Computer Science (Taught)

The MSc in Computer Science offers students with a strong undergraduate background in computer science an opportunity to follow their interests in studying the subject at an advanced, research-led level. Students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of modules in advanced topics including artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, networks and distributed systems, and software engineering.

Compulsory:

Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming

Optional:

The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied.

Students choose up to seven optional modules. In the 'Additional optional' lists, students can only take up to two of the modules in each list.

Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.

Artificial Intelligence Practice
Artificial Intelligence Principles
Critical Systems Engineering
Data Ethics and Privacy
Data-Intensive Systems
Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
Information Visualisation
Interactive Software and Hardware
Knowledge Discovery and Datamining
Language and Computation
Machine Learning
Principles of Computer Communication Systems
Software Architecture
Software Engineering Practice
Software Engineering Principles
User-Centred Interaction Design

Additional Optional:

Students may take up to two of the following:

Advanced Communication Networks and Systems
Computer Architecture
Computer Graphics
Computer Security
Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
Constraint Programming
Distributed Systems
Logic and Software Verification
Programming Language Design and Implementation
Signal Processing: Sound, Image, Video
Video Games

Students may take up to two of the following:

Database Management Systems
Digital Heritage and Preservation
Information Security Management
Web Technologies

Dissertation project:
During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually (students are assessed individually in either case).

The dissertation typically comprises:

• a review of related work
• the extension of existing or the development of new ideas
• software implementation and testing
• analysis and evaluation.

Students are required to give a presentation of their work in addition to the written dissertation.

Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.

Most modules are assessed through practical coursework exercises and examinations.

All students will be required to complete a Post Entry Language Assessment (PELA) on arrival at the University of St Andrews. Based on their performance in this assessment, students will be advised to attend targeted support sessions during the year to improve language and academic skills.

This assessment is required, but will not count towards the final degree classification.