Advanced Computer Science

This is an advanced Masters programme, linked to internationally leading research in Computer Science. It focuses on the latest techniques and technologies, teaching you how to apply these to complex contemporary problems across the breadth of society. You will be able to engage with the latest developments from a range of Computer Science topics with leading academics in the field. Our particular research strengths include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, high performance computing and networks, and cyber-security. The MSc has a firm focus on career-oriented postgraduate training, emphasising the team-working skills to enhance your employability and a research project giving you the skills and tools to conduct independent research in academia or commercially.

Computer Science is a growth area with excellent career development potential. The University of Exeter is a world class research-active institution which regularly features in UK Top-10 and Global Top-100 rankings. The University is making significant new investment in Computer Science.
 

To provide students with advanced knowledge of contemporary problems, techniques and technologies in Computer Science.

To engage students in intellectually challenging problems and solutions and to facilitate scholarship.

To develop research skills, software development skills, personal skills and core academic skills that will prepare students for a wide range of employment opportunities.

The MSc Advanced Computer Science provides advanced training in Computer Science for students wishing to gain advanced skills in preparation for commercial software development or for PhD research. Software development skills and research skills are honed through a major individual research project into an aspect of Computer Science. Teaching and learning will be through lectures, seminars, workshops and group work on Exeter’s Streatham campus. 

The MSc Advanced Computer Science programme is a 1 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ).  This programme is divided into ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The  programme comprises 180 credits in total.

Exit Awards

If you do not complete the programme, you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.

Postgraduate Diploma: At least 120 credits of which 90 or more must be at level M.

Postgraduate Certificate: At least 60 credits of which 45 or more must be at level M.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site:

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/computerscience/modules/

Credit

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: The programme consists of 180 credits, with 90 credits taken at each stage where the programme is offered part time over 2 years and 60 credits taken at each stage where the programme is offered part time over 3 years. In total, participants must take at least 180 credits at NQF level 7. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: Up to (45/30/20) credits of failure can be condoned on the following conditions:

1. You must have completed and been assessed in modules amounting to sufficient credit for the final award (i.e. 180 credits for a Masters; 120 credits for a PGDip; and 60 credits for a PGCert).

2. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

3. You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 60 or 90 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

4. Condonement can only be applied to failed modules which have a mark of 0–49%.   

Assessment and Awards

The award will normally be based on at least 180 credits of which 150 or more must be at NQF level 7

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Undergraduate Degrees                                         Postgraduate Degrees

Class I    70% +                                                         Distinction   70%+

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                       Merit            60-69%

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                      Pass            50-59%

Class III  40-49%

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

In accordance with University policy, a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme, you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties, such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter

Candidates will be required to have at least a 2:1 degree in a numerate subject, usually Computer Science or a closely related discipline, and must be able to show evidence of good programming and software development ability in recognised modern computer languages.

Candidates may be interviewed by Skype or similar to assess their programming ability and suitability for the course.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by Professional and Statutory Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs).