Cardiff School of Computer Science & Informatics Postgraduate Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Contents
Cardiff University Main Building
Contact Us Welcome from the Head of School 1 Email: [email protected] Meet the Team 1 Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4812 Cardiff: Capital City of Wales 2 Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4598 Cardiff: the University 4
Stay connected Accommodation 6 Introduction to the School 8 facebook.com/csicardiff Postgraduate Study at the School 10 MSc Advanced Computer Science 12 @csicardiff MSc Information Security & Privacy 14 linkedin.com/groups/ MSc Conversion Courses Cardiff-School-Computer- Science-Informatics- – Computing and Computing and IT Management 16 4529987 Joint degree: MSc Computational Journalism 18 Professional Placement 19 Postgraduate Student Support Services 20 Getting Involved 21 Student Profiles, Alumni and Employability 22 Research 24 PhD, MRes and University Graduate College 27 International Students and English Language Programmes 28 www.cardiff.ac.uk/ Funding and Scholarships 30 computerscience Application and Entry Requirements 32
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Welcome to the Cardiff School of Computer Science & Informatics
Professor It gives me great Alun Preece pleasure to welcome Director of you to the School of Research Computer Science & Informatics here at
Cardiff University. Dr Stuart Allen Director of Based in Europe’s youngest capital city, Teaching we are blessed with a great location and excellent facilities for you to reach your full potential. Indeed, our students consistently vote us among the top three in the UK for Alongside this, our staff are technologists Dr Wendy Ivins learning resources and environment and and computer scientists, being leaders in Postgraduate we are seeing increasing international areas of their expertise and keen to share Programme interest from students overseas wishing to their skills, knowledge and understanding. Operation's Team join the School. Much of the research that our School Leader undertakes is internationally leading and Now more than ever the prospects for part of our mission is to share the employment post studying Computer excitement of discovery and the state of Science remain very strong indeed. the art with our students. Across most of our MSc programmes, Dr Leigh Hodge we offer the opportunity to study with a If you want to learn more about life in Postgraduate placement which allows students the our School, please feel free to join us Admissions Tutor opportunity to gain valued experience in on Facebook and Twitter. It would be a paid employment. We are proud of our pleasure to see you in Cardiff, and on employability record and have recently behalf of all staff here at the School of seen our graduates move on to some of Computer Science & Informatics, may G the major UK recruiters - you are welcome I wish you the best of luck with your emma Murphy I to check out what our alumni are doing on future studies. nternational LinkedIn. Student Professor Stephen Hurley Recruitment Officer Head of School
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 1 Cardiff: the Capital City of Wales 6 1
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Key Cardiff City Centre 1 Cardiff University 2 Bute Park 4 3 Cardiff Castle 4 Millennium Stadium 5 Shopping centre 6 Student neighbourhood
Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city which is widely recognised as an outstanding place in which to live and study.
Location Cardiff is located on the coast of South Wales, which has beautiful national parks and beaches only 30 minutes away. Cardiff is approximately 230km (145 miles) west of London and is easily accessed by train in about 2 hours. Cardiff has excellent transport links (ranked 1st in the UK for the most transport friendly city) with an international airport that has flights to many cities in Europe.
The perfect student city Cardiff is a small city with a population of about 340,000 people. Approximately 20% of the population are students, which makes it safe, friendly and affordable (see pages 6-7). Cardiff, however, is also a capital city with all the culture, sports, shops, entertainment, work opportunities and atmosphere you would expect of a modern European metropolis.
2 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 12 Facts About Cardiff Q Cardiff University is in the city centre of Cardiff. Q Cardiff Airport has more than 30 flights a day to UK and European cities. Q Cardiff is only 2 hours from London by train. Q Cardiff has a new £675 million shopping centre in the city centre. Q Voted the UK's seventh best nightlife city in 2011 by TripAdvisor users. Q Cardiff has a 70,000 seated stadium, an international sports village and a football league soccer club: Cardiff City FC. Q Cardiff has more than 330 parks and gardens. Q Cardiff was one of National Geographic’s top 10 summer destinations 2011. Q The popular TV shows Doctor Who and Torchwood are filmed in Cardiff. The University is surrounded by Q Selected as the European Capital of attractive parkland and is adjacent to Sport for 2014. Cardiff Castle and the city centre Q Named as 6th best shopping destination in the UK. Q Home to Europe’s oldest living language, Welsh is spoken by 20% With its distinctive character, good quality Dr Who Experience in Cardiff Bay is a of the population, but don’t worry of life, and growing national and popular new attraction. everybody speaks English! international reputation, it hosts many This means you get a small inexpensive high-profile sporting and cultural events, city you can easily walk around, but also including international rugby, soccer, an exciting city where there is always cricket and motor sport, Cardiff Singer of something to do. To find out more about the World and is home to the biannual the city of Cardiff visit: Artes Mundi exhibition and prize (the UK’s www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgradlife biggest art prize). Home to the world-renowned Welsh A diverse, international city National Opera, it boasts prestigious Cardiff was one of the UK’s first multi- Weather in Cardiff concert venues such as the Wales cultural cities and an estimated 94 The average temperature in Cardiff in Millennium Centre, St David’s Hall and the languages are spoken here. This is a real Winter is 7°C, and in Summer Motorpoint Arena, as well as the iconic benefit for international students because temperatures can reach up to 30°C. Millennium Stadium, the National Museum many of the food and ingredients you have With four seasons, the weather in the and Gallery of Wales, several theatres and in your country are also sold in Cardiff. UK is generally unpredictable and can the historic Cardiff Castle. You can also be assured that there are vary considerably, however, Cardiff Cardiff is the location for award-winning many religious and cultural facilities across experiences less rainfall than other television productions, including Dr Who, the city, including mosques, synagogues, areas of Wales and is consistent with Sherlock, Torchwood and Casualty, and the churches and temples. the rest of the UK.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 3 Cardiff: the University
Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, built on a history of service and achievement since 1883, and recognised by our membership of the Russell Group of leading research-led universities.
