MSc in Advanced Computer Science

About the course: The MSc in Advanced Computer Science at Oxford has been designed to teach a range of advanced topics to graduates of computer science and other mathematical disciplines. As in other branches of applied mathematics and engineering, improvements in the practice of programming require determined and meticulous application of methods of mathematical understanding, calculation and proof. Recognising this, this full-time, twelve-month MSc has been designed to teach the mathematical principles of specification, design and efficient implementation of both software and hardware. The MSc is designed to combine theory and practice. It teaches the advanced techniques and ideas that are being developed in application domains (such as machine learning, verification and computer security) and the rich and diverse theories that underpin them. These include models of computation and data, and mathematical analysis of programs and algorithms. The course aims: to provide a foundation for research into the theory and practice of programming and the design of computer-based systems; to present knowledge, experience, reasoning methods and design and implementation techniques that are robust and forward-looking; to provide the foundation for a professional career in the computing-based industries, including telecommunications, process control, business-, mission-, and safety-critical fields; and to enhance the skills of a professional who is already working in one of these industries. The Department of Computer Science is committed to the development and application of effective theory based on realistic practice, and some of the modules were developed through consultation and collaboration with industry. The department believes that only by the interplay of theory and practice can you be trained properly in such a rapidly advancing subject. Practice alerts us to real contemporary problems - theory is a shield against professional obsolescence. Assessment: For the taught modules, the mode of Assessment: shall be either written assignment or written examination, dependent on the module you are taking. Your dissertation will be up to 30,000 words, completed independently under the guidance of an expert supervisor, on a topic of your choice and approved by the supervisor and MSc Course Director. Graduate destinations: Potential Graduate destinations: for the MSc include: PhDDPhil research Data Scientist Information Systems Manager IT Consultant Cyber Security Analyst Network Engineer Systems Developer.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in computer science or mathematics. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.