SCHOOL OF COMPUTING - Computer Science at Kent · Advanced Computer Science (Cloud Computing and...

Graduatestudy

The UK’s European university

Graduatestudy

SCHOOL OFCOMPUTING

2 School of Computing

Postgraduate study provides many benefits andcan open up new opportunities. At Kent, we offeran academically stimulating environment and thesupport you need to progress to a satisfying careeror further study.

3www.cs.kent.ac.uk

WHY CHOOSE POSTGRADUATE STUDY?

Postgraduate study enables you to:• gain an edge when applying forjobs – lots of people have BScdegrees, so an MSc helps youto stand out from the crowd

• prepare for jobs that involvetechnical leadership, whetherin business or industry

• change career, for example ifit’s difficult to find work in youroriginal field or you no longerfind it interesting

• apply for jobs that requirea postgraduate qualification(eg teaching, cutting-edgeresearch and development posts)

• update, deepen or broaden yourknowledge of key technologies

• develop advanced intellectualand other transferable skills

• learn more about a subject youenjoy, perhaps with a view toworking in that area or doinga PhD.

“I applied for a Master’sbecause I wanted to challengemyself, to see what I wascapable of and open up careeropportunities. I chose Kentbecause of the high quality ofteaching that the School ofComputing is known for.”

Don Shaw-CaseMSc Advanced Computer Science

4

INTRODUCTION

Study for a postgraduatequalification and openup a wealth of careeropportunities and routesto further study.

The School of Computing is hometo world-leading researchers inkey areas such as programminglanguages, computer security,computational intelligence, datascience, computer educationand interdisciplinary work withbiosciences and psychology.Whether you are interested in ataught programme or in research,we provide a stimulating andsupportive academic environment.

Our taught programmes aredesigned to offer you flexibility interms of entry route, content andformat. You can study full-timeor part-time, take up an industrialplacement in the UK or overseas,and gain work experience withthe Kent IT Consultancy.

World-leading researchBased on our results in the mostrecent Research ExcellenceFramework (REF), ‘computerscience and informatics’ at Kentwas ranked 12th in the UK forresearch intensity in the TimesHigher Education. The THE alsoranked the School 22 out of 89

for research power, with 100%of the School’s research impactrated world leading or internationallyexcellent. In the Computer ScienceRankings, programming languagesresearch at Kent is ranked 18th inthe world in 2018.

To find out more about the researchinterests of our academic staff,read their profiles atwww.cs.kent.ac.uk/people

School of Computing

5

Teaching excellenceThe University of Kent was awardedgold, the highest rating, in the UKgovernment’s Teaching ExcellenceFramework. In the School ofComputing, students benefit fromexcellent teaching and enjoy a highlevel of access to academic staff.The School counts among its staffa National Teaching Fellow (anaward made for outstandingcontribution to teaching in highereducation), authors of widely used textbooks, a recipient of the Association for ComputingMachinery (ACM) SIGCSE awardfor ‘outstanding contributionto computer science education’and an ACM Distinguished Scientist.Two award-winning teachingsystems, Greenfoot and BlueJ, usedin over 1,000 institutions worldwide,were developed here at Kent.

Superb facilitiesThe School’s makerspace, TheShed, provides exciting teachingand collaboration opportunities.Among other equipment it containsa milling machine, 3D printers, laser cutter and extensive space for building and making digitalartefacts (see p20 for more details).The School also has high-performance computing equipmentwith state-of-the-art graphics cardsand a virtual machine server thatsupports computer securityexperiments. We provide dedicatedspace for use by Master’s students.

www.cs.kent.ac.uk

In addition to the provision withinthe School of Computing, you haveaccess to the University’s centralfacilties. Woolf College providesaccommodation and academicand social space specifically forpostgraduates. The TemplemanLibrary, located at the heart ofthe Canterbury campus, hasrecently been redeveloped toprovide a bright, modern researchand study centre that meets theneeds of today’s students.

Enhanced careerprospectsDuring your studies, you acquire ahigh level of academic knowledgeand specialist practical skills.We also help you to develop keytransferable skills that are essentialwithin the competitive world of work.These include the ability to adapt tochallenges, analyse complex real-world problems and developoriginal ideas that can be applied to all aspects of future work.

Our award-winning Careers andEmployability Service can help youto plan for your future by offeringone-to-one advice at any stagein your postgraduate studies. Italso provides online advice onemployability skills, career choices,applications and interview skills.

For more information on the careershelp we provide at Kent, visit ourEmployability web page atwww.kent.ac.uk/employability

Links with industryAn industrial placement is a great way to enhance your careerprospects and all full-time taughtMaster’s students have theopportunity to spend time onplacement. Having developedrelationships with companies overmany years, our placement advisershave an excellent understandingof the skills and experience thatour industrial partners are lookingfor. They help you to tailor yourapplication to meet the business’srequirements and provide ongoingsupport while you are onplacement. See p16 for moreinformation.

Graduate SchoolAs a postgraduate student, you alsohave the support of the GraduateSchool, which promotes youracademic interests, co-ordinatesthe Researcher DevelopmentProgramme and the GlobalSkills Award, and facilitates cross-disciplinary interaction and socialnetworking. To find out more, seewww.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool

FundingThe financial support Kent offersfor postgraduate students rangesfrom research studentships tolocation-specific funding, sport andmusic scholarships, and fundingspecifically for overseas fee-payingstudents. For further information,visit www.kent.ac.uk/pgfundingor see p22.

6

MASTER’S CONVERSIONDEGREE

School of Computing

Computer Science MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/243Entry requirements: A first, 2.1or good 2.2 honours degree (orequivalent) in any subject.