The Complete University Guide 2015 A History of Achievement Location Top 30 British universities The University was founded in 1883 when The University’s Cathays Park campus is (Complete University Guide 2015) it was granted its own Royal Charter. Today, located in and around the impressive Rank University Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group, Portland stone buildings, parks and wide 1 University of Cambridge the UK’s top 24 research intensive tree-lined avenues that form Cardiff’s 2 University of Oxford universities. It attracts students from more attractive civic centre. The majority of 3 London School of Economics than 100 countries and substantial academic schools are located here - just a 4 University of St Andrews research funding from the Research few minutes’ walk from the city centre. 5 Durham University Councils, public bodies, industry, The four academic schools offering 6 Imperial College London commerce and other sources. healthcare courses (excluding Optometry and Pharmacy) are based at the Heath 7 University of Warwick Cardiff University has celebrated a number Park campus, approximately one mile 8 University of Bath of notable achievements during the past away, which is also home to the University 9 University College London few years. Foremost among these was the Hospital of Wales. 10 University of Exeter award of the Nobel Prize for Medicine to 11 Lancaster University Professor Sir Martin Evans of the School of The School of Computer Science & 12 University of Surrey Biosciences; Sir Martin becoming Cardiff Informatics is located in the Cathays Park 13 Loughborough University University’s second Nobel Prize winner, campus and is in very close proximity to 14 University of York joining Professor Robert Huber of the the city centre. Further details can be 15 University of East Anglia School of Chemistry. The University was found on page 6. 16 University of Southampton also awarded its fifth Queen’s Anniversary 17 University of Birmingham Prize – an award which recognises Facilities 18 University of Bristol universities and colleges across the UK for Although dating from 1883, Cardiff is 19 University of Leicester work of outstanding excellence. focused on the 21st century, and has 20 Newcastle University modern state-of-the-art buildings and 21 Edinburgh Looking to the future, further increasing facilities. The University has invested 22 University of Kent partnerships and collaboration are central £200 million in its estate in recent years =23 Cardiff University to the University’s mission to be a world- and most academic schools have benefited =23 University of Leeds leading university; both internally – through from major refurbishment, including new =23 University of Nottingham interdisciplinary teams – and externally, and well-equipped laboratories, lecture 26 University of Sheffield through links with organisations of all theatres, libraries and computing facilities. 27 Aston University types, nationally and internationally. =28 King’s College London =28 University of Manchester 30 University of Glasgow
4 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 10 Facts About Cardiff University Q Ranked 15th in the UK based on Research and top 1.5% in the world. Q Cardiff University is a member of the elite Russell Group top 24 UK research-led universities. Q The University teaches more than 28,000 students from more than 110 countries. Q Employment rates for Cardiff are higher than the UK average (HESA 2012/13). Q Accommodation in University residences is guaranteed for most international students and is within walking distance of the University. Q The University has 18 libraries, 28 IT suites, a Wi-Fi enabled campus and more than 1.5 million books. Q The University is on two campuses at the very centre of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Cardiff is only 2 hours from London by train. Q Teaching at the University was given the highest possible award in the The Graduate Centre Social Venue & Activities last UK Government review. The University’s degree programmes are The Graduate Centre hosts a programme A Dedicated Space for also recognised by more than 40 of social events specifically for professional bodies. Postgraduates postgraduates, to give you the opportunity Our Graduate Centre is dedicated to to meet and get to know your fellow Q The University generates more than meeting the needs of postgraduate students. These include two weeks of £100 million annually from research students, through provision of a wide welcome events for new students in grants and contracts. range of study and social resources and October, plus weekly film nights, quiz Q University Professor Sir Martin services, exclusive to postgraduates, nights during the autumn term, a summer Evans FRS, is a Nobel Prize winner which complement those offered by our party in June and other one-off events for Medicine. academic schools. The Centre provides a throughout the year. focal point for the broader taught and We also run a programme of coach trips research postgraduate community, giving with fortnightly excursions to various UK you the opportunity to meet and socialise destinations such as Oxford, Stonehenge, with others in a friendly and relaxed Longleat Safari Park and more. environment. A smaller facility is located in the Main Hospital for postgraduates The Café Bar is modern and cosy, based at the Heath Park Campus. providing space for postgraduates to relax Looking to the with friends, watch TV, play on the Wii, and Study Facilities take a break from their studies. It can also future, further There is wireless access to the University’s be booked free of charge for postgraduate- increasing computing network throughout the led events. At Heath Park, the social space Graduate Centre and a dedicated computer also includes a TV, BluRay player and Wii partnerships and room with 35 networked terminals, console. printers, scanner and photocopier. Five There is a licensed bar service, run by the collaboration are meeting rooms provide space for study Students’ Union, which is open some central to the and project groups, training workshops, weeknights and for special events. seminars, presentations and meetings. [email protected] University’s A reading room offers individual quiet study space for up to 35 people. The Lounge mission to be a provides an informal space for group study, as well as additional computing. At Heath world-leading Park, there is a study room which is also equipped with a projector and a university . . . whiteboard, so it can be booked by postgraduates for seminars or meetings.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 5 tee of Ac n Inte c a rnation o r postgr al/EU m aduate a a stude re gu nts m u a s arante ingle-o ed G ccupa Accommodation in Un ncy p o iversity lace r r for t esiden d
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We know that where you live is very important to you. You will want to settle quickly and live in a secure, well-located, sociable location that is also a suitable study environment.
This is why Cardiff Cardiff University does not have shared Safe and supportive rooms or dormitories. University provides all One of the advantages of University There is a very limited supply of residences residences is the support you are offered. international/EU suitable for couples and families. We are Each residence has a network of postgraduate students therefore unable to guarantee this type of residences staff, student wardens and residence and priority in the allocation security staff that provide 24 hour a guarantee of process is given to students coming from assistance. Only students, guests of accommodation in overseas for their first year of study. You students and staff are allowed on should not bring your family to Cardiff until University residences sites. This makes one of our highly-ranked suitable accommodation has been secured. them safe and secure. University residences. Close to the School What do University The University has numerous residences, each with different facilities, in different Cardiff’s residences are very well located, residences provide locations and at different costs. All with many residences being a short A typical apartment in University international/EU postgraduate students are distance from the Queen’s building residences could include 6 study guaranteed a single occupancy place in complex in which the School of Computer bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. University residences, providing they Science & Informatics is located. The Six occupants would share a kitchen. majority of students are able to easily walk submit an online application and make a Every student has their own bedroom. or cycle to their lectures everyday. The pre-payment by the specified deadline. Each room has a bed, desk, chair, table below gives the approximate walking Living in a university residence provides wardrobe and storage. an opportunity to meet and get to know times from three residences to the School students from a variety of backgrounds, (see table below). studying a range of different subjects. Your choices include: Senghennydd Gordan Hall Court Talybont Court Q single or mixed gender accommodation. Q private or shared bathrooms. About School of Computer 70% of University residences have Science & Informatics 3 minutes 2 minutes 22 minutes private bathrooms (called ‘ensuite’). Main Building Q self-catered, part-catered or fully & Students' Union 8 minutes 5 minutes 15 minutes catered (with vegetarian options). City Centre 6 minutes 5 minutes 20 minutes Q a variety of social and sporting facilities. You will have your own study bedroom. You will also find that like the University, residences are within easy reach of shops, the city centre and parks
6 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience You won’t need to buy additional furniture. Further details here: Cardiff is also one of the most affordable Also Halls of Residence bedrooms are www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/prospective/ of the traditional university cities. connected to the University network and accommodation/postgraduates/uk/ Accomodation for students.com placed highspeed internet. In your flat you will house-hunting.html Cardiff as one of the top 10 cheapest have access to a shared kitchen/dining university cities. room. This area includes a cooker, How does Cardiff compare refrigerator, sink, table and chairs. If you with other places? Living Expenses choose ‘ensuite’ you will have your own Cardiff has many advantages which make The University estimates that a single bathroom with shower. it a cheaper place to study than other student in Cardiff would need £800 a university cities. These include: month. These estimates are based on the How much do University actual experiences of students living in Q Cardiff is a compact city and the residences cost? Cardiff. This means for the year that a University is in the middle – therefore postgraduate student (September – June) The cost of residences depends on several you won’t have far to travel between the needed £9,573 a year. These estimates factors, including the residence you University, city centre shops and your include accommodation, bills, food, choose, length of stay, meal options and accommodation. whether you want private bathroom books, clothes, travel, telephone and Q facilities. University residences are very Cardiff is also very flat making it easy to social expenses. good value as the cost includes water, walk or cycle around. You won’t need to spend money on buses or taxis. Accommodationforstudents.com placed electricity, security, furniture and internet Cardiff in their list of the top 10 cheapest Q Cardiff council runs bicycle and car access. As everything is included in one university cities. price, it helps you more easily budget. sharing schemes. This will make it even easier for you to get around without If you are intending to bring family For the 2014/15 year self-catering large extra costs. members, such as a spouse or child, residences ranged from £82 – £115 a week. you will need to have at least an extra Part/fully catered residences ranged from £400 a month for each family member. £99 – £119 a week. Rooms with private bathrooms are generally more expensive than rooms with shared bathrooms. Private Sector Accommodation For students who wish to rent privately- owned accommodation, there is a great choice of accommodation available for rental in the city – including a good variety within walking distance of the University and city centre. The University’s Residences Office can help by providing you with lists of properties that are currently available to rent. Detailed advice on tenancy agreements and other aspects of living in private sector accommodation is made available via the University’s Student Support Centre or the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre. The Students’ Union also runs a letting agency, details of which can be found at: www.cardiffstudentletting.com If you are looking for private accommodation you should arrange to visit Cardiff before the start of term as it is not advisable to arrange such accommodation either by post or telephone. When you come to Cardiff for this purpose, you can take advantage of low cost accommodation in our halls provided your visit is outside term-time and that you arrange this with us in advance. Details can be found at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/summer The University organises an annual House Hunting Event usually taking place during August aimed at new and current Cardiff University postgraduate students who are looking for shared rented accommodation for the next academic year.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 7 Introduction to the School of Computer Science & Informatics
The exciting and dynamic fields of Computer Science and Informatics underpin many aspects of modern life.
