Cardiff University MSc Computing

MSc Computing is designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline. We expect prospective candidates to possess at minimum a 2:2 honours degree or an equivalent professional qualification in a subject other than computing. Successful applicants will be taught how to think like a programmer and design software in a range of modules taught by our professional team of academics.

We aim to provide students with a well-rounded education in computing, which includes:

• an opportunity to combine elements of their previous studies with computing in a final project of their own design
• software construction skills on multiple platforms and languages
• an understanding of a computer's roots, networking and the internet
• multiple module choices providing deeper understanding of subjects they're most interested in.

Our core modules provide a comprehensive understanding of a broad range of computing solutions. The course is also complemented by a number of optional choices allowing students to delve deeper in to the subjects they are most interested in.

Core modules

• Python: the fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms
• Software Engineering: students will be familiarised with each stage of the software development life cycle, learning to plan and build an application from start to finish in a team.
• Web applications: students will build websites and applications the whole world can access over the internet.
• Java: students will learn to build complex, visual applications, combining what they have learned in Python and taking it further.

Optional modules

• Computational systems: learn the foundations modern computers work upon and how higher level language is translated in to machine code.
• E-Commerce and Innovation: This module equips students with an understanding of new business opportunities on the internet and how to approach the tasks associated with researching and setting up a high-tech business or social enterprise venture.
• Information Modelling and Database Systems: students will be familiarized with issues and successful approaches in the design of distributed systems
• Distributed and Cloud Computing: this module covers the organisation of distributed systems, core technologies to implement distributed systems, various models and infrastructures to support Cloud computing and emerging themes in distributed systems
• Human Centric Computing: this module will develop the technical, societal, business and management understanding to enable individuals to define and deliver effective information systems from a human centric perspective.

Project and dissertation

In the final third of the course, students are expected to undertake a project. The project will be of their own design and written up in an end of year dissertation. This is an opportunity to take elements of what they have learned throughout the year and put it in to an innovative idea which stretches their abilities to the limit.

Under normal circumstances, full-time students will complete the course within a year, whilst part-time students will complete the course within three years.

Recent graduates have gained employment in roles such as software development, systems analysts, business analysts, IT consultants and support engineers.

Ben Thomas now works for Facebook. "MSc Computing was a great course for me as I was able to combine ideas from my social science bachelors"

Cindy Gutterford is working on data base security for River Island. "The course opened my eyes to the world of databases. I had no idea!"

Billy Trashard founded his own IT start-up. "Without the foundation in programming I gained from Cardiff, I would still be working in Star Bucks"

If you are interested in applying or have any questions about the course, please get in touch.