Course information

Course highlights

• The MSc in Networks and Distributed Systems is a specialist course but retains some flexibility, allowing students to pursue other areas of computer science alongside the compulsory specialist modules.
• Students undertake a significant project, including a wide-ranging investigation and a substantial software development, leading to their dissertation, which enables them to consolidate and extend their specialist knowledge and critical thinking.
• Students have 24-hour access to modern computing laboratories, provisioned with dual-screen PC workstations and group-working facilities.

Teaching format

The MSc in Networks and Distributed Systems is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Computer Science. The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by an 11-week project leading to the submission of a 15,000-word dissertation in August.

The taught portion of the MSc programme includes eight modules: four compulsory and four optional from a wide range available. Teaching methods 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. 

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 modules in this 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

• Masters Core Skills: equips students with essential skills in a range of topics including technical writing for computer science and information technology, presentation skills, research skills and project planning, all reinforced by practical assignments.
• 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.
• Advanced Networks: covers new concepts and topics in networking as well as key abstractions.

and one or both of:

• Distributed Systems: covers the fundamentals of distributed systems, with reference to system models, programming languages, algorithmic techniques, concurrency and correctness.
• Mobile and Wireless Networks: examines how computing and communication are used to allow mobile systems to function in heterogeneous environments

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

Optional modules

• Masters Programming Projects
• Artificial Intelligence Principles
• Artificial Intelligence Practice
• Language and Computation
• Software Engineering Principles
• Software Engineering Practice
• Critical Systems Engineering
• Software Architecture
• Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
• Interactive Software and Hardware
• User-Centred Interaction Design
• Information Visualisation and Visual Analytics
• Database Management Systems
• Web Technologies
• Information Security Management
• Network Systems Management
• Green Information Technology
• Information Technology Projects
• Knowledge Discovery and Datamining

Additional optional modules

• Computer Graphics
• Programming Language Design and Implementation
• Computer Architecture
• Computer Security
• Concurrency and Multi-Core Architectures
• Multimedia
• Video Games
• 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

During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually (students are assessed individually in either case).

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.

Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and reviews of software and dissertation drafts.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study..

Conferences and events

The School of Computer Science 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 publishes news and events.

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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).