This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path.
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline, this one-year programme attracts students who wish to be introduced to the skills required for a career in software development.
This MSc Computing offers students from diverse career and subject areas a balance of software engineering skills and technical abilities required for a career in Software Development.
Through this one-year programme you will get a first-hand understanding of the vital problem-solving role of software, the interdisciplinary opportunities available, and what computational systems can achieve.
Through a gentle introduction and intensive support, you will be introduced to programming skills using important languages such as Java and Python. Emphasis is placed on handling data and you will develop essential skills in SQL (Structured Query Language) for advanced database functionality using industry standard products such as Oracle™.
A choice of taught optional modules allows you to further develop skills in areas of your choice.
Graduates from these programmes will be ideally placed for employment in the computing industry or for careers requiring a combination of their graduate discipline with computing expertise.
The distinctive features of this course include:
Where you'll study
Our degree programmes are shaped by multidisciplinary research, making them relevant to today's employers and well placed to take advantage of tomorrow's developments.
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
If you do not have a degree, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as a CV and signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
You will study core modules to a total of 100 credits, with one optional module worth a total of 20 credits. Students will also undertake an individual project and dissertation (worth 60 credits).
This course is a full-time programme undertaken over one calendar year. It is also available as a part-time programme over three years, and with placement.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computational Thinking | CMT119 | 10 credits |
| Fundamentals of Programming | CMT120 | 30 credits |
| Algorithms, Data Structures and Programming | CMT219 | 20 credits |
| Topics, Research and Skills in Computing | CMT221 | 10 credits |
| Software Engineering | CMT313 | 30 credits |
| Computing Dissertation | CMT403 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Distributed and Cloud Computing | CMT202 | 20 credits |
| Human Centric Computing | CMT206 | 20 credits |
| Data Visualisation | CMT218 | 20 credits |
| Databases and Modelling | CMT220 | 20 credits |
| Social Computing | CMT224 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
The School of Computer Science and Informatics has a strong and active research culture which informs and directs our teaching. We are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard and received an excellent report in the most recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review.
A diverse range of teaching and learning styles are used throughout the MSc in Computing and the MSc in Computing with Placement. Students will attend lectures, participate in seminars, workshops and tutorials, and carry out practical and laboratory work.
Students obtain support materials either via Learning Central (Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment) or from study packs specially developed for selected modules.
Students will also undertake a project and independent study to enable them to complete their dissertation. Dissertation topics may be suggested by the student or chosen from a list of options proposed by academic staff reflecting their current interest.
The taught modules within the programmes are assessed through examinations and a wide range of in-course assessments, such as written reports, extended essays, practical assignments and oral presentations.
The individual project and dissertation will enable students to demonstrate their ability to build upon and exploit knowledge and skills gained to exhibit critical and original thinking based on a period of independent study and learning.
As a School, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment in which we are able to help and encourage our students.
All students are allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress throughout your time at university and will support you in your Personal Development Planning. You will see your Personal Tutor at least once each semester.
Outside of scheduled tutor sessions, our Senior Personal Tutor runs an open door policy, being on hand to advise and respond to any personal matters as they arise.
The School has a formal student-staff panel to discuss topics or issues of mutual interest, in addition we schedule fortnightly informal gatherings over coffee for all students and staff associated with MSc Programmes.
Feedback
Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’, such as being able to:
Furthermore, graduates will be expected to demonstrate: