Computer Science: Postgraduate Online Programme Booklet

Computer
Science
Postgraduate online programme booklet 2021/22
Computer Science
Programme overview
Study mode: Online and part-time
Qualification: MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert Computer Science
Programme start dates: 10 August and 12 October 2021
Indicative programme duration: 30 months / 20 months / 10 months
Fees: £15,300† / £10,200† / £5,100† (scholarships and discounts available)
Entry requirements: Applicants should possess either:
• A minimum of a 2:2 class degree in a suitable technical subject other than computer science or IT, equivalent to a UK
bachelor’s degree, coupled with two years’ experience in employment; or
• Professional work experience and/or other prior qualifications, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language and are required to provide
evidence of this. Successful applicants from outside the UK must have an International English Language Testing
System (IELTS) score of 6.5 overall or equivalent.
What will I study?

This programme consists of the following modules. You are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full Master of
Science, 120 credits to achieve the postgraduate diploma (PG Dip), and 60 to achieve the postgraduate certificate (PG Cert).
MSc PG Dip PG Cert

Global Trends in Computer Science (15 credits) x x x
Software Development in Practice (15 credits) x x x
Databases and Information Systems (15 credits) x x x
Networks and Web Technology (15 credits) x x x
Reasoning and Intelligent Systems (15 credits) x x
Machine Learning in Practice (15 credits) x x
Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits) x x
Research Methods in Computer Science (15 credits) x x
Computer Science Capstone Project (60 credits) x
Teaching and assessment

The programme is delivered using the latest and most innovative online teaching techniques and includes a range of
interesting and thought-provoking activities and exercises. Core information is developed by subject-leading experts
in the field and closely aligned with both industry and academic best practice, underpinned by rigorous theoretical
and relevant topics, examples and cases. Leading-edge materials are supported by specially trained tutors, who
are not only professionals in the discipline, but who have an exceptional knowledge of supporting online students.
Teaching activities consist of specially designed lecturecasts, synchronous seminars, carefully curated reading lists, and
asynchronous discussions to enhance peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Assessment is by coursework only – there are no examinations. Assessments align with the University of Liverpool
commitment to have relevant, authentic and varied activities and are designed to lead directly to enhanced professional
and personal objectives as well as being appropriate to the academic discipline.
† All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the
local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.
Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Please complete our online application form to apply to study this programme.
Programme structure
Module code CSCK501 NQF level Level 7
Credit value 15 credits Module duration 8 weeks
Global Trends in Computer Science

Module aims Syllabus
This module aims to: • Trends in computer science
• Familiarise students with the online classroom • Information technology
environment and allow them to explore current
• Data and risk management
practice in computer science and information
technology by sharing their global perspectives and • Cyber security
experiences in discussion forums.
• Green computing
• Provide a comprehensive and holistic introduction to
• Internet of things and smart cities
current trends in computer science, such as enterprise
systems management, data protection and big • Big data analytics
data analytics, cyber security, pervasive computing,
• Real-time, high integrity and embedded systems
sustainable technology and risk management.
• Highlight the global, integrative and collaborative
nature of the information technology industry, whilst Learning and teaching methods
allowing students to explore the relevance and
The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated
impact of their unique regional contexts through
by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of
critical discussion and group work.
study enables students to pursue modules via home
• Allow students to explore and critically debate study while continuing employment. Module delivery
the use of information technology in an enterprise involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
setting, the best way to make decisions regarding a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work
technology, and the management and administration under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery
needs of an organisation. proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions,
each of which comprises an online lecture, supported
by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to
Learning outcomes a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning
activities will include lecture casts, live seminar sessions,
Students will be able to:
self-assessment activities, reading materials and other
• Contribute to an academic community via the use multimedia resources. Communication within the virtual
of an online classroom and discussion forum, whilst classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement that
demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, students are able to pursue the course in their own time,
academic integrity and an understanding of the within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An important
academic writing style. element of the module provision is active learning through
collaborative, cohort-based, learning using discussion
• Produce an artefact that involves searching for,
forum where the students engage in assessed discussions
assimilating and analysing relevant scholarly resources,
facilitated by the faculty member responsible for the
reflecting a range of viewpoints with original thought
module. This in turn encourages both confidence and global
and commentary, and demonstrating digital fluency with
citizenship (given the international nature of the online
search tools and presentation software.
student body).
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of current trends in
computer science, and an appreciation of how information
technology can be used to support business processes
and add value to global enterprises.
• Articulate the legal, social, ethical and professional
issues related to developing and using information
systems and modern technology solutions,
demonstrate professionalism, and follow relevant
professional codes of practice.
MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Software Development in Practice

