Course information

Course highlights

• Students study at two of the three following internationally recognised universities in computer science: University of St Andrews, National University of Ireland Maynooth and Université de Lorraine Nancy in France.
• Students undertake a significant project including a wide-ranging investigation, leading to their dissertation which enables them to consolidate and extend their specialist knowledge and critical thinking.
• Students gain the logical reasoning and problem-solving skills needed for a career in a software industry.
• While at St Andrews, students have 24-hour access to excellent modern laboratories, provisioned with modern dual-screen PC workstations and group working facilities.

Teaching format

The Erasmus Mundus MSc in Dependable Software Systems is a two-year taught programme run jointly by computer science departments at the University of St Andrews, National University of Ireland Maynooth and Université de Lorraine Nancy in France.

Students study at two of the three partner universities. The MSc is awarded to students completing 120 ECTS; at each university, students accumulate 60 ECTS (equivalent to 120 St Andrews credits): 40 from taught modules over two semesters and 20 from project work during summer. Semesters 1 and 3 normally consist of foundational topics upon which students can build their specialisations, whereas Semesters 2 and 4 normally consist of specialised modules and project work. In both universities, students complete a dissertation research project. 

Teaching methods at St Andrews include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes. Most modules are assessed through practical coursework exercises and examinations. Class sizes typically range from 10 to 50 students.

At St Andrews, all students are assigned an advisor who meets with them at the start of the year to discuss module choices and is available to assist with any academic difficulties during the year. A designated member of staff provides close supervision for the MSc project and dissertation.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

The following are Erasmus Mundus modules offered by the University of St Andrews. Find out more about the specific modules offered by the other universities. 

The modules in the St Andrews programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue.

Compulsory modules

• Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming: introduces and reinforces object-oriented modelling, design and implementation to provide a common basis of skills allowing students to complete programming assignments within other MSc modules.

and one or two of:

• Artificial Intelligence Principles: covers the foundational knowledge and fundamental principles of artificial intelligence (AI), including an overview of AI and its philosophy.
• Advanced Networks: covers new concepts and topics in networking as well as key abstractions.
• Software Engineering Principles: examines the key concepts in small and large-scale software development.

Optional modules

Optional modules are subject to change each year, and attendance may be limited (see the University’s position on curriculum development). Some modules may be compulsory for particular courses, with limited access for students enrolled on other programmes.

Students choose either two or three optional modules from the following list (up to two of these may be taken from second list). See the module catalogue for their descriptions.

Optional modules

• Artificial Intelligence Principles
• Artificial Intelligence Practice
• Language and Computation
• Advanced Networks
• Mobile and Wireless Networks
• Software Engineering Principles
• Software Engineering Practice
• Critical Systems Engineering
• Software Architecture
• Interactive Software and Hardware
• Knowledge Discovery and Datamining

Additional optional modules

• Logic and Software Verification
• Constraint Programming

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2015-2016 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2016 entry.

Take a look at the most up to date modules in the module catalogue.

Dissertation

Project work is a major aspect of this Masters programme, accounting for 33% of the total degree marks. Students complete a project at each of the two universities and submit a dissertation for examination at the end of each project. 

At St Andrews, the dissertation typically comprises: a review of related work; the extension of existing or the development of new ideas; software implementation and testing; analysis and evaluation. Students are required to give a presentation of their work in addition to the written dissertation.

Conferences and events

The School of Computer Science at St Andrews organises a regular programme of colloquia, talks and seminars by external and internal speakers from both industry and academia. The talks are aimed at bringing the diversity, excitement and impact of computer science from around the globe to staff and students within the School.

The St Andrews Computing Society (STACS) regularly organises hackathons and other events open to local and external participants, including MSc students. These are very popular events, often supported by industrial sponsors.

The Computer Science blog regularly publishers news and events.

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).