engineering (MS55)
The Bristol region has traditionally played host to a world-leading
semiconductor design industry which continues to thrive today. The MSc
in
Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering has been designed to meet
the
needs of this local industry in response to a recognised shortfall in
graduates with the qualifications and practical skills expected from
professional semiconductor design engineers.
All of the MSc programmes offer a Foundation-stream where you will be taught the foundations of computer science in conjunction with the specialisation that you have chosen. On most programmes there is also an Experienced stream, which you can take if you already have a degree in computer science. The only MSc programme without an E-stream is the MSc in Computer Science, which is a dedicated course for people with no computer science background.
Duration
The MSc programmes are usually 12 months full-time courses:
- 24 weeks of taught units, starting in October and finishing in May, as outlined in the syllabus. You are expected to attend lectures and seminars and to occasionally give seminars, such as a review of a paper or a presentation of a topic related to your project.
- During the summer, a project will be completed leading to a dissertation. In the second semester of the taught units, there is a Research Skills unit which helps you to prepare for the project. The dissertation must be submitted by September 30.
MSc programmes can be taken on an extended study basis over two years subject to timetable constraints. Transfers from full-time status to extended study status after registration are only permitted in exceptional circumstances.
Project work
The project is a substantial piece of work, which may be commercially or industrially related. Topics for projects are offered by both staff members and sometimes industrial partners. Hence, topics tend to reflect the current research interests of the Department and the needs of industry. You may also suggest your own topic to staff members for supervision.
Assessment
Assessment of the taught part of the courses is by practical work and examination. Examinations take place in January and in May/June. Some units are assessed entirely by practical work. Project work carried out during the final part of the course is reported in a written dissertation and a practical demonstration. The dissertation must be submitted by September 30. The dissertation and demonstration are assessed by a marking panel. All assessment is moderated by an external examiner. Details of the assessment are in the handbook, under "Assessment and Progress".
Entry Requirements
In order to apply for any of our programmes, you must have an upper second class Honours Degree or a lower second class Honours Degree and significant industrial experience. If your degree is in Computer Science and you are an experienced programmer with a good understanding of Computer Science, then you can follow any of the Advanced Computing courses. If your degree is not in Computer Science, you may be better suited to the MSc in Computer Science (Conversion) or the MSc in Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering. Each of the programmes may have separate demands on your background, detailed in the descriptions below. Please note that the decision on whether you will take the E- or F-stream in the Advanced Computing courses is decided in week 0.
On the following pages we introduce each of the five MSc courses in detail, followed by a complete listing of the units that you have to take for each of the MSc programmes.