MSc in Advanced Computer Science
Frequently-asked questions
This page includes answers to questions applicants often ask about the MSc in Advanced Computer Science.
It is subdivided into these sections:
How is this programme different from other MSc programmes?
The MSc in Advanced Computer Science is different from almost all other
Master's programmes in Computing because of its mix of taught material and
individual supervised project work. This allows you to both broaden and deepen
your knowledge of computing.
Almost all Master's programmes in computing fall into one of two categories:
- programmes that broaden your knowledge of computing
- programmes that deepen your knowledge of a specific area of computing
Our MSc in Advanced Computer Science is designed to include
both broadening and deepening in a programme that prepares
students for research study or research-related industrial employment.
You will:
- broaden your knowledge of the computing sciences by attending lectures
drawn from a wide selection from the theoretical (eg Automatic Verification),
through software engineering (eg Parallel Computer Architecture), to
Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science (eg Quantum Computing and
Cryptography).
- deepen your knowledge of parts of the computing sciences by carrying out
one mini-project in each semester. These mini-projects are supervised by a
research-active member of the School's staff and can best be thought of a
preliminary study for the summer project. (This work is supported by a first
semester module on Research Skills.) You will then develop one of these
mini-projects into a large summer project.
You will spend about two-thirds of your time working on mini-projects and projects and
one-third of your time on lecture-based teaching.
What are the first degree requirements?
Most applications for the MSc in Advanced Computer Science are rejected
because the applicant doesn't satisfy the following requirements:
- You must have a first degree before starting the programme.
You cannot join this programme unless you will have a degree by the time
you start the programme. We do not accept certificates and diplomas that
are not of degree level.
You can apply before you have passed your first degree. If we offer you a
place, it will be a conditional offer until your degree result is known.
- You must have at least an Upper Second class degree
from a United Kingdom university, or the equivalent from overseas.
If your degree is not classified like a British honours degree, you need
to show you are within the top 15% of your year. If your degree has a GPA
score, we consider applicants with a GPA of 3.5/4.0.
- Your degree must be in one of the computing disciplines
We consider applicants whose first degree is in one of a wide range of
disciplines.
Our only consideration is whether they have the necessary knowledge to
benefit from our range of modules and project topics. We will consider:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science (and variants, eg Computing Science,
Computer Studies)
- Mathematics -providing it includes:
- calculus (integration and differentiation), elements of linear
algebra (vector and matrix operations) and trigonometry and you
wish to specialize in image processing
OR
- continuous maths at the first year undergraduate level (including
calculus, algebra, matrix computation), and applied probability
and statistics (including distributions, density functions,
statistical tests, Bayesian theorem, means, variance, co-variance)
and you wish to specialize in evolutionary and genetic computation
- Software Engineering
If you have a first degree in the following subjects, you should not
apply for the
MSc in Advanced Computer Science. You may apply for the MSc in Computer
Science (conversion programme).
- Business Information Systems
- Electronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
What English language qualifications do I need?
The most often asked questions are:
- Do I need an English language qualification?
-
If you have studied for a degree at an English speaking university in the past 3 years
(eg in the United Kingdom, Canada, etc), you
do not need a separate English language qualification. Otherwise, you need a
qualification.
- I have studied English in my degree. Do I have to have a separate
English qualification?
- You will need to provide a separate English language certificate.
Details are given below.
- What English qualifications do we accept?
- We accept a number of qualifications. Our minimum requirements
are:
| Test | Score |
| TOEFL (see below) |
87 in internet-based test
550 in paper-based test |
| IELTS (see below) |
6.0 |
| GCE O Level English Language |
Grade C |
| GCSE English Language |
Grade C |
| IGCSE English (First Language) |
Grade C |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English |
Grade B |
| Warwick University English Language Test |
BBB |
Some other tests may be accepted as fulfilling the University's entrance
requirements.
- What TOEFL score do we require?
-
If you take the internet-based test, we require a minimum of 87
with no less than 22 in Reading, 21 in Listening, 23 in Speaking, 21
in Writing.
If you take the paper-based test, we require a minimum of 550 with no less
than 55 in each section. Most of our students have a score of at least 580.
- What IELTS score do we require?
-
We require a minimum of 6.0. You must not have a score below 5.5 in
any section of the IELTS test.
- Can I take an English test after I have started the programme?
-
No. We do not allow students to start the programme without an English
language qualification. You need to be able to communicate effectively
in English from the first day of the programme.
How much does it cost to study?
There are three main costs in studying:
- Tuition fees. In 2012/13, these are
£4,950 per year for UK/European Union students;
£16,200 per year for International Students.
- Living expenses. You need about £8,000 per year for living expenses
(accommodation, food, clothing etc.). If you bring members of your family
with you, then you will need more money.
- Travel costs - eg flight to and from the UK.
No health insurance is needed as medical services are free to students studying in the United Kingdom.
Are there scholarships?
We provide a separate
list of scholarships
When does the programme start?
The starting dates for the programme are:
- 2012/13: 24th September 2012;
- 2013/14: 30th September 2013.
It is not possible to join the programme in January or at any other time after the start date.
Is it possible to study part-time or externally?
This programme is only available as a full-time programme with full-time attendance at the University of Birmingham.
It is not possible to study this programme by distance learning or external study.
Is it possible to transfer from other programmes?
No. It is not possible to transfer from other MSc programmes in the UK or elsewhere because the structure of this programme is very different from other programmes.
It is not possible to transfer credits from other programmes to count toward this programme.
What do students do after this programme?
There are three main career paths for graduates from this programme:
- to become a research student in the University of Birmingham
- to become a research student elsewhere in the UK or abroad
- to work in software engineering in the UK or abroad
The number of students in each of these three categories has been about
equal.