Our stimulating and Teaching, Learning and Friendly Staff and Support cutting-edge Master’s Assessment At the start of the course you are allocated a degree programmes will Most modules are delivered through a personal tutor, who is an academic member series of full-day contact sessions, which of staff in the School and serves as a point give you a real advantage include lectures, seminars, workshops, of contact to advise on both academic and in the job market, with an tutorials and laboratory classes. Most of personal matters in an informal and your taught modules will have further confidential manner. Your personal tutor will advanced qualification information for you to study and you will be monitor your academic progress and will highly regarded by expected to work through this in your own also supply references in support of any job employers, and allow you time according to the guidance given to applications that you make. to position yourself to you by the lecturer for that module. Your personal tutor will monitor your You will study taught modules to a total of progress throughout your time at university take full advantage of 120 credits during the Diploma stage of and will support you in your Personal future technological your degree. All taught modules are worth Development Planning. You will see your personal tutor at least once each developments. 20 credits. The Placement stage (if you are doing one) is worth 120 credits. The semester. Outside of scheduled tutor Master’s stage of your degree will be an sessions, our senior personal tutor runs an individual project (worth 60 credits) which open door policy, being on hand to advise you will write up as a dissertation, after the and respond to any personal matters as Diploma or Placement stage. they arise. As a School, we pride ourselves on During the Diploma stage, full time providing a supportive environment through students must take all core modules and which we are able to support our students then select further optional modules to with the majority of personal problems that make up their 120 credit total . Part-time arise. However, as in life, there are things students take 60 credits per year. that can crop up that require more The teaching year is split into two specialist help. The university provides a semesters (Autumn: 14 weeks, Spring: range of specialist services, all free of The Cardiff School of Computer Science & 17 weeks). Each semester consists of charge, that students can be referred to if Informatics has an established reputation 11 teaching weeks followed by a revision needed. These encompass advice services for being at the forefront of the field for week and an assessment period which is covering health, careers, finances, its innovative teaching and cutting edge two weeks in the Autumn semester and counselling and personal development, research. five weeks in the Spring semester. to name a few.
8 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience The school has 5 dedicated cross-platform laboratories, comprising Macs, Windows and Linux based machines.
Student Feedback Library Facilities access to online resources via laptop, tablet and Wi-Fi enabled phones. Our facilities are Mechanisms The School library is conveniently located consistently rated among the top three of all in the Trevithick building, within the same We believe that providing suitable feedback computing schools in the UK, by students complex as the School itself. Students can mechanisms is crucial to ensure that the voting in the annual National Student Survey. best programmes of study are available to borrow up to 12 books at any one time, our students. The School has a with a standard loan period of up to three student/staff panel consisting of elected weeks. Heavily demanded books, such as Development student representatives and members of recommended texts, can usually only be You may have participated in a process of teaching staff who meet to discuss borrowed for shorter periods of time. Some Personal Development Planning (PDP) academic issues. Any issues that you feel books can also be accessed electronically. during your previous studies or in the need attention can be highlighted to your The library staff are on hand to offer workplace. During your Master’s course, student representative, who will raise the specialist assistance and provide workshop PDP is designed to help you to adjust to query with the panel. training in information searching and the intensity and level of study and to build on and enhance the variety of skills which In conjunction with the work of the panel, literature research. The Trevithick Library you will have developed during your all students are provided with an opportunity also contains a PC room, 24 open access previous studies and work experience. to complete feedback questionnaires at the computers, self service issue/return, 24 hour PDP will help you to get the most out of end of the Autumn and Spring semesters. book return and four bookable group study your student experience at Cardiff and These mechanisms allow the School to rooms, each equipped with plasma screens. make your Master’s year a success by constantly review courses and our students encouraging you to take responsibility for to receive the best provision, delivered in School Facilities your own learning and development. a consistent manner, across all of our The School has 5 dedicated cross-platform degree programmes. laboratories, accessible solely by students The records you keep as part of the PDP from the School, comprising Macs, Windows process will constitute a valuable profile of The School also has an Equality and Diversity and Linux based machines, as well as a what you have achieved during your time Committee, comprising representatives of specialist cybersecurity and computing at university, both academically and in a both staff and students, which regularly forensics facility. The majority of these labs wider sense. reviews the School’s commitment to can be accessed on a 24/7 basis and provide Your personal tutor and dissertation providing equal opportunities for all its staff our students with free printing facilities. and students, regardless of age, colour, supervisor will support you through the race, ethnic or national origins, sexual The University campus is covered by the PDP process, and the School will provide orientation, marital status, family Cardiff University Wireless Network, which is you with support, guidance and facilities responsibilities, physical or sensory freely available upon registration to staff, for recording your achievements and disabilities, political or religious beliefs. students and invited guests offering flexible reflective statements.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 9 Postgraduate Study at Cardiff School of Computer Science & Informatics The School of Computer Science & Informatics aims to educate and inspire the next generation of national and international leaders in the discipline.
Postgraduate Research Conversion Courses We are proud to Degrees We offer two distinctive conversion Master’s programmes, each with a particular flavour cater for a diversity The School offers cutting edge research and focus which have been specifically degrees that offer you the opportunity to of interests, designed for graduates who want to move become part of a strong, dynamic and into computing from another discipline. MSc backgrounds and internationally successful research school. Computing offers a structured programme The exciting development of our new MRes aspirations for of study which will allow you to enter a degrees are aimed at students who are broad range of computing jobs and roles. graduates from the more orientated towards a research career. The introduction of our MSc Computing For full details about our internationally UK and overseas. and IT Management caters for those who recognised research areas and about wish to focus more on the managerial studying for our MRes or PhD degrees, aspects of modern computing systems please see pages 24-27. The School has significant experience of and their interaction with organisations. running MSc Programmes, both generalist (conversion) and specialist. This portfolio Postgraduate Taught Degrees Joint Degrees of MSc programmes has recently been We offer a variety of challenging and This MSc Computational Journalism is a updated to ensure the content is stimulating Master’s degrees that are joint honours degree with Cardiff School of contemporary and relevant, placing suitable for students with diverse Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. emphasis on both research-led teaching academic backgrounds. It develops knowledge and skills through (through specialist modules and research-informed learning in digital programmes) and employability. The Specialist Masters Programmes journalism, data science, computer design of the new postgraduate taught Our MSc’s in Advanced Computer Science coding and digital development. course portfolio has been influenced by and Information Security & Privacy are for feedback from alumni, and industrial and students who have completed a degree in academic experts. computer science or related subject. These degrees will allow you to hone and expand Many of our degrees are professionally your existing skills to an advanced level, so accredited by the BCS, the Chartered you will graduate with specialised expertise Institute for IT. Ensuring that our degrees at the forefront of your chosen field. are relevant to the latest demands from industry is a further highly regarded endorsement for potential employers. Programme Type Part Time Full Time Details The portfolio has been designed to allow MSc Advanced Computer Science Specialist 3 Years 1 Year students to select the option that best fits their interests and career aspirations. The MSc Advanced Computer Specialist Not Available 2 Years Pages 12-13 School offers conversion Master’s degrees Science with Placement * which provide the opportunity to transfer to MSc Information Security Specialist 3 Years 1 Year Pages 14-15 a career in computing, whilst the specialist and Privacy Master’s programmes provide graduates of MSc Computing Conversion 3 Years 1 Year computing with the opportunity to enhance MSc Computing with Conversion Not Available 2 Years Pages 16-17 their knowledge, skills and understanding, Placement * through modules taught by research MSc Computing and IT Conversion 3 Years 1 Year experts in a given area. Management MSc Computing and IT Conversion Not Available 2 Years Pages 16-17 Management with Placement * MSc Computational Journalism N/A Not Available 1 year Page 18 MRes / PhD Research Not Available 1 Year Page 27
* Our two-year “with Placement” programmes give you the opportunity of gaining 7-10 months professional work experience on a salaried placement (further details on page 19).
10 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Diploma Stage Module Structure for our Master’s Programmes
Autumn Semester Advanced Information Security Computing and Computing Computer Science and Privacy IT Management Security Techniques Software Engineering Programming Paradigms Secure Applications, Identity and Trust High Performance Computing Information Processing in Python Pattern Recognition and Data Mining Computational Systems Visual Computing E-Commerce and Innovation E-Commerce and Innovation Information, Networks and Cyber Security
Business and IT Management
Spring Semester Advanced Information Security Computing and Computing Computer Science and Privacy IT Management Programming Paradigms Software Engineering Informatics Business and IT Management Computational Object Oriented Operational Research Secure Applications, Development with Java Identity and Trust Web and Social Computing E-Commerce and Innovation E-Commerce and Innovation Distributed and Cloud Computing Human Centric Computing Human Centric Computing
Digital Forensics Information Modelling and Database Systems
2015/16 Academic Year 2016/17 Academic Year
Enrolment Week Enrolment Week Monday 21 September 2015 to Friday 25 September 2015 Monday 19 September 2016 to Friday 23 September 2016
Autumn Semester Autumn Semester Semester Dates Start: Monday 28 September 2015 Semester Dates Start: Monday 26 September 2016 Finish: Sunday 24 January 2016 Finish: Sunday 22 January 2017
Christmas Recess Start: Saturday 12 December 2015 Christmas Recess Start: Saturday 10 December 2016 Finish: Sunday 3 January 2016 Finish: Sunday 1 January 2017
Examination Period Start: Monday 11 January 2016 Examination Period Start: Monday 9 January 2017 Finish : Friday 22 January 2016 Finish : Friday 20 January 2017
Spring Semester Spring Semester Semester Dates Start: Monday 25 January 2016 Semester Dates Start: Monday 23 January 2017 Finish: Friday 10 June 2016 Finish: Friday 9 June 2017
Easter Recess Start: Saturday 19 March 2016 Easter Recess Start: Saturday 8 April 2017 Finish: Sunday 10 April 2016 Finish: Sunday 30 April 2017
Examination Period Start: Monday 9 May 2016 Examination Period Start: Monday 8 May 2017 Finish: Friday 10 June 2016 Finish: Friday 9 June 2017
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 11 MSc Advanced Computer Science
Designed for computing graduates who wish to differentiate themselves further through an advanced mastery of the discipline.
This flagship programme offers exposure to demonstrating independent learning state-of-the-art topics that are driving key through the duration of the course. technological developments and trends. Core to this programme is the opportunity You can opt for a two-year programme on to further develop the scope of your this course and apply for a paid 7-10 problem solving skills by studying advanced month work placement (see page 19 for programming languages and new further details). programming paradigms. A module in e-commerce and innovation will enhance The course your transferable skills and employment Computer Science is one of the fastest prospects. You will choose to study moving academic disciplines, and the optional research-led modules that allow outcomes of research and innovation in the freedom to build a distinctive personal Programme Leader: this field have a massive social impact. portfolio of skills and knowledge. These are Dr Matthew Williams The subject spans all aspects of modern structured around advanced topics in the life, and this programme offers you the School's three core research areas: Email: Informatics, Visual Computing, and [email protected] opportunity to apply new skills and advanced techniques to the area of Distributed and Scientific Computing Phone: your choice, whilst allowing you to +44 (0)29 2087 4683 demonstrate that you are at the forefront main image: Cardiff University's ARCCA of your discipline. (Advanced Research Computing @ Cardiff), SRIF-3 Cluster, codenamed 'Raven', that is “This MSc focuses on advanced topics This MSc programme will allow you to enabling and transforming research across in Computer Science, with an emphasis hone and expand your existing skills whilst the University on subjects which reflect the research strengths of the School. We look forward to working with students from a technical background for this advanced The subject spans all aspects of modern life, qualification.” and this programme offers you the opportunity to apply new skills and advanced techniques to the area of your choice.
12 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience During the summer months you will Successful graduates will be able to undertake an individual research project demonstrate to employers both a deep and complete a dissertation under the understanding and broad knowledge supervision of a number of academic concerning state-of-the-art computer research staff. The topic will be driven by science from a research and your own interests. 60 credits of the 180 development perspective. credit programme concern the dissertation Graduates from this course will be and individual supervision. The programme ideally placed to pursue a number of is delivered in our cutting edge learning careers such as systems architects, facilities, which are consistently voted as programmers and software developers, among the best in the UK by students. and will be in a strong position to pursue a research career via doctoral studies.