Course content• Object-Oriented Programming(CO881)

• Advanced Object-OrientedProgramming (CO882)

• Logic and Logic Programming(CO884)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• Software Engineering (CO886)• Systems Architecture (CO883)• Web-based Information SystemsDevelopment (CO887)

One from: • Computer Graphics andAnimation (CO641)

• Data Mining and KnowledgeDiscovery (CO832)

• Introduction to Intelligent Systems(CO528)

Module informationPlease note that the module listsgiven here are not fixed, as newmodules are always in developmentand choices are updated regularly.Please see www.kent.ac.uk/pg forthe most up-to-date information.

Brief summaries of the moduleslisted here are given on p11-15.To read a fuller description, go towww.kent.ac.uk/courses/modulesand search by the module codeor name.

The MSc in ComputerScience is a conversiondegree programme.You do not need any priorknowledge or experienceof computer science totake this course.

The course is designed to preparegraduates from any discipline fora career in computing, or a careerinvolving the application ofcomputing within their originalprofessional field. Our studentscome from a wide variety ofbackgrounds, including naturalsciences, engineering, arts,humanities and social sciences.

All taught Master’s programmesin the School of Computing areavailable with an optional industrialplacement (see p16).

7www.cs.kent.ac.uk

STUDENT PROFILE

Ruksar Kachchhi, fromIndia, has a Bachelor’sdegree in businessadministration. She isnow studying on theconversion Master’sdegree programme, theComputer Science MSc.

Why did you decide to studya conversion Master’s inComputing?Although I enjoyed studyingBusiness Administration, I didn’t feelit was something I wanted to do forthe rest of my life. I have alwaysloved computers and I learned thebasics of various languages when I was in school, but I never thoughtof it as a career choice. Then, mybrother persuaded me to learn Javafor Android development. I took afew courses on Udacity and startedbuilding applications for Android.The thrill and excitement that I feltwhen I made my first app made merealise that this is something that Iwould love to do for my entire life.

And why did you choose tocome to Kent?I came to the UK to visit my sister,and I was looking for a gooduniversity to do a Master’s incomputer science. I visited theUniversity of Kent on an open dayand got the opportunity to discussmy plans with one of the lecturershere. I took a walk around theuniversity campus and I truly feltthat this is the place I would wantto be.

What kind of academic supportdo you receive? How easy has it been to start studying a newdiscipline at postgraduate level?All the lecturers have been veryconsiderate and forthcoming whenapproached with a problem. While itis natural to feel intimidated whenentering a new field, my experienceat the University of Kent has indeedchanged my outlook. I do not feelthat doing a Master’s in a newdiscipline is a mammoth task.

Which part of the course areyou finding most enjoyable?I love doing the assessments asthey help me understand andpractise everything that I havelearned during the lectures.

What are the other studentson your course like? There are students from variousbackgrounds. One of my friendshas a Bachelor’s degree in physics,another one has a Bachelor’s inbusiness administration like me.Everyone is very friendly and weall help each other.

Are you planning to do anindustrial placement? Yes, I will be doing an industrialplacement as part of my course.I haven’t yet decided where toapply though – there are so manypossibilities! I am very excitedabout it and I am looking forwardto it.

How do you think this MSc willbenefit you in your career?I want to be a data scientist andI think that this Master’s degree willgive me the essential skills I requireto get into the field.

What advice would you giveto anyone considering thisprogramme?I would recommend getting somebasic training in programming priorto joining the University. Also, I havenoticed that students are oftenreluctant to ask questions.Computer programming is such avaried field – there are always goingto be things you want to know and ifyou don’t ask it impedes your abilityto succeed.

8

ADVANCED MASTER’SDEGREES

School of Computing

Course content• Advanced Java for Programmers(CO871)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• Six modules from a wide rangeavailable across the AdvancedMaster’s programmes

Advanced ComputerScience (Cloud Computingand Big Data) MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/1211

Entry requirements: As forAdvanced Computer Science.

This programme combines a wide choice of advanced topics incomputer science with specialistmodules relating to cloudcomputing and big data. Theprogramme is aimed at graduatesconsidering a career in researchand development. It would alsoprovide an excellent foundationfor PhD study.


• Cloud Computing (CO846)• Data Mining and KnowledgeDiscovery (CO832)

• Data Science (CO839)• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• Up to three optional modulesfrom the MSc in AdvancedComputer Science

Advanced ComputerScience (ComputationalIntelligence) MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/249


This flexible programme combinesa wide choice of advanced topicsin computer science with specialistmodules relating to computationalintelligence, including logic-based,connectionist and evolutionaryartificial intelligence, inspirationsfrom the natural world, practicalapplications and the philosophyof machine reasoning.

The programme is aimed atgraduates considering a career inresearch and development. It wouldalso provide an excellent foundationfor PhD study.


• At least two from: CognitiveNeural Networks (CO836);Data Mining and KnowledgeDiscovery (CO832); Logic andLogic Programming (CO884);Natural Computation (CO837)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• Up to four optional modules fromthe MSc in Advanced ComputerScience

These programmes are forstudents who have studiedcomputing at honoursdegree level and wishto extend their knowledge.

Module informationPlease note that the module listsgiven here are not fixed, as newmodules are always in developmentand choices are updated regularly.Please see www.kent.ac.uk/pg forthe most up-to-date information.

Brief summaries of the moduleslisted here are given on p11-15.To read a fuller description, go towww.kent.ac.uk/courses/modulesand search for the module codeor name.

Advanced ComputerScience MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/246

Entry requirements: A first,2.1 or good 2.2 honours degree(or equivalent) in computingor a related subject.

This flexible programme offers alargely free choice of modulesfrom those offered on our range ofAdvanced Master’s programmes.It is likely to appeal to computinggraduates whose interests spanmore than one specialism and/orthose seeking the freedom toexplore a variety of advancedtopics. Depending on theprogramme and the optionschosen, this programme can serveas a springboard for employmentor research.

