MSc Computer Science

This module introduces and develops object-oriented design and programming skills. You will learn object-oriented design and programming skills using data structures, design patterns, polymorphism and concurrency (threads and multi-processing). You will work individually to develop an application based on a specification that you will analyse to produce a design, implement and test.

In this module, you will learn to build websites using emerging web engineering techniques and standards. You will cover web standards, system frameworks and protocols before moving onto development of multi-platform, multi-device web applications. You will learn how to use automated testing and version control before finally deploying your application securely. 

This module will introduce you to the fundamental understanding of core artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and machine learning ideas. It explores various AI concepts such as problem-solving (problem representation, uninformed and informed search), knowledge representation (logic-based languages, e.g. description logic, ontologies and the semantic web) and machine learning. This module will further cover the types of learning problems (classification, regression, clustering etc.) and the taxonomy of machine learning algorithm topics such as Bayesian networks, decision tree learning, support vector machines, supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning. You will learn how to apply these methods to real-life problems. 

This module aims to provide the key concepts and principles of data technologies ranging from database to data warehousing. You will learn database fundamentals, how to apply appropriate tools to design and develop a database system, SQL syntax and queries to manage a database for a substantial problem. It will further help you acquire in-depth specialised knowledge in data warehousing areas, including principal theories, analytical foundations, and the key considerations for data warehousing development. This module also explores new ideas and emerging trends such as data analytics, big data, and cloud computing associated with data warehousing. 

This module covers advanced topics in networking and data transmissions by setting an in-depth understanding of the issues associated with network services. It considers modelling, simulation, emulation, planning and optimisation of communication networks. It explores various networking algorithms to provide you with an insight into cutting-edge and emerging computer network technology, such as network virtualisation, concepts of virtualisation and cloud computing, including network principles and architectures. By the end of this module, you will be able to design, explain, and test different networks and protocols, select appropriate approaches to the network stack level, and justify the choices made by implementing physical and logical networks.

This module introduces principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) in the context of evaluation paradigms. It contains the fundamental concepts and methods for understanding users, stakeholders, contexts and requirements, and a practical experience of how these requirements can be met using methods for requirements elicitation, interface design, and usability evaluation. The module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of interaction design and user experience principles with an end-to-end interaction design process. By the end of the module, you will be able to utilise prototyping techniques for developing and evaluating interactive technologies using appropriate tools and software.

This module introduces you to the disciplines and techniques required for critical appraisal of complex data and industry practice; creating research designs and accompanying research techniques; building theoretical frameworks, and the scheduling and execution of a research project. The module will develop your skills and expertise in the essential research tools you will need both for successful postgraduate study and as a leader in your chosen service industry sector. 

Please combine all application materials into one PDF format. Documents should be uniformly named. "Name + Applied Major + Sichuan Normal University Birmingham College" (e.g., Zhang San + Master of Business Administration + Sichuan Normal University Birmingham College).

After submitting your application, University College Birmingham will conduct a preliminary qualification review of the materials submitted by the applicant. 

Applicants who pass the preliminary qualification review and meet the requirements will be invited to participate in the independent admissions interview organized by Sichuan Normal University. Applicants will be notified of date and time directly.