100% online MSc Computer Science

In this module you will use a range of tools to build a web application using modern technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, Ajax and web services, and reflect on new advances made in the field of web development in the areas of accessibility, semantic and mobile-friendliness. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the standards and technologies required to build modern web applications and will learn to use and evaluate a range of web authoring tools. These tools will include server-side scripting languages, web frameworks and content management systems.

This module explores the concepts and practice of virtualisation and cloud computing. You will examine the associated solutions commonly used in industry and you will develop an understanding of the key aspects and principles of their operation. After studying this module, you will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts, issues and considerations of virtualisation and cloud computing, and demonstrate mastery of the tools and advanced techniques used in the development of sophisticated solutions.

This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the issues, tools, techniques, and technologies in developing for mobile computing environments. It examines approaches to handling these issues, and the skills necessary in developing for contemporary mobile computing platforms. After studying this module, you will have expertise in the specific nature of mobile application development, advanced knowledge of and ability to develop interfaces for mobile applications and will be able to analyse, identify and evaluate the challenges for mobile applications. Importantly, you will also be able to design and develop appropriate solutions.

This module examines the protocols, architecture and devices that construct computer networks and how they are used to enable the internet to function. You will study operating systems and services, TCP/IP IPV6 network infrastructure, LANs and WANs WIFI, Bluetooth and mobile security, ACLs, firewalls and IPS systems and the architecture of the Internet. After studying this module, you will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the underpinning principles, practice and applications of networking and be able to use tools to simulate and evaluate different network designs.

This module looks at different data processing and mining techniques and state-of-the-art data processing and mining tools. The topics you will explore include an introduction to data mining and knowledge discovery process, data collection and processing with data types from a variety of sources, and social web mining. You will look at a variety of techniques and trends in data mining and develop an understanding of: data models; the knowledge discovery process; data selection; pre-processing and cleaning; data mining algorithms and association rules; classification; clustering; text mining; social media mining; and data visualisation. After studying this module, you will be able to use all aspects of the knowledge discovery process from data collection and data processing to representation, applying cutting-edge data mining techniques to extract information from data. You will also develop your own data mining solution using a state-of-the-art data mining tool.

Human intelligence involves a continuous process of sensing, analysing, reasoning, and adaptation. In this course, you will focus on studying algorithms (both learning and optimisation), which could be used to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system. You will focus in particular on theory and implementation using different programming languages. This module will provide you with opportunities to comprehend, define, and formulate real-world problems, integrate learning and optimisation algorithms such as artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms, and select optimal machine learning, training, and reasoning algorithms.

In this module you will learn to use a wide variety of tools, techniques, methodologies and processes in the field of project management. Ethical and legal aspects of project planning and management will also be discussed. You will explore: project management and associated risks; risk handling techniques and methodologies; management of organisational resources and budgeting; legal, social, ethical and regulatory requirements and issues; planning, estimation, structure of projects; monitoring and control; review of scientific processes; and employability issues. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of project management and its crucial operation in complex and unpredictable environments. By studying this module, you will develop a critical understanding of methodologies underpinning core project management processes and procedures to assure project success and minimise risk, and be able to flexibly and autonomously apply knowledge of solutions and processes that underpin professional practice in project management.

The manipulation and management of data is fundamental to being a successful data scientist. This module equips you with the skills necessary to design and implement appropriate database systems to support the manipulation of data and keep it secure. The module will also develop an understanding of the different types of database systems to ensure an appreciation of where they are applicable. On this module, you will study: an introduction to database concepts and techniques; database design (Oracle Data Modeller); relational model concepts working with database technologies; SQL, Oracle; non-relational systems such as NoSQL, MongoDB and Oracle NoSQL; an overview of Hadoop Technologies and introduction to Spark environment; database management and administration management of data; data governance; and data security. After studying this module, you will be able to apply a critical understanding of, and demonstrate ability in, the tools and techniques used in the development of database applications and understand the fundamental aspects of data governance and data security.

This module provides you with specialised knowledge and a hands-on practical understanding of Internet of things (IoT) devices and applications while focusing on security. IoT is a fusion of interconnected devices of various sizes and complexities with examples ranging from simple sensors to autonomous vehicles and smart homes. It is, therefore, essential to learn how to identify emerging threats and plan mitigation techniques to minimise vulnerabilities. Examples of fundamental topics and underpinning technologies that will be covered include wireless sensors and actuators in IoT networks, communication and networking in IoT, non-IP protocols such as WIFI, Bluetooth and ZigBee embedded systems, cyber-physical-systems, data analytics in IoT, data trustworthiness, governance and privacy in IoT, programming IoT applications using Arduino or Raspberry Pi, and IoT professional, ethical and legal aspects. After studying this module, you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of underpinning technologies enabling IoT implementations, related security and ethical issues, and be able to critically evaluate vulnerabilities and threats to data, hardware, and end-users of IoT systems. You will have the ability to autonomously apply appropriate IoT solutions to real-life scenarios, and the ability to apply appropriate theory to implement countermeasures and minimise the risk of vulnerabilities.

This module introduces you to research and methodologies used to underpin scientific work, data analysis, hypothesis establishment and artefact validation in understanding research of an appropriate subject discipline. The module explores: an introduction to research; literature search, discussion and critical evaluation; research methodologies and strategies; experimental procedures; data analysis methods; research philosophy; identification of a suitable project title; research impact and gap analysis; production of scientific work; consistency, rigour and clarity; ethics in research; and legal, social and regulatory requirements and issues. You will be actively engaged in enquiry during the learning process and have to articulate your own understanding of the issues examined during teaching sessions. You will understand the concepts of research and its crucial operation in complex and unpredictable environments where a range of techniques and technologies coexist to identify gaps in the existing literature. You will develop your collaborative abilities through the learning process as part of the task to cross-fertilise and discuss research ideas about the technologies analysed and their core implementation challenges and benefits with fellow students. You will be given the opportunity to select and examine specific research problems and to reflect and exercise research methods, title decomposition and research question formulations. By studying this module, you will develop a critical evaluation and understanding of knowledge on various research principles and methodologies and be able to flexibly and autonomously apply knowledge of solutions to open research problems, demonstrating the ability to understand research impact and develop gap analysis tools and techniques.

One of the most important skills expected of being an effective specialist in any discipline is the ability to work creatively under the appropriate guidance of an organisation. It is therefore essential that you use and develop the skills and knowledge gained from other modules and from your wider educational or working background in a major integrative exercise. In this module, you will be expected to develop an idea and demonstrate your ability to develop it further by applying your technical, analytical, practical and managerial skills in an integrated manner. This module will support you to autonomously develop your research skills and problem-solving skills to build a novel artefact that encompasses the theoretical domains and hands-on analysis and ideation during your course. You will engage in an informative tutorial on how to apply your knowledge from research methods in the design of your artefact and research questions. This module will enable you to demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of a selected specialist area of your course, including issues at the forefront of research or professional practice in your chosen area. You will be able to independently design and undertake a substantial investigation that rigorously tackles a complex problem in computer science, selecting appropriate methodological processes and critically evaluating their effectiveness.