Postgraduate Taught Degrees

MSc Advanced Computing Science

Duration:: 1 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Master of Science
School of Study:: Computing Sciences
Brochure:: Faculty of Science Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
Apply

Why take this course?

The rapid development of computing in all its forms is prompting many recent graduates to broaden and deepen their knowledge through studying a MSc course. Many practitioners also want to
expand their expertise and refresh their skills.

The MSc Advanced Computing Science offers a flexible programme that covers a broad spectrum of computing, reflecting the research interests and specialisms of the School. It is a full-time, one-year taught programme, which can also be taken part-time over two years. The course is aimed at students with a first degree in computing science wishing to broaden and deepen their knowledge of the subject.

This programme has full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation (Further Learning Element) as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT)

Contact time

Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.

Teaching and Assessment

The course offers greater flexibility than our other more specialised MSc courses. Once on the programme you will affiliate with one of the broad areas of the School’s research. You will normally take five optional modules, of which at least two are related to your chosen research area. Other modules are designed to complement these and to allow you to broaden your knowledge. You will choose your dissertation topic and undertake preliminary work on it during the spring semester and work on it full-time after the exams until mid-September. This course will give you enhanced technical and analytical skills in your chosen area of specialisation.

Some project work may be done with companies and could involve paid placement at a company

Some recent dissertation titles

Systems and Internet Security
Video shot detection
Web-based interface for a static remote sensor configuration

Career opportunities

Your prospects as a graduate will therefore depend on your specialisation and may include consultancy, software development, project management, web services designer or builder, etc. Computing scientists are generally sought after and well paid and work in diverse environments including small and large international businesses, government agencies and research institutions. The programme will also prepare you for further education through a PhD in order to pursue a career in industrial or academic research.

I enjoyed studying the MSc. course in Computing. I gained lots of valuable knowledge as well as many transferable skills. The lecturers and staff were very helpful. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

Reham Abualhamayel, former student.

Course Organiser:Dr. Wenjia Wang

95% of research activity is classified as internationally leading, excellent or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
Teaching of the highest quality; rated “Commendable” in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment.
Our Masters programmes are accredited by the BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT to full Chartered IT Professional (CITP Further Learning Element) as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
The School maintains close links with industry and many of our student assignments relate to real world problems.
The School of Computing Sciences leads the university in utilizing its internationally recognized research commercially, through SYS Consulting, its Consulting company and through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
Our students also use their technical and entrepreneurial skills to play influential roles in the creation of companies such as Travel Republic, Evoke systems, Fyfo and Shoretech systems.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

Year 1

Compulsory Study (100 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 100 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
ADVANCED PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES	CMPSMC31	20
This module aims to extend your programming skills to new limits. Aside improving your skills by looking at advanced techniques such as multithreading, memory management, dynamic link libraries, exception handling and parallel programming using recent techniques such as the OpenCL and CUDA API's, the module will also cover popular concepts such as extreme programming and agile software development. More...
DISSERTATION	CMPSMP6X	60
Reserved for postgraduates in the School of Computing Sciences, this module provides the student with a piece of individual work, with substantial research and practical elements. The subject of the dissertation will be determined by agreement between the student and his or her supervisor. The work may be undertaken as part of a large collaborative or group project. More...
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES	CMPSMP2Y	20
A module that provides students with the training of some transferable skills, an overview of research methods used in computing sciences, and introduces individual students to background material preparatory to their dissertation project which they would not otherwise study systematically to the required depth. The learning objectives for this module are to enable students to approach the dissertation with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to successfully complete a masters dissertation in Computer Science. More...