9www.cs.kent.ac.uk

Advanced SoftwareDevelopment MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/251

Entry requirements: A first, 2.1or good 2.2 honours degree(or equivalent) in computing ora related subject with a substantialcoverage of programming andsoftware engineering.

This highly practical programme isfor computing graduates seekingcareers as professional softwareengineers and it equips them withthe skills necessary to succeed.Employers often complain thatcomputing graduates lack real-world practical skills. Thisprogramme addresses softwaredevelopment for modern platforms

Computer Security MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/254


Computer security remains a hottopic in the media and there isstrong demand for graduates withtechnical skills in this area. Thisprogramme addresses computerand information security holisticallybecause vulnerability in any onecomponent can compromise anentire system. This includescomputer architectures, operatingsystems, network technologies, datastorage and software developmentprocesses. A wide range of threatsand other security issues (forexample, denial-of-service attacks,

such as wireless devices, multi-coreprocessors and cloud computing.Modern development environments,languages and tools are alsocovered.


• Cloud Computing (CO846)• Concurrency and Parallelism(CO890)

• Development Frameworks(CO894)

• Internet of Things and MobileDevices (CO838)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• Plus two optional modules fromthe MSc in Advanced ComputerScience

This programme appeals tograduates seeking careers inthe network or network securityindustries, or those who wish tocarry on with this topic as an areaof research.


• Advanced Network Security(CO892)

• Computer Security (CO876)• Internet of Things and MobileDevices (CO838)

• Networks and Network Security(CO874)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• Two optional modules fromour other Advanced Master’sprogrammes or from the MScin Information Security andBiometrics, which we offer inconjunction with the School ofEngineering and Digital Arts(for more details, seewww.kent.ac.uk/pg/256)

The programme has receivedprovisional certification from GCHQ,the British security and intelligenceagency. This MSc is aimed atcomputing graduates with strongprogramming skills who areseeking careers as cyber-securityprofessionals or careers thatneed a systematic and deepunderstanding of the subject. Itwould also be an excellent startingpoint for those wishing to carry outfurther research in cyber security.

Course content• Advanced Network Security(CO892)

• Computing Law (TBC)• Computer Security (CO876)• Image Analysis with SecurityApplications (EL844)

• Networks and Network Security(CO874)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• System Security (CO899)• Trust, Security and PrivacyManagement (CO834)

Networks and SecurityMScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/259

Entry requirements: As forAdvanced Computer Science, p8.

This programme provides a broadcoverage of computer networks,computer security and wirelessdevice technologies. It looks indepth at some of the securityissues that affect fixed and wirelessnetworks, and the current solutionsemployed to address theseproblems.

hacking, viruses and worms) arecovered along with defences andcountermeasures.


• Computer Security (CO876)• Networks and Network Security(CO874)

• Project Research (CO885)• Project and Dissertation (CO880)• System Security (CO899)• Trust, Security and PrivacyManagement (CO834)

• Two optional modules fromour other Advanced Master’sprogrammes or from the MScin Information Security andBiometrics, which we offer inconjunction with the School ofEngineering and Digital Arts(for more details, seewww.kent.ac.uk/pg/256)

Cyber Security MScwww.kent.ac.uk/pg/1225

Entry requirements: A first, 2.1or good 2.2 honours degree (orequivalent) in computing or arelated subject with a strongbackground in programming.

On this programme, you learn theessential skills to support cybersecurity within commercial andgovernment organisations.This includes the technical sideof encryption, authentication,biometrics and network security,as well as information securitymanagement and cyber securityrisk.


ADVANCED MASTER’S PROGRAMMES(CONT)

11www.cs.kent.ac.uk

TAUGHT MODULES

Our degrees are designedto ensure you acquire theessential knowledge yourequire in your chosenspecialism but also haveflexibility to choosemodules that reflect your particular interests.

Module informationPlease note that the moduleinformation given here is notfixed, as new modules are alwaysin development and choices areupdated regularly. Please seewww.kent.ac.uk/pg for the mostup-to-date information.

To read a fuller description of themodules listed here and anyprerequisites, go to www.kent.ac.uk/courses/modules and search by themodule code or name.

Programming modulesObject-Oriented ProgrammingModule code: CO881This module introduces you toobject-oriented programming usingthe popular Java language. It isdesigned for beginners who havenot studied computer programmingbefore. By the end you will be ableto develop simple programmesusing Java.

(Note: students with substantial prior experience of programmingtake CO871 Advanced Java forProgrammers instead.)

Other modulesAdvanced Network SecurityModule code: CO892In this model you explore aspects of email security. Content includes:spam – why it exists, targeted spamand filtering systems; phishingattacks, how to block fake sites andinstall browser-based defences;email-based malware and thedefences against this. You studyintrusion detection, preventionsystems, honey pots and denial ofservice, methods to detect complexdenial of service attacks anddefences against them. You alsocover eavesdropping and securityin wireless networks, and the use ofrouter-based firewalls as a methodto protect intranets.

Cloud ComputingModule code: CO846This module provides an overview of web services and their use ingrid/cloud computing. You explorethe differences and relationshipsbetween grid and cloud computing,the use of virtualisation technologiesin cloud computing, and securityissues that may affect theseenvironments. You also learn the useof a range of open source tools tocreate and manage grid and cloudinfrastructures.

Advanced Object-OrientedProgrammingModule code: CO882

This module covers the designand implementation of high-qualitysoftware using object-orientedtechniques. Systems are modelledas configurations of objectscommunicating with one another.Techniques are introduced whichallow objects to play different roleswithin a system. These conceptsare key to the support for adaptationand reuse that object-orientedprogramming provides. Emphasisis placed on gaining a deepunderstanding of these conceptsand applying them in practice bydeveloping programs in Java.You also explore softwarecomponent frameworks that supportthe structuring and manipulation ofdata (structures and algorithms).

