Computing Science

Award

MRes

Key facts

Location:: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:: Part-time, distance learning, September start
Duration:: 2 Years
Start date:: 23 September 2024
School:: School of Digital, Technologies and Arts

Research insight

Use different methods to solve real world challenges

Industry links

Benefit from our extensive links with IT professionals

Flexible study

Tailor your learning to your interests and career

Expand your expertise and carry out research that makes an impact. Our MRes Computer Science gives you the chance to find innovative solutions in your area of interest – whether that’s app development, IT infrastructure, or cybercrime.

Our part-time MRes Computing Science is designed to take your knowledge to the next level. We’ll challenge you to think about issues in the context of employer-driven needs and emerging markets.

Through distance learning approach, you’ll explore how we can use research to find innovative solutions. By the end of the course, you’ll have carried out your own research and feel confident applying a range of techniques to the computing industry.

At Staffordshire University, we’re recognised for our excellent teaching and research in engineering, technology and computing. We have connections with industry professionals and understand how research adds value to the sector.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MRes Computing Science

Course content

We’ve designed this course to give you the flexibility to focus on the area of computing science that interests you or that’s relevant to your career.

Not only will you research emerging trends, you’ll learn how to apply techniques to commercial contexts.

You’ll start the course by studying Applied Research methods. Then you’ll study Secondary Research where you’ll have the chance to delve into the literature in your area of interest.

You’ll also complete a discipline-specific module to develop your research skills. This will also involve creating a research proposal that will be the basis of your dissertation. It’s entirely up to you what your dissertation is about.

Staffordshire University shows substantial improvement in REF 2021

Blog

Staffs Uni has welcomed the results of REF 2021 which has recognised more of its research as "internationally excellent" and "world leading"

Entry requirements

Normal requirements are at least a UK second class honours degree or equivalent in a related computing discipline

If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work.

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required.

Facilities

Off-campus library services

Distance learners benefit from a range of services including access to e-books, postal loans of physical books, online support from subject librarians and more.

Support for distance learners

Studying remotely doesn't mean that you will be left to study alone. Which is why we ensure that however you study with us, you'll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students.

Blackboard (VLE)

Blackboard is a virtual learning environment which houses your learning content. It enables online teaching/learning, provides spaces to build online communities and knowledge sharing.

Careers

After completing your own research, you’ll have a unique insight into the industry that employers will value. Your expertise can be applied to roles such as:

Computer programmer
Computer systems specialist
System engineer
Technical consultant
Application analyst
Business analyst
Data analyst
Database administrator
Information systems manager
IT consultant

Want to continue your research? After finishing course, have the skills you need for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you online with:

Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision and assessment skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

You will typically need to complete 10 – 15 hours of independent work each week. However, the actual study time will vary from student to student.

Independent learning

The focus of this course is independent learning and individual study time. This could involve:

Set reading material or e-textbooks
Researching e-journals and e-books from the library or library books which can be posted to you (UK based students only)
Preparing for your dissertation

Staff

You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience.

Dr Justin Champion

Senior Lecturer

Justin has worked for the University for a number of years as a Senior Lecturer in Networking. He is a member of the university's CISCO teaching team and has a wide set of experiences within this field, and has mostly specialised in the area of…

Justin's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MRes-Part-time, distance learning, September start
Study option	UK / Channel Islands
Part-time	£8,865 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree with us, you may be entitled to an alumni discount off your course fee for any subsequent postgraduate taught course. For further information please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module. The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study. Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies. Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course. Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project. You are expected to have access to an appropriate PC/Laptop with admin rights so that you can install software in order to complete this course.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

The course has allowed me to expand my horizons both on a professional and hobbyist level.

The course allowed me to move more into the theoretical side of the field. Working currently as a Web Programmer, it provides an insight into the bleeding edge technologies that have and may see implementation. Additionally, outside of employment related benefits, I am also able to research subjects I find personally interesting.

I have found all of the staff to be extremely responsive in communication, and the course has allowed me to expand my horizons both on a professional and hobbyist level. Access to research papers and a vast catalogue of software packages facilitates learning well.

Sam Harriott

MRes Computing Science

Apply

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MRes	Part-time, distance learning, September start	23 September 2024	Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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