Postgraduate programmes
MSc taught programmes
There are currently five MSc taught programmes available. All programmes are available to be taken as full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). The timetable for part-time students is the same as for full-time students, but selected units can be moved into a second year, therefore giving the student more free time and flexibility. It averages 40 hours/week over 52 weeks for a full-time student, but some weeks are busier than others. Attendance time (lectures and labs) is approximately 12 hours/week for a full-time student. All lectures are between 9am and 6pm on weekdays, and we won't know the times until the timetable is published in September.
MSc Advanced Computing (Creative Technology)
The Creative Technology programme (formerly known as "Internet Technologies with Multimedia") is designed to introduce you to the rapidly emerging areas of computer science where technology impacts the creative design process. With a focus on industry-relevant content production, the programme introduces the theory behind animation and special effects production, interaction design and robotics. You will learn to programme proficiently in C, explore a wide range of topics, experience the entire creative design process and develop key skills in independent research.
MSc Advanced Computing (Internet Technologies with Security)
This degree equips you with a thorough grounding in modern cryptography (the key component technology underlying almost all computer security). You will also study aspects of security of practical systems, protocols and security standards.
MSc Advanced Computing (Machine Learning, Data Mining and High-Performance Computing)
This programme is aimed at giving you a solid grounding in Machine Learning, Data Mining and High-Performance Computing technology, and will equip you with the skills necessary to construct and apply Machine Learning, Data Mining and High Performance Computing tools and techniques to the solution of complex scientific and business problems.
MSc Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering
The Bristol region has traditionally played host to a world-leading semiconductor design industry which continues to thrive today. The MSc in Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering has been designed to meet the needs of the UK strength in this industry Internationally, there is a shortfall in graduates with the qualifications and skills expected from professional semiconductor design engineers. We work closely with the National Microelectronics Institute and our industrial advisory board to keep the topics covered in this programme directly relevant to industry needs.
MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
This is a conversion MSc which aims to provide you with a wide understanding of computer science. The programme is sufficiently general to give you an excellent background for a professional career in industrial, commercial and educational organisations, and the required background in computer science to enable you to undertake further study leading to the specialisation needed for a research career.
Advanced Computing MSc (1 year) (further detail to follow)
This is a new advanced computing MSc which allows more flexible combinations of subjects than the others. It allows students to gain expertise with advanced material in a range of specialist areas and covers both theory and practical application. It is suitable preparation for either a career in industry or a PhD.
Please visit the Education Support Unit pages for more specific information about programme and unit outlines.
Find out more in the postgraduate prospectus
If you can't find the answer to your questions in the information for applicants, please email: fen-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk.
Computer Science PhDs at Bristol
The University of Bristol's postgraduate research opportunities attract exceptionally talented graduates from around the world. The Department of Computer Science is an international centre of excellence and is consistently one of the leading UK departments in The Times Online league table. We conduct internationally leading research in broad computing themes and offer opportunities for postgraduate research leading to a PhD in Computer Science. The department currently has around 60 PhD students.
The aim of doing a PhD degree is to become an independent researcher, capable of generating, pursuing and communicating novel research ideas. The PhD degree is at a higher level than Bachelors and Masters degrees, giving you the title of Doctor, and it can open up many academic and industrial career possibilities.
Doing a PhD primarily involves carrying out an original piece of research, under the guidance of an advisor, and writing it up in a dissertation, which is then examined by a viva. A PhD degree normally lasts for three to four years full time or six years part time.
To be accepted onto a PhD degree, you typically need:- BSc/MEng/MSc in Computer Science or related discipline (usually 2.1 or higher) or similar qualification
- Good references
- A subject area with an available and suitable advisor
- Evidence of proficiency with English (see entry requirements).
- A source of funding where relevant
If you can't find the answer to your questions in the postgraduate prospectus, please email: email: enq-pgrcs@bristol.ac.uk.