MSc Computer Science (conversion) at University of Bristol

This MSc conversion programme is for students from a variety of academic backgrounds who have little or no previous academic computing experience. The aims of the programme are to build:

• an understanding of the basis of computer science and its importance in software development;
• an understanding of the underlying principles of computer systems and their applications;
• an introduction to industrial-style methods of analysis, design, implementation, testing and documentation in software development;
• an appreciation of the current state and future directions of technological advances in computer science.

The programme is split into two teaching blocks and a summer project that involves researching, planning and implementing a major piece of work with a significant scientific, technical or software development component. The main programming languages taught on the course are C and Java. There is a strong emphasis on individual and group projects for putting into practice what you learn about software engineering, web technologies, databases, computer architecture and research skills.

By the end of the first teaching block you will have a solid foundation in imperative programming and computer architecture. You will also have begun to acquire research skills and started to familiarise yourself with topics for your project. By the end of the second teaching block you will be able to apply industrial-style tools and techniques for software development and web applications in a teamworking context. You will also have refined your project idea and completed a detailed specification and work plan.

Over the summer you will implement and evaluate your project and you will submit a dissertation describing your work in September.