Computing Science

The Masters by Research (MRes) is a full-time or part-time Masters Degree by research allowing graduates from disciplines related to Computing and I.T. to develop their subject specific and personal skills through a programme of guided and structured research studies. It is an intensive programme of research under the guidance of a research supervisor who is a specialist in the chosen area of research.  The general area of your study must fit in with the overall ‘flavour’ of the award, but within that general area you will be able to specialise in a topic negotiated between you and your supervisor according to a ‘Learning Contract’. The part-time route is very suitable for existing technologists, lecturers and teachers in academic institutions and may produce outcomes that are valuable to a current or potential employer. 

The MRes programme is demanding and requires 48 weeks of study at the University in full time mode.  A part-time mode of study is available, which usually takes a minimum of two years.  The maximum period of registration is five years.  The course structure is heavily negotiated throughout so that it fits what you are interested in.  As with all research you will proceed at a pace that suits you, within the guidelines given above.  You will need to be highly motivated and personally well-organised.  The Programme begins with the Research Methods Module which provides the research training you will use on the remainder of the course.  This runs in September each year, so the middle of September is the normal start time.  You will draw up a Learning Contract with your supervisor after the Research Methods Module.  The remaining modules are taken sequentially.  In the full time mode you would normally complete two modules by the end of Semester 1 (January), two more by the end of Semester 2 (May) and the Masters Dissertation by the following September.
It is possible to finish the Programme with the award of Pg. Certificate after successfully completing the first two modules, a Pg. Diploma after two more modules and the Masters by Research after successful completion of the Masters Dissertation.

Currently the Faculty supports research in the following areas of Computing Science, although these are not exclusive: Artificial Intelligence, Mobile and Distributed Systems, Graphics and Image Processing, Human Computer Interaction, IT Management and Knowledge Management, Technology for Learning and Teaching.  As an MRes graduate. you would be well suited to a career in any of these areas, or for Computing research in general.  The completion of the award often leads to a student being enabled to undertake a further two years of research for the award of PhD.  The MRes will gain you exemption from the research methods training course that PhD students usually have to take.

For more information about Computing Science please contact: