2024/25 entry Applications also open for 2025/26
MSc Computing and Information Systems
About this course
LJMU's Computing and Information Systems MSc focuses on the technological aspects of hardware and software, covering the latest innovations in this subject area.
- Learn from academics active in research
- Carry out a novel research project in an area of your choice
- Benefit from high-quality teaching and excellent learning resources commended by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
- Access 6 million state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities
- Look forward to excellent career prospects in areas such as project management, system design and IT management
This MSc in Computing and Information Systems focuses on the technological aspects of hardware and software systems, together with a study of their operational and managerial environment.
Computing and information technology are ever changing. LJMUs approach ensures that you are kept up-to-date with technical innovations and that you widen your experience, by combining your technical skills with an understanding of information technology and its management.
The course aims to provide you with a fuller, systematic understanding of current and developing computer technologies and help you to: explore the issues surrounding the Management of Information Technology in Business and Industrial contexts and develop expertise in the areas of computer science that you are interested in.
You will become an advanced, autonomous learner with a comprehensive understanding, critical awareness and ability to conduct evaluation of current research issues. You will work with originality in applying analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills and will gain awareness of the advanced, conceptual understanding, underpinning career development, innovation and further study for PhD.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Studying computing enhances your transferable skills, such as IT, problem solving, report writing, giving presentations and working in teams. These skills allow you to operate effectively in an ever changing world of work and are highly regarded by employers.
You can expect career opportunities in areas such as: E-commerce application development; software system analysis/programming; project management; IT management; software quality assurance; system design and further research via an MPhil / PhD.
Companies who have employed graduates of this course include: BT; Marconi Communications; Seagate; Unilever; Littlewoods; Tubedale Communications; Chance & Hunt; Eli Lilly and Fraser Williams.
The student experience
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Research Methods
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of effective and academic research design at Masters level and provide guidance on the purpose and design of literature reviews; the use of theory; writing strategies; citation and ethical considerations. It provides an understanding of how the range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method data approaches can be most appropriately applied. It provides the knowledge and research skills you need to:
- establish the most effectual research design and method for the dissertation project and write a successful research proposal
- prepare for the project module and for a possible future research career
Computer Systems Technology
20 credits
This module evaluates the effect of distribution, benefits and problems, on the design and implementation of computer based solutions, using performance analysis tools. It aims to assess critically a variety of principles, tools and techniques used for the design of distributed computer systems.
Management of E-Business
20 credits
The module covers the technological and managerial aspects of the e-business model. It aims to:
- provide you with in-depth analyses of various concepts concerned with co-ordinating technological and business strategies in the process of electronically buying and selling goods, services and information that impacts individuals and businesses
Database Design and Technology
20 credits
This module examines recent developments and current trends in databases both from the application and the technology view points. It aims to:
- examine critically selected techniques for modelling the data requirements of database applications at the conceptual level
- develop and understand contemporary advanced issues of database design
- develop an informed appreciation of significant, current issues and trends in database systems
Software Development with Java
20 credits
This course will develop the necessary skills for the development of object-oriented applications using the Java programming language. You will work cooperatively in groups and demonstrate the skills required to engineer Java-based software applications from initial specification, through to implementation, testing and documentation.
Computer Security
20 credits
The purpose of the module is to provide the fundamental technical concepts and research issues essential for computer security. This module develops the understanding of threats to and the security requirements of computer systems, as well as tools and techniques to enforce security. It aims to:
- develop the knowledge of various security threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems as well as the importance of Computer Security
- critically assess a variety of generic security technologies for the protection of computer systems
- promote the use of appropriate methodologies and tools in the analysis, design, implementation and management of secure systems
- examine current research issues in Computer Security
Project Dissertation
60 credits
This module aims to develop your ability to plan, execute and report in-depth on a major investigation.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You'll gain core knowledge and understanding on this course via lectures, tutorials, practicals, coursework, projects, seminars and guided independent study. You will also receive feedback on all work you produce.
Applied learning
Our academic staff are leaders in their research fields and will provide you with a platform to enter technology competitions, attend conferences and further your research opportunities.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment methods on the programme comprise: coursework, examinations, laboratory work, reports, project work and presentations.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Rubem Pereira
Programme Leader
Before joining the LJMU team, Rubem completed his PhD in Computer Network Performance Modelling in 1997. In the same year he started working at LJMU. He has been a reader in Multimedia Networks and became programme leader for MSc programmes in Computing in 2003. He has also participated in many externally funded projects, supervised PhD students and organised national and international workshops and conferences. Rubem's special areas of interest include: network technologies, distributed systems, video encoding and streaming, the future of Internet, modelling and performance analysis and evaluation of computer systems.
I really enjoy the stimulating environment associated with learning and teaching at the cutting edge of computing and ICT technology.
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
Studying at the Byrom Street site in the City Campus which has recently enjoyed a 6 million investment, you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. We have over 150 high performance computers including PC/ Linux Workstations and Networked Multimedia PCs for general use, in addition to the campus computing cluster. Youll also have access to an exclusive Game Technology Lab, a Computer Forensics Lab, two Multimedia Labs, a Distance Learning Lab and specialist labs for research on network security and networked appliances.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- an undergraduate degree in a cognate subject area
or
- an undergraduate degree in a non-cognate subject area when supplemented by relevant skills and / or experience
or
- degree equivalent professional qualifications, e.g. BCS Graduate Diploma in IT
or
- a HND plus a minimum of three years relevant professional experience
International requirements
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IELTS
- IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Further information
- Extra Requirements
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.