Computer Science MSci (Hons) • City, University of London

This course is for 2021/22 entry. 2022/23 entry is also available.

Key information

This integrated master’s degree is ideal if you are interested in how software technologies are built and work. You’ll learn about programming languages, coding and solving computational problems. An optional work placement, master’s level study and professional accreditation all boost your employability.

Start date

September 2021

UCAS code

G401

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years with placement year

Institution

City, University of London

Location

Northampton Square

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

PTE Academic: 59 overall with a minimum of 59 in each component.

English language programmes

Don't meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Apply now

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Course overview

On this four-year integrated Computer Science MSci (Hons) master’s degree, you will develop a comprehensive overview of all areas of computing.

By exploring the diverse applications of computing science, you’ll keep your career options open and develop a broad portfolio of professional expertise.

You’ll become proficient in computing, coding, programming and problem-solving, as well as developing management and communication skills.

Develop systematic knowledge of computer science, with a focus on how software and programming can be used to solve real-world problems
Boost your professional credibility, employability and earning potential with a degree that satisfies the academic requirements for CEng status
Learn to code creatively and use programming languages accurately
Study in City’s computing labs, which include the latest hardware and software, such as state-of-art NVidia GPUs
Gain practical work experience with an optional one-year work placement
Study at master’s level in your fourth year, learning alongside our internationally renowned researchers at the cutting edge of the subject
Get three years of professional experience with our innovative Professional Pathway Scheme, combining paid employment and study.

Accreditation

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Structure

Course content

During your four years of study, you’ll work individually and in teams to solve real-world computing problems, developing communication and collaboration skills.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Placement

Year 1

Study our common first year for all our computer science students, learning six core topics including operating systems, web development and Java.

Year 2

Deepen your knowledge of computer science with core modules such as C++ and data structures. Boost your professional skills with a team project.

Year 3

Study three core modules and select five elective modules from over twenty choices, such as cloud computing, AI, and computer graphics.

Theory of Computation (15 credits)

Understand some of the standard abstract models of computation, how they may be shown to be equivalent, and what their limitations are.
Advanced Programming: Concurrency (15 credits)

The module aims to provide you with the practical knowledge of the problems involved in programming and how to resolve these problems and the implementation mechanisms used for obtaining correct concurrent systems.
Functional Programming (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to functional programming, and the styles of programming and program structuring it makes possible.
Advanced Games Technology (15 credits)

The module will cover advanced game engine design in a practical format. A fully featured game engine will be developed from first principles.
Advanced Databases (15 credits)

This module will enable you to gain advanced knowledge on, and develop skills for, different ways of representing, managing, and manipulating data.
Computer Graphics (15 credits)

In this module, you will learn the theory and practice of real-time 3D computer graphics based on the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL).
Professional Placement and Career Development (30 credits)

This module is designed to focus your learning; analyse and assess your learning at university and apply this in an appropriate and intelligent manner to your placement role.
Data Visualization (15 credits)

This module is designed to equip you with the technical and design skills to create and use data visualization applications for the workplace and research environments.
Digital Signal Processing and Audio Processing (15 credits)

This module ensures that you will be able to master tasks of developing and applying digital signal processing; including one-dimensional signals and some 2-dimensional signal processing for images.
Network Security (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce the underlying principles and current practices in network security. Topics are approached from a problem-solving perspective, emphasizing concepts and principles.
Cloud Computing (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce you to the fundamental concept of computing-on-demand leading to Cloud computing. It follows a practical approach to building and running a test-bed cloud.
Information Security Fundamentals (15 credits)

This module presents the fundamentals for information security from a strategic perspective, giving you the appropriate knowledge and skills to discuss, communicate within organisations.
Computer Vision (15 credits)

In this module, you will learn the theory and practice of computer vision, which enables computers to perceive, and reason, about the world using images
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

The main aim and focus of the module is to provide you with a broad introduction in theory and practice to the main areas of nature-inspired, adaptive Artificial Intelligence.
Programming and Mathematics for AI (15 credits)

The main purpose of the module is for you to gain fundamental programming and mathematical skills for studying specialist Artificial Intelligence topics.
Agents and Multi Agents Systems (15 credits)

This module allows you to learn agent architectures that perform differently according to the characteristics of the task environment
User Centred Systems (15 credits)

Introduction to the importance of usability in interactive systems. You will learn techniques for the design and evaluation of interactive systems.

Year 4

Continue tailoring your studies to your career aspirations with four elective modules from across our specialisms. Showcase your skills with a large individual project.

Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)

This module revisits basic data structures and algorithms with more in-depth analysis and introduces advanced algorithms and data structures for diverse applications such as logic programming, machine learning, simulation, signal processing, and information retrieval.
Individual Project (45 credits)

This module gives you an opportunity to undertake an independent piece of systematic research and/or problem-solving for a defined topic or problem.
Computational Cognitive Systems (15 credits)

This module allows you to analyse cognitive processes from the point of view of their being computational, information processing systems by gaining specific knowledge and skills in modelling perception, attention and memory, learning, and decision-making.
Software Systems Design (15 credits)

This module focuses on software systems design which is a fundamental component in an academic curriculum aimed at advanced training of system developers and integrators.
User-centred Systems Design (15 credits)

This module draws on the School’s research strengths in this area to introduce key concepts of the underpinning discipline of human-computer interaction (HCI) and provide you with techniques for effective interactive system design.
Advanced Databases (15 credits)

This module has been designed for students that have already taken an introductory module on the topic of database systems. The module will enable you to gain advanced knowledge about, and develop skills for, different ways of representing, managing, and manipulating data.
Computer Graphics (15 credits)

In this module, you will learn the theory and practice of real-time 3D computer graphics based on the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL). This will enable you to build a graphics engine as part of a computer game.
Digital Signal Processing & Audio Processing (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the mathematical and computational framework for processing, analysing, and synthesising digital signals. We focus one-dimensional signals, in particular audio and vibrations, but cover also some 2-dimensional signal processing for images.
Data Visualization (15 credits)

This module teaches you how design and create graphics to represent data. In particular, to deliver a practical 'hands-on' module that allows you to build your own data visualization applications, to identify principles of good information visualization design and provide structured guidelines for the data visualization based on a formal grammar of graphics.
Neural Computing (15 credits)

Knowledge of robust data analysis and pattern recognition techniques based on Neural Networks is required for the effective development of data and information-intensive systems with a range of current, important application areas in Data Science, from business to retail, engineering, security, creativity and health.
Cloud Computing (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce you to the fundamental concept of computing-on-demand leading to Cloud computing. Emphasis is given on the different technologies to build Clouds and how these are used to offer computing on-demand.
Machine Learning (15 credits)

This module introduces modern machine learning methods and techniques for the modelling and reasoning about uncertainty in large datasets, as well as the latest machine learning techniques used in diverse applications such as graph mining and link analysis, and multimodal signal processing including large scale video and sensor data.
Big Data (15 credits)

Big Data, meaning large and complex datasets, are a key part of Data Science, and this course will cover methods and tools for capturing, curating, searching, and analysing large amounts of data.
Information Security Fundamentals (15 credits)

This module presents the fundamentals for information security from a strategic perspective, giving you the appropriate knowledge and skills to discuss, communicate with and function in technical and non technical roles within organisations.
Network Security (15 credits)

Network security is fundamental to cyber security. This module covers solutions to three major problems in network security: (a) protocols built on cryptography to communicate securely over unsecure networks (b) remote attacks carried out through networks (c) network-based defences to detect and protect against cyber attacks.
Cryptography (15 credits)

Modern cryptography abandons the assumption that the adversary has available infinite computational resources, and assumes instead that the adversary’s computation is resource bounded in some reasonable way. This module explores modern cryptographic (code making) and cryptanalytic (code breaking) techniques in detail.
Computer Vision (15 credits)

You will learn the theory and practice of computer vision, which enables computers to perceive, and reason, about the world using images. Drawing on elements of vision science, mathematics, machine learning, and computer programming, computer vision has a broad range of applications including entertainment, robotics, automation, navigation, and healthcare.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

The main aim and focus of the module is to provide you with a broad introduction in theory and practice to the main areas of nature-inspired, adaptive Artificial Intelligence. You will learn cutting-edge engineering approaches in the area of Artificial Neural Networks and evolutionary computing.
Programming and Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

The main purpose of the module is for you to gain fundamental programming and mathematical skills for studying specialist Artificial Intelligence topics. The paradigm used is object-oriented programming, and Python the guiding programming language.
Agents and Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits)

This module allows you to learn agent architectures that perform differently according to the characteristics of the task environment. To this end, you will design deliberative, and reactive agents, planners and hybrids.
Advanced Games Technology (15 credits)

The module will cover advanced game engine design in a practical format. A fully featured game engine will be developed from first principles.
Semantic Web Technologies and Knowledge Graphs (15 credits)

In this module you will learn the semantic technologies to meet today’s demands from industry, where data scientists must semantically orchestrate diverse types of data sources. This module gives a practical combination of web and data management technologies, knowledge representation and artificial intelligence.