MSc Advanced Computer Science Modules
Key: A - Autumn S - Spring AS - Both semesters r
e Assessment Schedule t S
I Compulsory Module G Optional Module s s C t i e d C m e S e r M C Module Code Module Title S Coursework Examination CMT302 E-Commerce and Innovation AS 40 I 100% CMT304 Programming Paradigms AS 20 I 50% 50% CMT104 Information, Networks and Cyber Security A 20 G 100% CMT105 Security Techniques A 20 G 30% 70% CMT106 High Performance Computing A 20 G 30% 70% CMT107 Visual Computing A 20 G 30% 70% CMT108 Pattern Recognition and Data Mining A 20 G 50% 50% CMT111 Web and Social Computing S 20 G 30% 70% CMT202 Distributed and Cloud Computing S 20 G 30% 70% CMT213 Digital Forensics S 20 G 30% 70% CMT206 Human Centric Computing S 20 G 50% 50% CMT209 Informatics S 20 G 50% 50% CMT211 Computational Operational Research S 20 G 50% 50% A 40 Credits Optional Module Selection S 40 Credits
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 13 MSc Information Security and Privacy
Appropriate security measures are an Programme Leader: essential part of any modern enterprise. Professor Omer Rana Email: A detailed understanding of the key Using case based analysis the programme [email protected] threats and techniques for ensuring also gives students the opportunity to learn Phone: security, privacy and trust are fundamental about forensic approaches to investigation +44 (0)29 2087 5542 requirements for successful information across multiple platforms. On a practical systems. Professionals in this field are level, students have the opportunity to well placed for a wide variety of gain external accreditation for use of market eliance on “With our increasing r employment opportunities. leading forensic software, as taught in our that are provided information services “sandpit lab” (see photo on facing page). over distributed computing infrastructures (such as Cloud The course The School is one of only five universities evices computing and mobile/handheld d This programme addresses the key in the UK to offer training (at a small ion such as Android phones), informat security issues that are faced by global additional fee for those students wishing to ost security has become one of the m communications and information systems. partake) in Microsystemation XRY, an significant challenges for both The programme provides a mix of business industry-leading mobile phone forensics consumers and providers of such context with core security, trust and privacy tool used by more than 85% of police ial services. The increasing use of soc issues that challenge the IT sector. As well forces and all major forensics laboratories s also media and microblogging platform as studying themes such as trust and in the UK and Ireland. We are also able to cerns introduces security and privacy con identity and forensic investigation, security offer the top 10 performing students from that must be acknowledged and techniques and information, network and the ethical hacking module the opportunity responded to. This MSc will equip cyber security, the programme provides an to sit the EC-Council Certified Ethical d students with an understanding an understanding of the e-Commerce and Hacker (CEH) examination, giving them an issues awareness of security and privacy business environment. This combined industry-recognised accreditation on top of kills in a business context, along with s business/security approach provides their MSc. We are one of only eight ls to using techniques and software too valuable training for interacting with universities in the UK that currently offer address some of these concerns.” organisations, and understanding their this EC-Council CEH qualification. business functions in a deeper context.
14 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience main image: Our new Forensics and Cyber Security Lab (aka the "sandpit" lab) in which some of your classes will take place
MSc Information Security & Privacy Modules
Key: A - Autumn S - Spring AS - Both semesters r e
P Assessment Schedule t
I Compulsory Module G Optional Module s s S t I i e d c m e S e r M Module Code Module Title S C Coursework Examination CMT301 Business and IT Management AS 20 I 100% CMT306 Secure Applications, Identity and Trust AS 20 I 100% CMT104 Information, Network and Cyber Security A 20 I 100% CMT105 Security Techniques A 20 I 30% 70% CMT202 Distributed and Cloud Computing S 20 I 30% 70% CMT213 Digital Forensics S 20 I 30% 70% A N/A Optional Module Selection S 20 Credits
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 15 MSc Conversion Courses
MSc Computing A choice of taught optional modules allows you to develop skills in SQL (Structured Designed for graduates who want to move Query Language) for advanced database into computing from another discipline, this functionality using industry standard one-year programme attracts students from products such as Oracle™, or to learn diverse career and subject areas who wish about the exciting new area of distributed to be introduced to the skills required for a and cloud computing. career in Software Development. The MSc Computing programme provides students Finally 60 credits of the 180 credit with an appropriate balance of the software programme concern a dissertation with engineering skills and technical abilities individual supervision. needed to develop effective software and systems. This course is recognised by BCS, MSc Computing the Chartered Institute for IT. Programme Leader: and IT Management Miss Helen Phillips To enhance your CV further you can opt Designed for graduates who want to move for a two-year programme and apply for into computing from another discipline, Email: k a paid 7-10 month work placement this one-year programme provides you with [email protected] (see page 19 for further details ). a broad technical knowledge and a sound ne: Pho business context for managing IT systems. +44 (0)29 2087 6752 The course These are required to meet fundamental Through this programme you will get a first IT sector needs such as planning major introduce this “The School is proud to hand understanding of the vital problem projects or improving business processes, uting course, redeveloped MSc Comp solving role of software, the interdisciplinary and are essential for those with aspirations of a long building on the success opportunities available and what of a management role in the IT sector. , standing postgraduate programme computational systems can achieve. You nts which in the past, has seen stude will learn, practice and demonstrate the To enhance your CV further you can opt for b move into career areas such as we professional skills required by all software a two-year programme and apply for a paid development and software engineers, individually or as part of a team, 7-10 month professional work placement. development, whilst others have when developing a software solution. (see page 19 for further details). do selected to remain in academia to Through a gentle introduction and intensive research degrees. We are looking The course support, you will be introduced to forward to working with students Through this programme you will get a er an programming skills using important holding various first degrees in eith fundamental understanding of software ucing languages such as Java™ and Python™. arts or science subject, and introd development and supporting technology g.” The set of compulsory modules is rounded them to the discipline of computin relating to programming and database off with a module on e-commerce and management. You will understand the innovation aimed at equipping students professional skills required to lead IT with an understanding of new business managers, individually or as a part of a opportunities and how to approach the team, working on business change projects. tasks associated with researching and setting up a high-tech business or social enterprise venture.
16 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Our MSc Conversion programmes are designed to take graduates from non computing backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in the industry.
