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This module develops the theoretical, mathematical and practical foundations of algorithms in Computer Science. The time and space trade-offs and their relation to size and nature of inputs are fundamental in all software applications of programming, databases and distributed computing, machine learning, computer vision, deep learning, natural language processing, big data analytics, cryptography and information retrieval etc.
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This module develops the theoretical and practical knowledge of design and development of distributed systems that operate on various devices, from cloud services to servers to smartphones. The module presents concepts of models of distributed systems, inter-process communication and synchronisation, load balancing, replication and consistency, middleware and security implications, emerging trends and challenges.
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This module develops the technical perspectives and practical knowledge of mobile and ubiquitous computing systems. People continuously use various devices, from cloud services to servers to smartphones, without being actively aware of their interaction with computer systems in everyday life. The module presents concepts of advanced human-computer interaction that address cutting edge real-world problems, interaction paradigms, cognitive models, practices of developing smooth and seamless interactions, usability engineering and inspection, enhancing user experience within the subjective and objective requirements, wearable systems, activity tracking, smart homes, edge computing and discussion of emerging trends and research challenges.
MSc Advanced Computer Science
Master's Degree, Postgraduate, September 2025
The MSc Advanced Computer Science programme is designed to deepen students’ expertise in cutting-edge computing areas.
The programme is for student who already have an undergraduate degree in a computing discipline and want to further enhance their knowledge and skills.
It covers a range of specialised subjects and modules, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber security, and cloud computing. Through these topics, students will engage with complex problem-solving, analyses of algorithms, software development, and the application of computational theories to real-world challenges.
The curriculum emphasises both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing graduates for advanced roles in technology, research and development where they can drive innovation and technological advancement.
The integral academic writing, research and project management skills and a mandatory independent dissertation/project in the final semester further underpin application of the industry-style professional approaches as well as an appreciation of future directions of technological landscape.
The course also provides foundations and opportunity to progress to and formally pursue specialized computer science research on a Ph.D. programme.
- All modules across the course are designed to deepen theoretical and practical knowledge of emerging technologies of machine learning, distributed systems and information security with relevance to professional roles within academia, research and industry
- Learning opportunities encourage and support the spirit of intellectual curiosity and enquiry underpinning applied learning to develop real-world projects and publish their original research in peer-reviewed conferences and journals
- The course content is aligned with current and future trends of dynamic landscape of technology aiming at jobs and careers beyond geographical boundaries with lucrative salaries
- Incessant infiltration of computers and technology in every walk of life and industry promulgates ever-increasing demand of computer science experts
- Progression opportunities to specialized, industry-driven research on a Ph.D. programme
- 3 hours of contact time per 20 credit module, a total of 9 contact hours per week.
As guided by the Birmingham Newman Principles of Assessment, a wide and innovative range of coursework assessment methods will be used including both individual and group-based tasks allowing students to foster independent learning skills alongside team working, collaboration and leadership skills.
Authentic assessments and applied projects are used throughout with a real-world focus.
Students will be expected to develop software applications, write technical reports and engage in reflective practice.
An in-depth dissertation project demonstrating latest trends and emerging technologies in computer science will be undertaken individually.
Computer science offers an incredibly wide range of high demand careers at the forefront of software-based technologies, such as:
- Systems architects
- Information and Cybersecurity analysts
- Information systems developers
- Distributed Systems administrators
- Systems/network managers
- Computer Vision engineers
- Healthcare informatics experts
- IT consultants/project managers
- Ubiquitous application developers
- Data analysts
- Research scholars in labs or academia etc.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant honours degree 2:2 or above
- GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above
- IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in all bands (international applicants)
Course Fees
UK home students
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for January 2025 is £8,900 per year.
International students
The course fee for international students is as follows:
Academic year 2024/2025
- Postgraduate Taught: £13,500 tuition fee
- International Excellence Scholarship: £2,500
All International Students who apply in 2024/25 will be eligible for the International Excellence Scholarship which will be automatically applied to their offer as a tuition fee reduction.
Academic year 2025/2026
- Postgraduate Taught: £16,000 tuition fee
- Undergraduate Taught: £14,000 tuition fee
- Scholarships: TBC
International students must pay fees and deposit amounts as instructed within their offer letter.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Modules
Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered. For information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.
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This module develops the technical perspectives and practical knowledge of computer vision and its applications. Evolving as a confluence of image processing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, this module incorporates low- and high-level feature extraction from images and videos, implementation of statistical pattern recognition and generation of predictions and semantic analyses.
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This module develops the technical perspectives and practical knowledge of information security, vulnerabilities and risks related to web applications, networks, software and mobile applications, approaches of developing and deploying effective countermeasures and ethical and legal considerations.
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This module introduces objectives and importance of research in Computer Science, systematic literature review, problem statement and hypothesis formulation, experiment design, identifying types of variables and data wrangling, sampling techniques, quantitative and qualitative research, mixed methods of research, data imputation, types of statistical tests and evaluation measures. The module also discusses ethical constraints, intellectual property rights and legal requirements. The students are expected to conduct data analyses and present reports in a variety of formats and visualizations.
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Having studied core Computer Science topics, students have the opportunity to apply a range of conceptual knowledge and practical implementation tools to an in-depth development of a real-world project of their particular interest. The aim is to develop the skills expected at postgraduate level and equip Computer Science students with imperative knowledge, research & analysis skills, application of software development life cycle and critical insights into the process of transforming user requirements into practical software solutions.