The MSc in Computer Communication Systems (previously known as Networks and Distributed Systems) is an advanced research-led course that equips students with a thorough understanding of the technologies, protocols and systems that enable computational devices to communicate in widely diverse and heterogeneous contexts.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Computer Communication Systems page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
One year full time or two years part time
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.
For direct entry to a Masters in Computer Science you will require an overall score in IELTS (Academic) of 7.0, with a minimum subscore of 6.0 or the equivalent. For alternative forms of evidence, see English language tests and qualifications. If your IELTS score is 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5, we offer combined degrees in Computer Science with English Language, an 18-month option for those who would like to start a Masters degree while continuing to consolidate their ability to use English effectively in academic contexts.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £20,980
Applications for September 2018 entry are now closed.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MSc in Computer Communication 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 will be required to complete a Post Entry Language Assessment (PELA) on arrival at University of St Andrews. Based on their performance in this assessment, students will be advised to attend targeted support sessions during the year to improve language and academic skills. This assessment is required, but will not count towards the final degree classification.
You will also be assigned an advisor who meets with you 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.
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 which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
and one or both of:
The following modules are optional for Computer Science programmes. Not all combinations of modules will be available for all programmes, and some modules are subject to pre-requisites being satisfied. Please consult the relevant course catalogue for available options.
Optional modules are subject to change each year, and some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
Students choose two or three of the following optional modules (up to two of these may be from the second list). See the module catalogue for further descriptions.
Additional optional modules
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.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date list of modules in the module catalogue.
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.
There are many potential scholarships and support schemes available to postgraduates.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
In addition to the MSc, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Computer Communication Systems.
The EngD programme in Computer Science is a 4-year Engineering Doctorate involving an industrial partner and incorporating a 30-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, computer communication 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 studentships in Computer Science.
Alumni of Computer Science MSc programmes have gone on to work in a variety of global, commercial, financial and research institutions, including:
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.
School of Computer Science
University of St Andrews
Jack Cole Building
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9SX
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3253
Email: msc-admin-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
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).
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).
St Andrews has two postgraduate prospectuses - one for taught courses and one for research programmes. Both prospectuses are available for you to view and download.