Option A Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ALGORITHMICS	CMPSMA24	20
This module introduces the student to core techniques in Artificial Intelligence and some topics in algorithmics. Topics to be covered include state space, search techniques, algorithmic paradigms, NP-completeness, metaheuristics, logic and knowledge representation and expert systems. More...
COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT	CMPSME27	20
This module covers 2D Animation and 3D Computer Animation, Special Effects, Virtual Reality (VR) Systems including Virtual Environments, VR hardware, Augmented Reality and Applications, Physical Modelling of Animation, Dynamics Simulations, Motion Capturing, Character Animation, Games Development, and Shader languages. Coursework includes the use of 3D StudioMax and software development on C/C++ with OpenGL platforms to develop a 3D computer game. More...
COMPUTER NETWORKS	CMPSMD22	20
This unit analyses the fundamental concepts in data transmission and computer network design, implementation and management. Protocols for local and wide-area networks are studied in detail from a performance evaluation perspective. More...
DATA MINING	CMPSMC24	20
This module is designed for postgraduate students studying on MSc courses. The module explores the methodologies of Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD). It aims to cover each stage of the KDD process, including data gathering, preliminary data anaylsis or data exploration, data cleansing, pre-processing and the various data analysis tasks that fall under the heading of data mining. Through this module, students should gain knowledge of algorithms and methods for each stage of the process, as well as practical experience using leading KDD software packages throughout all of the stages of KDD process. More...
DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING	CMPSMC34	20
Single computer systems have limited processing power and are vulnerable to failure. Using distributed computing, processing speeds exceeding the limits of any single computer, and systems that continue to be available when individual computers fail can be realised. Achieving these features requires use of adequate algorithms, software architectures and networking techniques. This is the subject of this module. More...
HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION	CMPSMM23	20
An introduction to Human Computer Interaction including user interfaces on conventional computers and small footprint devices (e.g. PDAs and smart mobile phones). Human-Computer interactions are approached from a variety of perspectives: cognitive, ethnographic, socio-technical and systems theoretic. The module covers aspects of cognitive psychology and ethnographic methods necessary to understand and evaluate HCI. It brings together established practice and newer perspectives in order to fully understand what is meant by the usability and accessibility of modern interactive systems. More...

