Computer Science MSc at Northumbria University

COMPUTER SCIENCE AT NORTHUMBRIA

Welcome to Computer Science at Northumbria University Computer Science MSc

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YOUR COURSE

Why Computer Science at Northumbria?

▪ Refine your existing knowledge or completely change career direction with a master's degree in computer science.

▪ Develop broad knowledge and skills in the main areas of computing science such as web development, computer networks and database modelling.

▪ This careers focused master's ensures that you are prepared for work from the get-go with machine learning from the outset of the course.

▪ MSc Computer Science at Northumbria is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

▪ Teaching staff are experts in specialist areas such as: strategic management, programming, web based Information retrieval, research methods and project management.

Computer Science at Northumbria ▪ Learn in Northumbria’s brand new purpose-built computing facility on our Newcastle City Centre campus with access to industry standard equipment and technology.

▪ Northumbria have invested £6.7m into our STEM facilities (HEFCE award 2014-2016).

▪ We are ranked within the top 400 in the world for Computer Science, according to the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings by Subject 2020.

▪ The majority of our research in Computer Science ranked world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest UK wide research assessment exercise (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014).

▪ Our sectoral Employer Advisory Board includes Accenture, Hewlett Packard, Proctor & Gamble, PWC, Sage, Waterstons, Eutechnyx and Ubisoft.

Computer Science MSc Examples of Current Modules This programme is available to study within one year or 16 months (with a break in study between semesters) on a full time basis. Alternatively you can study it over two years with the option of Advanced Practice or Study Abroad in year two.*

Database Modelling

Programme Design & Implementation

Computer Networks & Operating Systems

Systems Analysis & Design with UML

Research Methods and Project Management

Website Development and Deployment

MSc Computer Science and Digital Technologies Project

*Please note that we are no longer accepting new applications for Advanced Practice or Study Abroad courses starting in Septe mber 2020.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that information, advice and guidance received at the Open Day is accurate as of today, and is subject to change as we review our courses and our offers to ensure that you are receiving the best possible educational experience. The University continues to monitor guidance in relation to Covid-19 to ensure compliance with government requirements and to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Our website is the most up to date place to review our information.

Advanced Practice and Study Abroad* Advanced Practice** This option offers the opportunity to spend three months working full-time to gain work experience and employability skills. You may be able to extend this over more than one semester in cases where it is adjacent to a vacation period. We endeavour to help those who prefer this option to source opportunities and to perfect their CV but ultimately the onus is on the student to secure the advance practice placement position through a competitive application process.

Study Abroad** Alternatively you can undertake study in another country for one semester. Graduates who have a strong international awareness are highly coveted by employers and studying abroad will offer you this edge when seeking employment. Take advantage of: ✓ increased cultural awareness and skill set. ✓ the opportunity to study in a different academic environment. ✓ the chance to learn a new language or improve on existing language skills.

✓ travel to new countries. * Please note that we are no longer accepting new applications for Advanced Practice or Study Abroad courses starting in Sept ember 2020. ** Subject to availability and government guidance during Covid-19.

Teaching and Assessment Teaching ▪ Courses are split into modules worth 20 credits. You will also undertake a 60 credit thesis.

▪ You will study 180 credits in total.

▪ Your timetable will include seminars (small group discussions), and workshops (interactive, practical sessions).

▪ Up to 5 hours of self-study per module per week.

▪ We welcome guest lecturers to lead sessions for certain modules. These lectures give an insight into the wider world of computer science and delve deeper into specific areas of the subject.

Teaching and Assessment Assessment Assessments reflect professional practice and include: ▪ Written assessments ▪ Practical assessments carried out within the computer labs

▪ Exams ▪ Group work; for example designing, documenting, implementing and testing an Object Orientated System.

If you are joining us in September 2020 ▪ Your health and wellbeing are our priority – but so is your education, and we will work tirelessly to deliver our quality learning experience safely.

▪ If you can travel safely to us, we will welcome you from 21 st September 2020 for your induction programmes; teaching will start from 28 th September. If you can’t travel to us safely, you will start online and join us when you can.

▪ Learn on campus with fellow students, as appropriate, through small group teaching, with access to digital hubs, classrooms, laboratories, studios and clinics, and with full access to the University Library – one of the best academic libraries in the UK. ▪ On-campus learning will be combined with flexible online study; with online lectures (both live and pre recorded), interactive activities, webcasts, seminars, workshops, discussion groups and more. You will experience a truly blended learning experience.

▪ Online learning will be collaborative and engaging – designed for a virtual experience and tailored to you and your subject and delivered through our user friendly learning environment – Blackboard Ultra – providing access to virtual classrooms, laboratories, studios, clinics and our library online.

