Course structure
Core modules
Computing Master's Project
You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your course. Normally computing master’s projects are drawn from commercial, industrial or research-based problem areas. The project involves you in researching and investigating aspects of your area of study and then producing a major deliverable, for example software package or tool, design, web-site and research findings. You also critically evaluate your major deliverable, including obtaining third party evaluation where appropriate.
The major deliverable(s) are presented via a poster display, and also via a product demonstration or a conference-type presentation of the research and findings. The research, project process and evaluation is reported via a paper in the style of a specified academic conference or journal paper. The written report, the major deliverable and your presentation of the product are assessed.
The project management process affords supported opportunities for goal setting, reflection and critical evaluation of achievement.
Hacking the Human
You explore what is increasingly recognised as one of the most important areas and greatest threats of cybersecurity - the human being. Criminals are increasingly targeting people as an easy way to access a computer system, this is summed up in a famous quote by a well-known writer on cybersecurity, Bruce Schneier ‘Only amateurs attack machines; professionals target people’.
You explore what these types of cybersecurity threats are and what steps individuals and organisations can take to mitigate against them.
Assessment is a case study, exploring cybersecurity event involving issues of human behaviour. You produce a 4000 - 5000 word report identifying and discussing these issues and proposing some solutions for future prevention.
IoT Security
There has been a rapid growth within the field of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is applied in environmental monitoring, smart homes, industrial controls and digital cities. IoT incorporates various techniques, including wireless sensor networks, embedded systems, ubiquitous computing, and machine learning that involve unique IoT devices with a distinct set of security risks.
You explore the important concepts in IoT - the use of Internet technologies to access and interact with objects in the physical world. You also develop the capability to understand potential security risks and produce security architecture of IoT systems. This incudes IoT architecture, IoT operating systems and platforms, low power communications, IoT data analysis, IoT security and identity recognition. You also gain experience of practical skills required for the programming of IoT devices.
Assessment is through 100% continuous assessment where you build a project, which addresses challenges in the IoT security area.
IT Ethics and Law
You explore the key legal issues to consider if you are anticipating a career in the IT industry. Key topics include introduction to the English legal system, intellectual property rights, computer crime, computer contracts and liability, privacy and data protection. You apply the legal principles studied to realistic scenarios and case studies from the real-world.
You are assessed through a continuous assessmemt which explores a current IT or computing issue from a legal and ethical point of view in the form of a mini investigative report.
Mobile Systems and Cybersecurity
You gain a thorough understanding of the concepts and technologies used in modern mobile devices such as phones, PDAs and laptops. You learn about the hardware used by mobile devices and the networking technologies that allow them to communicate with each other and the outside world. You also explore data compression techniques and security. You attend a series of lectures, tutorials and seminars.
You are assessed by a 100% ICA. You work individually researching an agreed topic and produce a research report (4,000 words).
Research and Development
You gain the knowledge and skills to understand the research process in computing and digital media, and the necessary skills to undertake your masters project. You learn how to use and critically evaluate previous academic research, and to generate good evidence material to justify their professional practice. This involves you learning about different research strategies and data generation methods and how they fit into the development lifecycle and the evaluation of the user experience, the use of the academic research literature, and research ethics.
Assessment involves you preparing a research proposal which can form the basis of your master's project.
Systems Administration and Security
You are introduced to the fundamentals of modern networking and examine network protocols and hardware so that you can face the day-to-day problems occurring with networked PC computers. You also look at how organisations can help prevent most problems through effective policies, good daily practice and professional preventative measures. You also explore systems administration including account and data management, hardware management, application and operating system support. The UK legal framework will be examiner as a context to place such policies, practice and measures.
Teaching and assessment features the use of real and realistic case studies so that you can test your knowledge and techniques in as authentic a way as possible. You produce immediate solutions to problems and review the incidents in order to prevent further occurrences and develop new policies.
Advanced practice (2 year full-time MSc only)
Internship
The internship options are:
Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
