Program Overview

Technology drives society, and computer science is developing faster than ever before. Social media, cloud computing, face recognition software, network security and robotics all have a basis in computing. In both business and research, computer science continues to change our lives, our work, and the way we communicate and socialise with one another.

Our research covers a range of topics, from materials science and semiconductor device physics, to the theory of computation and the philosophy of computer science, with most of our research groups based around laboratories offering world-class facilities. On the four-year MSci version of this course, you develop the same key skills for computer science as on the BSc, in particular in the areas of:

• Algorithm analysis and basic computability
• Software engineering
• Java language principles and application programming interfaces

In addition to these areas, you achieve a masters-level qualification and also have the opportunity to investigate more advanced topics in computer science, specialising in one of the areas of research being undertaken within our department. You are able to pursue a diverse range of topics, including:

• Assistive technologies
• Computer games
• Artificial intelligence
• Evolutionary computation
• Robotics

Our School is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today’s computer scientists are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world’s top scientists, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence.

You graduate with the creativity, imagination, and technical excellence to explore further how technology influences people’s lives.

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement with an external organisation, as part of one of our placement year degrees. The learning outcomes associated with this programme focus on using the specialist technical skills acquired in the first three years of the course and developing communications skills with customers.

Students are provided with support to secure a placement. Recent placements undertaken by our students have been with ARM, Microsoft, Intel, Nestlé, British Aerospace, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, as well a range of SME software and hardware companies.