Programme Information | University of Exeter

1. Programme Title: Computer Science	NQF Level:	7

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)
The MSc Computer Science Programme at the University of Exeter is designed for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds seeking a seamless transition into the dynamic field of Interdisciplinary Computer Science. This one-year programme approaches the discipline through practical hands-on experience and is underpinned by theories of computation. It is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge demanded by the full range of computing application domains including in health, environment, and business. The programme structure is designed to cover the core concepts in computer science in term 1, such as computer algorithms and architectures, data systems, programming and security. In term 2 this foundation knowledge will be extended to practical domains with the introduction of ethical and governance frameworks, professional frameworks for software development, and optional modules in computer vision and applications of computer security among other topics. Term 2 will also help develop awareness of the organisational context of computer science, including how professional software development and security are used for robust computing systems in business. Finally, in term 3 you will develop the capstone project of your degree. This will be an individual research project that you lead under supervision. The project might, for example, address an application of computer science to the study of the environment, health, or business. By the end of the degree programme, you will have learned the core principles of computer science, mastered the practical skills to solve real-world problems and demonstrated your individual capabilities to apply computer science to the real world through a substantial individual research project.

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)

The MSc Computer Science Programme at the University of Exeter is designed for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds seeking a seamless transition into the dynamic field of Interdisciplinary Computer Science. This one-year programme approaches the discipline through practical hands-on experience and is underpinned by theories of computation. It is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge demanded by the full range of computing application domains including in health, environment, and business.

The programme structure is designed to cover the core concepts in computer science in term 1, such as computer algorithms and architectures, data systems, programming and security. In term 2 this foundation knowledge will be extended to practical domains with the introduction of ethical and governance frameworks, professional frameworks for software development, and optional modules in computer vision and applications of computer security among other topics. Term 2 will also help develop awareness of the organisational context of computer science, including how professional software development and security are used for robust computing systems in business. Finally, in term 3 you will develop the capstone project of your degree. This will be an individual research project that you lead under supervision. The project might, for example, address an application of computer science to the study of the environment, health, or business.

By the end of the degree programme, you will have learned the core principles of computer science, mastered the practical skills to solve real-world problems and demonstrated your individual capabilities to apply computer science to the real world through a substantial individual research project.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The MSc Computer Science will provide an interdisciplinary education in Computer Science. The course will assume no background in Computer Science and introduce the core mathematical and computational concepts underpinning the subject area as well as training students to develop the skills and use key tools for building software applications. This basis of Computer Science understanding will enable students to explore applications of Computer Science and tackle substantial interdisciplinary research problems. The aim of the programme is to produce graduates that are professionally competent in computer science with a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their practical abilities to solve problems by applying Computer Science techniques. Content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, individual self-study, and group work on Exeter’s Streatham campus.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The MSc Computer Science will provide an interdisciplinary education in Computer Science. The course will assume no background in Computer Science and introduce the core mathematical and computational concepts underpinning the subject area as well as training students to develop the skills and use key tools for building software applications. This basis of Computer Science understanding will enable students to explore applications of Computer Science and tackle substantial interdisciplinary research problems. The aim of the programme is to produce graduates that are professionally competent in computer science with a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their practical abilities to solve problems by applying Computer Science techniques.

Content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, individual self-study, and group work on Exeter’s Streatham campus.

4. Programme Structure
The MSc Computer Science programme is a 1-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ).

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Code	Title	Credits	Compulsory	NonCondonable
COMM514	Research Project	60	Yes	Yes
COMM107	Algorithms and Architectures	15	Yes	No
COMM108	Data Systems	15	Yes	No
COMM109	Programme with Python	15	Yes	No
COMM110	Software Development	15	Yes	No
ECMM462	Fundamentals of Security	15	Yes	No
SOCM033	Data Governance and Ethics	15	Yes	No
Choose 30 credits from the following:
ECMM426	Computer Vision	15	No	No
ECMM463	Building Secure and Trustworthy Systems	15	No	No
ECMM464	Security Assessment and Validation	15	No	No
Including up to 30 credits from the following assuming pre-requisites are met:
ECM3446	High Performance Computing	15	No	No
ECM3408	Enterprise Computing	15	No	No
Including up to 30 credits from other departments:
BEMM190	Digital Transformation	15	No	No
XXXX	Free choice elective	30	No	No