This module aims to: • Software Engineering Principles
• Provide students with a comprehensive • Data and Operators
understanding of the theory and practice of modern
• Control Structures and Recursion
software development.
• Data structures
• Provide students with hands-on experience of a
current programming language. • Graphical user interfaces
• Provide students with a critical insight into the • Files, streams and I/O techniques
processes of interpreting and translating software
• Advanced Data Structures
procurer requirements into software realisation.
• Management of the Software Development
• Provide a systematic overview into the process of
Enterprise
evaluating and testing software systems.
• Develop an appreciation of the legal, social, ethical
and professional considerations pertinent to software
development, and the risk factors involved.
Learning and teaching methods
Learning outcomes study enables students to pursue modules via home
study while continuing in employment. Module delivery
Students will be able to: involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work
• Develop a deep and systematic understanding of the
under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery
process of modern software development from end
proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions,
user requirements to software delivery.
• Develop a systematic knowledge of the theory by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to
underpinning modern programming techniques and a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning
the practical application of these techniques. activities will include lecture casts, live seminar sessions,
• Develop a comprehensive insight into the process
multimedia resources. Communication within the virtual
and practice of evaluating software implementations.
classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement that
• Develop a deep and systematic understanding of the students are able to pursue the course in their own time,
risk factors pertaining to software development, and within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An important
the associated legal, ethical, social and professional element of the module provision is active learning through
issues to be taken into consideration. collaborative, cohort-based, learning using discussion
fora where the students engage in assessed discussions
student body).

Databases and Information Systems

This module aims to: • Evolution and Fundamentals of Database Systems
• Provide a critical understanding of the design and • The Relational Model
realisation of database systems.
• Analysis and Design of Database Systems
• Provide in-depth understanding of operation and
• Transaction Management
usage of databases systems.
• Query Languages
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of the
administration and maintenance of database • Database Connectivity
systems.
• Web Technology and DBs
• Provide comprehensive insight into a range of
• Alternative Database Paradigms
database paradigms.
Learning outcomes Learning and teaching methods

• Develop a deep and critical insight into database study enables students to pursue modules via home
systems and computer information systems. study while continuing in employment. Module delivery
involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
• Develop a comprehensive ability to implement
a functioning database using current tools and
structures, and employing current design practices.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of database each of which comprises an online lecture, supported
querying via analysis of results. by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to
a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning
• Integrate appropriate security and backup in
planning database maintenance and administration.
students are able to pursue the course in their own time,
within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An important
element of the module provision is active learning through
student body).

Networks and Web Technology

This module aims to: • Web Design
• Develop a deep and systematic knowledge of the • Distributed Systems and Internet Protocols
use of Web technologies to support business needs
• Markup Languages
and objectives.
• Dynamic Web Programming
• Provide in-depth and critical understanding of current
tools and techniques that support Web technologies. • Server and Client Side Scripting
• Develop high-level skills in development and • Scripting Languages
maintenance of appropriate web based systems.
• The Semantic Web
• Advanced Web Technologies
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: Learning and teaching methods
• Develop a deep and systematic understanding of the
tools and techniques used to build Web applications.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of the legal, social, ethical study enables students to pursue modules via home
and professional issues relating to the practical study while continuing in employment. Module delivery
deployment of Web technologies. involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
• Create both static and dynamic web based systems,
using current tools and techniques, to support
business needs and goals.
• Critically analyse and evaluate Web applications in by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to
respect of usability and accessibility. a public folder in the virtual classroom. The eLearning
students are able to pursue the course in their own time,
within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An important
element of the module provision is active learning through
student body).

Reasoning and Intelligent Systems

This module aims to: • Introduction to intelligent systems
• Provide students with a comprehensive • Rule-based expert systems
understanding of the domain of reasoning and
• Reasoning under uncertainty
intelligent systems.
• Evolutionary computation algorithms
• Enable students to evaluate modern techniques of
artificial intelligence and reasoning in both the public • Fuzzy expert systems
and the private sector contexts.
• Inductive reasoning
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills
• Temporal and spatial reasoning
required to develop and deploy the tools and
techniques of intelligent systems to solve real world • Intelligent systems applications
problems.

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of
• Analyse and evaluate intelligent systems’ techniques.
study while continuing employment. Module delivery
• Demonstrate an understanding of the differences involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
between intelligent system applications and a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work
conventional computer applications. under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery
• Deploy critically appropriate software tools and skills
for the design and implementation of intelligent
systems.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the activities will include lecture casts, live seminar sessions,
practical application of the principles of intelligent self-assessment activities, reading materials and other
systems. multimedia resources. Communication within the virtual
classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement
• Analyse intelligent system problems and formulate
that students are able to pursue the course in their own
appropriate solutions.
time, within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An
important element of the module provision is active
learning through collaborative, cohort-based, learning
using discussion forum where the students engage in
assessed discussions facilitated by the faculty member
responsible for the module. This in turn encourages both
confidence and global citizenship (given the international
nature of the online student body).