Advanced Java forProgrammersModule code: CO871This module is for well-qualifiedcomputer science students enteringthe MSc programme from a rangeof backgrounds. You will alreadyhave strong programming skills butwill not necessarily have used Javaor another object-oriented languageextensively. This module developsyou as a reflective programmerand seeks to ensure that you havethe Java and object-oriented designskills necessary for the rest of yourprogramme.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


TAUGHT MODULES (CONT)

Cognitive Neural Networks

Module code: CO836This module places neural networksin a historical perspective related to symbolic approaches and in thecontext of the artificial intelligencehypothesis. The idea of thecomponents of a neuron asa ‘detector’ is developed. Neuralnetworks are explained in termsof the biology of the brain at acellular electro-transmission level.The module provides a generalframework for neural networkarchitectures at an abstract leveland in terms of networks in thecortex. A simple Hebbian modelof learning is set out, and othermodels of unsupervised learningare introduced. Error-driven tasklearning is outlined, and thedelta rule and back propagation

presented. The generalisedrecirculation algorithm is introducedand its mathematical formulationand properties discussed.

Computer Graphics andAnimationModule code: CO641Computer graphics and animationare important for a variety oftechnical and artistic applicationsincluding web design, human-computer interaction (HCI) andgraphical user interface (GUI)development, games andsimulations, digital photographyand cinema, medical and scientificvisualisation and so on. This moduleintroduces the subject from theperspective of computing. You learnabout technologies and techniquesfor modelling, manipulating,

capturing, displaying and storing2D and 3D scenes, digital images,animations and video. You alsogain practical experience of3D modelling tools.

Computer SecurityModule code: CO876You study cryptographic algorithmsincluding symmetric andasymmetric techniques and thedistinction between encryptionand signatures and look at securitymechanisms that are used withoperating systems and the commoncriteria for evaluation. The moduleconsiders the problems of networksecurity including wiretap, replay,masquerade and denial of serviceand the mechanisms to providesecurity such as firewalls and VPNs,and the problem of viruses and

13www.cs.kent.ac.uk

worms. You also look at digital rightsmanagement systems using digitalwatermarking techniques and thesecurity of IEEE 802.11 networks,such as Wi-Fi.

Concurrency and ParallelismModule code: CO890Concurrent design andprogramming skills are of growingimportance as multicore processortechnology advances. A soundunderstanding of fundamentalconcurrency concepts andobstacles is essential. This moduleintroduces fundamental theoriesof concurrency. It discusses howdesigns can be made paralleland identifies the common faultsin concurrent programs and howto avoid them. You are introducedto a range of widely usedprogramming paradigms andtechniques for writing concurrentprograms.

Data Mining and KnowledgeDiscoveryModule code: CO832This module explores a rangeof data mining and knowledgediscovery techniques andalgorithms. You learn about thestrengths and weaknesses ofdifferent techniques and how tochoose the most appropriate forany particular task. You use a state-of-the-art data-mining tool, andlearn to evaluate the quality ofdiscovered knowledge.

and actuator devices available,ways in which they communicateand compute, methods for gettinginformation to and from IoT-enableddevices, ways of visualising andprocessing data gained from theIoT, and associated privacy andsecurity issues. A practicalcomponent consists of buildingthe hardware and software fora sensor network and a systemto visualise data from that network.Application development for mobiledevices such as smartphones areintroduced using a popularmobile platform.

Introduction to IntelligentSystemsModule code: CO528This module covers the basicprinciples of machine learning andthe kinds of problems that can besolved by such techniques. Youlearn about the philosophy of AI,how knowledge is represented andalgorithms are used to search statespaces. It is also an introductionto both machine learning andbiologically inspired computation.

IT Consultancy Practice 2Module code: CO645Students taking this moduleundertake one or, typically, moreassignments for Kent IT Consultancy(KITC). You learn to formulate andevaluate technical alternatives tomeet IT requirements of smallbusinesses including issues of integration with existingtechnologies and procedures,maintenance and expansion.

Data Science Module code: CO839The amount of data generatedworldwide is more than doublingevery year. Traditional data analysistechniques are inadequate fordealing with the vast ocean of data.This module introduces moderntechniques, platforms and tools foranalysing large data sets efficiently,along with key applications. It aimsto equip students to join the newgeneration of data scientists soughtafter by industry and academia.

Development FrameworksModule code: CO894This module examines softwaredevelopment environments and thefacilities they provide. The moduleoutlines the development of simpleapplications in these environments,software libraries and frameworks,and their use in developing andtesting software systems. You usedevelopment frameworks’ facilitiesfor project and source-codemanagement, automated testing,refactoring and profiling and learnhow to deploy applications acrossmultiple platforms using installersand build-systems.

Internet of Things and MobileDevicesModule code: CO838The module covers a mixture oftheoretical and practical topics in the area of mobile devices andthe Internet of Things (IoT), that is,the use of internet technologiesto access and interact with objectsin the physical world. This includescoverage of the range of sensor

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


Working under supervision, youestimate time and costs involvedin devising solutions to small-scaleIT-based problems in smallbusiness situations. Assessmentis 100% project-based. (Seep20 for further information aboutworking as a consultant in KITC.)

Logic and Logic ProgrammingModule code: CO884There are four main components to this module, several of which are at the forefront of the academicdiscipline and are informed byresearch. These are: • propositional and predicate logic,and resolution – this looks at theformal languages of propositionallogic and predicate logic and therole of resolution in theoremproving and logic programming

• prolog programming – this is anintroduction to the programminglanguage and the concept ofdeclarative coding

• search techniques – this usesgeneric search algorithms thatare widely applied in solvingcomputationally hard problems

• constraint logic programming –this shows how constraintsatisfaction is useful in searchand how this emerging paradigmfits with logic programming.

