Course Overview
Studying Computing and Communications at Lancaster University offers you the opportunity to gain a professionally accredited degree with or without previous computing experience and offer a curriculum that combines theory and practice.
Known as an 'integrated Masters programme', our MSci Computer Science with Industrial Experience degree provides you with a unique blend of academic content, professional development and industrial experience. This is a four-year course with industrial placements in the final year, with two four-week placements and one eight-week placement incorporated into your programme of academic study.
You begin your degree studying a range of subjects, including Software Development, Information Systems and Digital Systems. In your second year, you follow several core subjects, such as databases and Human-Computer Interaction and one optional module.
Your third year courses include Software Design and Languages and Compilation. You will also choose from optional modules and complete a final year project.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Computing and Communications (School of) department.
Year 1
- Software Development
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Digital Systems
Year 2
- Group Project
- Software Project Management
- Professional Development and Project Skills
- Software Design
- Networking
- Human Computer Interaction
- Distributed Systems
- Languages and Compilation
- Embedded Systems
Year 3
- Industrial Experience Year
Year 4
- Software Innovation
- Enterprise Architectures
- Computer Science in Industry
- Dissertation
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Computing and Communications (School of) department website.
Entry Criteria
A/AS-level: AAB.
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best three grades if four A-levels are presented.
Key Skills: Not included in the offer.
GCSE: Maths and English Language grade C or better.
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall with 16 points from best three HL courses.
IELTS: 6.0
BTEC: DDD/DDM
HNC/D in Computing: Distinctions in all relevant units with merits in remaining units considered for direct entry to Part II.
Mature students: Applications welcome. Evidence is required of formal study, including Access to Higher Education courses, within the past three years. We always interview mature students
Careers
Your degree will equip you with technical skills enabling you to work in professional software and system development environments. Recent graduates have started careers as software design engineers, programmers and web developers. Some have stayed with us for MSc or PhD studies, whilst others have made use of their transferable skills and taken up work in IT support or entered the Civil Service.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
