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Introduction
Why choose this course?
If you join us for the MSc, you’ll complete 6 taught modules of 20 credits each, and a dissertation of 60 credits.
The taught modules cover a full range of academic and professional skills. We’ll help you understand everything you’ll need for your career, from how to conduct research to how to project manage a new piece of software.
We mostly focus on the technical side of the subject. So modules cover topics like programming, data science, networks and IT systems, and secure website development.
You’ll complete your dissertation over the summer, with support from a supervisor. This is your opportunity to put your new knowledge to work on a project of your choice.
Learning and teaching
Lectures serve to provide a theoretical basis, while the practical sessions are used to strengthen your understanding by active involvement.
Coursework and projects form the basis for continuous assessment. Many of the modules are enriched by the teaching staff's research expertise. There are also visiting lecturers from research organisations and industry.
Overview
We live in a digital world. But people with specialist technical skills to develop and maintain systems, software, and networks are always in short supply. Computing Science at Oxford Brookes is packed with real-world projects and industry-relevant experience to help you work towards a career in any computing related area.
Programming. Hardware. Software. Networks. You’ll develop specialist skills and expert-level knowledge in a range of IT areas. And you’ll be surrounded by experienced professionals and top researchers in subjects ranging from computer vision to system design.
No matter what you studied at undergraduate level, we’ll help you develop your computing skills to a professional standard. Perhaps you’re in a technical industry but want to specialise more on the IT side? Or you’re in a different sector and fancy a career change? If you’ve got a scientific mindset and good work ethic, we’ll help you open up those new opportunities.
Modules
Compulsory modules
Research, Scholarship and Professional Skills (20 credits)
This module is designed to equip 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.
Object-Oriented Programming (20 credits)
This module covers the principles of programming and object orientation, giving you the opportunity to apply these using an object-oriented programming language.
Data Science Foundation (10 credits)
This half-module presents an overview of core data science concepts and tools, focusing on real-life data science research questions with practical exposure to a suitable programming language as an integral part of the course.
Introduction to Machine Learning (10 credits)
This half-module will enable you to analyse a machine learning problem, critically evaluate the different approaches that are available, and create an effective solution.
Advanced Software Development (20 credits)
This module studies current practices, skills and techniques applied to managing software development related projects, individually and in project teams. It combines theory with pragmatic and professional insights and considers requirements engineering, project management, risk, quality assurance, usability and HCI issues.
Modern Computer Systems (20 credits)
This module introduces the concepts, operations and components of computer systems and the principles of computer networks. You will have the opportunity to create and maintain an IT system similar to that found in many SMEs.
Cyber security and the web (20 credits)
This module introduces key concepts in cyber security and web development giving you the skills to design and build interactive websites and to ensure that those websites are secure.
Final Project
Compulsory modules
MSc Dissertation in Computer Subjects (60 credits)
This is 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 non-computing subject. If your degree contains only a small element of technical computing you can also be considered.
For entry to the Postgraduate Certificate Research Project you should 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 overall 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.
Research
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics is home to world-leading and award-winning research.
Our focus is on user-inspired original research with real-world applications. We have a wide range of activities from model-driven system design and empirical software engineering through to web technologies, cloud computing and big data, digital forensics and computer vision.
Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies.
Computing achieved an excellent assessment of its UoA (Unit of Assessment) 11 return for REF 2014 (Research Excellence Framework).
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)
 Visual Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (VAIL)
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
We use the following assessment methods:
 coursework exercises
 projects
 presentations
 lab work
 reports
 examinations.
Career Opportunities
Computing science is a practical and useful degree that could help you develop your career in almost any industry. Our graduates typically go on to become:
 developers
 engineers
 IT managers
 web developers.
They’re working at organisations of all shapes and sizes, from small startups to the NHS and the public sector. Some also decide to use their technical expertise as a basis for PhD study, perhaps thinking of a career in scientific research.
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