MSc

Advanced Computer Science

Embark on a dynamic journey with our Advanced Computer Science programme.

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Key Course Details

  • Start Date

    September

  • Location

    Pontypridd

  • Campus Code

    A

Fees

  • International students

    £16,000*

  • Start Date

    September

  • Location

    Pontypridd

  • Campus Code

    A

Fees

  • Home students

    £1,140*

  • Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits.

Uncover the latest in software and hardware technologies, from abstraction to security. Equip yourself to solve real-world problems, understanding the profound impact on people's lives. Join us at the forefront of technological innovation.

DESIGNED FOR

This program is suitable for those seeking an in-depth and advanced understanding of the practical aspects of computer science, including software and hardware technologies, complex problem-solving, and real-world applications. It is ideal for individuals who are recent graduates or professionals seeking to enhance their analytical skills.

Accredited by

  • BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

Career Paths

  • Computer Scientist  
  • Software Developer 
  • Software Engineer 
  • Systems Architect 
  • Data Analyst 

Skills taught 

  • Programming Proficiency  
  • Algorithmic Thinking 
  • Team Collaboration 
  • Project Management 
  • Data Management 

We make a difference in practice, not just on paper. Our courses are designed by people who offer jobs - and taught by people who have real work experience.


Course Highlights

Accredited Courses

BCS accreditation ensures our program meets the highest standards set by a leading authority in IT. Graduates gain recognition for excellence, access to a vast professional network, and increased employability. Elevate your career with a degree that aligns with industry benchmarks and prepares you for success in the IT landscape.

Placement Opportunities

Through the Erasmus scheme, students could have the opportunity to attend summer schools in advanced computer vision and machine learning with our partners in TEI of Crete, University of Patras, University of Burgundy, Cyprus University of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Porto and the University of Salento.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Immerse yourself in a premier learning experience with our state-of-the-art facilities. Our high-spec computer laboratories and dedicated workrooms exclusively for master's students. Explore cutting-edge technology in our labs, and access specialized spaces for Windows, Apple Mac, Linux, and Networking, all equipped with the latest software.

Module Overview

This course offers six core modules delivered in four major blocks to offer an intensive but focused learning pattern. Full-time students spend around 12 hours in classes and 24 hours studying at home each week. If you choose to study part-time, this is reduced to around six hours each week. You will study through lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars, and projects. Assessment is primarily by coursework, varying from a research-style paper or essay to practical assignments.

Object Oriented Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms

Data Mining

Distributed Computing

Project Management and Research Methodology

Mobile Application Development

MSc Project

This course encompasses Object-Oriented Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms, delving into advanced algorithmic and data structure implementation. Students explore Data Mining, learning key concepts and big data tools. Distributed Computing covers principles of distributed systems, and Mobile Application Development hones skills in building network-based mobile applications. Project Management and Research Methodology equip students with project planning and research skills.

Object Oriented Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms
Object Oriented Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms provides students with opportunity to obtain advanced knowledge and practical skills in the analysis, synthesis, design and implementation of advanced algorithms and data structures. Students will gain skills in Implementation and performance analysis of advanced data structures such as: Queues, B-trees, Oct-tree, Quad-trees, AVL, binary space partitioning grids or multi-resolution maps. 

Data Mining
Data Mining provides students with opportunity to appreciate the value of data mining in solving real-world problems by conveying foundational concepts of data mining, big data, and data analytics. Students will gain knowledge of key concepts, algorithms, and techniques commonly used in data mining and big data tools for collection and analysis of data sets 

Distributed Computing
Distributed Computing provides students with opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the underlying principles associated with distributed computer systems, both from an academic and commercial perspective. Students will work on Developing simulations to demonstrate understanding of distributed system environments and well as cover issues surrounding distributed privacy and security. 

Project Management and Research Methodology
Project Management and Research Methodology provides students with the opportunity to plan a project using appropriate methods, techniques and tools, taking into account relevant risks and ethical issues, and undertake a literature review and other development activities to improve their understanding of the situation and/or produce organisational change. 

Mobile Application Development
Mobile Application Development provides students with opportunity to demonstrate the application of the theoretical and practical knowledge of the technologies associated with building robust distributed network-based mobile applications. Students will get to further develop skills in designing, implementing, testing and critically evaluating mobile technologies and robust distributed network-based mobile applications. 

MSc Project
The highlight of the course for many students is the individual project, undertaken under the supervision of one of the lecturing team, where they get to apply what they have learned to a scenario that is complex and demanding.