Natural ComputationModule code: CO837This looks at the increasing useof nature-inspired computationaltechniques in computer science.These include the use of biologyas a source of inspiration for solvingcomputational problems, theapplication of artificial intelligence

techniques to various problems, andthe use of physical, chemical andbiological systems to constructcomputers.

Networks and Network SecurityModule code: CO874You review network techniques,switching and multiple accessand look at high-speed local areanetworks and network protocols,including data link, transport andapplication layers. You look atreal-time data transmission andquality of service; naming andaddressing, including material onthe domain name system, dynamicIP address allocation and addresstranslation systems. Firewalls,layer 3 network security and recentdevelopments are also covered.The nature of the topic changes

from year to year and is addressedprincipally by research seminarsand student-centred research.

Project and DissertationModule code: CO880Students choose their project nearthe beginning of their second term,in co-ordination with the ProjectResearch module (CO885, seep15). The School usually suggestsprojects, a number of which mayinvolve industrial collaboration.

You may propose a project ofyour own if a suitable memberof academic staff is available tosupervise. The project must beappropriate for, and relevant to,your programme of study. Theproject examines your abilityto understand and expand on

TAUGHT MODULES (CONT)

15www.cs.kent.ac.uk

a specific technical problem,and to carry out investigationsand practical work, includingprogramming. You also have tobe able to describe results, drawconclusions from them and writea coherent, well-organiseddissertation.

Project ResearchModule code: CO885The crowning element of mostMaster’s degrees is the projectand dissertation in which you applya wide range of skills learned in thetaught modules to an interestingresearch problem or practicalapplication of your choice. Thismodule provides useful transferableskills for completing the project, andsupports you in some preparatorytasks such as literature study andproject planning.

Software EngineeringModule code: CO886This module takes a wider view ofthe software development process,with an emphasis on techniquesand procedures for ensuring highproduct quality. A key topic isthe use of the Unified ModellingLanguage (UML) for problemanalysis and software design.Towards the end of the module,you have an opportunity to puttheory into practice by undertakinga group project, with another groupas your customer.

include a description of the varioussecurity models, showing howauthorisation policies can beautomatically enforced. The legaland privacy issues associated withinformation management are alsoaddressed, as are the usabilityissues of security technologies.The module concludes byinvestigating how security hasbeen inbuilt into some existingapplications, and how securityissues will affect the uptake ofubiquitous computing systems.

Web-based InformationSystems DevelopmentModule code: CO887Web-based information systemsform the heart of e-commerce.They are also increasingly theway businesses handle all theirinformation needs. Building suchsystems requires an understandingof up-to-date tools and technologiessuch as XML, UML, Java anddatabases; it also calls for anunderstanding of how to designsystems that genuinely meet userand business needs. This modulestarts by examining the businesscontext of web-based informationsystems. It introduces designmethodologies and techniques,using UML in recordingrequirements. Systemsimplementation involves databasemanagement systems and theseare studied in some depth. Bythe end of the module, you havedeveloped a complete informationsystem which uses XML and Javato link dynamic web pages to adatabase back-end.

System SecurityModule code: CO899You look at federated identitymanagement, privacy protection;viruses and worms and hacking.The module also covers securearchitectures; formal verificationmethods and email security, such as SMTP-MIME and S/MIME. Youstudy secure software developmentmethods and tools, common criteria,code inspections, code coveragetools and code evaluation.

Systems ArchitectureModule code: CO883This module provides anunderstanding of the basicprinciples of computer architecture.It includes the fundamental ideasof computer hardware such asBoolean algebra; binary andhexadecimal numbers and datarepresentation; bits, bytes andcharacter codes; memory, andperipherals; registers, RAM andROM. It also offers a practicalintroduction to the use of a UNIX-like operating system and you learnthe principles and mechanismsof operating systems includingmemory management, swapping,virtual memory, file systems andlocal and remote file access.

Trust, Security and PrivacyManagementModule code: CO834This module investigates theprocess of security management.You take a holistic view of securitymanagement, starting with riskmanagement and the formulation ofsecurity policies. Technical subjects

INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT

Our links with industryOur students have worked in theUK, the US, Asia and continentalEurope, and our placement teamhas links with numerousorganisations, including: • Accenture• ASOS• BAE Systems• Boeing• BT• Cancer Research• Cisco• HSBC• Kent Police• Lilly• Met Office• Microsoft• Morgan Stanley• Sky• The Walt Disney Company.

An industrial placementis an ideal way to gainworkplace experience,make useful contacts anddevelop an understandingof graduate careers incomputing and IT.

On a placement, you have anopportunity to work in technical andbusiness roles, putting into practicethe knowledge you have gainedon your MSc programme anddeveloping new skills. Theexperience you gain can give youan extra edge when applying forjobs in the future.

All full-time taught Master’sprogrammes in the School ofComputing can be combined withan industrial placement of betweeneight and 50 weeks. Studentsusually start their placement assoon as their dissertation hasbeen submitted in September.

Industrial placementsupportIn the School of Computing we havea specialist team to assist you infinding a placement and providingsupport while you are there. Wedraw on our well-establishednetworks to organise employerpresentations and opportunities foryou to meet with recruiters, as wellas advising you on how to tailoryou application and prepare forinterviews. During your placementwe keep in contact with you andoffer support during the year.

SalariesThe average placement salaryoutside London is £16,500.In London, salaries generallyrange from £17,000 to £22,000while some, depending on theemployer, are over £30,000.


