The extensive use of the Internet and networks in general, has made the study of computer networks and the underlying communication technology very important. This module provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks and data communications. It introduces the fundamental principles, architectures, models, protocols and technologies that enable the transmission of data/signals over wired and wireless networks. Contemporary and crucial subjects related to computer networking, Internet technologies, wireless and mobile computing are also explored. The module will be delivered exclusively online.

This module presents the concepts and principles of database systems and examines key issues of the database approach to information storage and manipulation. It focuses on relational databases, explaining the modelling concepts of the Entity Relationship Diagram as a high-level conceptual data model, discusses in detail the relational data model and presents the structured query language. The module also covers more contemporary and advanced issues in data management and the digital transformation age, such as how databases fit in software development overall, as well as NoSQL DBs, Big Data concepts, transaction processing and cloud databases and computing.

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to important topics that are considered backbones of Computer Science. The module focuses on fundamental concepts of computer architecture and operating systems, algorithm development and analysis, data organisation/representation and data abstraction. Overall, the module aims to enable students to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills on issues that are essential in the field of computing and crucial in the IT industry. The module will be delivered exclusively online.

This module presents the fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming as well as techniques for the analysis, design and implementation of object-oriented solutions in the Java programming language. Initial emphasis is placed in determining and implementing the necessary user-defined classes, identifying the relations among them and making use of the principle of inheritance. The module then covers advanced concepts of object-oriented programming, such as polymorphism, design with interfaces, and error handling in the Java programming language.

The module aims to develop an understanding of the problems involved in the development of high quality software products and appreciation of the methodologies, techniques, and tools necessary to develop such systems efficiently. The emphasis of the course is placed on project management, metrics and project estimation, risk management, quality issues, testing, and contemporary software engineering topics, such as extreme programming and refactoring.

The World Wide Web has evolved into a continuously growing universe of interlinked websites and web applications that offer interactive, real-time and multimedia content. This growth was partially due to the advancements in web technologies which offer the ability to create immersive web experiences. This module provides the fundamental knowledge needed in order to engage in web programming and web application development. It provides an overview of the architecture, design and development of both static websites and dynamic web applications. It explores at an introductory level the fundamental web programming technologies including server-side, client-side and presentation technologies.

This comprehensive module provides students with a solid foundation in Artificial Intelligence, covering its historical development, current state, and future trends. The course is structured in three parts: 

• The Legacy, exploring classic AI concepts including search algorithms, knowledge representation, and reasoning; 
• The Renaissance, introducing machine learning techniques with a focus on Python implementation; and 
• The Future is now, delving into neural networks, deep learning, and cutting-edge topics like large language models and generative AI. 

Students will gain a holistic understanding of AI’s potential and limitations, learn to critically evaluate various AI approaches, and develop skills in designing and implementing AI systems. The module combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring students can apply AI techniques to real-world problem-solving. By the end of the course, participants will be well-equipped to engage with both traditional and emerging AI technologies, preparing them for the evolving landscape of software development.

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to undertake and carry out a project under the supervision of one member of staff. The project is identified and prepared as part of the Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation module. Academic staff members offer initial ideas for research project work, but students are encouraged to develop their own ideas, and they are expected to carry out the research themselves. The completed project is presented as a typed dissertation of not less than 14,000 words.

Through this module, students develop their research skills and get prepared for working on their MSc dissertation. With the guidance of their supervisors, students are introduced to the research topics and techniques that are commonly employed in software engineering research.  Students are exposed to and exercise the principles and practices of report writing, literature reviewing, and research designs and approaches.

This module is concerned with the design and implementation of applications for mobile devices using the Android operating system. Students work at all stages of the development life-cycle from inception to final implementation, whilst considering usability and device capabilities for a mobile application capable of meeting a functional specification. Students are introduced to the programming environment for application development and have a hands-on approach to programming using appropriate programming languages.