Computing - 2012 entry
MSc
Overview
So your first degree is not in computing but you want to move into IT? This course provides the background you need. No previous computing experience is assumed. We teach you the fundamentals of programming, software engineering, and the hardware involved.
The course will enable you to develop a sound knowledge of computer software development for a range of problem areas, such as interactive websites, stand-alone applications and network systems. Because of its emphasis on software system construction and data organisation, the qualification is applicable to a wide variety of fields concerned with using computers, as well as directly to the computer industry itself.
Why Brookes?
Our computing courses are rooted in real-world and industry-relevant experiences. They give students the opportunity to develop the advanced skills and knowledge needed to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields. Lecturing staff have extensive experience in research, teaching on undergraduate and specialist MSc courses in computing, as well as a wide range of previous industrial and commercial backgrounds.
You will be joining a department with a diverse and truly international postgraduate community. Students from many countries around the world study with us. Their contribution helps ensure our courses reflects the global reach of modern computing and communication technologies. The universal nature of the technical skills developed in our programmes means our courses are of equal relevance to both new graduates and those with many years of industrial experience.
In detail
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Course content
The MSc in Computing has a modular course-unit design. To qualify for a master’s degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (50 credits) and a module on research and study methods (10 credits).
For the taught part of your course, you will take three modules in Semester 1 (September to December) and three more in Semester 2 (January to May). This makes up two-thirds of your studies. Part-time students normally take four modules in their first year and two in their second year.
Semester 1
In Semester 1 you take three compulsory modules:
- Computer Systems and Networks introduces the concepts, operations and components of computer systems and the principles of computer networks.
- Object-Oriented Programming covers the principles of programming and object orientation, giving you the opportunity to apply these using an object-oriented programming language.
- Structured Data covers the principles and practice of structured data, including how it is represented, managed and transformed.
Semester 2
In Semester 2 you take one compulsory module and two optional modules:
- Software Project Management (compulsory) studies the latest practices, skill and techniques that are used in the project management and quality assurance of computing software projects.
- Programming Mobile Devices covers the current and emerging mobile technologies, giving you experience of developing software applications for mobile devices using appropriate programming languages and tools.
- Computer and Network Security covers the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of modern networked computer systems, as well as looking at digital forensics.
- Semantic Web covers the key current technologies associated with the semantic web and introduces you to current research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
- Web Interfaces and Media looks at the challenges of designing and constructing interfaces using a variety of media (eg text, speech, graphics) that are accessible to users in a wide variety of situations. It covers the physical, technical and psychological aspects of web interfaces design.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the list of taught modules you choose from may vary from the list here.
You also take:
- Research and Study Methods covers the research skills, planning and management techniques and guidance on analysis and technical presentation that you will need for your dissertation. This is taken in Semester 1.
- MSc Dissertation is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You start your dissertation in Semester 2, continuing over the summer period.
Part-time students normally take these modules in their second year.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Our teaching methods reflect the subject’s content, character and, of course, each lecturer’s personality and expertise. Many of the modules are enriched by the teaching staff's research expertise. There are also visiting lecturers from research organisations and industry
Lectures serve to provide a theoretical basis, while the practical sessions are used to strengthen your understanding by active involvement. Coursework and projects form the basis for continuous assessment.
The methods of assessment include examination and coursework reflecting the development of academic content from the more practical aspects to the more conceptual.
A benefit of the modular structure of this course is that you have a wide choice of modules in the second semester, allowing you to select areas of professional or personal interest.
Quality
The course benefits from the rigorous validation and review processes at the university, and the external examiners are very positive about it.
Career prospects
Our MSc students come from all over the world and graduate to follow careers in technical, business-related and creative roles, for example as developers, engineers, managers or consultants. Whatever their interest, our graduates tell us that the relevance of our courses and the skills they've learnt enable them to achieve their goals and build their careers.
Specialist facilities
Based at Brookes' Wheatley Campus, the Department of Computing and Communication Technologies has all the general computing and IT resources you would expect to find in a modern technology department.
Our labs are equipped with industry-standard equipment and software tools. This enables students to develop skills of immediate relevance to industry needs while also providing a sound practical basis that enhances their understanding of theoretical concepts. Networking laboratories are equipped with modern Cisco routers, switches and security devices to enable design construction and testing of complete high bandwidth secure, wired and wireless networks.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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+44 (0) 1865 485706
cct-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
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Faculty
Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment
Department
Department of Computing and Communication Technologies
Course length
Full-time: 1 year (12 months)
Part-time: 2 years
Teaching location
Wheatley Campus
Start date
September 2012
UKPASS code
P000779
Apply / Entry reqs
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 485706
cct-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
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Entry requirements
You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British lower second-class bachelor's degree, in a non-computing subject. If your first degree contains only a small element of technical computing you can also be considered.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you must satisfy our English language requirement by providing us with evidence of a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based), or IELTS score of 6.0.
Please also see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Preparation courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for this course and also familiarise you with university life. You may also be able to apply for one student visa to cover both courses.
- Take our Pre-Master's course to help you to meet both the English language and academic entry requirements for your master's course
- Take our University English course to help you to meet the English language requirements of your master's course
How to apply
You apply for this course through UKPASS.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All postgraduate single modules are equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, double modules to 20 ECTS credits, and treble modules to 30 ECTS credits. A full master's course will carry 90 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Fees / funding
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TUITION FEES
UK/EU
Full-time: £4,770
Part-time: £2,430
International
Full-time: £11,960
Fees (part-time and full-time) are for the academic year starting in 2012 only, unless otherwise stated. Fees increase annually by approximately 4%.
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Scholarships and funding
For general sources of financial support, see:
Oxford
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 485706
cct-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Computing
Oxford has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading academic cities. The environment makes it a great place to enhance your technical skills as well as providing an opportunity to enjoy the lively social and sporting life in this student-oriented city.
Oxford also lies close to the heart of the UK’s high-tech business community in the Thames Valley. We have excellent and extensive links with companies operating in the computing and communications fields which has led to the establishment of world-leading research activities that subsequently feed into our taught programmes and provide opportunities for student project work.
Support
CONTACT US
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How Brookes supports postgraduate students
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Research
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Departmental research highlights
The Department of Computing and Communication Technologies is home to world-leading and award-winning research. Our focus is on user-inspired original research with real-world applications. We have a vibrant and growing research community, with a wide range of activities from model driven system design and empirical software engineering through to digital forensics and computer vision. Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies.
Research excellence
85% of the department's research has been internationally recognised, with 15% world-leading
