MSc - Advanced Computer Science (18 Months)

University of Hertfordshire

The project module includes both a taught and a non-taught component. During the taught part, you will cover the following topics: Project plan development, Project risk assessment, Ethics and working with human participants, Problem analysis and decision-making, Literature review, Conducting investigative work, Documenting a project, and Report writing and presentation. In the non-taught part, under the guidance of a supervisory team, through a series of scheduled meetings lasting up to 6 hours, you will work towards completing a project in a specific area of Computer Science.

In this module, you will explore the extent to which different computational paradigms can be applied to problems in order to create appropriate solutions. You will evaluate basic algorithmic approaches, such as divide-and-conquer, recursion, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, backtracking, and branch-and-bound. You will also cover analysing time complexity and understanding complexity classes. Actual topics taught may vary from year to year.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to C programming, focusing on both foundational skills and advanced security concepts. You will learn core programming techniques, including memory management and string handling, while exploring the critical security challenges associated with C. Topics include buffer overflow attacks and their mitigations, integer security issues, vulnerabilities in formatted output and race conditions. The module emphasises secure system development principles, equipping you with the knowledge to write robust and secure code. By understanding common attack vectors and implementing defensive programming practices, you will gain the expertise needed to address real-world security threats in C-based systems.

In this module, you will extend your existing knowledge and understanding of fundamental computer networking concepts, protocols, and architectures through practical experience. You will gain a deeper appreciation of computer networks and the Internet by working with real networks and learning how to configure and maintain network systems.

In this module, you will explore legal, social, ethical, and professional issues that may affect the work of practitioners in the computing and technology sectors. You will focus on the ethical considerations inherent in the development of responsible technologies. The topics covered will vary from year to year to reflect contemporary research and issues.

In this module, you will develop your theoretical, professional, technical, and academic skills to help you succeed in various data engineering contexts. You will take a practical approach to converting raw data into valuable knowledge. Working in teams, you will apply skills in cloud computing, big data, Machine Learning, and data visualisation, among others.

In this module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of a range of ideas, theories, and techniques used to construct Artificial Intelligence systems. You will focus on evaluating AI systems for tasks such as intelligent modelling, problem-solving, learning, decision-making, reasoning, agent or robot control, and more. You will also develop hands-on experience in designing and evaluating AI models tailored to address specific scenarios.

In this module, you will explore a wide range of wireless communication technologies and tackle the challenges of wireless, mobile, ad-hoc, and cloud networks. You will examine how to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for users and devices as they move between locations while maintaining network access, as well as the complexities of integrating diverse applications with varying requirements into a unified network infrastructure. You will gain insight into key advancements in computer networking, equipping you with the expertise to address contemporary challenges in network design and implementation.

In this module, you will study key concepts in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), including usability, user-centred design, and user experience. You will explore advanced user research techniques, participatory design, and prototyping methods. You will examine the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, on user experiences, while also learning about accessibility, inclusive design, and assistive technologies. Additionally, you will cover usability testing and the societal implications of design, including privacy and digital well-being.