Programme Leader: Dr Wendy Ivins Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)29 2087 0248
“MS c Computing & IT Management is for stud With an emphasis on how computational have the option of learning about new and ents whose first degree has little or no c systems can support business operation emerging technologies, such as cloud omputing content. It builds on the stre and the role of e-commerce, you will computing, that are radically changing the ngths of our successful MSc Comput understand in detail the dependency opportunities and threats for the provision ing but offers a stronger busines between business operations and IT of IT systems. You may also opt for human s focus. We are looking forward to work systems. You will be made aware of the centric computing which focuses on ing with students who want to expand challenges in IT management and develop defining and delivering effective information their knowledge and practical skills to an appreciation of the many factors on systems from a human centric perspective. enable them to develop and manage which successful IT projects depend. business applications and Finally 60 credits of the 180 credit infor mation systems for organisations.” In addition to being taught industry programme concern a dissertation with standard products like ORACLE™, you will individual supervision. t n g
MSc Modules g e n n i i m t t e u u g p
Key: A - Autumn S - Spring AS - Both semesters p r a m e m n Assessment Schedule t o o a
I Compulsory Module G Optional Module s s t C C i e M d c c T m e I S S e r & M M Module Code Module Title S C Coursework Examination CMT301 Business and IT Management AS 20 I 100% CMT302 E-Commerce and Innovation AS 20 I I 100% CMT303 Software Engineering AS 20 I 100% CMT102 Computational Systems A 20 I I 30% 70% CMT103 Information Processing in Python A 20 I I 50% 50% CMT202 Distributed and Cloud Computing S 20 G G 30% 70% CMT205 Object-Oriented Development with Java S 20 I 30% 70% CMT206 Human Centric Computing S 20 G G 50% 50% CMT207 Information Modelling and Database Systems S 20 G I 50% 50% A N/A N/A Optional Module Selection S 20 Credits 20 Credits
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 17 MSc Computational Journalism
A joint honours degree with Course Co-Director: Cardiff School of Journalism, Mr Glyn Mottershead (left) Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies Media and Cultural Studies. Email: [email protected] Q Phone: the perfect foundation for a career at Course structure and modules +44 (0)29 2087 6183 the forefront of digital journalism The course is structured in three phases – Q designed to respond to a shortage in Foundation, Application and Specialisation, Co-Director: Course skills reported by employers Dissertation – in order to support students Dr Martin Chorley (right) ormatics Q in the development of skills and knowledge School of Computer Science & Inf built to develop professional writing and editorial skills in the key aspects of the course. Each Email: student is appointed a personal tutor to @cs.cardiff.ac.uk Q delivers specialist training to M.J.Chorley support them during their studies. understanding data, coding and web Phone: application development +44 (0) 29 208 74767 Semester 1 – Foundation phase @MScCompJCardiff Who should study this course? Core modules: • Information Processing in Python The Master’s degree in Computational • Web Application Development MSc Computational Journalism is an Journalism provides the perfect vantage • Digital Journalism innovative new joint honours degree point from which to succeed in the world of delivered by Cardiff University’s respected digital journalist. No previous knowledge of • Reporters and the Reported and distinguished Schools of Journalism, computing is necessary and the programme Media and Cultural Studies and Computer is open to graduates from any discipline. Semester 2 – Application & Science & Informatics. Specialisation This MSc is ideal for recent graduates Core modules: The programme focuses on the looking for specialist skills in digital development of knowledge and skills journalism and coding that are proven to • Digital Investigation through research-informed learning in be in demand by leading organisations. Optional modules: digital journalism, data science, computer Q This innovative programme is the first of • Computing (choose one) coding and digital development. its kind in the UK and is supported by - Web and Social Computing During this 1-year, full time programme, leading industry bodies such as the - Human Centric Computing you will benefit from a combination of Financial Times, the BBC and the Office - Visual Communication and lectures, seminars and workshops to for National Statistics Information Design develop your skills in an open, discussion Q An exciting guest lecture series will • Journalism (choose two) driven environment. feature leading figures in the world of - Reporting Business, Finance and digital journalism and computing You will initially gain a solid foundation in Economics Q journalism and computing, before Specialist modules include science - Reporting Health and Science reporting, business journalism, crisis specialising in your areas of interest and - Global Crisis Reporting finally completing a practical and research reporting, visual communication and - Managing Print in a Digital World based dissertation project using the unique information design skills that you have acquired. Semester 3 – Dissertation project
18 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Professional Placement An opportunity to put theory into practice and gain valuable real world experience.
Our School is one of only Professional Placements You will return to university following successful completion of your work To ensure you really stand out from the a few in the UK to offer placement at the start of the Summer crowd in the competitive job market, semester the following year to undertake postgraduate work we offer students the valuable opportunity your individual project and write your to undertake your Master’s degree over placement opportunities dissertation, with the aim of completing two years with a salaried placement. in the field of Computer the course within 24 months Science and Informatics. The aim of our With Placement degrees is of entry. A further benefit of choosing our to provide you with the opportunity to gain Placement option is that you will have the valuable work experience as part of your opportunity to draw upon the practical real Master’s programme. Employers recognise life situations you encounter during your the mutual benefits to be gained by giving industrial experience and incorporate it students the chance to learn within a into your final dissertation. working environment before you progress Whilst students are responsible for finding your career. their own placements, the School works alongside professional placement How does it work? consultants to ensure you have access to Your placement will normally last between a broad variety of opportunities, and that seven and ten months, normally taking you receive constant support and guidance place at the end of the Spring Semester in throughout the whole process. This will July between the taught elements of the begin with a series of workshops and talks course and your final dissertation, allowing provided before the industrial experience to The School works alongside professional you to practice the new skills you have give advice on applying for a placement placement consultants to ensure you have learned and apply the knowledge you have and on preparing you to get the most from access to a broad variety of opportunities . . . acquired, in the workplace. your placement opportunities.
Overseas placements Further information Professional Accreditation If you are an international student, Students who are registered on a Core to the placement will be the it is possible for work placements to be With Placement programme but who ability to demonstrate competency undertaken overseas, allowing you to are unable to secure a suitable to Level 4 in one or more of the carry out your industrial placement in placement within a company, will transfer Professional Skills from the Skills your home country if you are able to their registration to the equivalent degree Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) secure a suitable position. Suitable programme without placement and framework, the world’s most popular overseas placements can also be taken continue their studies in the Summer definition of IT skills. During the by Home and EU students. As with UK semester by undertaking their individual Placement students will engage in placements, this would be subject to project, and subject to satisfactory Continuing Professional and Personal the Board of Studies deeming the performance will graduate within one Development activities. placements as suitable. Under current year of commencing their studies. The placement therefore provides a UK BA Tier 4 visa regulations It is expected that students on placement strong platform for post-MSc future International students can undertake will be paid by the companies or personal development planning to enable paid work for up to 50% of their visit institutions for the duration of the students to continue to develop their duration, so students enrolled on the placement. skills to Level 5 in the SFIA framework, two year programmes “with placement” The School does not guarantee that which is required for Chartered IT will have a valid visa to work in the UK a placement can be found for all Professional Status under the BCS – for their placement period. Tuition fees students. The Chartered Institute for IT. are set a reduced rate of the maximum full-time tuition fee for students The placement you secure will also undertaking the work placement. need to be deemed suitable by the Board of Studies .
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 19 Postgraduate Student Support Services
You might be wondering what life is like for the 28,000 students at Cardiff University?
