Computing (MSc)

How will I be taught?

The School of Computer Science and Informatics has a strong and active research culture which informs and directs our teaching. We are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard and received an excellent report in the most recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review.

A diverse range of teaching and learning styles are used throughout the MSc in Computing and the MSc in Computing with Placement. Students will attend lectures, participate in seminars, workshops and tutorials, and carry out practical and laboratory work.

Students obtain support materials either via Learning Central (Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment) or from study packs specially developed for selected modules.

Students will also undertake a project and independent study to enable them to complete their dissertation. Dissertation topics may be suggested by the student or chosen from a list of options proposed by academic staff reflecting their current interest.

How will I be assessed?

The taught modules within the programmes are assessed through examinations and a wide range of in-course assessments, such as written reports, extended essays, practical assignments and oral presentations.

The individual project and dissertation will enable students to demonstrate their ability to build upon and exploit knowledge and skills gained to exhibit critical and original thinking based on a period of independent study and learning. 

How will I be supported?

As a School, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment in which we are able to help and encourage our students.

All students are allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress throughout your time at university and will support you in your Personal Development Planning. You will see your Personal Tutor at least once each semester.

Outside of scheduled tutor sessions, our Senior Personal Tutor runs an open door policy, being on hand to advise and respond to any personal matters as they arise.

The School has a formal student-staff panel to discuss topics or issues of mutual interest, in addition we schedule fortnightly informal gatherings over coffee for all students and staff associated with MSc Programmes.

Feedback

Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.
 

What skills will I practise and develop?

You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’, such as being able to:

• Critically analyse and evaluate current issues in computing.
• Clearly communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written, diagrammatic and practical means.
• Demonstrate self-direction, initiative, professionalism, critical judgement and planning skills in tackling and solving computing problems using appropriate technologies.
• Demonstrate software design and programming skills.
• Design, using appropriate tools, a simple information system or selected part of a larger system.
• Creatively apply computing knowledge and techniques to the solution of computing problems.
• You will also develop a number of valuable research skills through completion of the dissertation.

Furthermore, graduates will be expected to demonstrate:

• A systematic understanding of general computing concepts, both theoretical and practical.
• An understanding of the methods, techniques, and tools available to specify, design, implement and manage computer based systems.
• An understanding of the principles and characteristics of computer and communications hardware and software and of how these support the development of computer systems.
• A critical awareness of current trends in selected research areas of computing, and discuss their contribution to developing computer based systems.