Machine Learning in Practice

This module aims to: • Machine learning fundamentals
• Provide an in-depth understanding of established • Data preprocessing
techniques of machine learning, its real-world
• Dimensionality reduction
application and the legal contexts in which machine
learning operates. • Linear regression
• Provide students with comprehensive knowledge • Classification
of the nature of data and the mechanism that may
• Decision trees
be used to pre-process data to support machine
learning activities. • Association rule mining
• Establish a comprehensive and practical awareness • Clustering
of the techniques and metrics used to evaluate
machine learning algorithms.
• Furnish students with an in-depth and critical Learning and teaching methods
knowledge of a range of established approaches
to machine learning, including their statistical and The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated
mathematical underpinning. by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of
• Provide a wide-ranging practical knowledge of an study while continuing employment. Module delivery
established machine learning workbench. involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
Learning outcomes proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions,
Students will be able to: by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to
• Demonstrate a well-founded and comprehensive
knowledge of the operation of a widely used
machine learning workbench.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic classroom is asynchronous, preserving the requirement
understanding of the legal frameworks in which that students are able to pursue the course in their own
machine learning operates. time, within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An
• Deploy effectively a variety of tools and techniques
within the remit of machine learning.
• Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding assessed discussions facilitated by the faculty member
of the limitations of a range of machine learning responsible for the module. This in turn encourages both
techniques and how the effectiveness of individual confidence and global citizenship (given the international
techniques can be analysed. nature of the online student body).

Multi-Agent Systems
This module aims to: • Agents, objects and expert systems
• Provide students with a thorough and comprehensive • Reasoning, reactive, layered and hybrid agents
understanding of the computer science domain of
• Methods for designing agent-oriented analysis
multi-agent systems.
• Speech, languages (KQML, FIPA) for agent
• Enable students to critically evaluate current theories
communication
and methods in multi-agent system design and their
application to a wide variety of contexts. • Ontologies and description logistics for languages,
i.e. XML
• Equip students with technical knowledge and skills to
develop and deploy multi-agent system solutions to • Coalitions, co-operative and adversarial interaction in
solve real world problems. multi-agent decision making
• Voting, auctions, argumentation and negotiating and
bargaining
Learning outcomes • Criteria and exemplars for multi-agent system
Students will be able to: solutions
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the area

of multi-agent systems, their theoretical underpinning Learning and teaching methods
and practical applications.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the
difference between the multi-agent paradigm and the
more conventional approaches to complex systems
design.
involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
• Analyse real world problems for which a multi-agent a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work
system approach is appropriate, and formulate a under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery
solution. proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions,
• Critically evaluate and deploy software tools and
skills for the implementation of multi-agent systems.
that students are able to pursue the course in their own
time, within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An

Research Methods in Computer Science

This module aims to: • Overview of research methods
• Provide a deep and systematic knowledge of the nature • Legal, social, ethical and professional issues
of strategic computing projects that harness recent
• Literature review
development within the domain of computer science.
• Research project specification
• Equip students with the ability to undertake
independent research with a view to specifying a • Project management
strategic IT project; including problem and solution
• Project conduct
definition, and the ability to compare and analyse
competing solutions. • Project evaluation
• Furnish an ability to manage, conduct and monitor • Technical writing
strategic IT projects using a range of tools and
techniques.
• Provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding
of the information security issues related to the The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated
management, conducting and monitoring of IT by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This mode of
projects, including the associated risk management. study enables students to pursue modules via home
• Highlight the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional involves the establishment of a virtual classroom in which
(LSEP) issues applicable to computing projects and a relatively small group of students (usually 10-25) work
the relevant codes of ethics and practices. under the direction of a faculty member. Module delivery
• Enhance and develop transferable skills in the proceeds via a series of eight one-week online sessions,
context of the presentation and communication of each of which comprises an online lecture, supported
technical material to a range of audiences. by other eLearning activities, posted electronically to
Learning outcomes self-assessment activities, reading materials and other
• Investigate and define a problem in terms of recent that students are able to pursue the course in their own
innovations and the current technological state of the time, within the weekly time-frame of each seminar. An
art; and in terms of end-user (customer) needs and important element of the module provision is active
cost drivers. learning through collaborative, cohort-based, learning
• Critically review current literature concerning key
developments in a particular domain, and identify
limitations and avenues with a view to further
development and entrepreneurship.
• Define and evaluate a computing solution to a
recognised problem taking into consideration
technical constraints, risks and safety aspects; and
the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional Issues
(LSEPI), including information security requirements.
• Manage the design, specification and implementation
of a computing solution to a recognised problem
using appropriate tools and practices.
• Critically evaluate a proposed computing solution to
a recognised problem.