Outside of academia you Student societies Languages for All will find a vast range of The best way to make friends is to join a Learning a language is your opportunity to “student society”. These clubs are very think beyond your horizons and open up a opportunities to try new important to student life and are run by world of new destinations, inspiring things, meet new people other students. There are more than 120 cultures and exciting career options. and enjoy the exciting societies, many of which represent areas of The new Languages for All programme the world including: Arabia, China, Malaysia, offers all undergraduate and postgraduate atmosphere on campus. India, Pakistan, Nigeria and many more. students the chance to gain invaluable For two weeks every year the international language and cultural skills for free during The Students’ Union societies celebrate “Go Global” – a festival their studies at Cardiff University. With a flexible choice of study options including Q The University’s social life revolves that showcases the University’s diversity involving dance, music and food. weekly and intensive courses taught by around an organisation called native speaking language teachers, as “The Students’ Union”. Global Opportunity Centre well as independent study, the programme Q Every student enrolled at Cardiff is designed to fit around your normal University is automatically a member The Global Opportunity Centre provides a degree course. of Cardiff Students’ Union. dedicated resource and source of expertise for all of the opportunities available at We cater for a range of abilities and Q The Union is run by a committee of Cardiff University for students to gain an currently offer a range of languages. students and is dedicated to the social international experience. Among them are French, German, and welfare needs of all students on Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Mandarin. campus. All profits made go back into We can support you if you are considering, Additional options such as Arabic, Russian improving the services available to you. or currently spending, a period of time and Swedish will be offered in the future. Q The Union building includes a bar, abroad on a study or work placement, More information about the Languages for nightclub, concert venue, shopping or if you are interested in taking part on All programme including details on how to mall, cafés and an advice centre. short-term programme including, study, work and volunteering opportunities. enrol for a course can be found on the Q The Union runs its own student website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/languagesforall . newspaper, magazine, radio station and We also provide support for incoming For all other enquiries, please contact television station. International and European exchange [email protected] . students. The Lounge Built with international students in mind, within the Students’ Union and is open to all, free of charge. It boasts of state of the The International Office aims to make your art multimedia stations with Skype and transition as smooth as possible with an VOIP capabilities, versatile work spaces, modern meeting rooms and touch screen “induction programme” in September and January tables giving students access to international channels and games.
20 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Sport & keeping fit Q Cardiff University is one of only a few 4 Social events and parties including traditional Welsh dancing. These are a The University takes sport very seriously, and UK universities to provide postgraduate great way to make friends. the Athletic Union runs 60 sports clubs and students with dedicated social, training arranges fixtures against other universities. and academic facilities at the 5 A bank letter service to help you open a Almost every popular sport is played at the University’s Graduate Centre: bank account when you arrive in the UK. www.cardiff.ac.uk/gradc University and whatever your level you will 6 A coach tour of South Wales. Visit some find an opportunity to play and participate . of Wales’ historic monuments with the Orientation for International Office. Supporting you International Students The University knows that while you are Before you arrive at the University you may here you may need some help. You might be worried about settling in, making friends have an academic question, or you might and life in the UK. The International Office have a more personal issue. aims to make your transition as smooth as possible with an “induction programme” Cardiff University offers support in many in September and January. ways: The September induction programme Q Every student at the University is includes: allocated a personal tutor. Your tutor 1 A free collection service from Cardiff can assist with any academic or and Heathrow airports. International personal problems you may have. Office staff will provide a warm welcome Q The Student Support Centre has at the airport and take you and your specialist international advisers who can luggage to your accommodation. help you with visas, housing, finances 2 Practical information and fairs to help and anything which you would like to you settle quickly into living and talk about: studying in Cardiff. www.cardiff.ac.uk/studentsupport 3 Tours of the University and the city of Q If you want to talk to someone outside Cardiff to help you find your way around. the University, the Students’ Union also has an advice centre.
Getting involved at the School dly School, and of being a small, inclusive, frien ride ourselves on our reputation in extra We p nts the opportunity to take part importance of giving our stude es say, recognise the tudents and successful graduat As the majority of our current s activities if they wish. ved, the more you will get out time at university and get invol the more you put in during your erience with us. of your exp to the Master’s students are also invited rations s what you think nd seminars We have a dedicated Teaching Ope Tell u regular research talks a aught suitable feedback l, which can range Team especially for postgraduate t We believe that providing organised by the Schoo the day ensure that the ns between the students, who are responsible for mechanisms is crucial to from informal discussio ’s y are available to ps (see pages to day management of the Master best programmes of stud School’s research grou a series gular student-staff ation), to Programmes. The team organises our students. We hold re 24-26 for further inform your tudents have the peakers leading of activities to support you during coffee mornings where s prominent high profile s eir views about f expertise. time studying with us. opportunity to discuss th a lecture in their field o mme and raise any concerns. their progra udents also attend talks dent/staff panel A number of our st warm welcome The School also has a stu artered A nd organised locally by BCS, the Ch n and ting of members of teaching staff a This starts with a two-day inductio consis , which the School enjoys esentatives who meet Institute for IT School. You will receive elected student repr ys also prove to welcome to the ues that strong links with. Our visit da , our o discuss academic issues. Any iss information about the School t lar and have recently included trips attention can be highlighted be popu mes and facilities as well as you feel need nd the University’s program ive, who will to BT’s data centre a to meet other to your student representat ntre. getting an opportunity Advanced Research Computing Ce nch. the query with the panel. Master’s students and staff over lu raise We also run Information Literacy And finally . . . cialist to help nhance your experience workshops with a Library Spe E finishes with a t we Your Master’s programme tively search and use high quality We organise talks and events tha you effec ssion party, which is organised to ster’s studies. f interest to you and add Submi references for your Ma think will be o sertation submission arning coincide with the Dis even further value to your le to date. This gives you an opportunity nce with us. These can include experie ks and nibbles with other nts back to talk about relax over drin inviting former stude ou finally dvice students and staff, before y their project experience and give a ojects. leave us at Cardiff. for students about to start their pr
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 21 Student Profiles, Alumni and Employability We recognise that students pursue a postgraduate qualification not only to broaden their knowledge, but to get ahead in the workplace, which is why improving your employability is at the heart of everything we do.
The teaching on our courses will provide you with the practical skills needed to progress your career, whilst talks and networking opportunities with professional guest speakers from our strong corporate connections will give you a real life insight into the industry. The University also offers numerous services to assist you in fulfilling your career goals.
