Computer Science with a Year of Study Abroad (MSci)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

You will take the three taught years and the year abroad of the BSc Computer Science with a Year of Study Abroad course as normal, then (assuming progression criteria are met) will go on to a fifth year of study during which you will take modules of advanced computer science and carry out a new level 7 team project. This would lead to the qualification of Master of Computer Science (MSci).

This five-year course begins by introducing basic computing skills and concepts which will underpin the degree. Short projects in year one are followed by a substantial team project in year two, when you use new skills and knowledge to design and implement a software system. Year three will be spent studying at a university abroad. In year four, you focus on emerging technologies and research-led options related to the Schools core research areas (Complex Systems, Visual Computing and Data & Knowledge Engineering), and undertake an individual project centred on your own interests. In year five, you will study a further selection of modules from across the School's three core research areas, and you will also undertake a final team project.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one
Modules taught in the first two semesters will introduce fundamental computing skills and concepts that form the basis of your degree. This includes the programming of algorithms using languages such as Python and Java™, an understanding of Internet and web technologies, computer architecture and operating systems, software engineering principles and mathematics for computer science. You will be expected to develop new technical and professional skills, and to demonstrate individual creativity and originality throughout the year.

Year two
Core modules taught in year two introduce advanced topics; some choice is introduced into the degree through optional modules. The structure and processing of data is further explored and simple algorithms are expanded into applications that are able to communicate via networks. Skills developed so far are applied during a team project to professionally design and implement a software system.

Your choice of optional modules in year two will allow you to begin to specialise your skills, focusing on either a ‘theoretical computer science’ pathway, an ‘applied/data analysis’ pathway or a ‘systems’ pathway. At the same time, your future career, employability or entrepreneurship and professional skills will be enhanced as you begin to look towards life after university.

Year three will be spent studying at a university abroad so you will typically need to apply to the university of your choice no later than early January in year two. Staff will support you in selecting modules that will complement your learning at Cardiff.

Year three: Sandwich year
In year three you will study in a computer science, or similar, department at a university abroad. You will be able to choose from a subset of the universities with which Cardiff University has a student exchange agreement. You will then be able to study and be assessed on modules at the foreign university according to their regulations. These modules should be equivalent to 120 credits and will contribute 10% to your final degree classification. You will be supported and advised in all aspects of your year of study abroad by our Global Opportunities Centre and staff in the School.

The year of study abroad will give you the opportunity to gain academic study experience in the subject of your core degree in a different environment, as well as learning the different styles and approaches within that country. It will allow you to develop the skills necessary to live independently outside the UK, and experience and appreciate the culture and life styles of the host country. In addition, you will have the chance to study modules that are not available in the School of Computer Science and Informatics.

Year four
In year four you will focus on emerging technologies and advanced topics in computer science. The pathways chosen during year two will be continued and enhanced according to your specific interests, alongside a choice of additional research informed optional modules. Contemporary topics include computer security and forensics investigation, high performance computing, artificial intelligence, computer vision, graphics, and multimedia. You will complete an individual project under staff supervision, driven by your interests.

Your module choices in year four will inform the options available to you during year five, as students may not duplicate topics between the two years. Exact module choices available will depend on the modules offered at the time, and full details of explicit module pairings that must be avoided will be provided in Student handbooks each year. Students will be advised on their module selections during Year four and five to ensure they are able to study their interests at the correct level and to maximise their coverage of Computer Science skills and knowledge.

Year five
As well as taking part in a compulsory team project under the supervision of a member of academic staff, you will choose from a range of carefully selected research-informed modules focusing on contemporary and relevant topics currently emerging within the discipline. This year will consolidate your core Computer Science skills while also widening your knowledge across the breadth of discipline.

Your module choices from year four will inform the options available to you during this year, as students may not duplicate topics between the two years. Exact module choices available will depend on the modules offered at the time, and full details of explicit module pairings that must be avoided will be provided in Student handbooks each year. Students will be advised on their module selections during Year four and five to ensure they are able to study their interests at the correct level and to maximise their coverage of Computer Science skills and knowledge.

A level
AAB-ABB. Must include Maths. 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL Maths.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Skilled computer scientists are in extremely high demand. This means the employment prospects for graduates in the computing and ICT industry are very strong. You will be equipped with transferrable skills that open doors to careers in many sectors.

Recent statistics show that the vast majority of our graduates are following their chosen career paths in roles such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer, Associate Software Developer, Business Analyst and Systems Development Officer.

Some of our graduates go on to work for companies including Airbus Group, Amazon, BBC, BT, Cardiff University, Capgemini, Confused.com, GCHQ, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, MoD, Morgan Stanley, Sky, South Wales Police and Thomson Reuters. Others have chosen further study or research at Cardiff or other top universities.