DMU Leicester

Postgraduate Courses in the
School of Computing Sciences

MSc Computing

Introduction

 The MSc Computing course is designed to complement previous undergraduate studies and work experience with the knowledge and skills needed to work confidently and professionally in the area of computer-based business information systems.

Graduates from the course should be able to identify business problems, formulate solutions and implement them successfully, taking into account economic, social/behavioural and technical considerations.

Who is The Masters Degree For?
The degree is aimed at people who intend to make a career with a computing focus in commerce, industry or the public sector; for example as a systems analyst, systems designer, database designer or programmer.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

Our normal minimum entry requirement is a lower second class honours degree, or equivalent, in a non-computing discipline, Computer Science graduates are not normally eligible for the course, unless their degree is now considered out of date.

Apart from formal requirements, we look for individuals who enjoy solving problems, who are capable of logical and disciplined thought, and who enjoy working as one of a team. The course continues to attract women wishing to enter the field of computing.

We normally invite applicants to a selection session, the purpose of which is to help in selecting applicants to whom a place will be offered and to give guidance as to the value of the course for the individual. The selection procedure will normally include:

  • Presentation of the course organisation and content
  • An opportunity to meet the current cohort
  • Individual interviews
Selection sessions normally commence in early February of the year of entry. The course provides an excellent environment for students to learn from each other's varied backgrounds and expertise. Discussion and participation are actively encouraged. We also believe in learning by applying theory to practice. The project is a particularly good example of this philosophy at work.

Course Structure
The modular structure of the course offers great flexibility. Four taught modules are offered in Semester 1 and four in Semester 2. By taking all eight modules in one year and completing the project during the period June-September, you can study the course in 12 months. Alternatively you can take one or more modules each semester to study the course over 2, 3 or 4 years.

A range of attendance modes exist for those studying the course over 2, 3, or 4 years so that study can be tailored to accommodate other commitments. These include attendance for one day, for half a day or for two half days. Attendance in the evening as well as in the morning and/or afternoon is possible.

Semester
Module Title
Induction Unit
Semester 1
Systems Analysis
Systems Design
Commercial Software Development
Advanced Database Systems
Semester 2
Management of Information Systems
Commercial Computer Networks
Strategic Evaluation of Computer Networks
Research Paper
Summer Period
Project

Course Syllabus
  • Induction Unit
    The objectives of the Induction Unit are to ensure that entrants from necessarily disparate backgrounds have a consistent base of computing knowledge upon which the taught modules can draw and to develop the skills that are required throughout the course. The Unit is undertaken during a period immediately prior to the commencement of taught modules as determined by the schedule of modules and the mode of study.

    • Semester One
  • Systems Analysis
    Provides a grounding in the theory and practice of systems analysis used in current development methodologies.

  • Systems Design
    Builds upon Systems Analysis to develop the skills and knowledge required to design an information system.

  • Commercial Software Development
    Provides an understanding of programming within the context of systems development. A visual programming language such as VisualBasic will be used to develop applications.

  • Advanced Database Systems
    This module considers how to design, implement and interrogate advanced database systems. Data structures which underpin the database are also examined.

    • Semester Two
  • Management of Information Systems
    Considers the key issues of effective management of systems development, together with the role of computing in the organisation and the evolving role of the computer professional.

  • Commercial Computer Networks
    Provides an understanding of computer hardware, architecture and an awareness of computer networks, associated benefits, limitations, management of networks and global communication systems.

  • Strategic Evaluation Of Commercial Systems
    Studies the methods of evaluating hardware and software for procurement, design and optimisation of systems. A thorough analysis is also undertaken in the strategic use of systems such as Decision Support Systems, Executive Information Systems, Expert Systems, etc.

  • Research Paper
    Provides the opportunity for each student to research into an area related to but not covered in depth by the course, to write a report and to present the findings to an audience comprising students and staff. It is supported by a seminar programme during which external speakers present current developments in industry and research and previous graduates discuss their current work.

    • Summer Period
  • Project
    The project is undertaken in association with an external organisation in industry, commerce or the public sector. The project provides an opportunity to develop, to demonstrate and to appraise skills acquired from the course in the solution of a real practical problem subject to typical commercial constraints.

    A report is to be written, describing the work undertaken on the project and students are also required to give a presentation. Assessment is continuous throughout the project timescale.


    It is expected that part-time students will undertake a project within their place of work, during the second or third year of their course.

    • Further Information
    Assessment
    Assessment is by 3 components: coursework, examinations and project with examinations are held at the end of each semester. Assessment of the project is via continuous performance monitoring, a project report and a viva voce examination.

    Each of the assessment components must be passed in order to qualify for the award of MSc, which may be at 'Pass' or `Distinction' level. A Postgraduate Diploma may be awarded where the requirements of the Masters award have not been met in full.

    The British Computer Society and the Institute of Data Processing Management recognise the course for exemption purposes.

    Fees and Awards
    The course is approved by EPSRC for the award of its Advanced Course Studentships to full-time students. Training and Enterprise Council funding may also be available to qualifying candidates. Students are increasingly self-financed or sponsored by industry.

    For contact details, see foot of page.

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    For further information on any of the postgraduate courses offered by the School of Computing Sciences at De Montfort University, use the On-line Enquiry Form or write to:
    Created by Nigel S. Domaingue, MSc IT 1995/96.