Computing and Information Systems (conversion programme)

Overview

If your first degree contained little or no technical experience, but you’re now looking to change direction or enhance your employability by developing your skills in this area, then this programme (commonly referred to as a ‘conversion course’) is for you. Graduates who are able to fully exploit the potential of computing and information systems by combining specialist technical skills with other knowledge and experience are highly sought after. Guided by academics with a wealth of industrial experience, this is an intensive MSc programme for highly motivated graduates of any discipline with little prior experience of computer science.

Our research-led approach

Your tuition will be delivered by field leading academics engaged in world class research projects in collaboration with industry, external institutions and research councils.

Our strong links with industry

• We have collaborations, partnerships, industrial placement schemes and public engagement programmes with a variety of organisations, including Vodafone, Google, IBM, BT, NASA, BBC and Microsoft
• Full-time MSc with Industrial Experience option available on our taught MSc programmes. You have the option to complete over two years, with a year of work experience in industry.
• Industrial projects scheme  - To support industrial experience development, you can carry out your final project in collaboration with an industrial partner.

Structure

MSc Computing and Information Systems is currently available for one year full-time study, two years part-time study.

Full-time

Undertaking a masters programme is a serious commitment, with weekly contact hours being in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research needed to progress at the required level. When coursework or examination deadlines are approaching independent learning hours may need to increase significantly. Please contact the course convenor for precise information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.

Part-time

Part-time study options often mean that the number of modules taken is reduced per semester, with the full modules required to complete the programme spread over two academic years. Teaching is generally done during the day and part-time students should contact the course convenor to get an idea of when these teaching hours are likely to take place. Timetables are likely to be finalised in September but you may be able to gain an expectation of what will be required.

Important note regarding part-time study

We regret that, due to complex timetabling constraints, we are not able to guarantee that lectures and labs for part time students will be limited to two days per week, neither do we currently support any evening classes. If you have specific enquiries about the timetabling of part time courses, please contact the Postgraduate Course Administrator.

Semester 1

• Information Systems (Double Module)
• Databases
• Computer Programming

Semester 2

• Security and Authentication
• Interactive Systems Design

Select two options from:

• Mobile Services
• Bayesian Decision and Risk Analysis
• Cloud Computing

Select one option from:

• Business Technology Strategy
• Business Information Systems

Semester 3

• MSc Project

We aim to deliver your programme so that it closely matches the way in which it has been described to you by QMUL in print, online, and/or in person. We review our modules on a regular basis in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes.

Entry requirements

An upper second class degree is normally required, in a subject not related to Computer Science, or a degree with less than 50 per cent of the modules in computer science subjects. Students with a good lower second class degree may be considered on an individual basis.

For international students we require English language qualifications IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 92 (internet based).

International applicants

Students from outside of the UK help form a global community here at Queen Mary. For detailed country specific entry requirements please visit the International section of our website. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Find out more about our English language entry requirements.

If you do not meet language or scholarly requirements it might be possible for you to undertake foundation or pre-sessional programmes that will prepare you for the masters programme. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office.

If you are unable to find the information you require, please contact the Admissions Office for assistance.

Places on this programme are limited. We will give equal consideration to all applications received by May 1st 2019. We may still accept applications received after this date, but will not be able to offer a place if the programme is full.

Learning and teaching

Learning and teaching environment

As a student at Queen Mary, you will play an active part in your acquisition of skills and knowledge. Teaching is by a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as open discussion. We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You are assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.

Teaching for modules includes a combination of lectures, seminars and a virtual learning environment. Each module provides 36 hours of contact time, supported by labs and directed further study.

Independent study

For every hour spent in classes you will be expected to complete further hours of independent study. Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on formal study sessions; reading; producing written work; completing projects; and revising for examinations.

The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. However, we expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your own knowledge, understanding and critical ability.

Independent study will foster in you the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferable skill and will help to prepare you for the transition to working life.

Assessment

Modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations. You will also be assessed through an individual project.

Dissertation

You will also be assessed on a supervised 10,000-15,000-word dissertation.

Our outstanding resources

• We offer our students use of their own high- specification computing and research labs, hostings over 350 state-of-the-art computers for exclusive use by our students.
• Our spectrum of research areas is supported by a range of specialist research labs offering cutting edge tools and technology including our augmented human interaction (AHI) laboratory combining pioneering technologies of  full-body and multi-person motion capture, virtual and augmented reality systems and advanced aural and visual display technologies.  We also have specialist laboratories in multimedia; telecommunication networks; and antenna measurement.

Have a look around by visiting our facilities pages for further information.

Fees

Tuition fees for Home and EU students

Full time £10,900
Part time £5,450

Tuition fees for International students

Full time £22,750
Part time £11,400

Part time fees are charged per annum over two years for a two year programme and per annum over three years for a three year programme. A percentage increase may be applied to the fees in years two and three.

This increase is defined each year and published on the intranet and in the Tuition Fee Regulations. A 3% increase was applied to the unregulated university fees in 2019/20. Further information can be viewed on our University Fees webpage, including details about annual increases.

Funding

Graduate employment

• £37,166 – is average salary of our postgraduates on completing their course
• 400+ employees and training organisations visited the campus last year
• 325+ students placed into 45 local charities under our award-winning QProjects scheme (Guardian employability initiative of the year 2014)

Queen Mary's Computer Science postgraduates go on to work in a wide variety of careers, mostly within IT and information services.  The broad range of skills gained through programmes in this School, coupled with multiple opportunities for extra-curricular activities and work experience, has enabled postgraduates to move into careers such as:

• Technical Analyst, Credit Suisse
• Interactive Systems Developer, Sky
• Software Developer, Accenture
• Analyst Technical Associate, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
• IT Contractor, FDM
• Computer Analyst, ITRS Group
• IT Developer, Qube Global Software
• Team Manager, Bromley-by-Bow Centre
• Computer Programmer, Rightmove
• Computer Consultant, Mac Experts Ltd
• Graduate Engineer, Ministry of Defence

Throughout the course, postgraduates have access to a careers programme to prepare them for applying for work after graduation. This programme includes workshops on job hunting and job applications as well as employer events to facilitate networks and help students to explore their options.

Recent careers events open to Computer Science postgraduates include the IT and Technology Fair, featuring Accenture, Babcock, BskyB, FactSet, Framestore, IBM, one-to-one sessions with Morgan Stanley, IBM and Accenture, IT company presentations, and Start Up Stand Up for those interested in working with technology start ups and SMEs.

Read more about our careers programmes and range of work experience opportunities on the Queen Mary Careers pages.

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