Course summary
The MSc in Computer Science offers students with a strong undergraduate background in computer science an opportunity to follow their interests in studying the subject at an advanced, research-led level. Students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of modules in advanced topics including artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, networks and distributed systems, and software engineering.
Modules
Compulsory: Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming Optional: The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied. Students choose up to seven optional modules. In the 'Additional optional' lists, students can only take up to two of the modules in each list. Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered. Artificial Intelligence Practice Artificial Intelligence Principles Critical Systems Engineering Data Ethics and Privacy Data-Intensive Systems Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods Information Visualisation Interactive Software and Hardware Knowledge Discovery and Datamining Language and Computation Machine Learning Principles of Computer Communication Systems Software Architecture Software Engineering Practice Software Engineering Principles User-Centred Interaction Design Additional Optional: Students may take up to two of the following: Advanced Communication Networks and Systems Computer Architecture Computer Graphics Computer Security Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures Constraint Programming Distributed Systems Logic and Software Verification Programming Language Design and Implementation Signal Processing: Sound, Image, Video Video Games Students may take up to two of the following: Database Management Systems Digital Heritage and Preservation Information Security Management Web Technologies Dissertation project: During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually (students are assessed individually in either case). The dissertation typically comprises:
- a review of related work
- the extension of existing or the development of new ideas
- software implementation and testing
- analysis and evaluation.
Assessment method
Most modules are assessed through practical coursework exercises and examinations. All students will be required to complete a Post Entry Language Assessment (PELA) on arrival at the University of St Andrews. Based on their performance in this assessment, students will be advised to attend targeted support sessions during the year to improve language and academic skills. This assessment is required, but will not count towards the final degree classification.
Entry requirements
A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science, or strongly related discipline. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the University's international entry requirements.
English language requirements
For the current English Language requirements please visit the English language requirements for postgraduate students on the University of St Andrews website.
English language requirements for postgraduate students
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/language-requirements/postgraduate/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of St Andrews
College Gate
St Andrews
KY16 9AJ