Placement

You may elect to take an industrial placement between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4.

Download course specification:

USCOSC - MSci Computer Science

Teaching and assessment

You will learn through a combination of lectures, case studies, seminars and laboratory sessions. Project and group work aim to develop creativity and problem-solving and play a major part in the course. Learning is also supported by City's online e-learning system.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by examination and coursework, although some components, such as the team project, are assessed by coursework alone.In your first year you must also complete an online risk and safety assessment to progress to stage two of the programme.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment by examination, practical examination and assessment by coursework will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Year 1

Written examination: 41%

Coursework: 59%

Year 2

Written examination: 35%

Coursework: 65%

Year 3

Written examination: 50%

Coursework: 50%

Year 4

Written examination: 25%

Practical: 6%

Coursework: 69%

Overall workload

Contact hours will take the form of taught modules that are delivered through a series of 20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of tutorials/laboratory sessions.

The programme is delivered and assessed via a coordinated combination of: lectures (including programmed student activity); supervised tutorials; supervised laboratory work; independent coursework; group project work; and individual project work.

Approximate study time based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:

Year 1

Scheduled learning: 20%

Independent learning: 80%

Year 2

Scheduled learning: 18%

Independent learning: 82%

Year 3

Scheduled learning: 20%

Independent learning: 80%

Year 4

Scheduled learning: 15%

Independent learning: 85%

Fees and funding

Fees for year 2021/22

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£17,850

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2021/ 22 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase, which is normally 2%.

Funding options

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Fee waivers are available for this course.
Means tested support is available for 2021/22 entry.

Future finance loans

Future Finance offers students loans of between £2,500 and £40,000 to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. All students and courses are considered. All loans are subject to credit checks and approval for further details please visit our finance pages.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.

Career

Software and programming are growth areas where qualified graduates are in demand. This broad-ranging degree keeps your career options open and could lead to roles such as:

Software Engineer
Mobile Application Developer
Systems Architect.

Our recent Computer Science graduates have joined:

Visa
IBM
Apple
Metro Bank
TATA Consultancy
Avast
Expedia Group.

Your fourth year of master’s level study will make you attractive to employers as you will have greater depth and breadth of knowledge. You will be closer to gaining Chartered Engineer status and well prepared for further study, such as a PhD.

Placement support

In recent years students from our computer science courses have been able to obtain placements at leading companies within their chosen field such as:

IBM
PlayStation
Disney
Microsoft
Goldman Sachs.

The School has its own dedicated placements team that provides on-hand placement and internship support and guidance for students throughout their studies. You can undertake one of the following placement schemes:

One-year placement
Summer internships - these can be taken every summer on completion of the academic year

Our dedicated team of placement specialists, the Professional Liaison Unit, has extensive experience in helping students to secure placement employment across a range of industries.

The team also has longstanding relationships with an impressive and diverse range of companies spanning both large and small organisations including start-ups in Tech City.

Placements are highly encouraged at City. Students that complete a placement year benefit from gaining professional experience working on real-life projects and are also more likely to achieve higher grades, secure a graduate-level job and earn a higher salary.

How to apply

Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Apply now

If you would like to apply for this course with an integrated foundation year option please visit our Computer Science Foundation page.

You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

www.ucas.com

You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.

Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.

UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.

You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £23 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £12.

For enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office

Complete the Admissions enquiry form

Call: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.

Telephone lines are currently open between 10am - 3pm.

When to apply

Your application for entry in September 2021 should arrive at UCAS between September 2020 and 29^th January 2021. Applications that arrive after 29^th January 2021 will be considered only at City's discretion.

Contacting UCAS

Website: www.ucas.com

Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ

Telephone:

from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468

For callers with hearing difficulties:

from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.

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Key information

Entry requirements

UK

Mixed qualifications

Subject exclusions

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

AS levels

University preparation programmes

Access to Higher Education

Zimbabwe

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Zambia

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Vietnam

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Uzbekistan

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Ukraine

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Uganda

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USA

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September 2022 entry

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UAE

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Turkey

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September 2022 entry

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Tunisia

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Thailand

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Tanzania

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Taiwan

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Switzerland

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Sweden

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Spain

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South Africa

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Slovakia

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Rwanda

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Russia

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Poland

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Pakistan

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Oman

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