Computing Pre-Masters Programme

You will study the following modules on the Computing Pre-Masters programme:

Term 1

Pre-Masters Skills for English 1 (PSE 1)

During this module you will develop the five skills areas of writing, reading, listening, speaking and university study skills. Apart from raising English skills levels to the equivalent of 6.0 IELTS, you will also work on note-taking and summarising techniques, look at referencing and the issue of plagiarism and the development of research skills.

Academic Communication and English Skills (ACES)

You will use this module to consider a range of contemporary issues related to your chosen area of Master’s study, for example, technological developments and their impact, legal, ethical and environmental concerns and how to explore these using a wide range of information sources. Along with your English skills you will focus on relationship building, team working and effective communication.

Term 2

Pre-Masters Skills for English 2 (PSE 2)

This module continues the development of your English level towards the equivalent of 6.5 IELTS and helps you to consolidate a range of wider academic skills such as critical thinking, writing a bibliography, preparation and delivery of an oral presentation and the further development of communication and group working skills.

Research Methods

You are introduced to research methods, their usefulness and limitations, and consider the different sources of data and materials relevant to analysis within your chosen subject area. You also look at the quantitative and qualitative approaches to the collection and interpretation of data.

Data Collection and Interpretation

The emphasis of this module is on the development of statistical techniques in the context of academic research. You look at organising and representing data using an Excel spreadsheet and consider issues around averages and variability, probability and decision-making, sampling and estimation and hypothesis testing.

Computing 1 - Issues in Computer Science

You study computer hardware and software design and applications, computer languages, algorithms and data structures. Current issues that you consider include standards and protocols on the web, file sharing and social networking sites and major forms of cyber crime and the measures being taken to counter them.

Term 3

Pre-Masters Skills for English 3 (PSE 3)

On completion of this module you will have advanced to the equivalent of 6.5 or 7.0 IELTS and will have developed further your research, referencing and presentation skills. You will be able to read more complex texts and write factual and discursive essays on academic topics.

Analytical Techniques an Problem Solving

During this module you consider the key elements of critical thinking and look at the construction of an academic case or argument. Within your own subject area you look at practical problems and the various techniques used to analyse and present possible solutions to them. These techniques include mathematical approaches, computer modelling, and the more intuitive approaches involving brainstorming, lateral thinking and role playing.

Individual Research Project

The aim of this module is to help you develop and demonstrate your ability to write longer pieces of academic work displaying applied understanding of the subject matter (related to your chosen subject area) and a critical analysis of concepts and materials.

Computing 2 - Database Design and Applications

You use this module to develop your understanding of database design and technologies and of distributed database architecture. You also consider the basic issues in object-oriented data models, integration technologies and data-warehousing and data-mining techniques.