This course gives you a good grounding in the study of both software (programs) and hardware (electronics) and how they integrate into the design of systems. The structure of the course means that you gain a thorough grounding in the discipline in the first two years. You can then sharpen your focus on those areas that interest you by choosing modules and your individual project on topics covered by our world-leading research and expertise and the latest developments in Computer Science. Choosing to study on a four-year Masters course gives you an extra year to study the topics that really interest you at a deeper level. Practical and project work receive a great emphasis throughout the course, and you will be guided through this in scheduled practical and teaching sessions in the Department’s state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. This guiding in your first year is intended to give you the help you need to become an independent thinker, as you work more on practical coursework and your individual project as the course progresses.

Information technology is a rapidly expanding field, creating demand for computer scientists and software engineers across a broad section of employers, so the skills you develop here will make you attractive to many organisations. Many of our graduates are employed by software and electronics industries, but the continuing expansion of the use of computers in commercial and financial operations means that you will be able to find employment in other industries - and here your sharpened numeracy and analytical skills will have prepared you well.