Computer Science PgCert

Program Overview

The Computer Science PgCert at Ulster University is a part-time postgraduate program that equips graduates with advanced skills in programming, networking, security, and data analytics. It focuses on current and emerging technologies, preparing graduates for careers in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The program is assessed by 100% coursework and offers potential progression into the full MSc in Artificial Intelligence program.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Aims:

• Equip graduates with advanced skills to become next-generation Computer Science professionals.
• Specialize in training graduates to apply cutting-edge programming, networking, security, and data analytics skills across diverse applications.
• Address industry demand for upskilling staff in Computer Science.
• Train a new type of Computing specialist through research-informed curriculum and strong industry partnerships.
• Provide opportunities for graduates to pursue PhD studies in affiliated research centers within the School of Computing.

Program Benefits:

• Meets identified fast-growing demand for talented Computer Science graduates.
• Focuses on current and emerging technologies like containerization, continuous integration/delivery, cloud architectures, and scalable solutions.
• Offers advanced programming concepts for high-performance solution development.
• Provides a systematic understanding of Data Science pipeline, including mathematical and statistical knowledge for data analysis, machine learning algorithms, and real-world problem-solving.
• Emphasizes cybersecurity with practical skills to counter current and emerging threats.
• Prepares graduates for a wide range of careers across various industries and application domains.
• Offers potential progression into the full MSc in Artificial Intelligence program.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Part-time postgraduate study.
• 60 credits across three compulsory taught modules.
• Typically, 5-10 timetabled on-campus hours per week.
• Offered on Belfast campus.
• Starts in September 2024.

Modules:

Scalable Advanced Software Solutions:

Explores modern development and deployment concepts in the context of scalable and high-performance computing services. Covers topics like containerization, continuous integration/delivery, cloud architectures, scalable solutions, advanced programming concepts, and infrastructure.

Data Science and Machine Learning:

Provides an overview of the Data Science process/pipeline. Covers mathematical and statistical knowledge for data analysis, foundations of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and practical programming skills for real-world datasets. Discusses constraints for real-world problem solving.

Cyber Security:

Examines recent advancements in cybersecurity theory and practice. Enables critical decision-making by covering fundamentals and advanced aspects of cybersecurity in terms of theory, practice, policy, and security standards. Addresses modern threats and countermeasures, and explores social, legal, and ethical issues.

Assessment:

• Assessed by 100% coursework.
• Assessment methods include individual and group assignments, presentations, and projects.
• Assessment criteria are specific to each module and align with learning outcomes.
• Timely feedback is provided for all coursework assessments.

Teaching:

• Delivered through lectures, directed tutorials, seminars, and practicals.
• Some sessions are led by industry professionals and researchers.
• Uses a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences.

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for diverse career paths in various industries.
• Equips graduates with skills for software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence roles.
• Graduates can pursue careers as software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, AI specialists, and research scientists, among others.

Other:

• The School of Computing holds the Athena Swan Bronze Award, promoting gender equality in Higher Education.
• Welcomes female applicants to address under-representation in the field.
• Provides access to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution graduates can make in their careers.
• Emphasizes the importance of sustainability in all disciplines and professions.

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year. For modules commenced in the academic year 2024/25, the following fees apply: Fees Credit Points NI/ROI/GB Cost International Cost Credit Points 5 NI/ROI/GB Cost £194.45 International Cost £474.70 Credit Points 10 NI/ROI/GB Cost £388.90 International Cost £949.40 Credit Points 15 NI/ROI/GB Cost £583.35 International Cost £1,424.10 Credit Points 20 NI/ROI/GB Cost £777.80 International Cost £1,898.80 Credit Points 30 NI/ROI/GB Cost £1,166.70 International Cost £2,848.20 Credit Points 60 NI/ROI/GB Cost £2,333.40 International Cost £5,696.40 Credit Points 120 NI/ROI/GB Cost £4,666.80 International Cost £11,392.80 Credit Points 180 NI/ROI/GB Cost £7000.20 International Cost £17,089.20 NB: A standard full-time PGCert is equivalent to 60 credit points per year. A standard full-time PGDip is equivalent to 120 credit points per year. More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section. Additional mandatory costs It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.