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 current expertise in the department, the programme offers students opportunities for in-depth study in:
secure mobile and wireless communications
biometrics and authentication
data mining and knowledge discovery
imaging techniques and applications
the programme is carefully designed to suit the varied needs of different students from different backgrounds and with different career objectives.
communications using mobile and wireless devices such as mobile phones, pda s and laptops have become increasingly important in modern life and electronic commerce. reliable, speedy and secure transmission of information over such devices is vital for the successful exploitation of the technologies.
authentication, using biometric data as a sophisticated means to combat fraud, is increasingly accepted by both businesses and governments. biometric authentication solutions require good use of imaging and data mining techniques in constructing and verifying customer profiles. online organisations have accumulated large collections of online data that need speedy processing and analysis. if you are interested in finding out more about any of these technologies, then this programme is for you.
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
from 2018 there will be a september entry point as well as january.
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 conducted by skype, 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.
terms and conditions for prospective students
when you are offered a place at the university you will be notified of the terms and conditions 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 terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >
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.
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
start
type
1st year
total cost
jan 2021
full-time
1 year
uk
£9,190
£9,190
eu
£9,190
£9,190
int
£15,150
£15,150
sep 2021
full-time
1 year
uk
£9,450
£9,450
eu
£9,450
£9,450
int
£16,538
£16,538
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 2019, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in september 2020). 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.
a new system of postgraduate loans for masters degrees in the uk was introduced in august 2016 with support from the uk government. the loan will provide up to £10,609 for taught and research masters courses in all subject areas. the loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both. find out more >>
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 main 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.
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.
we recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. arrange a tour via your admissions officer.
apply directly
you can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.
help and support
if you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. we are available between 09:00 and 17:00, monday to friday.