Course Summary

This course will help you gain an advanced level proficiency in computer science and internet applications. You will study to a high level online databases, intelligent agents, programming, cryptography, and cryptanalysis, network systems, distributed and parallel architectures, systems architecture and professional project management.

The course also actively seeks to enhance your employability through working on such key areas as problem solving, communication skills and teamwork.

As a student in the department of Computer Science and Technology, you will have access to industry standard equipment which forms part of what is among the best facilities in the country. The British Computer Society rated our labs as among the top 25 per cent in the UK. Our 450 workstations are loaded with specialist software which is specifically geared towards our computing students.

Our highly qualified and experienced staff are active in relevant research. During the Government's Research Assessment Exercise 2008, the University of Bedfordshire was recognised as 'internationally excellent' in the areas of Computer Science and Informatics.

Why choose this course?

Graduates of this Masters Degree are well-equipped to pursue a career in internet design, remote data access and management, remote method invocation and networking. The practical skills you will acquire during the course will also enable you to become a specialist consultant, project manager, business systems analyst, IT consultant or any other managerial level practitioner in computer science. You may also choose to continue your study into further research in this continually expanding and developing field.

During the course you will:

• Benefit from access to our Academic in Business Computing scheme by working on projects with local companies
• Work with our 64-node cluster and other state-of-the-art technology in an innovative distributed environment
• Gain a valuable breadth of experience in subjects that include secure communications, computer security, project management and intelligent agents

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Online database applications
• Intelligent agents
• Programming embedded systems
• Professional project management
• Systems architecture
• Network systems
• Distributed and parallel architectures
• Cryptography and cryptanalysis

MSXCP

Assessment

The assessment strategy used is a balance of written reports, exams, practical (coursework) assignments and computer based assessment. The method used will depend on the nature of the subject being taught in the unit, and the most appropriate method has been chosen.

Coursework assignments typically incorporate formative feedback so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets.

You must have passed 105 credits before undertaking the MSc project.

Educational Aims

The educational aims of the course are as follows:

• Development of analytical and evaluative skills in relation to core areas of Computer Science including the Modelling and Management of Information and Software


• Achievement of critical understanding of core Computer Science themes and subjects in both local, embedded and distributed (networked) environments


• Development of the necessary skills to apply knowledge within the various areas of Computer Science including Cryptography and Networking


• Development of the necessary skills to implement solutions based on the theoretical underpinning within the area of Computer Science both as an individual and as part of a professional team

Student support

Students will have access to both departmental and University wide support during their studies. Students will be have access to a personal tutor and may book appointments at any point during the academic year. The University will further provided support via the Student Union, Student Services and the Counselling Service.

Access to the Internet and course-relevant software is provided through the Departmental facilities.

Students may be required, at the discretion of the Course Leader, to undergo diagnostic testing for academic English language abilities, and may further be required, at the Course Leaders discretion, to participate in academic English support workshops or classes laid on by the University.

Team working

You will develop your abilities to work with others on group tasks and projects, becoming more adept at listening to others, expressing your own views and helping a group to devise plans and strategies in a professional context.

Career Management Skills

Students will be encouraged to identify their strengths, interests and development needs in relation to the practices and conventions of the Information Technology industry and of scholarship and research.

Career/Further study opportunities

On completing this course students are likely to progress into the following areas:

Career:

• IT Consultant


• Programmer / Software Engineer


• Systems / Business Analyst


• Web / Web Services / E-commerce Developer

Further study:

• MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD

Entry

Standard:

A good UK honours degree or equivalent in a computing-related subject.

Additional:

Those applicants who do not have a first degree may be granted entry on the basis of their work experience. Such work experience must total five or more years and be relevant to the degree.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

No particular educational barriers have been identified for students with disabilities.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

Be given access to a variety of tasks that will develop your oral and written communication skills. Throughout the course you will be asked to perform a variety of written (essay, formal report) and oral (presentations) tasks. Formative feedback as well as summative feedback will be used throughout.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

Learn to enhance your understanding and skills with respect to standard desktop applications (MS Excel and Word) as well as developing new skills with respect to specialist software related to the course.

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

Develop your ability to work independently as well as enhancing your reflective skills. You will be set tasks that require you to undertake background research, and at times to evaluate what you have undertaken.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

Undertake a significant piece of work (usually the MSc dissertation) which requires you to use your (analytical) problem solving and creative skills in order to develop a solution, and to be able to critically evaluate the work that you have performed.

Improving learning and performance

You will, at various points, be provided with feedback. This feedback is an important part of the learning process and will allow you to find out strengths, as well as areas for development. Such feedback will allow you to see where you need to focus and will allow you to improve your performance.

Progress files

Throughout the course you will be provided with written feedback which you are encouraged to retain and file. This completed by project based work for which you will have regular contact with a supervisor who will advise you on your progress and for which you will keep a research diary recording your working progress.

Professional standards

From the outset we will expect you to adhere to basic professional standards in all your work and in all your dealings with staff and other students. In particular:

• You must punctually attend all scheduled lectures, seminars, workshops. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you attending then you should notify your tutor, preferably in advance


• You must submit all assessed work before the deadline. You should note that the normal vagaries of life would not be acceptable as an excuse for missing a publication / transmission deadline within the industry and so we will apply the same standards. Computer problems and data loss will certainly not be accepted as a valid reason for non or late submission


• When working on a group project with other students you must play a full part in the group and deal with others professionally. You must provide your colleagues with appropriate contact details and maintain contact with them throughout the project


• When completing academic work you must adhere to the codes and conventions of academic writing with all sources acknowledged and referenced in accordance with the Universitys guidelines. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may constitute plagiarism an academic offence


• Information Technology is subject to a range of legislation and regulation in particular, but not restricted to handling (confidential) data and Internet related issues such as hacking or phishing. Your work must conform to the legislation that impact on your work. If in doubt, seek advice


• With access to a range of powerful communication techniques, you must always adhere to acceptable ethical principles, values and norms in the representation of people, particularly in terms of sexuality, religion, class, race and gender


• In producing course related (software) artifact you are expected to adhere to the British Computer Societys Code of Conduct and Code of Practice

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

Throughout the course we will embed aspects of professionalism (ethics, professional conduct etc.) into the different units. The two most telling examples are the Professional Project Management unit (CIS011-6) and the MSc dissertation. These two units provide an excellent opportunity for you to develop your professional skills by engaging in professional tasks (e.g. managing your own projects, and working as part of a team).