MSc Computing and Information Systems
If you want to move into the computing and information systems field, or if computing plays an increasing part in your role, the MSc Computing and Information Systems is ideal personal development. This postgraduate computing course is designed for people who have little or no previous experience or specific qualifications in computing or information technology, though you should have some related experience or skills that you wish to build upon.
We place emphasis on the effective use, design and development of software for information systems. You will become skilled in programming and learn how to design and implement information systems. Graduates of this computing Masters course will have relevant, up-to-date knowledge, along with the professional and technical skills needed to develop, manage and employ information systems applications in a range of organisations.
- Software Development (20 credits)
- ICT Systems Development (20 credits)
- Project Management and Research Methodology (20 credits)
- Principles of Computing (20 credits)
- Big Data and Analytics (20 credits)
- MSc Project (60 credits)
Plus, one optional module from:
- GIS Principles and Practice (20 credits)
- Network Security (20 credits)
- Security Management (20 credits)
Teaching
The MSc Computing and Information Systems course is delivered in three teaching blocks that offer an intensive but focused learning pattern, followed by a project where students work independently under the supervision of a member of the teaching team. Full-time students will typically spend 12 hours in classes each week. If you choose to study part-time, this is reduced to around six hours each week. You will also need to work independently on reading, coursework assignments and other computer-related activities.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed entirely through coursework, while some involve coursework and an examination. You will also work on a significant research project of your own choice where strong independent thinking, critical analysis, and project management skills will be important.
Accreditations
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Facilities
We have a full range of high-specification computer labs and an ongoing investment programme to ensure that our facilities stay at the forefront of computing developments.
Lecturers
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
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.
The MSc Computing and Information Systems is designed for graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a connected subject.
Typically entrants will have graduated in a technical degree – such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Information Systems, or Electronic Engineering – and need to further develop their skills in systems development, advanced database systems, and project management.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £15100
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
August 2025 - July 2026 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
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.
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
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).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24
Apply directly to the University for this computing course.
Graduates of the MSc Computing and Information Systems degree have a very strong record in gaining employment. To enhance your employability, the skills and knowledge you gain on the course are directly relevant to industry. You could develop a career as a project manager, software developer, information manager, or data analyst. The MSc Computing and Information Systems is also suitable for students who are interested in continued professional development and wish to enhance their existing skills in these areas.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
Graduate Stories
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.