▪ Taught, directed and independent learning activities will be clearly communicated week by week, developing your critical thinking and enabling you to challenge yourself and each other, and apply your learning.

Our Staff â–Ş The Computer Science team have wide ranging professional experience and research specialisms, which are aligned to the courses to inform teaching. â–Ş Extensive engagement with industry providing professional input, consultancy, and specialist advice.

Edmond Ho Senior Lecturer

Nanlin Jin Senior Lecturer

Matthew Pointon Senior Lecturer

Dr Li Zhang Associate Professor

Dr Fouad Khelifi Associate Professor

Kay Rogage Senior Lecturer

Shelagh Keogh Senior Lecturer

Jill Bradnum Nick Dalton Associate Professor Senior Lecturer

Jeremy Ellman Senior Lecturer

Alison Pickard Associate Professor

Andrew Turnbull Paul Vickers Senior Lecturer Associate Professor

World Leading Research We are living in a digital age where all of our lives are impacted and challenged by digital technologies and information sciences.

With access to diverse research work carried out by our expert academic staff, we seek to promote innovative and excellent learning and teaching practice, which will improve your student experience here at Northumbria University.

Our research specialisms include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science and Social Computing, Networks and Cyber Security, and Human Computer Interaction.

Entry Requirements ▪ Applicants should normally have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.

Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Students with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a similar subject should apply for our Advanced Computer Science MSc ▪ International qualifications - if you have studied a non-UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in from our country pages at www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry.

▪ English language requirements - International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). * The university accepts many UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find more details at www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications.

Change Direction ▪ You probably chose your undergraduate degree when you were 17 years old. Have you changed since then? Have your career aspirations changed too?

▪ The hard work that you put into your first degree has helped you develop a vast range of valuable skills. By combining them with a Masters in a completely new subject, you can open the door to a career that suits who you are today.

▪ To move from a non-Computer Science background does require commitment and a willingness to learn in a new discipline. However you will be supported throughout your studies by experienced teaching staff and a host of modern teaching tools.

YOUR CAMPUS

Our Facilities ▪ Northumbria are 11th in the UK for Facilities.* ▪ Major campus investment in recent years – Sport Central, Student Central, Digital Commons, Architecture Studios, Computer and Information Sciences Building.

▪ One of the best academic libraries in the UK, held Customer Service Excellence (CSE) accreditation since 2010, and with 24/7 access.***

▪ Our IT, library and course resources are all ahead of sector for satisfaction.** *Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018 ** National Student Survey 2019 *** Digital library is currently 24/7, access to library learning spaces reviewed in line with Covid-19 guidance.

Computer Science Facilities ▪ Taught within the CIS Building at City Campus in the centre of Newcastle.

▪ Access state of the art facilities and equipment which will encourage your individual intellectual freedom and allow your creative vision to become a reality.

▪ Access to dedicated computing areas which students can use during free periods and into the evenings and weekends.

▪ Access to specialist labs in Computer Networking, Digital Security, and Games Development.

YOUR FUTURE

Career Success at Northumbria ▪ Boost your earning potential: according to the Department for Education’s Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2017, postgraduates earn on average £6,000 a year more than their undergraduate counterparts.

▪ Which? University Student Survey 2018 ranked us as one of the top rated universities for ‘job readiness’ in the UK. ▪ Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for graduate start-ups based on turnover, according to the HEBCIS Survey 2018/19.

▪ Graduate Futures - our Careers and Employment service will help at every stage, from finding part-time jobs that fit alongside your studies and volunteering opportunities, through to finding your first full-time job after graduation.

Where do our graduates go?

▪ Graduates are expected to work in a number of career opportunities across a wide range of specialist computing areas. This will include: ✓ Software engineering

✓ Systems analysis and design ✓ Computer networks ✓ Database development and management ✓ Software testing and project management ▪ Graduates have also set themselves up as IT consultants, or joined existing consultancy firms.

▪ We also have students who return to university to undertake a PhD.

THANKS FOR WATCHING. What’s Next?

• Have any questions? Why not speak to our academics who are live right now, using our LIVE CHAT feature on the bottom right?

• To explore our other live events, presentations and live talks go back to the main event menu or view ‘My Itinerary’ • For Application queries email bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk • For Postgraduate queries email nu.postgraduate@northumbria.ac.uk • For Course queries email i.watson@northumbria.ac.uk

DISCLAIMER: Please note that information, advice and guidance received at the Open Day is accurate as of today, and is subject to change as we review our courses and our offers to ensure that you are receiving the best possible educational experience. The University continues to monitor guidance in relation to Covid-19 to ensure compliance with government requirements and to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Our website is the most up to date place to review our information.