MSc
Applied Computer Science

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Key Information

Duration

1 Year

Start Date

January 2025

Typical Offer

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Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Subject to Validation

Academic Year

Course Overview

The MSc Applied Computer Science programme is designed as a conversion programme for those who have little or no previous academic computing experience. It aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop a range of computing knowledge and skills to pursue in-demand career opportunities. The programme has been designed for those seeking to enhance their current role or transfer to a technical computing career in industry.

Why Choose Lincoln?

Opportunities to gain industry certifications

No previous computer science experience required

Modules which prepare you with real-world skills

Chances to undertake exiting software development projects

Female student in a green jumper looking at a computer

How You Study

Through a blend of core and additional modules, the programme explores the broad concepts of Computer Science to enhance familiarity with computing systems, covering topics such as cloud and networking, as well as cyber security and web service development.

The additional modules help you to build industry-transferable skills that can be applied to a range of computing roles. For example, the Software Project module is an opportunity for you to engage in a software project on a topic of your choosing. It provides a CV enhancing opportunity to demonstrate the deep knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme module topics and to evidence a significant portfolio piece.

Course content is primarily delivered through interactive lectures and workshops, and each module typically consists of 12 weeks of study, which includes a supporting lecture programme, a series of supported workshop sessions, and time for the completion of assignments. The Software Project module is carried out over the summer period with the support of an academic supervisor. Emphasis is placed on enabling you to build practical skills in designing and developing software applications using the latest technologies.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and workshops. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, you are expected to spend at least two hours in independent study.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Cloud and Network Computing 2024-25CMP9142Level 72024-25This module provides students with the opportunity to learn cutting-edge Cloud Computing and Networking topics such as virtualization, storage, and networking in the context of cloud and on-premise resource infrastructure. The latest cloud models are discussed and their application for scientific and industry use-cases. The module will also cover core Networking concepts and their application for scalable infrastructure and services. The ethical, legal and security implications of adopting cloud computing and networking services are also discussed.CoreFrontiers of Computer Science Research 2024-25CMP9769MLevel 72024-25This module introduces cutting-edge topics in computer science research areas, including both theory and practical applications. The module follows a research seminar format, involving input from colleagues across the University. Additionally, guest lectures from industry representatives and leading international researchers may be offered. Students can further benefit from opportunities to discuss potential research topics that they can explore to build and enhance their research and critical thinking skills.CoreHuman-centred Interactive Technologies 2024-25CMP9143Level 72024-25This course draws on the human-centred interactive (HCI) discipline for designing user experiences (UX) with interactive technologies. Students can learn how to gather user requirements, conceptually design solutions , prototype those solutions, and conduct valid user evaluations. The professional, ethical, social and legal issues in designing interactive technology will be considered throughout the module.CoreInformation Systems Security 2024-25CMP9809MLevel 72024-25This module provides insights into the management of company and personal data with an emphasis on security. Impact on organisations and individuals resulting from attacks is explored. The application of security elements including but not limited to, passwords, certificates, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems are considered. The scope for security is explored, taking into account the implementation of theoretical models and considering identity access management.CoreProgramming Principles 2024-25CMP9133MLevel 72024-25This module aims to explore advanced topics using a contemporary object-oriented programming language. The objective is to prepare students for professional-level programming in scientific and commercial computing, and to support programming tasks in other modules of this award. Students can explore a range of programming topics through a series of lectures and practical workshops, and will work on producing an individual programming assignment.CoreResearch Methods (MSc Computer Science) 2024-25CMP9139MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to cover the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake research related to the title of the award being studied, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; selection of appropriate research methods; evaluation of research; presentation and reporting of research; and legal, social, ethical and professional considerations.CoreSoftware Engineering 2024-25CMP9134MLevel 72024-25This module aims to provide students with an understanding of advanced concepts of software engineering principles and practices as part of the course focus on developing the skills necessary to design and deploy sophisticated modern software systems in a range of application areas. Through this module, students can develop their practical software engineering skills and learn new theories of software development.CoreSoftware Project 2024-25CMP9144Level 72024-25This module is focused on the production of a significant software deliverable based on an appropriate computing area and specification. Students may have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently on a significant, in-depth project requiring the coherent and critical application of Computer Science theory and skills. This can involve the creation of a suitable project proposal to frame the work with appropriately scoped aims and objectives, as well as feasible means for fulfilling those aims and objectives. Students then work independently to fulfil those project goals through the development of a significant software artefact. Carrying out software development work to an agreed specification (agreed between student and supervisor) is a requirement for the module. Self-management and self-evaluation are key expectations of this process.CoreWeb Service Design and Development 2024-25CMP9141Level 72024-25This module explores contemporary approaches for the design and development of data-driven web services. Students will be given the opportunity to design and develop 'server-side' web services using RESTful architectures to create an Application Programming Interface (API). RESTful implementations make use of web standards such as HTTP, URI, JSON, and XML to build data-driven API services that utilise a database. Database design and development will also be covered. Students will demonstrate industry-transferable skills by developing RESTful web service endpoints that are connected to a suitable data source for the consumption and publishing of data.Core

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              Industry Certifications

              You may have the opportunity to gain Microsoft and Cisco certifications, at no cost, in areas such as security, AI, cloud, and data fundamentals. Examples of the certification exams and digital badges you can achieve as part of the programme, include Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals and Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals.

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              Putting Your Skills into Practice

              During the programme, you may have the chance to participate in large software development projects. These typically align with the specialist research areas within the school meaning you can benefit from the range of staff expertise at Lincoln. Some examples of research projects include:

              • Investigating the Impact of Context and Style Transfer on Image Synthesis for Deep Learning Dashcam Litter Detection
              • Fake News Detector Brower Extension using Cloud Computing
              • Source Separation for Ultrasonic Vocalisation of Mice in the Home Cage

              How you are assessed

              The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, presentation, and posters. The majority of assessments are coursework based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science. The software development project module enables students to further specialise in a specific computing area if they wish.

              Entry Requirements 2024-25

              Entry Requirements

              Students should hold a suitable undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or higher.

              If you have studied outside of the UK, or are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

              Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              Preparing for Your Next Steps

              We take the employability of our graduates seriously, and that's why you will be able to benefit from advice from our dedicated Careers and Employability Team throughout your studies. 

              Upon completion of the programme, graduates are well positioned to fill computing roles in industry such as Security Analysts, Software Developers, UX Specialists, and Web Developers. 

              Course Fees

              You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

              Course Fees

              The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Funding Your Study

              Postgraduate Funding Options

              Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

              Explore Funding Options
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              Academic Contact

              For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

              Dr Derek Foster
              defoster@lincoln.ac.uk

              Postgraduate Events

              To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

              Upcoming Postgraduate Events
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              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.