Course summary

Our five-year integrated masters programme offers a thorough grounding in the latest trends and technologies in the rapidly evolving world of computer science, with the benefits of a sought-after year in industry. You will have the chance to showcase your abilities in an extended final year project and this programme is recommended if you want to go on to postgraduate research or pursue a high-level technical career, or just wish to delve deeper into the subject. We cover all the essentials of application development and explore the fundamentals of computing, and we also introduce you to a host of advanced theories and technologies, from computer games, machine learning and digital sound and music, to intelligent agents and multi-agents, computational optimisation, advanced data communications, digital forensics and more. From the outset you will be experimenting with programming games, robots, Gadgeteer kits, Subversion, JUnit testing, Scrum-based Agile software and more, in our well-equipped laboratories. The programme’s modular structure gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests. Your supervised work placement can be completed at the end of year 2 or 3. At the end of year 1 you will have the option of transferring onto one of our specialist pathways (Artificial Intelligence, Information Security or Distributed & Networked Computing). Transferring onto our Software Engineering pathway requires previous programming experience and early permission to take the Software Development course in year 1, rather than Object-oriented Programming. We are a highly respected, research-focused department, with a friendly approach and award-winning teaching. You will have a personal adviser to guide you through your studies. You will also be welcome to join our thriving Computing Society. We are one of only seven departments in the UK to hold the Athena SWAN bronze award for our commitment to increasing female participation in computer science. Our campus is located in the famous M4 corridor and we enjoy close links with many of its leading technology companies. If you are unable to complete a year in industry you can transfer onto our four-year MSci programme. A flexible degree structure allows you to keep your options open and follow your study interests and career ambitions. You will acquire problem modelling and analysis techniques, as well as knowledge of and practical experience in modern software development methodologies and techniques. You will develop extensive team-work skills, excellent coding skills, good communication skills, and a strong professional ethos. You will have access to a very wide range of optional modules, including those highlighted in the specialist pathways.