MEng Computer Science

Why study this subject?

Studying computer science at postgraduate level can open up a world of possibilities to you. From healthcare to industrial application, global trade to entertainment you can be confident that you can develop your interests and take the next step in your career, whilst studying with us at BNU.

Whether you want to work locally or expand your horizons working abroad, studying a fast growing and in demand sector like computer science gives you the versatility and flexibility to take your career in whatever direction you choose. Whatever your area of interest there is somewhere for everyone to take their career, including: speech recognition; customer behaviours; computer vision; healthcare; military; education; gaming; robotics; autonomous vehicles.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our MEng Computer Science master’s programme aims to equip you to work as a professional computer scientist, particularly in environments where in-depth knowledge, critical awareness and competence in computer hardware, software engineering and advanced areas of computer science are required in support of creating complex computer-based systems. 

We also enhance the engineering aspects of the course with the incorporation of robots and robotic systems into the programme. You’ll study engineering essentials, covering the chief hardware and software engineering skills associated with designing, programming, constructing, debugging, and testing complex systems.

We are a student focused and employer-led university which means that you are at the forefront of all that we do. Buckinghamshire New University is invested in you and your future. We work hard to ensure that our courses are designed with you and industry in mind, so that you can graduate confident that you can make the next steps in your career.

We believe it is important for you to stay in the loop with the latest industry guidance and our team of expert lecturers are perfectly placed to share their wealth of knowledge and utilise their connections to ensure you are learning and developing the most in-demand skills and knowledge. We do not just teach in the classroom; you will increase your knowledge through involvement on real-life projects to gain hands-on experience.

You will also get opportunities to expand your knowledge both inside and outside of the lecture theatre. Students have previously visited sites of historical importance, including Bletchley Park, to learn more about the history of computing and how it impacted the world.

What facilities can I use?

BNU has invested in our facilities to ensure that you can learn on industry standard systems and software, meaning that you can make an easy transition from education into employment. Quite simply we are committed to making sure we provide you with the best learning experience possible.

We make sure we keep the University’s computing facilities well maintained and equipped. We have a range of large labs, most filled with dual-screen, dual boot (Windows and Linux) systems. Latest industry standard software is also included on devices to allow you to develop your skills to what is needed in the workplace.

Labs have been custom built to provide the best spaces to nurture the specific skills needed for game and internet development. These allow you to build your skills within key areas of future employment.

What will I study?

Our MEng in Computer Science is designed to give you a thorough appreciation of both the theory and practical skills needed to solve real-world and life-critical difficulties. You will study systems at a variety of levels of abstraction, including digital architectures, high level programming, operating systems, A.I. and cyber security.

It is our aim to help you graduate with the necessary skills to work as a professional computer scientist, particularly in environments where in-depth knowledge, critical awareness and competence in computer hardware, software engineering and advanced areas of computer science are required to create complex computer-based systems.

Robotics is incorporated into the course at two stages. Firstly, we use robots to teach the key ideas such as digital logic, analogue-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analogue conversion, programming, and power management. These concepts then form the source for the development of more advanced skills such as microcontroller interfacing, control, and circuit design. At the more innovative level, robotics can provide you with multiple opportunities to work on sophisticated systems. At this higher system level, a robot is seen as a system consisting of multiple, interconnected subsystems. In addition to gaining specific engineering skills, system design provides learners with valuable experience in partitioning difficult design problems from both the hardware and software perspectives and facilitates the development of effective teamwork skills, whilst incorporating elements of AI and data science. 

You’ll have the opportunity to acquire skills in design, development and programming for a comprehensive range of computing activities such as building information data stores, secure web and mobile applications and AI based systems. You’ll work on team-based software problems whilst exploiting an agile development approach. We’ll help you learn how to develop highly dependable and reliable computer science systems, using several industry standard approaches, such as RAD, Lean, FFD, UML and Agile methodologies. In addition, you’ll study the process involved in managing the development of large-scale complex computer science projects.

We want to help you develop a career that you are passionate about. This is why you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into your area of interest as part of your dissertation module. You will have the chance to carry out a unique in-depth investigation into a topic of your choice, and further develop your skills in research, problem solving and critical analysis.

How will I be taught and assessed?

At Buckinghamshire New University we like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where we have a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, seminars and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

You are more than a number at BNU, and we are here to support you through your education journey. We have in place regular contact hours with our tutors and provide you with informal feedback throughout the programme of study.

We are dedicated to giving you hands-on and real-world experience through welcoming guest lecturers, working with companies on live briefs and projects and organising external visits to industry.

There will be a variety of assessments across your course, which will give you a thorough understanding of the various situations you may come across during your professional life. You will undertake:

• written assignments
• practical exercises
• presentations
• individual and group tasks
• exams.