MSc Advanced Computer Science

Program Overview

The MSc Advanced Computer Science program at Loughborough University equips graduates with advanced computing knowledge and skills sought by employers. It combines theory and practical elements on various advanced computing topics, allowing students to specialize in areas like image processing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and theoretical computer science. The program is taught by experienced academics and provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, preparing graduates for careers in software development, network security, systems engineering, research and development, and academia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with advanced computing knowledge and skills sought by employers.
• Draw on Loughborough's established industry connections and research strengths.
• Develop expertise in a range of advanced computing topics.
• Specialize in areas like image processing, multimedia, artificial intelligence, robotics, and theoretical computer science.

Description:

The MSc Advanced Computer Science program provides students with a wide range of modules reflecting the expertise of Loughborough's academic staff. It combines theory and practical elements on various advanced computing topics. Throughout the program, students develop their professional skills and specialize in areas like image processing, multimedia, artificial intelligence, robotics, and theoretical computer science. Their studies are enhanced by specialist labs for hardware and robotics work, as well as state-of-the-art equipment housed within the Haslegrave Building. This includes a virtual reality system.

Outline:

Content:

• Advanced computing topics and their application in specific areas like image processing, multimedia, artificial intelligence, robotics, and theoretical computer science.
• Practical skills in hardware and robotics work.
• Theoretical knowledge and understanding of advanced computing principles.

Structure:

The program is designed to equip graduates with advanced computing knowledge and skills sought by employers. It combines theory and practical elements on various advanced computing topics.

Course Schedule:

The program consists of two semesters.

Semester 1:

• Programming for Specialist Applications
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cryptography and Secure Systems
• Robotics and Intelligent Systems

Semester 2:

• Project Preparation
• Research Methods
• Building Secure Networks
• Computer Vision

Summer:

• ACS Project

Individual Modules:

• Programming for Specialist Applications: Develop the students' competence and confidence in their ability to implement an algorithm or a computing system, starting from a design specification, using programming languages widely used in industry and academia.
• Artificial Intelligence: Provide an up-to-date introduction to state-of-art artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the developments of the last five to ten years.
The module will introduce specific methods within the scientific contexts in which AI has seen considerable progress. It will also prepare students for the in-depth analysis of the various methods presented in the following modules in the programme.
• Cryptography and Secure Systems: Make the students aware of the problems of network security, and expose them to current best defence strategies, with emphasis on cryptographic techniques and protocols.
• Robotics and Intelligent Systems: Provide students with the relevant concepts of robotics from the AI perspective and the skills for developing planning and learning systems that apply to robotics.
• Project Preparation: Prepare a suitable project plan, analysis of the project requirements and constraints, specification and literature review with critical analysis for their project completed in a subsequent module.
To start the project and report on the progress made.
• Research Methods: Enhance awareness and critical appreciation of high-quality research-based publications; develop ability to communicate research-findings to others in an independent minded manner; develop skills in research methods.
• Building Secure Networks: Understand Internet Protocols through designing, configuring and deploying of networks; develop skills of allocating IP prefixes according to requirements; gain an understanding of the different categories of Internet Routing and choose appropriate routing protocols to apply in the practical deployment of networks; implement the hierarchical structure of Internet Service Providers and the relationships between them; provide Internet services on top of communication infrastructure.
• Computer Vision: Introduce students to computer-based understanding, analysis and processing of images taken with a digital camera.
The module introduces various methods and algorithms that allow computers to store images, process images (e.g.
• ACS Project: Allow students to demonstrate their analysis, design and programming skills, acquired in previous modules of their MSc, by applying what they have learned to a substantial problem in related areas.
The project must be related to their MSc studies and the student should be able to show they can apply the latest research and developments in their project.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of exams, coursework, class presentations, and a dissertation on an agreed topic.

Teaching:

Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• Virtual learning

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics with expertise in computer science and related fields.

Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on practical skills and industry relevance.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Opportunity to work on a substantial research project.

Careers:

Potential Paths:

• Software development
• Network security
• Systems engineering
• Research and development
• Academia

Recent Graduate Destinations:

• Google
• Credit Suisse
• Ocado
• Rolls-Royce
• Winton Capital
• AVG Technologies

Other:

• The program is 1 year in duration and available for full-time study only.
• The program is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency.
• Students have access to a 24-hour computer lab and a designated MSc computer science laboratory.
• The program draws on the university's research specialisms in computer vision, AI, human-centered systems, networks and systems, and theoretical computer science.
• The program is offered by the Department of Computer Science at Loughborough University.
• The program is designed for students who want to build on a first degree in computer science by developing the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective specialist professional within the computing industries.

UK fee: £13,000 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £28,750 Full-time degree per annum