Option B Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
APPLIED STATISTICS	CMPSMC28	20
This is an applied statistics module designed to give Masters students the opportunity to apply statistical methods in realistic situations. While no advanced knowledge of probability and statistics is required, we expect students to have done some background in probability and statistics before taking this course. The aim is to cover 4 topics from a list including: Estimating population abundance; Extremes and quantiles; Linear models; Bootstrap methods and their application; Sample surveys; Simulations; Subjective statistics (MCMC); Forecasing; and Clustering methods. If there is a demand for a specific topic we will always consider providing a project in that area if possible. The assessment will be by coursework. More...
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ALGORITHMICS	CMPSMA24	20
This module introduces the student to core techniques in Artificial Intelligence and some topics in algorithmics. Topics to be covered include state space, search techniques, algorithmic paradigms, NP-completeness, metaheuristics, logic and knowledge representation and expert systems. More...
AUDIO AND VISUAL PROCESSING	CMPSMI05	20
This module examines computer processing of audio and visual signals. The theoretical basis of analysis and processing of digital signals is explored in depth. This is then applied to the design of systems to achieve certain effects on signals representing audio and visual data. This also enables us to understand how one of the most significant technologies of recent times, the mobile telephone, is able to transmit speech at a low data-rate (speech coding). Other application areas to be covered include speech recognition and synthesis, image coding and audio-visual processing, including audio-visual synthesis (talking heads) and recognition (speech-recognition augmented by lip-reading). This module assumes that students have studied sound/image/signal processing to at least level 2 at undergraduate level. More...
COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT	CMPSME27	20
This module covers 2D Animation and 3D Computer Animation, Special Effects, Virtual Reality (VR) Systems including Virtual Environments, VR hardware, Augmented Reality and Applications, Physical Modelling of Animation, Dynamics Simulations, Motion Capturing, Character Animation, Games Development, and Shader languages. Coursework includes the use of 3D StudioMax and software development on C/C++ with OpenGL platforms to develop a 3D computer game. More...
COMPUTER GAMES LABORATORY	CMPSME22	20
This module is lab based and draws heavily on the CMPSME27 module (which is a prerequisite). It aims to make the student familiar with Virtual Reality (VR) hardware and related technologies, the Virtual Environment (VE), and Games and Entertainment platforms. Laboratory tasks should include a maximum of two of the following topics: Computer Animation, Collaborative/Networked Virtual Environments, Haptic/Force Feedback systems, Motion Capturing, Augmented Reality (AR), Stereoscopic Displays, Entertainment and Games Development using advanced programming techniques such as Shaders; Xbox development, and Medical Simulation and Visualisation. More...
COMPUTER NETWORKS	CMPSMD22	20
This unit analyses the fundamental concepts in data transmission and computer network design, implementation and management. Protocols for local and wide-area networks are studied in detail from a performance evaluation perspective. More...
COMPUTER VISION (FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY)	CMPSMI16	20
This module covers the various stages in processing the image recorded at the sensor level in a camera so that the output is an attractive photographic image. The first half of the course will cover topics including demosaicking, denoising, white point correction, dynamic range compression and image rendering. The second half will look at higher level functions such as finding faces in images, content recognition (including face recognition) and facial coding in images. The last topic is particularly interesting in the context of mobile phone applications. More...
DATA MINING	CMPSMC24	20
This module is designed for postgraduate students studying on MSc courses. The module explores the methodologies of Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD). It aims to cover each stage of the KDD process, including data gathering, preliminary data anaylsis or data exploration, data cleansing, pre-processing and the various data analysis tasks that fall under the heading of data mining. Through this module, students should gain knowledge of algorithms and methods for each stage of the process, as well as practical experience using leading KDD software packages throughout all of the stages of KDD process. More...
DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING	CMPSMC34	20
Single computer systems have limited processing power and are vulnerable to failure. Using distributed computing, processing speeds exceeding the limits of any single computer, and systems that continue to be available when individual computers fail can be realised. Achieving these features requires use of adequate algorithms, software architectures and networking techniques. This is the subject of this module. More...
E-BUSINESS SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT	CMPSMB22	20
This unit explores the development of industrial-strength distributed information systems for Web-based implementations, using date-centric softeware engineering principles. Topics include: dynamic object-oriented system design, the use of persistent objects with relational databases, business models, business objects, XML and practical design and implementation for an architected n-tier, server-based systems environment. The use of these techniques for both e-Commerce and other systems will be discussed, using the J2EE platform for practical exercises. Considerable use is made of both advanced Java programming and relational databases, requiring prior knowledge of these subjects. More...
EMBEDDED SYSTEMS	CMPSMD01	20
Embedded processors are at the core of a huge range of products e.g. mobile telephones, cameras, passenger cars, washing machines, DVD players, medical equipment, etc. The embedded market is currently estimated to be worth around 100x the ‘desktop’ market and is projected to grow exponentially over the next decode. This module considers the design and development of real-time embedded system applications for commercial off the shelf (COTS) processors running real time operating systems (RTOS) such as ARM-RT, uCLinux etc. More...
HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION	CMPSMM23	20
An introduction to Human Computer Interaction including user interfaces on conventional computers and small footprint devices (e.g. PDAs and smart mobile phones). Human-Computer interactions are approached from a variety of perspectives: cognitive, ethnographic, socio-technical and systems theoretic. The module covers aspects of cognitive psychology and ethnographic methods necessary to understand and evaluate HCI. It brings together established practice and newer perspectives in order to fully understand what is meant by the usability and accessibility of modern interactive systems. More...
INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AND NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING	CMPSMB29	20
The module explores the development of Information Retrieval technologies, which have been driven by large increases in on-line documents and the Internet search engines, surveys multimedia and cross-language IR, reviews, current NLP techniques and their role in IR. More...
INTERNET & MULTIMEDIA TECHNIQUES	CMPSMB13	20
This module surveys the current and emerging technologies of the Internet and its impact on society, particularly e-commerce. The practical part of the module concentrates on the design and integration of web sites, using a range of tools and techniques in current use. More...
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ISSUES	CMPSMB20	20
This unit draws together a wide range of material and considers it in the context of developing modern large-scale computer systems. It will introduce, and put into context, topics crucial to the discipline of computer-based systems engineering (CBSE). Topics include: concept protection and exploitation; financing; the nature of systems; computer-based systems (CBS); systems failure; managing both systems and computer-based systems projects; total quality management; quality assurance and quality control; the maintenance of CBS; metrification, and risk management in CBS. This unit is supported by a series of industrial case studies and includes speakers from industry (as available). More...

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree Subject:: Computer Science or a related subject.
Degree Classification:: Good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent).

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 (minimum 18 in listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees 2013/14

UK/EU £5,000
International £12,500

Funding

International applicants applying to this course can be considered for one Faculty of Science half fees scholarship or one £2000 scholarship. The deadline is 1st April 2013.

Faculty of Science Scholarships
Students wishing to apply should submit an essay answering the following question in 1000 words: 'How smart could computers be in 20 years'? Essays should be emailed to the Admissions Office. Please ensure you include your full name, the course you have applied to, and your applicant number in your email.

For more information please contact the Computing Sciences Postgraduate Admissions Office (cmp.pgt.admiss@uea.ac.uk).

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online, or by downloading the application form.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.