Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Whether we like it or not computers are part of all our lives, and the global economy would not exist without IT systems. The technology sector is very diverse, and as a result includes many specialist careers. This article looks at the options for students in order to explain why now is a good time to study a masters in computing.
All masters courses build on the core knowledge offered in an undergraduate degree. In general, Computer science requires the same. It's helpful for students to have a background in the study of technology subjects, but this is not always required.
People interested in computing without STEM degrees can study conversion courses. These allow students who may have had a different skill at undergraduate level to apply and study in a new area. Graduates acquire extra skills, and as a result they can look forward to an exciting potential career in IT.
An MSc Computing degree will equip you with the key skills and knowledge in order for you to impact the future of technological advances in computer-based systems. A typical masters course helps you to further develop your knowledge and skills within the cutting-edge areas of computing and information communication technology.
A typical masters in computing usually includes four core modules that cover broad subjects. Knowledge, thinking skills, subject-based practical skills and skills for life. Within each of these includes a number of detailed assignments covering practical aspects of computing such as:-
A masters in computing is a stepping stone to a new career. In essence the course develops the ability of the student to think and perform in an IT environment. Teamwork is key to the success of IT infrastructures. Successful masters graduates lead IT teams in growing businesses.
A number of high-profile specialities make up the areas of demand in computing. These include: -
What was once science fiction is now reality. AI pervades the home and workplace. As a result the next generation quantum computing systems are on the brink of entering into everyday environments. This remarkable innovation requires a flexible workforce of skilled AI and Data Science graduates.
The UK Government has identified gaps in the workforce and has made generous scholarships available to candidates seeking a masters degree, particularly from among students that are under-represented in the sector.
Traditional network management roles have evolved over time to focus on cloud-based infrastructure. As a result many organisations seek to streamline costs by outsourcing their infrastructure to third party providers with network engineering resources. As a result the types of skills required have changed significantly.
There is a huge demand for cybersecurity professionals to support critical infrastructure and prevent hacking. Small businesses and the self employed are not immune - on the contrary online fraud is a huge problem. There are many opportunities well qualified IT personnel who have experience in cybersecurity. Given that interconnected systems are the norm, it is possible to support organisations globally, and in fact many support services are based remotely or at home.
As a graduate of a masters in computing programme, you'll have a solid understanding of the main disciplines that fall under these emerging and current areas. The kind of role you could go into includes:
A number of UK universities include a work placement as part of their masters in computing degrees. Including a placements as part of the masters degree is an ideal way to get real world experience in an IT environment while you are studying.
Placements vary in length. Most are offered during a few weeks in the summer term, but some masters programmes include 6 months or a full year on placement. Students often have to pay an extra fee to take up the placement. Check that the university you are interested is accepting students onto their placement version because these are very popular.
Placements are assessed in a number of ways. Sometimes they don’t count toward your final degree but others will require the student to complete a specific project, and this forms part of their final assessment. Moreover, having the experience of working in a real environment makes a big difference when you are looking for work, as this is an excellent feature to include in your CV.
Sometimes universities will restrict placement places to home UK students, but other universities accept students from everywhere, provided you can cover the additional fee and you meet the English standard requirements for the course.
Take advantage of universities that offer programmes that commence in January as well. This means there should be less pressure on travel arrangements if you can enter the UK in the new year when enrolments are usually quieter.
Around 120 UK Universities offer postgraduate courses in computing. By and large they enrol over 37,000 students each year. A wide range of different universities offer Computing degrees. Many of the courses on offer include postgraduate certificate and diploma level qualifications as well.
Course are provided on campus full time, part time and online. Without a doubt, a computing masters is a very versatile course with lots of future opportunities. You can enrol at one of the many top ranked UK universities to take a computing masters, or you can choose a university closer to home. Of course, a fully online computing masters is another option.
Most UK universities enrol around 200 to 300 masters students each year. Some enrol students through local universities and colleges, so a student can study a masters in computing in their home country but be awarded a degree from a British university
Many computing masters degrees are recognised by the British Computing Society. This is a professional trade organisation which sets standards for business computing skills.
There will be opportunities to top up your degree with additional qualifications in networking and infrastructure, through Microsoft and Cisco. In the final analysis these extra certificates can help you with future career pathways.
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