MSc Innovative Computing
This programme of study aims to train first-degree holders in computing-related areas into specialists in selected areas of IT and computing.
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Course overview
About the Course
View All Course Modules
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Jan 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Computing | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Digital Forensics and Cyber Incident Management | Optional | 15.00 | 6 |
| Applied Computer Vision and Machine Learning | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Applied Techniques of Data Mining and Machine Learning | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Artificial Intelligence In Practice | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Individual Project Innovative Computing | Core | 60.00 | 7 |
| Information Security in Communication | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Research Methods | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Robotics | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Web Technologies and Applications | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
This programme of study aims to train first-degree holders in computing-related areas into specialists in selected areas of IT and computing. Based on the research strengths and expertise at the School of Computing and appointed visiting professors and fellows from IT industry and research, the programme offers students opportunities for in-depth study in:
- Artificial Intelligence in Practice
- Applied Computer Vision and Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Information Security and Biometric Systems
- Web Technologies and Applications
- Cloud Computing
- Digital Forensics and Cyber Incident Management
On graduating from this programme, you will be able to:
- Understand a range of modern computing technologies
- Apply these technologies in practice
- Describe the roles that modern computing technologies have in many areas of application
- Demonstrate the value of state-of-the-art development in one specific technology and its applications
Professional and Career Development Loan
MSc Innovative Computing students are eligible to apply for a Professional and Career Development Loan.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours degree or significant experience in computing.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
Our modules include a mixture of formal lectures, tutorial classes and practical classes. At the start of each module you will be given an up-to-date module outline and reading list. Most modules will provide two or three hours of lectures each week to introduce you to the basic concepts and techniques. These will be supported by lecture notes or handouts.
Lectures are supported by weekly tutorial classes, usually one hour in length, which are held in small groups so that all students can benefit from individual attention. You will be expected to prepare for these classes, for example by attempting a set of exercises or by reading a case study.
Many of our modules have supervised practical classes in the computer laboratories in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long.
You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading research and the computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.
Course material is also available on the University’s own Virtual Learning Environment. This allows students to download lecture notes, submit assignments and share resources in an electronic forum both within the University’s computer network and remotely.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.
After Your Course
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
Career prospects
The increasing specialisation which is frequently required in the employment market is no longer provided by just an undergraduate degree. A postgraduate degree provides these advanced skills and, in today’s competitive employment market, is becoming increasingly important in order to stand out from the crowd.
Any successful career choice in the market place will be dependent on a number of factors. Your academic qualification, while important, may not be the deciding factor. Your attitude, skills and experience matter too. Whatever your motivation in taking a postgraduate course, you should think about the transferable skills an employer is seeking, and taking advantage of every opportunity for self-development to improve your chances of success in your future career. The Careers Service has the resources to help you with this process.
What our students say
“The MSc Innovative Computing programme is a standard, challenging and exciting degree programme. Its broad course content and structure allows students to realize their IT potential and which aspects of the IT industry they can fit in. Intellectually, so much knowledge is gained from the courses in the one year period.
“Lecturers are also very helpful and friendly in pushing students to learn, be creative and innovative and not to give up in times of academic challenges.
“With the acquired MSc degree in Innovative Computing, I am being promoted to a better position than I was previously.
“All in all, I really enjoyed my studies with the Applied Computing Department and hope to still further my studies with the Department.”
Akua Biney
MSc Innovative Computing, 2013
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
Jan 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,000 |
| INT | £18,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Please note that The University of Buckingham has four terms per year. The tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at Buckingham in January, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in September). Students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. The tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree. Fees are normally paid in termly instalments.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Postgraduate first-class scholarship
A first-class scholarship is available to both home and international students studying a taught postgraduate degree at the University. The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33%. The scholarship will be automatically awarded to applicants who already have a first class honours degree that is recognised to UK standard.
Details of other scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.