Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Computing with placement (MSc)

MSc Computing is designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline

Course Aims

Designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline, this one-year programme attracts students from diverse career and subject areas who wish to be introduced to the skills required for a technical computing role. The MSc Computing programme supports the technical abilities needed to develop effective software and systems. The world’s dependency on complex IT means that the skills you will learn on this course are highly valuable.

To enhance your CV further you can opt for a two-year programme and apply for a paid 7- to 10-month work placement.

Special Features

• Full-time students may choose to apply for a paid 7- to 10-month work placement.
• Conversion course.
• The opportunity to complement the discipline in which you graduated with the discipline of Computing.
• The facility to tailor the course to your interests by the selection of advanced option modules.
• Flexible choice of project topic, for example: associated with the research activity of the School; fulfilling a business need; reflecting your own interest.

Course Description

Through this programme you will get a first hand understanding of what computational systems can achieve and the vital problem solving role of software. You will learn, practice and demonstrate the professional skills required by all software engineers, individually or as a part of a team, when developing a software solution.

Through a gentle introduction and intensive support, you will be introduced to programming skills using important languages such as Java and Python. Emphasis is placed on handling data and you will develop essential skills in SQL (Structured Query Language) for advanced database functionality using industry standard products such as Oracle™.

A choice of taught optional modules allows you to further develop skills in areas of your choice.

Full-time students may choose to apply for a paid 7- to 10-month professional work placement to be undertaken on completion of Spring semester and before completing the MSc programme with a 60 credit dissertation. Subject to satisfactory progress we will support you with our professional and experienced work placement consultants who aim to satisfy your individual preferences. You will gain professional recognition of your placement through our accredited internship programme.

Available Modules

• Computational Systems
• Dissertation
• Distributed and Cloud Computing
• E-Commerce and Innovation
• Human Centric Computing
• Information Modelling and Database Systems
• Information Processing in Python
• Object Oriented Development with Java
• Software Engineering

Further information can be found on the School of Computer Science and Informatics website.

Testimonial

"This course is great for those without prior knowledge of computer science or programming, like me. All I knew before starting was that I was good at problem solving and enjoyed working with technology but I had never written a line of code in my life. The course is well structured with a mix of theory and practical sessions that get you up to speed on all the essentials in no time. Then there is a wide range of options to specialise in during the second semester. This provides a wide range of knowledge and practical skills in areas such as programming, software development and database management to name a few. Finally, the practical nature of the dissertation allows you to explore whatever you are really interested in and try your hand at creating a complex piece of software to solve a real problem. This course provides a fantastic grounding in all the essentials required for a career in IT and the great range of resources and helpful tutors will make your time here really worthwhile. This course definitely helped me to secure the career change I was hoping for when I started and I would highly recommend it." Jonathan Scott-Wilson completed the MSc Computing in September 2011 and is now working as a Technical Support Engineer in London.

Career Prospects

Recent graduates have gained employment in roles such as systems analysts, business analysts, IT consultants, support engineers and software developers.

MSc Computing graduates are employed by organisations of all sizes locally, nationally and internationally. For example recent graduates have taken up positions with local NHS Trusts, Logica, Sun Microsystems, BT, and the National Library of Medicine in the USA.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally possess a good (2.2 or above) honours degree or equivalent professional qualification in a subject other than computing.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS, with at least 6.0 in each area).

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Next intake: September 2013

More information

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