DID YOU KNOW?If you are an internationalstudent, your student visacovers your entire course,including your industrialplacement. So you can workfull-time and earn moneyduring your placement period.

17www.cs.kent.ac.uk

PLACEMENT PROFILE

Peter A. A. Asomoah, fromGhana, is undertaking anindustrial placement withInfluential Software aspart of his MSc inComputer Science.

What does your placementinvolve?I’m a software developer intern andI work as part of the Microsoft.NETdevelopment team. I’m assignedtasks that may involve writing codeto add features for ongoing projects,or preparing technical documents.I’ve been able to work with andlearn new forms of technology,and gained practical experienceof front-end, back-end anddatabase development. I’ve alsohad the chance to contribute tocommercial projects, which hashelped me to gain practical

experience of software engineeringprocesses, especially the agiledevelopment process.

How do you think the placementwill benefit you? Overall, the placement hasexpanded my knowledge in relationto the modules I covered duringmy programme. It has put me oncourse to becoming a full stackdeveloper, since I’ve had the chanceto work with all the technologiesinvolved. Also, it’s helped meto refine my career choices interms of the aspect of softwaredevelopment I’d like to focus on.

What kind of support did youget from the School to set upyour placement?The School placement office sentout regular emails about companiesoffering placements and application

deadlines. They held sessions for us to meet employers. They alsooffered career advice and you couldask them to review your CV andcover letter, too.

What advice would you give tosomeone thinking of doing aplacement?Placements are very effective inhelping to bridge the gap betweenwhat is taught on your courseand what to expect when you starta career. It will be more effective ifyou can get a placement with acompany involved in the area youare most interested in. It helps if youcan learn a bit about the technologystack the company uses before youstart, too. This will help you to havea shorter learning period and getthe best out of your placement.

Matthew Gould is Headof Java Services atInfluential Software.

Influential has been recruitingplacement students for six years,most of them from the Universityof Kent. We’ve always found theirtechnical aptitude and attitude hasenabled them to become productivemembers of staff in a very shortspace of time.

All our placement students areassigned a mentor on their first dayto act as a first point of contact.New starters are quickly working

on client projects where tasks areclearly defined and broken downto ease them into the world of work.Colleagues at Influential are verysupportive and keen to shareknowledge, which fosters acollaborative atmosphere.

The School gives us clear criteriafor evaluating a placement. Thishelps us to develop a learningplan and give the best experiencepossible to our placement students.The School visits all placementstudents and confirms that theprocess is working well and thateveryone is enjoying the experience.

Placement students have formeda core recruitment strategy for thecompany and this has allowed itto expand rapidly while maintainingexceptional standards of quality.If you’re not sure whether to takeup a placement opportunity, I wouldsay – do it! The skills you learn in theworkplace build on the foundationslaid at university and allow youto see the theory in practice. Beingable to apply your knowledge andseeing end users utilising yourwork and giving feedback on it isincredibly satisfying. Be preparedto learn and throw yourself intoanything.


OUR RESEARCH EXPERTISE

The School of Computingcarries out wide-rangingresearch within focusedresearch groups. Itprovides a vibrant,intellectually stimulatingenvironment in which tocarry out your studies.

Computing Education GroupWe focus on disciplinary-specificpedagogy, especially the teachingand learning of computer scienceand programming. Our researchinterests focus on understandingthe aspects of learning that arespecific to computing education,and which range from examininggeneral theories of learning,through thematically focusedinvestigations (such as gender),to tool construction. We examineeducation from multiple aspects,including supporting computingeducation research infrastructure,working with teachers, or focusingon student learning.

Computational IntelligenceGroupThis Group brings togetherinterdisciplinary researchersinvestigating the interface betweencomputer science and the domainsof bioscience and cognition. Interms of applying computationto other domains, we have expertsin investigating the modellingof gene expression and humanattention, emotions and reasoning.

Data Science Research GroupData Science is an interdisciplinaryfield that utilises computingtechnology to derive obvious andnon-obvious relationships in data bydeveloping the appropriate scientificalgorithms and implementation ofthese methods to extract usefulknowledge or insights from the data.

The focus of the Data ScienceResearch Group at Kent is to applythe techniques such as signalprocessing, machine learning,security and statistics in animpactful manner to benefit thewider public. Our research iscross-disciplinary, involving schoolssuch as Business, Computing,Engineering, Pharmacy, Psychology,Sociology and Sports Science.

From the perspective of applying biological metaphors to computation, we research newcomputational methods such asgenetic algorithms and swarmintelligence.

The Group also develops noveltechniques for data mining,visualisation and simulation. Theseuse the results of interdisciplinaryresearch for finding solutions tocomputationally expensiveproblems.

The Group has strong links withother schools at the University ofKent, as well as with universities,hospitals and scientific researchinstitutes throughout the countryand internationally.

19

Programming Languages andSystems GroupOur research involves all aspectsof programming languages andsystems, from fundamental theoryto practical implementation. TheGroup has interests across a widerange of programming paradigms:object-oriented, concurrent,functional and logic. We researchthe links between logic andprogramming languages, theverification of the correctness ofprograms, and develop tools forrefactoring, tracing and testing.We are interested in incorporatingsafe concurrent programmingpractices into language design.

The Group is also interestedin practical implementation ofprogramming languages, fromconcurrent parallel processingto battery-operated mobile systems.Particular research topics includelightweight multi-threading kernels,memory managers and garbagecollectors.

Security GroupThis Group is leading theUniversity’s InterdisciplinaryResearch Centre in Cyber Security,see www.cyber.kent.ac.uk

The University was recognised asan Academic Centre of Excellencein Cyber Security Research in 2015-2017 by GCHQ and theEngineering and Physical SciencesResearch Council (EPSRC).

