MSc in Cloud Computing

Program Overview

The MSc Cloud Computing program at the University of Lincoln equips students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the expanding cloud computing industry. The program emphasizes practical learning, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized certifications in areas such as Azure Data Fundamentals and Azure AI Fundamentals. Students gain a thorough understanding of cloud computing technologies, architecture design, and deployment, preparing them for various cloud-focused roles.

Program Outline

The program focuses on providing a comprehensive learning experience that blends computer science principles with practical knowledge and industry practices related to cloud computing.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge cloud computing technologies and their applications.
• Develop in-demand skills for professional roles such as Cloud Developers, Solution Architects, DevOps, and Data specialists.
• Equip students with the ability to design, deploy, and manage scalable cloud systems across multiple cloud service providers.
• Integrate cloud vendor certification into the program to demonstrate industry-transferable competencies and enhance employability.
• Foster a strong partnership with Microsoft through a student-focused Shared Goals Agreement, providing opportunities for students to develop digital skills and access industry cloud certifications.

Outline:

The program emphasizes the broad concepts of cloud computing, covering areas like cloud-based compute, storage, and networking. It also provides opportunities to develop practical skills in cloud architecture design and deployment, as well as cloud development.

Course Structure:

• The program is delivered over one year.
• It consists of core modules and a final research project.
• Each module typically involves 12 weeks of study, including lectures, workshops, and independent study time.
• The final research project is carried out over the last three months of the program.

Modules:

Core Modules:

• Advanced Software Engineering: This module focuses on advanced software engineering principles and practices, equipping students with the skills to design and deploy sophisticated modern software systems.
• Cloud Computing & Administration: This module explores core cloud computing technologies and their applications, covering topics like virtualization, scalability, and resource management.
Students will gain hands-on experience in creating, deploying, and monitoring cloud resources and applications. Students will learn to design and deploy cloud data storage solutions.
• Frontiers of Computer Science Research: This module introduces cutting-edge topics in computer science research, including both theoretical and practical applications.
It features research seminars, guest lectures from industry experts and leading researchers, and opportunities for students to discuss potential research topics. It covers security elements like passwords, certificates, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
• Networks & Cloud Systems: This module focuses on networking in the cloud, specifically on designing and deploying secure software-defined networks (SDNs) as part of cloud applications or infrastructure frameworks.
It covers topics like IP addressing, load balancing, and cloud network security.
• Research Methods (MSc Computer Science): This module equips students with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to undertake research, including literature surveying, topic selection, research planning, method selection, evaluation, presentation, and ethical considerations.
• Research Project: This module allows students to conduct a significant inquiry-driven project in a topical area of interest aligned with their program of study.
It involves developing a dissertation and a substantive software implementation. Students can choose to work on a project related to ongoing research within the School of Computer Science or develop a project concept in consultation with their supervisor.

Assessment:

The program is assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• In-class tests
• Coursework
• Presentations
• Posters
• Examinations
The majority of assessments are coursework-based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science and cloud computing. The final research project allows students to specialize in cloud computing and complete a complex piece of work. Communication and presentation skills are assessed through informal oral presentations (viva voce) and poster presentations in various modules.

Teaching:

• The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical and practical learning.
• Teaching methods include lectures, workshops, and independent study.
• The program benefits from the expertise of faculty members with strong research backgrounds in areas like computational neuroscience, machine learning, data analytics, robotics, medical imaging, AI in healthcare, and human-computer interaction.

Careers:

• There is a global skills shortage of graduates with cloud computing skillsets.
• Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-positioned to fill cloud-focused roles such as:
• Cloud Developer
• Data Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• The program is research-informed, drawing upon the expertise of faculty members engaged in world-leading research in areas like computational neuroscience, machine learning, data analytics, robotics, medical imaging, AI in healthcare, and human-computer interaction.
• Students have the opportunity to gain cutting-edge industry certification in areas like Cloud Data and Cloud AI services, including certifications like Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals and Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals.