MSc Advanced Computer Science

in the School of Engineering and Computer Science

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About the course

One of a range of degrees from the taught Master's Programme in the Department of Computer Science

This award is targeted at those who have a good Honours degree in computer science or a very closely related discipline, and who wish to extend and deepen their knowledge in two or more different sub-discipline areas. This course will enable you to enhance your career prospects or prepare for a programme of research that requires knowledge of one or more of these sub-discipline areas. You will have a wide range of taught modules from which to choose, and will be expected to complete a major project that extends and applies what you have learnt in one or more of the taught modules they have taken.

Fact sheets 2019 Course fact sheet 1 MSc Advanced Computer Science

Programme specifications 2019 Programme specification 1 MSc Computer Science (Modular)

Why choose this course?

This MSc is available with an optional one-year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.

One of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate Master's programme in Computer Science, this particular course provides you with a specialism combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in advanced computer science.

This MSc will help you develop skills using and critically evaluating a range of methods and tools currently employed in at least two specialist topics of computer science to advanced depth.

Taught by a highly-regarded and long-established computer science department with strong links to business.

Half the research outputs in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire have been rated at world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

Professional Accreditations

The previous incarnation of this programme and its awards achieved accreditation from the BCS as below.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

This new version of the programme has been carefully designed to achieve appropriate levels of accreditation, and the department is currently in touch with the BCS regarding continued accreditation.

Course details

Careers

Our masters programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research. This particular course will prepare you for a career such as a software engineer, developer or project manager.

What job can I get?

Our master's programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research.

The MSc Advanced Computer Science course will equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in at least two specialist topics of computer science to advanced depth.

Successful graduates may pursue a career in areas such as programming, artificial intelligence and robotics, computer networks, cyber security, data science, or software engineering, pending on the knowledge and skill set gained through the optional modules the graduates choose and complete.

Teaching methods

Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for masters students. In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Work Placement

This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.

This offers you the opportunity to work for one year in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You will be a full time employee in a company earning a salary and will learn new skills that can't be taught at University. During the placement, you will be able to gain further insight into industrial practice that you can take forward into your individual project.

We will provide excellent academic and personal support during both your academic and placement periods together with comprehensive careers guidance from our very experienced dedicated Careers and Placements Service.

Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise special training sessions to help you secure a placement, from job application to the interview. Optional one-to-one consultations are also available.

In order to qualify for the placement period you must pass all the first 60 credits of your study in your first attempt.

Structure

Year 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Programming Paradigms	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the extent to which different programming paradigms can be applied to the implementation of elegant solutions to a given programming problem. To this end, this module will evaluate different programming paradigms, such as imperative, functional, concurrent and object-oriented programming. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Network System Administration	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed for those with an existing knowledge and understanding of fundamental computer networking concepts, protocols and architectures and aims to extend that knowledge in practice. Students will be able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation in computer networks and the Internet by having hands-on experience with real networks and will learn how to configure and maintain network systems. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Advanced Computer Science Masters Project	60 Credits	Compulsory
The project is a showpiece opportunity for students to demonstrate what they know about current research and practices in computer science and show off their skills in applying their skills in a range of computer science topics in order to conduct a practical investigation of a particular computer science problem. The project is a self-directed piece of work, conducted with minimum supervision that demonstrates the student’s ability to plan and manage a substantial piece of work, and steer their own efforts. Students are expected to be thorough in their work, and, particularly, identify and tackle any difficult or challenging aspects of the problems they are trying to solve. It is not just the quantity, or even the quality of work that is considered when grading the project, but the level of difficulty and the scope of the problem being addressed.
Data Mining	15 Credits	Optional
Data Mining deals with the discovery of hidden knowledge, unexpected patterns and new rules from large databases. It is currently regarded as the key element of a much more elaborate process called Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), which is closely linked to another important development - data warehousing. The combination of data warehousing, decision support, and data mining indicates an innovative and totally new approach to information management. Until now, information systems have been built and operated mainly to support the operational processes of an organisation. KDD views the information in an organisation in an entirely new way - as a strategic source of opportunity (Adriaans 1996).
Measures and Models for Software Engineering	30 Credits	Optional
In this module advanced issues of software engineering theory and practice are examined. The range of software engineering products and processes making up a software project are measured and modelled. Typical software engineering products explored in the module may include: user requirements, design documents, code etc. Typical software engineering processes explored in the module may include: testing, debugging etc. The aim of the module is to use the modelling and measuring of such products and processes to allow quantified decision-making during software development. The module offers students the opportunity to explore both the state-of-the-art and the-state-of-the-practice in software engineering. The module will examine the most up to date research findings about software engineering as well as investigate the current practices of many software engineering companies. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Programming for Software Engineers	30 Credits	Optional
Software engineering places great emphasis upon the use, and re-use, of components that are tightly specified and thoroughly tested. This approach is supported by the provision of software frameworks within which programs can be developed. A software framework typically provides an Application Programming Interface (API) implemented as a set of libraries, and supported by a set of tools that may be used during development. But where do APIs, ABIs and software libraries come from? How do we decide what components are required? How are they designed and implemented? Who builds them? How do they go about it? How are they tested? How can we be sure that they work? What effect does the design and implementation of APIs and software libraries have upon the performance of systems that employ them? This module attempts to address these and other issues associated with the design, construction and use of software frameworks.
Software Engineering Practice and Experience	30 Credits	Optional
This module gives students the opportunity to extend their understanding and experience of software engineering practice. It offers students exposure to the development and evolution of software. The module is very practical and is based around a substantial piece of software. The aim of the module is to enable students to develop software engineering knowledge and skills that are transferable to software companies. The module covers each element of the software engineering process. It explores the use of overarching development approaches such as eXtreme Programing and Component Based Software Engineering. Leading edge practices are introduced such as using program slicing to find code faults. Specialised software development approaches are investigated such as those required for application areas such as safety critical systems. Process models popular with industry, such as one of the SEI models, are also used and evaluated during this module. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Distributed Systems Security	30 Credits	Optional
A range of topics will be covered in this module. The detailed content will vary according to current research directions. Case studies will be used throughout. Issues will be considered in relation to each topic as appropriate. These pervasive issues are: models, design, standards, protocols, and performance. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Secure Systems Programming	15 Credits	Optional
The variety and proliferation of passive and active malicious attacks made against users of networks and distributed systems has led to a need for pro-active defence mechanisms against such attackers. For an individual, the inconvenience of being attacked can range from being extremely frustrating to downright expensive with slow to no service at all on their computer. For a company it too can be frustrating and costly both financially and to their reputation. This module will be both theoretical and practical, exploring concepts and applications from the fields of computer systems and their security weaknesses. Content will vary according to current research directions. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Multicast and Multimedia Networking	15 Credits	Optional
How do we deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations? How can a network mix applications with very different quality of service requirements? This module addresses these and other problems that must be solved if we are to integrate the gamut of diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. By the end of the module, you will be familiar with most of the important issues and ideas in applying high-speed network technology to applications with diverse quality of service requirements. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking	15 Credits	Optional
How can we cope with users and computers that move from place to place, and yet wish to remain in contact with the net? This module looks at a range of wireless communications technologies, and addresses some of the problems of mobile ad-hoc and wireless networks. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Artificial Life with Robotics	30 Credits	Optional
The overall aim of this module is to provide an in-depth study of a range of advanced ideas, theory, and techniques used in the construction of artificial life systems. The module will be oriented towards (1) the modelling of real-life biological systems and (2) the application of ideas and principles from biology and evolution to computer science in the areas of optimisation, intelligent agents, and engineering, and feedback back to the biological sciences. There is a large practical element to the module with the students gaining experience in developing artificial life models. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Neural Networks and Machine Learning	30 Credits	Optional
A study of a selection of research topics centered around neural network theory and design, machine learning including supervised and unsupervised learning and some interesting applications, for example, data mining, biocomputation, evolutionary algorithms, neural networks as models of brain function in health, disease and development, and data visualization. Actual topics taught may vary from year to year.
Theory and Practice of Artificial Intelligence	30 Credits	Optional
The overall aim of this module is to provide an in-depth study of a range of ideas, theories and techniques used in the construction of artificial intelligence systems. The module will be oriented towards the creation of AI systems for tasks in the areas of intelligent modelling, problem-solving, learning, decision-making, reasoning, robot control and others. There is a large practical element to the module with the students gaining experience in developing artificial intelligence models. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.
Information Security, Management and Compliance	15 Credits	Optional
Today, Information Environments have become large, diverse and heterogeneous. System boundaries and jurisdictions have blurred and system assets can be located in different geographical locations. Stakeholders span across an integrated supply chain, new vulnerabilities are being constantly discovered and threat agents can expand their operations at an international level with little effort. The first and last line of defence to any information environment is a thorough, explicitly defined and well implemented risk and threat assessment process. The module will discuss procedures and controls for ensuring and assuring the information assets of an organisation. It will touch upon threat, risk, vulnerability and the different methods for managing them. It will look at security models, security standards and compliance issues for training students to conduct and manage risk and threat assessments.
Digital Forensics	15 Credits	Optional
Digital forensics is the discipline that deals with the collection, examination, analysis and reporting of digital evidence. Nowadays digital forensics techniques are employed in various types of investigations from cybercrimes to corporate investigations. When a security incident is reported, digital forensics techniques are applied in order to retrieve related evidence in an evidentially sound manner. The constant development of a range of technologies is contributing to the establishment of formal methods and procedures for the digital forensic investigators. In this module the students should expect to familiarise themselves with the current research in the field and study the digital forensic practices. They will study the formal methodologies and policies involved in the investigation. A highly practical element should also be anticipated in this module as the students will work with various tools in order to practically analyse digital devices and extract digital evidence.
Penetration Testing	15 Credits	Optional
In today’s knowledge-centred virtual-computing era, the Cyber Domain is the Information Environment of choice for committing and facilitating crime. Criminals exploit system vulnerabilities in order to manifest threats for furthering their objectives. To secure a system, it is essential for computer security professionals to understand the structure, configuration, tools and techniques computer criminals rely upon, in order to successfully commit to their act. It is equally important to perform regular penetration tests for discovering vulnerabilities. The module will discuss the mind-set, culture and ethics of the professional Pen-Tester, the current practice for conducting a ‘PenTest’ and of course, research the technologies and tools involved. The module will train scholars to hack infrastructures, mine search-engine results, extract and analyse document metadata, identify and exploit vulnerabilities, enumerate users and services.
Cyber Operations	15 Credits	Optional
1. Information as a weapon. 2. Information environment. 3. Cyber battlespaces and domains of conflict: - network warfare; - command & control warfare; - defensive operations; - threat intelligence, indicators & warnings; - protection measures; - attack response & restoration. 4. Offensive operations: - perception management; - intelligence for targeting & damage assessment; - attack operations. 5. Disciplines of cyber operations (information operations): - PSYOPS; - deception; - NETOPS; - intelligence & counterintelligence (situational awareness); - INFOSEC; - OPSEC.
Investigative Methods for Computer Science	15 Credits	Optional
Students working at, and beyond, Master’s level are expected to understand both generic and domain-specific investigative methods, and to be able to apply them in their work. This module explores a range of such methods and the uses to which they may be put, and helps students to enhance their proficiency in the skills that are expected of those working at postgraduate level. Furthermore, this module involves working actively as part of a team of fellow students on a complex, multi-domain computing problem. Typically, the project can be a research project to answer a research question, a thorough empirical investigation of a specific topic, or a development idea from student themselves, or a virtual or real client. Each team would be expected to manage the project, to report regularly to their supervisor(s) on the progress of the project, and to collectively deliver a set of appropriate outputs from the project. The output(s) of the team project will typically be a computing product or system together with appropriate documentation etc.
Professional Issues	15 Credits	Optional
This module covers the relationship between technological change, society and the law, emphasising the powerful role that computers and computer professionals play in a technological society. It also covers the professional codes and UK laws which are relevant to the disciplines of computer science and information systems, and provides students with an understanding of important ethical concepts and dilemmas of relevance to computer professionals.

Fees & funding

Fees 2019

UK/EU Students

Full time

£8400 for the 2019/2020 academic year

Part time

£700 per 15 credits for the 2019/2020 academic year

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Entry requirements

For admission to MSc Computer Networks and Systems Security, the normal requirement is a good Honours Degree (or equivalent) in computer science or cognate discipline. The choice of award title students may be accepted on to will be determined by the award applied for and the prior learning of the student as demonstrated by the transcript for existing qualifications held by the applicant.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate sufficient competence in English to benefit from the Programme. This is normally demonstrated by recognised awards equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0. Candidates who do not satisfy these requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures. These will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).

How to apply

Course length

Full Time, 15 Months
Full Time, 1 Years
Part Time, 3 Years

Locations

University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

2019

Start Date	End Date	Link
29/09/2019	18/09/2020	Apply online (Full Time)
19/01/2020	31/05/2021	Apply online (Full Time)
29/09/2019	18/09/2020	Apply online (Part Time)
19/01/2020	15/01/2021	Apply online (Part Time)

2020

Start Date	End Date	Link
29/09/2020	18/09/2021	Apply online (Full Time)
19/01/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
29/09/2020	18/09/2021	Apply online (Part Time)
19/01/2021	15/01/2022	Apply online (Part Time)

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
29/09/2021	18/09/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
19/01/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
29/09/2021	18/09/2022	Apply online (Part Time)
19/01/2022	15/01/2023	Apply online (Part Time)