MSc/PGDip/PGCert Computing

University of Roehampton

Computer Systems introduces students to the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and techniques of computer systems and hardware. Understanding how a computer operates is key to understanding many aspects of computer science, and incorporates ideas of logic design, state machines, and network communications. Computer Systems introduces the fundamental principles of computer systems, including logic design, state machines, assembly level representation, performance evaluation, parallel systems, and network organisation. Students will investigate how computer systems operate, including writing small assembly language programmes and designing state machines.

Computing and Society examines the role computing takes in society. The module incorporates ideas from ethical practice, usability and accessibility, sustainability, and an introduction to the legal frameworks related to computing. Understanding people (users) and their needs is fundamental to the modern computer scientist, who develops systems for people. Furthermore, ethical concerns on computer use and the professional requirements surrounding these concerns are essential in the modern IT workplace. Computing and Society introduces computing in a social context, examining initially ethical arguments surrounding computer usage in modern society. Accessibility and sustainability of computer systems is also explored.

Cyber-Security explores the risks and mitigations inherent to computer use. The module incorporates ideas from ethical practice, risk management, legal considerations, and technology-based solutions to address computer security issues.

Databases builds foundational knowledge in the modelling, access, and modification of data. The module examines how database systems function in the general case, as well as providing specific topics focused on relational data storage. Databases will examine data modelling using concept models (e.g., entity relationship), spreadsheet models, relational data models, and object-oriented models. SQL will be the core language used throughout the module, with content covering selection, joining, and grouping queries.

The MSc Project allows students to explore a topic of their choosing based on their own interests as agreed and supported via a member of the academic team. The project provides an opportunity for students to research and deliver a significant piece of individual work that incorporates the practical and analytical skills presented in their programme.

Software Development 1 introduces students to the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and techniques of software development. Programming is a key component of computer science and is an in-demand skill for the workplace inside and outside of the IT industry. Software Development 1 introduces the fundamental principles of software development, including syntax and semantics, variables and primitive data, expressions and assignment, input-output, conditions, iteration, functions, recursion, and an introduction to algorithms. The module details how to build programs using these techniques and how to apply problem-solving strategies in the design and implementation of simple programs. Students will practise the skills of programming. They will work in a high-level language, using the tools to design, implement, build, execute, and test software applications.

Software Development 2 builds on the foundation delivered in Software Development 1 by examining in detail the programming paradigms of object-oriented and event-driven. With regard to the object-oriented paradigm, students will examine object design, inheritance, and encapsulation. For event-driven programming, students will learn about event handlers and the development of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) applications. The module has a thread of software design running through all blocks, including design paradigms and design patterns. In addition, as the module incorporates GUI programming, students will be introduced to fundamental concepts of graphics and visualisation.