Computer Science Capstone Project

Module aims Learning and teaching methods
This module aims to: The mode of delivery is by online learning, facilitated
by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This enables
• Equip students with the ability to plan and conduct
students to pursue the project module via home study
an independent technical project over an extended
while continuing employment. There is less interaction
period of time.
with the online classroom during the project phase
• Allow students to successfully complete a self- of the programme, but students are still required to
directed project culminating in a detailed written communicate with their supervisor via the private
dissertation and video presentation. messaging system within the VLE, whilst at the same time
demonstrating their ability to work independently.
• Provide an opportunity for students to reflect on
and use tools and techniques acquired during the During the first four weeks from the project proposal
preceding taught part of the programme. stage students will agree a project title and plan of
activity in consultation with their supervisor. This is a
• Encourage students to consider and address the
formative activity that allows both parties to understand
legal and ethical issues surrounding their project
the focus of the project. The remaining weeks form an
topic and relate these to the professional standards
extended period of independent study, with coursework
of the Chartered Institute for IT.
deadlines placed at regular intervals, enabling both
formative and summative feedback. Each student has
the opportunity to demonstrate digital fluency and build
Learning outcomes confidence in communication via a range of activities,
culminating in the final written dissertation. Students
Students will be able to: are encouraged to engage with global citizenship by
• Conduct independent research and development considering the wider context of their project.
within the context of a computer science project.
• Produce detailed written documentation to a
standard expected of a professional in the field of
computer science.
• Develop a stand-alone artefact that meets the
requirements identified and conforms to a design
specification.
• Articulate the legal, social, ethical and professional
issues surrounding an extended project, and follow
relevant professional codes of practice.
• Communicate technical information clearly and
succinctly to a broad, non-specialist audience.
• Evaluate project outcomes with reference to key
research publications in the relevant field.

Useful information
Fees and funding
Full course fee* Indicative programme duration** Credits
MSc £15,300† 30 months 180 credits
PG Dip £10,200† 20 months 120 credits
PG Cert £5,100† 10 months 60 credits
The full tuition fee for the MSc Computer Science is £15,300† (2021/2022 academic year). This fee is fully inclusive of all
costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments and resits. Students should budget for a reliable internet
connection for the duration of their studies and a suitably equipped laptop or personal computer.
Students living in England may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover some of the costs of your degree.
If you are not eligible for a student loan, we offer a simple monthly payment plan to spread the cost of your tuition over the
duration of your studies. If you choose to pay the full tuition fee upfront, you will receive a 5% discount.
Discounts and scholarships

Full payment discount
If you choose to pay for your postgraduate programme up-front, we will apply an additional 5% discount to your tuition
fee.
Regional Scholarships
Regional Scholarships of up to 15% are available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. To find
out more, please contact our admissions team.
Alumni discount
University of Liverpool graduates going on to study an online master’s programme can benefit from a 10% discount on
the tuition fees.
ELCAS funding for members of the Armed Forces

If you are a current or former member of the UK Armed Forces, you may qualify for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced
Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS). If you are considering, or have gained ELCAS funding, please mention this to our
admissions team when you apply to study with us.
*Prices are reviewed annually. We reserve the right to increase tuition fees in line with the RPI-X index. If you pay your tuition fees annually in
advance the tuition fees will not be increased before your next annual payment. Please read our terms and conditions for more details.
**The indicative study duration is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may vary depending on study options
chosen and module availability.
† All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the
local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.

Useful information
Careers
The MSc Computer Science is aimed at graduates with a non-computer science first degree who seek to enhance
their employment opportunities in the context of the computer science industry. Organisations across the computer
science sector, both commercial and non-commercial, are experiencing a significant recruitment challenge. Employment
opportunities within computer science far outstrip the supply of qualified computer science graduates. The MSc
Computer Science will address this skills gap by providing graduates with employment opportunities across the sector
with a particular focus on, but not limited to, career opportunities within specialist areas of computer science, including
interdisciplinary opportunities by coupling knowledge of computer science with the knowledge that graduates have
acquired from their first degree. The opportunities are wide and varied, examples include: Software Engineer, Machine
Learning Practitioner, Big Data Analyst, Network Administrator, Database Manager and IT consultant.

Ready to apply?
Submit your application online at
online.liverpool.ac.uk/apply
+44 (0)151 318 4466

enquiries@study-online.liverpool.ac.uk

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Computer

What will I study?

MSc PG Dip PG Cert

Teaching and assessment

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Global Trends in Computer Science

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Software Development in Practice

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Databases and Information Systems

Learning outcomes Learning and teaching methods

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Networks and Web Technology

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Reasoning and Intelligent Systems

Learning and teaching methods

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Machine Learning in Practice

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the area

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Research Methods in Computer Science

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Computer Science Capstone Project

MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Discounts and scholarships

ELCAS funding for members of the Armed Forces

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

Ready to apply? APPLY ONLINE

+44 (0)151 318 4466

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