Interdisciplinary ResearchCentre in Cyber SecurityThe Interdisciplinary ResearchCentre in Cyber Security at theUniversity of Kent harnessesexpertise across the Universityto address current and potentialcyber security challenges.

Our strategic objective is to promotewide-ranging multidisciplinaryresearch, which will help in theteaching and development of skillsin cyber security to students andthe wider community, throughdegree programmes, workshops,visits, lectures and training.

Included in our remit is work withexternal organisations to promotecyber security. The Centre involves13 academics from two schools(Computing, and Engineeringand Digital Arts) as core members,and over 30 further academicsfrom ten schools in two faculties(Sciences, and Social Sciences)as associates. The University hasset a plan to further grow the Centreby investing more to support ourresearch.

www.cs.kent.ac.uk

RESEARCHEXCELLENCEIn the latest ResearchExcellence Framework(REF), the research impact of the work within the Schoolwas graded as world-leadingor internationally excellent.

Security of computer systems and the information held on them is becoming even more importantas a consequence of society’sincreased reliance on electronicdevices – with most of these holdingvaluable information or performingcritical operations, and connectedthrough networks of some kind.

The Security Group covers a widerange of security topics, includinguser and device authentication,password and biometrics, accesscontrol and identity management,formal verification and testing ofsecurity, malware analysis, networkand communication security, cloudsecurity, security protocols, social-technical security, human factors,cybercrime, security policies,privacy, ransomware, quantumcryptography, steganography,multimedia security, and AI security.

We have a strong involvement withpostgraduate teaching in the MScprogrammes in Cyber Security,Computer Security, InformationSecurity and Biometrics, andNetworks and Security. Our MScin Cyber Security is provisionallyaccredited by GCHQ.

Our research contributes tothe Research Councils’ Partnershipfor Conflict, Crime and SecurityResearch (PaCCS) and EPSRC’scross-ICT priority area Safe andSecure ICT.

20

EXPLORE AND DEVELOP

As a postgraduate studentat Kent, you have accessto a range of facilitiesto support you as youexplore your subject and develop your skills.

Makerspace: The ShedOur makerspace, The Shed,supports innovative teaching andlearning. The Shed is a large, open-plan workshop area, fitted withequipment including 3D printers,a laser cutter and metal fabricationmachinery.

Equipped with a wide varietyof machinery and developmentequipment such as the Oculus Riftand Raspberry Pi, The Shed takesadvantage of the increasingaccessibility of electronics and

engineering with a rapid prototypingcapability. Students and staff canuse it to build physical devices fortaught modules and to develop theirown interests and hobbies.

Kent IT ConsultancyKent IT Consultancy (KITC) is partof the School of Computing andis run by students at the University.Our student consultants have theopportunity to apply their academicstudies and experience in a real-world setting.

Our postgraduates deliverconsultancy services that helpambitious local businesses to make better use of technology. Forexample, our students have helpeda local entrepreneur to launch anonline clothing store, worked witha local manufacturer to improve

their order fulfilment process, andsupported a number of businessesto modernise their websites.

Working as a student consultantwith KITC means that you benefitfrom specific, industry-focusedtraining and support from bothacademics and professional ITconsultants. You also gain academiccredit for the work you do, whichcounts towards your degree. Theskills and experience you gain arevaluable to employers and help youto stand out from other candidateswhen applying for jobs.

Securing a position as a studentconsultant is a competitive process,as there are a limited number ofplaces each year. You can find outmore about the role and how toapply at www.kitc-solutions.co.uk/recruitment

School of Computing

A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

A full-time PhD requires a minimumof three years’ work; an MScresearch degree can be completedin one year. To apply, you needa good honours degree (first or 2:1)or a Master’s degree at merit ordistinction (or the equivalent) incomputer science or a relateddiscipline (such as mathematics,business studies or electronics,as long as the degree has a strongcomputing component). You alsoneed an idea for a project, or anarea you wish to work in. Yourresearch should produce an originalcontribution in your chosen fieldof study.

To find out more, please contact theSchool of Computing (see p23).

Careers and EmployabilityServiceThe University’s award-winningCareers and Employability Servicecan help you to plan for your futureby offering one-to-one advice at anystage in your postgraduate studies.It also provides online advice onemployability skills, career choices,applications and interview skills.

Further informationFor more information on the careershelp we provide at Kent, visit ourEmployability web page atwww.kent.ac.uk/employability

A postgraduatequalification from Kentprovides you with animpressive portfolio ofskills and specialistknowledge.

In addition to the academicknowledge and practical skills youacquire at Kent, we also help you todevelop key transferable skills thatare essential within the competitiveworld of postgraduate employment.These include the ability to adapt tochallenges, analyse complex real-world problems and developoriginal ideas that can be appliedto all aspects of future work.

Global Skills AwardThe Global Skills Award Programmeis designed to broaden yourunderstanding of global issues andcurrent affairs as well as to developpersonal skills that will enhance youremployability. The programme runsfrom November to April, and allstudents registered for a taughtMaster’s degree are eligible toapply for a place.

The programme gives you theopportunity to broaden yourexperience, gain important skillswhile you are studying, and meetand network with students froma wide variety of backgroundsand disciplines. For moreinformation, see www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/skills/programmes/gsa.html

21www.cs.kent.ac.uk

Strong industry links Within the School of Computingwe have strong links with industry,notably with Microsoft, Oracle,IBM, Agilent Technologies, ErlangTraining and Consulting, HP Labs,Ericsson and Nexor.

Our industrial placementprogramme can greatly enhanceyour studies and has a dramaticimpact on your choices aftergraduation. The industrialplacement programme is availableto all taught Master’s students inthe School of Computing (see p16).The School has a specialistplacement team to assist you,as well as an employabilityco-ordinator.

