About the course
Computer science has an ever-greater influence on our lives, and the technological breakthroughs of today shape the way we live tomorrow.
Opportunities continue to grow for highly skilled practitioners, and the taught Masters course allows you to make great advancements on your existing skills and knowledge. By the end of the programme you will be equipped to thrive in one of the fastest moving industries in the world.
You will learn specialist computer science techniques and fundamental theories, but you’ll also have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice by developing applications and working with real software. We cover a range of topics, including real time graphics and computational science, and you can choose from options including artificial intelligence, robotics and visualisation – built upon a solid foundation of good programming skills.
The course begins in September each year and lasts twelve months. There are two trimesters of taught modules, followed by an individual dissertation project during the third trimester.
Computer Science at Hull aims to create an excellent experience for students, with a supportive student community. We have an international reputation for our research activities, with a strong record of industrial and public grant funding. We are also affiliated with Microsoft’s DreamSpark programme, which allows you to access the latest Microsoft operating systems and development software for home use. Once registered with the University, you can download the software free of charge.
What you'll study
This MSc programme is designed to support students with various levels of computing and programming practice experience. However, it is particularly suited to those with significant experience of writing code.
There is a focus on the transition to further postgraduate study, with suitable content on professional skills and the importance of ethics for practising computer scientists.
In lectures you’ll benefit from a range of techniques, from interpreting complex ideas through interactive discussions, to live programming or other problem-solving demonstrations.
Our degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT. The MSc programme fully meets the academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional and partial Chartered Engineer status. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Teaching and learning
We place a strong emphasis on practical laboratory sessions. These will significantly develop your core computer science skills, and enhance your employability through exposure to commercial projects.
As teamwork plays a key role in commercial software development and has great value as an employable skill, group work is used in a number of modules.
Assessment
Practical coursework is the main form of assessment, and you will design, build and test software solutions to a variety of problems. Written coursework is used to complement this. The largest assessment is the dissertation.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.
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C++ Programming and Design
This module explores how to create efficient, robust, real-time applications in C++ and culminates in the development of a complex graphics-oriented solution.
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Real-Time Graphics
Gain essential knowledge and understanding, as well as practical tools of real-time 3D graphics rendering using modern programmable graphics hardware.
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Simulation and Artificial Intelligence
Mathematical and physics simulation and artificial intelligence are two key components in games development. You'll gain an understanding of the theory and skills required to develop physically-based simulations and gain an introduction to artificial intelligence. You'll explore the accuracy of your simulations and investigate the application of artificial intelligence methods in video games.
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Maintaining Large Software Systems
This module provides in-depth coverage of the technologies and programming techniques used in maintaining large scale software. The practical portion of the module will be an extensive exercise carried out on a real world production quality code-base.
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Component-based Architecture
Develop a deeper understanding and critical analysis of contemporary component-based, managed programming environments, including how they play a key role in creating secure software systems.
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Real Time Dependable Systems
The module will explore the nature and challenges of real-time dependable systems in a range of application areas including avionic systems, data transactions, robotics and autonomous vehicles. Approaches to implementing real-time dependable systems will then be considered.
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Object Oriented Design and Development Using C#
This module covers the design and implementation of software systems using a modern object oriented language.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.
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Advanced Computational Science
You’ll study the key concepts and techniques used to model a system, understand its limitations and develop appropriate AI architectures to solve computational problems.
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Trustworthy Computing
You will be introduced to a wide variety of concepts relating to the security of software systems at both the language and application levels.
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Development Project
Study the theory and practice needed to develop software, based on realistic contexts and clients’ requirements. You'll learn through an authentic task-based approach to software development, with experience of leadership, cooperation and teamwork.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.
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Computer Science Dissertation
You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.