Networks and Distributed Systems (MSc) 2016 entry

The MSc in Networks and Distributed Systems is an advanced research-led course in the study of networks and distributed systems, developing students' knowledge and skills in network protocols and technologies, mobile systems, multimedia and distributed systems.

Course type

Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)

Course duration

One year full time or two years part time

Entry requirements

A good 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in Computer Science or a strongly related discipline.

If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.

English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

Tuition fees

UK and EU£6,800
Overseas: £19,400

Application deadline

Applications for 2016 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

Application requirements

  • CV
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • two signed academic references
  • English language requirements certificate
  • letter of intent (optional).

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes. 

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.
Students on this course may switch to an MSc in Advanced Computer Science or in Information Technology after the first semester.

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

Additional optional modules

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.

Funding

There are many potential scholarships and support schemes available to postgraduates.

Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% reduction in postgraduate tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.

Find out more about postgraduate scholarships.

After the MSc

Research degrees

In addition to the MSc, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Networks and Distributed Systems.

An EngD programme in Computer Science is available from September 2016. This is a 4-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner and incorporating a 32-week taught component and a 170-week individual research component. Students who have already completed an MSc may be able to proceed directly to the individual research component of the EngD.

Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews. The School of Computer Science is highly rated for its theoretical and practical research in areas such as AI, symbolic computation, networking, distributed systems, human computer interaction, and systems engineering, and offers research opportunities leading to a PhD in Computer Science.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
The EPSRC offers a variety of research studentship funding in Computer Science.

PhD in Computer Science

 

Careers

Alumni of Computer Science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:

  • Amadeus
  • Amazon
  • Atlas
  • Avaloq
  • Barclays Capital
  • BP
  • BT Openreach
  • Capricorn Ventis
  • FactSet
  • Hailo
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Hitachi Data Systems
  • Microsoft
  • OpenBet
  • Rockstar
  • Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Sky
  • Skyscanner
  • Symantec
  • TriSystems.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Contact

School of Computer Science
Jack Cole Building
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9SX

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3253
Email: msc-admin-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk

Computer Science website


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)