Further studyIf you are interested in studyingfor a PhD or a research Master’sdegree, we offer a thrivingacademic community and supportto help you to become an effectiveresearcher.

In the most recent ResearchExcellence Framework, computerscience and informatics at Kent wasranked 12th in the UK for researchintensity by the Times HigherEducation (THE).

The School also scored highly in themost recent national PostgraduateResearch Experience Survey:90% of respondents expressedsatisfaction with the quality of oursupervision, and 90% stated thattheir overall experience either metor exceeded their expectations.

Other scholarships forpostgraduate students Students who graduate with anhonours degree from the Universityof Kent and opt to go straight on to a Master’s programme areeligible for the Graduate SchoolScholarship, which offers areduction in tuition fees. For detailssee www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate

To explore the full range ofscholarships offered at theUniversity of Kent for taughtMaster’s students, eligibility criteriaand details of how to apply, visitwww.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/search

Scholarship applicationdeadlinesThe deadlines for applying forSchool of Computing and Universityscholarships can vary, so pleasecheck the School and Universitywebsites for up-to-date information.


APPLICATIONS AND FUNDING

How to applyWe only accept online applications.To apply, select the programme that you wish to study and click on ‘apply’. See www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

Taught postgraduate degrees beginin September. International studentsmust apply by 31 July. There is nofixed deadline for Home/EUstudents but places are subject toavailability so we recommend youapply as early as possible.

Scholarships from theSchool of ComputingThe School of Computing offers a number of scholarships for itstaught Master’s students, asoutlined below.

Home/EU studentsA limited number of scholarshipsare available for Home/EU studentswho meet the general awardcriteria. These scholarships areallocated on a first-come-first-served basis according to the datewe receive the funding request.

International (non-EU) studentsInternational (non-EU) students whomeet the general award criteria areguaranteed to receive scholarshipfunding in the form of a discount onstandard international tuition fees.

For more information, seewww.cs.kent.ac.uk/masters/scholarships.html

Entry requirementsIf you would like to apply for apostgraduate degree, you mustnormally have achieved either a firstor second class result in a relatedsubject at undergraduate level.We are pleased to considerequivalent qualifications frominternationally recognised non-UKinstitutions – for more informationon grading equivalents, please visitwww.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/entry-requirements

Please refer to p6 and p8-10 for thespecific entry requirements for ourdegree programmes in the Schoolof Computing.

English language requirementsThe University requires all non-native speakers of English to reacha minimum standard of proficiencyin written and spoken English beforebeginning a postgraduate degree.

Minimum standards: • IELTS – 6.5, including 6.0 inreading and writing, and 5.5 inlistening and speaking

• Pearson Test of EnglishAcademic – 62, including 60 ineach subtest

• Cambridge English: Advancedand Proficiency – 176, includingminimum of 169 in reading andwriting and 162 in speaking andlistening

• Internet-based TOEFL – 90including minimum of 22 inreading, 21 in writing, 17 inlistening and 20 in speaking

See www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

DID YOU KNOW?You can enrol for a pre-sessional course at Kent ifyou need to improve yourEnglish language skills. Findout more at www.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways/pre-sessional/index.html

23www.cs.kent.ac.uk

LocationCanterbury and Medway

FacultyFaculty of Sciences

SchoolSchool of Computing

ContactSchool of Computing,University of Kent, Canterbury,Kent CT2 7NF, UK

T: +44 (0)1227 824520E: [email protected]

Applications

Taught programmesOnline atwww.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

Research programmes See p21 or contact the Schoolfor further details.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The University of Kentis dedicated to excellencein both teaching andresearch.

In the most recent ResearchExcellence Framework, Kent wasranked in the top 20 for researchintensity in the Times HigherEducation, outperforming 11 ofthe 24 Russell Group universities.

Strong academiccommunityKent’s postgraduate studentsare part of a thriving intellectualcommunity. In addition to lecturesand seminars, you benefit froma rich and stimulating researchculture.

A global outlookKent has a great internationalreputation, attracting academic staffand students from around the world.Our academic schools are engagedin collaborative research withuniversities worldwide and we offera range of opportunities to studyabroad and an approach that istruly global.

This brochure was produced in February 2018. The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in itspublicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services and other mattersmay be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, see www.kent.ac.uk/pg and for full details of our terms and conditions, seewww.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, it needs to process information about you for administrative, academic and health and safetyreasons. Any offer we make to you is subject to your consent to process such information and is a requirement in order for you to beregistered as a student. All students must agree to abide by the University rules and regulations at: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations

European connectionsThe University has two main UKcampuses, Canterbury and Medway,located in the south-east of England,close to London. We also have studylocations in Brussels, Paris, Athensand Rome. We have a diverse,cosmopolitan population with157 nationalities represented.We also have strong links withuniversities in Europe. From Kent,you are two hours away from Parisand Brussels by train.

Visit usCome to one of our open days tofind out more about postgraduatestudy at Kent. Our postgraduateopen days are an opportunity to talk to academic staff and find outabout accommodation and currentfunding opportunities. To find outmore, see www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit

Further informationFor information about applyingto Kent, or to order a copy ofthe Graduate Prospectus,please contact: Recruitment and Admissions Office,The Registry, University of Kent,Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ, UKT: +44 (0)1227 768896E: [email protected]

COME ANDMEET US

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk

To find out more about visiting theUniversity, see our websitewww.kent.ac.uk/visit

DPC 12607902/18PUB1007

SCHOOL OF COMPUTING - Computer Science at Kent · Advanced Computer Science (Cloud Computing and...

Documents

Transcript of SCHOOL OF COMPUTING - Computer Science at Kent · Advanced Computer Science (Cloud Computing and...