University of Ulster
School of Computing and Mathematics (Jordanstown campus)
PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Computing
PGDip/MSc in Computing (with specialisms)

Mode

Full-time:

PGDip - normally two semesters over one year.
MSc - normally three semesters over one calendar year.

Part-time:

PGDip - normally four semesters over two years.
MSc - normally six semesters over two years.

Overview

The PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Computing draws upon the strengths of previous postgraduate provision within the School, providing advanced education in software engineering along with the opportunity to study from a range of optional computing topics. The course aims to provide graduates in the field of computer science and related disciplines with advanced knowledge of computing, the competence to apply the most recent computing and software engineering techniques and the ability to critically evaluate current research and practice in the area. Through appropriate selection of optional modules and dissertation title, specialist pathways may also be studied and the specialism reflected in the award title as follows:
(It is anticipated that not all specialisms will be offered in 2008-09).

The Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma acquires its distinctive character through five compulsory modules. The following four,
are designed to develop technical skills in the core areas of distributed computing, databases, software engineering and process improvement. Students who complete these four modules qualify for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Computing. For Postgraduate Diploma in Computing, the compulsory modules are rounded off by a Research Methods module which emphasises equally the unique engineering, scientific and societal dimensions of computing and is designed to inculcate broad research skills which students will utilise in the MSc dissertation and later professional life.

In addition to the five compulsory modules, students who wish to obtain Postgradauate Diploma / MSc in Computing (with specialism) complete two further compulsory modules in the specialism and one optional module outside the specialism (i.e. from another specialism).  The specialisms and the corresponding compulsory modules are as follows:

Specialism Compulsory Modules
Communications Mobile and Wireless Networks, Autonomic Computing and Communications
Web Technology Advanced Web Technologies, E-Business Innovation
Artificial Intelligence Intelligent Agents, Applied Computational Intelligence
Healthcare Technology Health Informatics, Emerging Healthcare Technologies

On completing the taught component of the course, students commence the MSc dissertation.  Generalist MSc in Computing students may choose a topic in any area of computing whereas MSc in Computing (with specialism)  students must choose a topic in their specialist area. This gives students the opportunity to integrate and extend what they have learned in the taught modules by undertaking a substantial research and software development exercise.  Dissertation topics arise either from research and scholarly activities of teaching staff or from the work experience of students.


For further information about the course contact the Course Director Dr Piyush Ojha.