Computer Science MSc

Core modules

• Semantic Data Technologies

  Businesses, large organisations and government departments at a local and European level are increasingly producing and using large semi structured data generated from data collection from their own activities and from the wider internet and social media. Semantic Data Technologies both identify and interpret the meaning of data according to its context. This module introduces this concept, alongside the key technologies and techniques for storing data and develops the skills needed for sophisticated data management. The technologies supporting the 'semantic web' have provided the tools, methodologies and theoretical underpinnings to enable data to be automatically interpreted by machines for knowledge based tasks. These techniques are increasingly being used in a more general approach to handling the kind of non-structured data that is important for recording, evaluating and guiding policy and decision making processes. This module will provide the knowledge and skills for students to structure semantic data, develop ontological models and use these to create knowledge based applications to analyse data, support decision making, enable intelligent access to information and add value to data. After completing this course students will be able to design and implement applications that comply with data re-use standards, utilise the semantic web as well as applying those technologies to the organisation and analysis of big data. The knowledge and skills learned in this module complement those of information system analysis design and data base implementation as well as advanced web server and application development, providing a theoretical and practical base for enterprise wide data handling.

• Secure Systems

  With the growth of high bandwidth internet, eCommerce, eBusiness and Virtual Private Networks, security has become a centre-stage issue. This module will raise your awareness of the overarching IT security issues faced by business today, and equip yourself with the necessary understanding to fulfil management responsibilities in information security strategies.

• Advanced Web Solutions

  Creating Web applications requires different approaches than traditional applications and involves the integration of numerous technologies. This module will enable those who have some experience of software development, architecture technologies and HTML to build complex web solutions and advance to dynamic, database-enabled, framework driven website/intranet programming and applications using the PHP scripting language and MySQL database. As part of this process you will learn about the Model-View-Controller architectural pattern, object-oriented PHP, event-driven programming, and databases and see how they all work together to deliver exciting applications. You will also learn how client-to-server data flows in a web environment and how to control it through the integration of fundamental security techniques in every step of the development process. Furthermore, you will gain an insight into how to use and apply version control and how to use specialised software to integrate it into your projects. Finally, you will learn about web testing techniques and which tools are best used for debugging different parts of the application. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the issues, principles, techniques and tools associated with the development of rich Web applications, from design to implementation.

• Data Centre and Cloud Infrastructure

  Cloud computing and virtualisation are key cornerstones for the delivery of today’s state of the art IT services and applications, underpinned by a key robust infrastructure in modern Data Centres. This data centre infrastructure is the focus of this module starting from first principles with the cloud reference model, which consists of five fundamental layers (physical, virtual, control, orchestration, and service) and three cross-layer functions (business continuity, security, and service management). The varying technologies, components, processes, and mechanisms for each layer and cross-layer function will be studied through a planned set of lectures and laboratory sessions utilizing a virtualised test bed. This module will also place an emphasis on students understanding how the web applications they have developed in other modules, can be deployed in cloud and data centre environments either as virtual appliances or alternative container systems and securely tested. Design principles, underpinning knowledge and technology concepts will be the prime focus of lecture material and during the practicals, students will be apply to put the theory into practice with a range of practical exercises concentrating on infrastructure and security testing skills. The module will be assessed by a two part case study focusing on both the design and (security) testing of a typical virtual infrastructure and data centre environment deploying application containers.

• Research Methods

  Gain support and foundations in the research skills needed for your Masters level dissertation. You’ll investigate research activities including project management, research project design and analyses, ethical considerations and dissertation preparation.

• Masters Project

  Prepare and submit your Masters Stage Dissertation or Project (worth 60 credits). This involves 600 hours of student commitment and will be presented in a form equivalent to a maximum of 18,000 words. The topic may be drawn from a variety of sources including: departmental research groups, previous / current work experience, the company in which they are currently employed, a lecturer suggested topic or a professional subject of their specific interest (if suitable supervision is available). The project topic will be assessed for suitability to ensure sufficient academic challenge and satisfactory supervision by an academic member of staff. The chosen topic will require the student to identify / formulate problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artefacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present their finding using a variety of media.