Course Highlights

Delivery and Assessment

This intensive postgraduate computing course is structured in four major blocks, demanding a focused learning approach. Full-time students dedicate 12 class hours and 24 independent study hours weekly. Part-time students commit around six hours per week. The curriculum includes lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars, and projects.

Assessment heavily relies on coursework (94%), ranging from research-style papers to practical assignments. A substantial research project allows students to choose their focus, requiring strong independent thinking, critical analysis, and project management skills. This dynamic learning environment emphasizes both structured class time and significant independent study for a holistic educational experience.

Teaching staff

A dedicated team of experienced teachers with a wide range of industrial and research backgrounds teach on our computing courses at the University of South Wales. 

These varied backgrounds help ensure that students not only learn about technologies and methodologies that are at the vanguard of computer science but gain knowledge about how they are applied. Find out about our current computing research. 

  • Dr Shiny Verghese, Course Leader 
  • Dr Ian Wilson, Associate Professor in Computational Intelligence 
  • Professor Andrew Ware, Professor in Computing 
  • Dr Janusz Kulon, Associate Professor 
  • Ieuan Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Data Science  
  • Dr Samuel Jobbins, Lecturer in Mathematics and Data Science 

Facilities

Unlock your potential with cutting-edge technology at the University of South Wales. Our state-of-the-art, high-powered computer labs and Mac facilities provide an unparalleled environment for your academic journey. From intensive data processing to creative design, our top-notch infrastructure empowers students to explore, innovate, and excel. Join a community where learning meets innovation and experience the seamless integration of theory and practice. Elevate your education with access to the latest tools and resources, ensuring you're well-prepared for the dynamic challenges of today's digital landscape. At the University of South Wales, your success begins with advanced technology. 

Careers and Employability

Graduate Careers

Graduates from the MSc Computer Science program at the University of South Wales (USW) are well-equipped for a range of dynamic and high-demand career paths. Our graduates have obtained roles in Aerospace, Banking, Logistics and many more industries in roles such as, Applications Developer, Algorithm Developer, Solutions Architect, Application Analyst, Database Developer, Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Web Developer/Designer and a Mobile App Developer.

Possible career paths

A Computer Science degree opens doors to a myriad of dynamic career paths. Graduates often find rewarding roles as Software Developers, crafting innovative applications and systems. Data Scientists leverage their skills to extract insights from vast datasets, while Cybersecurity Analysts safeguard digital infrastructures. Artificial Intelligence Engineers contribute to cutting-edge technologies, and Systems Architects design robust, scalable solutions. With the ever-growing demand for tech expertise, graduates can explore roles in Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Mobile App Development. The versatility of a Computer Science degree ensures graduates are well-positioned for diverse, high-paying careers, making a lasting impact in the evolving digital landscape.

Careers support

The University’s Career Services offers a range of advice and guidance to students, and references to the services available to all listed at southwales.ac.uk/careers will be added to the course website by default. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Typical qualification requirements:

This course is designed for graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a computing or strongly related subject.

Applicants should be proficient programmers.

 

International applications welcomed:

We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications of our entry requirements. For more details related to your country of residence please view our dedicated country pages.

English language requirements

International applicants will need to have achieved an overall of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component/TOEFL 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing or equivalent.

Equivalents can be located on our English Language pages.

If you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, please visit our country specific page for further details. If your country is not featured, please contact us.

If you do not meet the English entry criteria please visit our Pre-Sessional course pages.

Contextual offers

We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.

USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.

 

We're here to help

Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch and we'd to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.

 

Fees and Funding

International Full-time Fee

£16,000

per year*
International Full-time Fee

£16,000

per year*
UK Part-time Fee

£1,140

per 20 credits*

Further Information

Studying at university is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make. Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

*Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee is anticipated to remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course except as described below.

Please be aware that we may increase the maximum fee for home students on full-time undergraduate courses only where the Welsh Government increases the permitted level of inflation of fees. Fees for all students (including part-time, postgraduate and international students) may be amended in accordance with our applicable Fees and Debt Management Policy.  We will ensure that students are given clear, intelligible, unambiguous and timely information about our courses and costs in good time, ahead of the next academic year.

 

Fees and Funding Scholarships and Busaries Alumni Discount

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

Investing in your future

We are investing in the future of STEM at USW with an exciting new Computing, Engineering and Technology building at our Pontypridd Campus.


University Quality Assurance

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.