Up to 30 credits in other departments

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge 1. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to program applications. 2. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to design and implement data storage and retrieval solutions. 3. Show awareness of the social context of computer science, including key aspects of data governance, legal requirements, and ethical considerations. 4. Show awareness of the organisational context of computer science, including how professional software development and security are used for robust computing systems in business. 5. Apply computational methods to solve domain specific problems.	Learning & Teaching Activities Lectures, workshops, seminars, practicals, online materials and formal training. Each module also has core and supplementary texts, or material recommended by module deliverers, which provide in-depth coverage of the subject and go beyond the lectures.
Assessment Methods The assessment strategy for each module is explicitly stated in the full module description given to students. Group and team skills are addressed within modules dealing with specialist and advanced skills. Assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, closed book tests, practical exercises in programming and data analysis, project work, and individual and group presentations.
B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge 6. Critically analyse and interpret relevant academic and technical literature. 7. Demonstrate competence in underpinning mathematical and computational techniques. 8. Effectively design and implement software to solve practical problems. 9. Use appropriate designs for algorithms and computing architectures. 10. Understand the implications of version control, testing, deployment and maintenance. 11. Use appropriate tools for software version control, testing, deployment and maintenance. 12. Appreciate the basic legal and regulatory requirements for data privacy, ethical use of data, and data governance.	Learning & Teaching Activities Lectures, workshops, seminars, practicals, online materials and formal training. Each module also has core and supplementary texts, or material recommended by module deliverers, which provide in-depth coverage of the subject and go beyond the lectures.
Assessment Methods The assessment strategy for each module is explicitly stated in the full module description given to students. Group and team skills are addressed within modules dealing with specialist and advanced skills. Assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, closed book tests, practical exercises in programming and data analysis, project work, and individual and group presentations.
C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge 13. Effectively communicate methods and designs of computing solutions based on decomposition of complex problems in both written reports and oral presentations. 14. Demonstrate awareness of tools and technologies relevant to computer science. 15. Design and manage a computer science project from initiation to final report. 16. Work effectively independently or in a team.	Learning & Teaching Activities Lectures, workshops, seminars, practicals, online materials and formal training. Each module also has core and supplementary texts, or material recommended by module deliverers, which provide in-depth coverage of the subject and go beyond the lectures.
Assessment Methods The assessment strategy for each module is explicitly stated in the full module description given to students. Group and team skills are addressed within modules dealing with specialist and advanced skills. Assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, closed book tests, practical exercises in programming and data analysis, project work, and individual and group presentations.

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

1. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to program applications.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to design and implement data storage and retrieval solutions.
3. Show awareness of the social context of computer science, including key aspects of data governance, legal requirements, and ethical considerations.
4. Show awareness of the organisational context of computer science, including how professional software development and security are used for robust computing systems in business.
5. Apply computational methods to solve domain specific problems.

Learning & Teaching Activities

Lectures, workshops, seminars, practicals, online materials and formal training. Each module also has core and supplementary texts, or material recommended by module deliverers, which provide in-depth coverage of the subject and go beyond the lectures.

Assessment Methods

The assessment strategy for each module is explicitly stated in the full module description given to students. Group and team skills are addressed within modules dealing with specialist and advanced skills.

Assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, closed book tests, practical exercises in programming and data analysis, project work, and individual and group presentations.

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

6. Critically analyse and interpret relevant academic and technical literature.
7. Demonstrate competence in underpinning mathematical and computational techniques.
8. Effectively design and implement software to solve practical problems.
9. Use appropriate designs for algorithms and computing architectures.
10. Understand the implications of version control, testing, deployment and maintenance.
11. Use appropriate tools for software version control, testing, deployment and maintenance.
12. Appreciate the basic legal and regulatory requirements for data privacy, ethical use of data, and data governance.

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, closed book tests, practical exercises in programming and data analysis, project work, and individual and group presentations.

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

13. Effectively communicate methods and designs of computing solutions based on decomposition of complex problems in both written reports and oral presentations.
14. Demonstrate awareness of tools and technologies relevant to computer science.
15. Design and manage a computer science project from initiation to final report.
16. Work effectively independently or in a team.

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods will include essays, technical reports, closed book tests, practical exercises in programming and data analysis, project work, and individual and group presentations.

7. Programme Regulations
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

7. Programme Regulations

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
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. Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. 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://ele.exeter.ac.uk). 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.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

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.

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

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://ele.exeter.ac.uk).

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.

10. Admission Criteria
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter. Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the Postgraduate Study Site webpages. Applicants are required to have at least a 2:1 degree. No specific subjects are required. Applicants are also required to have A Level Mathematics at Grade A or equivalent. We may consider applications with non-standard qualifications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience, or relevant professional qualifications.

10. Admission Criteria

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

Applicants are required to have at least a 2:1 degree. No specific subjects are required. Applicants are also required to have A Level Mathematics at Grade A or equivalent.

We may consider applications with non-standard qualifications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience, or relevant professional qualifications.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty 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 Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty 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 Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
This programme is not subject to accreditation and/or review by any professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

This programme is not subject to accreditation and/or review by any professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

14	Awarding Institution	University of Exeter
15	Lead College / Teaching Institution	Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
16	Partner College / Institution	N/A
17	Programme accredited/validated by
18	Final Award(s)	MSc
19	UCAS Code (UG programmes)	msccompsci
20	NQF Level of Final Awards(s):	7
21	Credit (CATS and ECTS)	180
22	QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes)	Computing

23	Origin Date	December 20th 2023	Last Date of Revision:	August 16th 2024

Computer Science (2024)

1. Programme Title:

Computer Science

NQF Level:

7

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admission Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards