MSc Computer Science

What Will You Study

This programme will enhance students’ understanding in a range of current areas of computer science in relation to distributed systems (including topics such as Cloud and IoT), data science (related to big data analysis) and human and computers (i.e. HCI topics helping to design user-centric systems). The study is enhanced through interaction with world-class researchers in their field through an initial three-week placement with them and a subsequent project doing in-depth work and research on a chosen topic. Students are encouraged to collaborate with industrial partners and complete an MSc project in a professional environment.

Students will further develop skills introduced at BSc level and will gain a greater level of independence along with a more rounded skillset on completion of the programme.

Students will be offered the choice of whether to focus on either research or undertake industrial experience. There is a clear structure around the three themes of systems, data and humans. The programme will capitalise on the Department’s industry-level facilities along with our reputable links with research infrastructures.

Applicants need a CS background or similar. They must have programming experiences (such as JAVA and C++) and need to have knowledge at the graduate level in Operating Systems, computer networking, distributed systems, HCI, databases. Ideally, they would also have knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, data analysis and at least a basic understanding of maths.

Course Structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Core

• Elements of Distributed Systems
• Advanced Human-Computer Interaction 1
• Data Mining
• Systems Architecture and Integration
• Advanced Human-Computer Interaction 2
• Applied Data Mining
• Dissertation Communication and Information Systems (by Research)
• Industrial Placement(s)

The information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research.

Fees

Entry Requirements

Second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. Relevant industry experience may be considered.

Lancaster University is the top 1% of universities globally and is ranked 8th in the UK in the 2017 Guardian League Table.

Lancaster’s Faculty of Science and Technology is a community of eight departments engaged in world-leading research that makes a demonstrable difference to our economy and society. We have a strong and growing international profile, and we welcome students from around the world which creates a vibrant atmosphere and culturally diverse community.

With nearly 700 staff and 600 research students, the breadth and depth of research across our departments are extensive. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, over 80% of our research activity was rated as world-leading and internationally excellent. Underpinned by research, we offer a range of masters degree programmes taught by leading academics, at the cutting-edge of their field.

Are you ready to be one of our next generations of science and technology graduates to meet the needs of future global challenges?

We offer masters degrees in:

Why not join our community of masters and research students in October?