Research course

Computer Science (Applied Research)

Institution
Ulster University · Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Qualifications
PhDMPhil

Entry requirements

You need

(a)

(i) a second class honours degree or better, in the subject areas of computing, engineering, mathematics or related discipline, from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or

(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and the qualification must be in the subject areas of computing, engineering, mathematics or related discipline;

and

(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). For applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is an Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, Trinity ISE: Pass at level III or equivalent English language tests comparable to IELTS equivalent score.

In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

“Computer scientists understand the underlying principles of programming and algorithms and use them to design software, systems and networks to meet the needs of clients and the public. It is a fast-moving, highly specialised field and there is a constant, high demand for talented computer science graduates.” —TimesHigher

The new MSc in Computer Science (Applied Research) is a specialist programme that prepares you for an industrial career with a comprehensive understanding and practical experience of the advanced concepts, paradigms, algorithms, theories and techniques underpinning advanced computing systems. In addition, the course will support you to develop a full appreciation for the research / innovation process and how this could be transferred into business. The course covers leading-edge subjects of programming, networks, sensor technologies, machine learning and statistical modelling—the most up to date topics in areas of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things.

Further motivated by evidence of demand from industry and business for upskilling of staff in the areas of Computer Science, the new MSc in Computer Science (Applied Research) will strive to address the growing demands in the sector by training a new kind of Computing Specialist who is able to both manage data, understand business process and implement solutions subsequently interconnecting them as part of a larger system.

The delivery of the course is supported by multi-million pound infrastructure of a large-scale pervasive and mobile computing environment, a suite of contemporary sensing technologies and rapid prototyping facilities. The course content has been informed by internationally leading research being conducted in the School and by our strong industry partnerships, most notably with BT through the jointly established £28.6 million BT Ireland Innovation Centre.

Department specialisms

Object-Oriented Databases; Knowledge-Based Systems; Multimedia/Distributed Databases; Software Engineering Design Methodologies; Mathematical Modelling; Human-Computer Interaction; Medical Informatics. View the Research Prospectus online (see link below).

Information for international students

International students should visit the university's website (www.ulster.ac.uk) or contact the university and ask to be sent an international student handbook.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PhD
    part time
    72 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    36 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MPhil
    part time
    48 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Students enrol on a programme of work leading to the degree of PhD or MPhil. Award of the degree is subject to academic progress which is assessed formally throughout the two to six year study period, including by formal examination following submission of the thesis.

Course contact details

Name
Dr Shuai Zhang
Email
s.zhang@ulster.ac.uk