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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our Advanced Computer Science course has been designed in response to the growing need from industry for graduates that are equipped with the skills to manage and solve complex projects.
This course is for recent graduates and those with substantial experience in the computing industry. You will gain a qualification which develops your expertise and prepares you for career advancement. Our modules are designed to introduce you to important evolving trends in Advanced Computer Science, such as:
 Distributed Computing,
 Networking,
 Cyber Security
 and Machine Learning.
By studying this course at Oxford Brookes, you will be part of a diverse and truly international postgraduate community.
The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
Modules
Modules
Compulsory modules
Research, Scholarship and Professional Skills (20 credits)
This module equips you with the tools necessary for the scholarship and research skills needed for the computing field as well as equipping you with the professional skills and outlook needed for a lifelong career in the computer industry. Compulsory for MSc and PG Dip.
Secure Systems Architecture (20 credits)
This module studies computer and network security and the ways that computer systems can be secured. This module looks at both the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of a modern networked computer system. It also introduces basic concepts of operating systems and architecture. Compulsory for MSc.
Advanced Software Development (20 credits)
Enterprise Networking (20 credits)
This module teaches the principles and practice of computer networking looking at how networks are used in modern enterprises. Compulsory for the MSc.
Data Science and Machine Learning (20 credits)
This module introduces you to the fascinating and increasingly important worlds of Data Analytics and Machine Intelligence. This module covers the key current technologies in these areas, illustrates how these technologies are being used to revolutionise business, and exposes you to current research directions in this rapidly evolving field. Compulsory for the MSc.
Big Data and the Cloud (20 credits)
The cloud has become a key part of modern life and with it comes vast amounts of data. This module looks at how clouds work and can be used to tackle the big data challenges of modern science and business. Compulsory for the MSc.
Final Project
Compulsory modules
MSc Dissertation in Computer Subjects (60 credits)
An individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You undertake your dissertation over the summer period.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
To join this course you'll need a 2:2 UK bachelor's degree in a computer-related subject. Those without a computing degree, but have worked in the computing industry can also be considered. If you have no experience or a degree in a computing related discipline then you should consider our MSc in Computing Science.
For entry onto the Postgraduate Certificate Research Project you should be able to provide evidence of experience in research and study methods at an appropriate level.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
You will have maximum flexibility and choice in your studies with our modular course-unit design.
You can update your skills as a computing industry professional with our Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Advanced Computer Science. You will concentrate on the taught element of our degree.
There is also the option of completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Computer Science research project.
Learning and teaching
Your understanding will be strengthened with a combination of lectures and practical sessions.
The modules you study will be enriched by our teaching staff's research expertise. We also invite visiting lecturers from research organisations and industry.
To qualify you will need to pass modules amounting to the following levels of credit:
 master’s degree - 180 credits
 postgraduate diploma - 120 credits
 postgraduate certificate - 60 credits.
As a part-time student you can distribute your work over a two-year period.
Assessment
We will assess you throughout your course with coursework and projects. And you will discuss your work and progress directly with your lecturers.
Research
We have a vibrant and growing research community with a wide range of activities:
 model-driven system design
 empirical software engineering
 web technologies
 cloud computing and big data
 digital forensics
 computer vision.
Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies. Our course design is informed by state-of-the-art research undertaken in the school.
Students on this course can be involved with research in the following research groups:
 Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence
 Advanced Reliable Computer Systems (ARCoS)
 Applied Software Engineering and Data Analytics (ASEDA)
 Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity group (CCC)
 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Group (AIR)
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course are employed across a whole range of careers from development roles in small software houses, to the activities of IT departments in large, multinational corporations, to more specialist roles for providers of IT and telecommunications services.
These include:
 technical roles, including software design and development
 specialist product support
 infrastructure and security management roles.
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