Computer Science | MSc | University of Lincoln

Dr Wenting Duan - Programme Leader

Dr Wenting Duan specialises in computer vision, image processing, and medical image analysis, with her main research work focusing on object detection, image segmentation, multi-modal fusion, and explainable artificial intelligence. Real world applications of this research include biomarker detection from exhaled condensates for COPD patients, AI classification of potato diseases, and automatic ultrasound foetal biometric measurements.

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Welcome to MSc Computer Science

Developments in artificial intelligence, computer vision, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber security have all become a normal part of society's interaction with computing devices.

This Master's programme is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to develop the innovative solutions required by today's rapidly advancing computing industry.

Through laboratory workshops, lectures, debates, and independent research, this MSc Computer Science provides the opportunity for students to enhance their existing knowledge of computer programming and mathematical frameworks.

Working alongside academic staff, students have the chance to develop a critical understanding and gain practical experience in innovative areas such as computer vision and surveillance, robotics, mobile computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber security in order to develop advanced solutions to current and future challenges.

How You Study

The teaching and learning strategy adopted within the MSc Computer Science derives from a methodology designed to develop knowledge and understanding in the domain of computing.

In particular, students can experience a blend of different approaches. The programme aims to enable the acquisition of skills through practical workshops in the laboratory, and develop academic knowledge through debate, lectures, discussion, and personal research.

Modules assume a familiarity with object-oriented programming concepts and the supporting mathematical framework, while presenting advanced concepts relating specifically to the computing domain.

The programme offers two approaches depending on the time of entry:

The October intake will take the following structure:

Semester A:

Advanced Programming (Core)
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Advanced Cyber Security (Core)

Semester B:

Computer Vision (Core)
Frontiers of Computer Science Research (Core)
Machine Learning (Core)
Advanced Software Engineering (Core)

Semester C:

Research Project (Core)
Research Methods (Core)

The February intake will take the following structure:

Semester B:

Computer Vision (Core)
Frontiers of Computer Science Research (Core)
Machine Learning (Core)
Advanced Software Engineering (Core)

Semester C:

Research Project (Core)
Research Methods (Core)

Semester A:

Advanced Programming (Core)
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Advanced Cyber Security (Core)

Each module consists typically of 12 weeks of study, which includes a supporting lecture programme, a series of supported laboratory sessions, and time for the completion of assignment exercises and/or examinations.

The research project module is an independent study and is supported by a specialised supervisor, and is carried out over the last three months of the programme.

Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of study. The programme is supported by online access to lecture material and related information.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.

For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

Special Features

There is a range of equipment for loan, including Raspberry Pi devices, smartphones, robots, and virtual reality equipment such as HTC Vive and Oculus Quest.

Researchers in the School of Computer Science include Marc Hanheide, Professor of Intelligent Robotics and Interactive Systems, and Nigel Allinson MBE, Distinguished Professor of Image Engineering, who has been supported with a £3.3 million grant from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for advances in medical imaging.

How you are assessed

The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, presentation, posters, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science.

The final stage research project enables students to further specialise and complete a piece of work of significant complexity. Communication and presentation skills will be assessed by an informal oral presentation (viva voce) with poster presentations in various modules.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Advanced Artificial Intelligence 2023-24CMP9794MLevel 72023-24This module aims to cover the theoretical fundamentals and practical applications of decision-making, problem-solving and learning abilities in software agents. Search is introduced as a unifying framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI), followed by key topics including blind and informed search algorithms, planning and reasoning, both with certain and uncertain (e.g. probabilistic) knowledge. Practical exercises in AI programming will complement and apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-world problems.CoreAdvanced Machine Learning 2023-24CMP9137MLevel 72023-24This module aims to cover the theoretical fundamentals and practical application of machine learning algorithms, including supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and evolutionary learning. Practical programming exercises complement and apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-world problems such as data mining.CoreAdvanced Programming 2023-24CMP9133MLevel 72023-24This module aims to explore advanced topics using a contemporary object-oriented programming language. The objective is to prepare students for professional-level programming in scientific and commercial computing, and to support programming tasks in other modules of this award. Students can explore a range of programming topics through a series of lectures and practical workshops, and will work on producing an individual programming assignment.CoreAdvanced Software Engineering 2023-24CMP9134MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide students with an understanding of advanced concepts of software engineering principles and practices. Students can explore up-to-date methodologies and their application to real-world products and services will be covered. Indicative topics of study will include, but are not limited to: agile methods of software engineering; requirements engineering, design, software components, software reuse, verification and validation, maintenance and configuration management, software evolution; critical system development and the ethical implications of software engineering; and Fault Tree Analysis.CoreComputer Vision 2023-24CMP9135MLevel 72023-24This module aims to explore current methodologies in the field of computer vision, covering a range of aspects in capturing, processing, analysing and interpreting rich visual content. The aim is to offer students with a deep understanding and to allow an exposure to the latest developments in computer vision, equipping them with knowledge in practical depth. The module will also provide the opportunity for training in programming skills (e.g. Matlab), tools and methods that are necessary for the implementation of computer vision systems. The module will also cover applications of computer vision in various fields, such as in object recognition/tracking, medical image analysis, multimedia indexing and retrieval and intelligent surveillance systems, allowing the students the opportunity to establish a full awareness to the technology advance in this rapidly evolving field.CoreFrontiers of Computer Science Research 2023-24CMP9769MLevel 72023-24The module provides an introduction to cutting-edge topics in computer science research topics, including both theory and practical applications. Students will further benefit from opportunities to discuss possible research topics with potential project supervisors and clients, and production of a research proposal, presentation and literature review leading into the Research Project.CoreInformation Systems Security 2023-24CMP9809MLevel 72023-24This module provides insights into the management of company and personal data with an emphasis on security. Impact on organisations and individuals resulting from attacks is explored. The application of security elements including but not limited to, passwords, certificates, firewalls, intrusion detection systems are considered. The scope for security is explored, taking into account the implementation of theoretical models and considering identity access management.CoreResearch Methods (MSc Computer Science) 2023-24CMP9139MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to cover the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake research related to the title of the award being studied, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; selection of appropriate research methods; evaluation of research; presentation and reporting of research; and legal, social, ethical and professional considerations.CoreResearch Project 2023-24CMP9140MLevel 72023-24This module gives students with the opportunity to carry out a significant project, focusing on an area of particular personal and professional interest, through the development of a dissertation and substantive software implementation. The research project is an individual piece of work, which gives students the chance to apply and integrate elements of study from a range of modules, centred on a specific research question. Students are expected to undertake work that is relevant to the ongoing research in one of the established research centres within the Lincoln School of Computer Science and will work closely under the supervision of a member of that research centre. Students are required to undertake the development of a software artefact that is non-trivial in scale and goals, and is supported by best-practice application of appropriate theoretical frameworks.Core

Accreditations and Memberships

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Students should hold a first or second class honours degree in one of the following subjects: Computer Science, Computing, Computing and Information Systems, Software Engineering, Games Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Cyber Security.

Knowledge of object-oriented programming concepts and a good mathematical framework are required.

If you have studied outside of the UK, or are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

Career Opportunities

This Master’s programme is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to develop the innovative solutions required by today’s rapidly advancing computing industry. Students can develop the knowledge and specialist skills necessary to progress to roles in the computing and technology industries. Some may choose to continue to research at doctoral level.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

Key Information

MSc Computer Science