Advanced Computer Science
Embark on a dynamic journey with our Advanced Computer Science programme.
Apply direct Book an Open Day Chat to UsUncover 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
Course Highlights
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.
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
£16,000
per year*£16,000
per year*£1,140
per 20 credits*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.