David Moore from Wales institutions. Finally the degree content Student Enterprise at excited me – there was a broad offering of Software Developer at True Clarity technologies to learn and the ability to Cardiff University: MSc Computing shape my own course through the options • This free initiative offers skills available in the second semester. I originally studied development, mentoring events, Psychology at Looking back on the course now the most competitions and business support university which I useful resource for me was the number of for students and alumni at Cardiff thoroughly enjoyed companies that came to us to recruit. This University. It is home to ‘Centerprise’, but didn’t want to started after a month of the course and the Cardiff University Student work in the field continued throughout. I took every Business Incubator, which gives you directly, so ended up opportunity I could and as a result ended support to grow your business ideas. working in a call up with two job offers by April. I didn’t fill For more details visit: centre for a large out any application forms as I had met the http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/racdv/ insurance company. company directors on several occasions students/index.html After speaking with colleagues about how by the time the interview came around. frustrating the IT systems we used in our • The Careers Service has a dedicated In October after the submission of the daily work were – specifically that we had dissertation I started work at True Clarity. International Students Career Advisor to do a lot of manual calculations, I created who offers 30 minute appointments As I said I had accepted a position as a a simple program in Excel that would help graduate developer in April which took a lot and holds workshops on Employment my colleagues to complete their work more of pressure off the exams and subsequent Regulations and CVs. efficiently and accurately. I took it into work project. I have been at True Clarity since and showed the management team who • The Careers & Employability Centre is and have enjoyed every minute. We create were impressed and rolled it out to 1,000 specifically designed to meet student high end websites for some of the largest of my colleagues instantly. needs and includes an extensive and companies in Europe. I have been given well-equipped Careers Library with It was doing this that made me realise that the room to grow as fast as I feel comprehensive information, internet I would enjoy this kind of solution finding comfortable. I have developed rapidly into access, computerised guidance and prompted me to investigate how I this role and a lot of this is thanks to the well rounded nature of the MSc course. programmes and DVD library. could study to acquire the skills necessary to become a software developer. Cardiff appealed to me for a number of Recent graduates from the reasons. Firstly, I was local and the campus School’s MSc degrees have was very conveniently located for me. taken jobs with such high profile Secondly the School had an excellent organisations as Logica CMG, reputation and a track record of taking 90% of responding graduates Corus and Accelero Digital between 2010-13 reported to people such as myself from zero to novice developer in under 12 months. Thirdly the Solutions, or have progressed to be in employment or further School was known for having close ties with other Universities to gain study within 6 months local businesses that would open doors and employment or continue research. provide opportunities not available at other
22 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Shada Alsalamah Moreover, the transportation system is meet new people from different parts of the really affordable and easy to use and world, a better insight of how things work in from Saudi Arabia provides transport for the whole city and commercial world and has helped me to PhD student at the Cardiff School to other cities around the UK. shape my future as a Software Engineer. of Computer Science & Informatics MSc Strategic Information Systems with Satyam Gupta Simeon Ivanov Information Assurance (now superseded from India from India by MSc Information Security & Privacy) MSc Advanced Computer Science MSc Computing and IT Management
After studying Technology has The MSc in Information always fascinated Computing and IT Technology in me throughout my Management my undergrad from childhood, from 8-bit appealed to me King Saud University, video games to 64- because it offered Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bit PC Games, from contemporary skills I aimed for an my first programming such as Cloud academic research line ‘10 REM’ in computing, career. Mainly the BASIC to my first Ecommerce and severe shortage of Scala object at Databases, and also female teaching and research staff at the Cardiff University, I have grown with an had a Project Management component universities in my home country inclination toward technology. After (Business and IT Management). encourages me to become a positive completing my Bachelors in India from Uttar Additionally, the degree was suitable for addition in this regard. Therefore, following Pradesh Technical University, my appetite students who do not have a first degree in my graduation, I undertook a teaching to learn more about technology brought IT, which was perfect for me, as my first assistant position in King Saud University, me here at Cardiff University to pursue degree was Business Studies. Another and worked for about nine months before Masters in Computer Science. One of the reason I chose Cardiff was its high position I relocated to Cardiff to pursue my studies. key reasons for choosing Cardiff University in the university league tables. My experience at Cardiff University has over other British Universities was the way I really enjoyed networking with other without doubt satisfied my hunger for Computer Science course was structured; knowledge and further developed my skills. it gave me more opportunities to learn the students – the group work sessions The Masters helped me gain a number of course both practically and theoretically. enabled me to find new friends, who key skills. Firstly, good written Cardiff University has a very unique positive shared my interests in programming. communication skills in English as a second vibe throughout the campus; one can feel The high quality teaching is another language were gained where clear, concise the positivity in air whilst walking through highlight – most of the lecturers have very essays and reports are essential. Second, the campus. The entire campus is really good experience in industry, making the verbal communication skills were developed clean, modern and installed with latest lectures very useful. A good example was through delivery of presentations. Third, technology wherever appropriate. The labs the Cloud computing tutorials, during effective contributions as both team are equipped with latest gadgets and which we were deploying live Linux virtual member and team leader and, in my software; giving students unrestricted servers based in a data center. studies, being able to work in groups was access to latest technologies in labs After successfully completing my exams, essential. Fourth, I was able to learn about throughout the campus. I received an offer of employment from new tools and methodologies with the The staff members are highly qualified one of the largest IT companies worldwide. utilization of reliable electronic resources professionals in their field of expertise and I am currently a permanent employee and and books as sources of information. are very friendly; they are always willing to my job involves using most of the skills Finally, the most important skill gained from help you dig more. Apart taking normal gained during the degree, including the my MSc degree was self-reliance and lectures, the professors do various use of JavaScript, as well as knowledge working independently, which prepared me researches in collaboration with high regarding the software development well for the doctorate degree (I’m currently reputed firms worldwide. As a student at process in general. doing) where being an independent Cardiff University you get a chance to learn researcher is essential for my success. about these multinational companies and I really wanted to start a career in IT and completing an MSc in Computing and IT Cardiff University is a prestigious university their projects from time to time through Management enabled me to achieve this and is considered one of the very top guest lectures and seminars. British universities in the field of computer goal. I also learned the importance of Cardiff University recognizes all international gaining a degree from an internationally science. In addition, the School of students just like other home students; Computer Science & Informatics has a recognised University, because the good the campus has many social places where reputation of Cardiff University will boost world-leading and excellent research you can hang out with your colleagues or success rate with appealing research my CV throughout my career. My current friends. Cardiff University’s student union employer valued the contemporary skills groups that match my intellectual desires was voted second best across the UK in such as Cloud Computing and XML, as well as needs in my research area. 2013, the student union is a very combined with my interpersonal and happening place, with various different The Student Support Centre in Cardiff communication skills. University has a range of services things to get involved in. Cardiff University dedicated to helping international students also encourages students to get involved If you are interested in computing, IT, from around the globe to make the most of in sports; the sports village is very well or want a great career, the School of their student life and offer confidential equipped with different sport equipment. Computer Science and Informatics is the advice and support for those who need it. Everything is available to you at a walking right first step. The course has prepared distance; Cardiff is not expensive and me very well for a career in the IT field, Alongside having a leading university, and a while the quality of teaching and the good couple of academies for learning foreign offers you everything you need at a reasonable price. reputation of the university is something languages, Cardiff is a lovely city perfect for which has definitely added to my CV and touring with families and friends. There are Pursuing Masters at Cardiff University has helped my career prospects. unique attractions, top class entertainment, given me an opportunity to learn about most quality shopping all within walking distance. of the latest technology that is in use today,
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 23 Research
Research in computer science and informatics is all about going beyond current knowledge and technologies to build the computing systems of the future.
Researchers here at Cardiff are currently There are also ‘multi-disciplinary’ research Technologies we working on new developments in areas like areas where postgraduate students are computer graphics, data mining, and supervised by academic staff from more now take for granted, ‘intelligent’ mobile systems. We hope that than one school. For example, we often like the Web, our research will enable new kinds of collaborate with the Medical School on computing applications, products, and projects including computing and health smartphones, and systems to help people in areas like technologies. databases, are all healthcare, the environment, security and business. Conducting research in computer products of past science and informatics is exciting and research in computer challenging - and we hope that reading science and these pages will make you want to find out more by visiting our website. informatics. Research in the School is organised into So what will the future three Research Groups. Each one is led by a distinguished professor and is made up bring? of academic staff, research assistants, and postgraduate research students. The groups provide a ‘home’ for researchers, allowing them to exchange ideas, get Name: School of Computer support, and often work together on Dr. Gualtiero Colombo ience & Informatics projects. All postgraduate research Sc students are expected to participate in their Dr Colombo completed his PhD on roups: the Research G group, for example by giving presentations ‘A decomposition approach for Problem’ in 2008. on their own research, or giving feedback Frequency Assignment s a Research Associate to fellow students and other group He now works a ted & iff University. Distribu members. Over the course of their studies, for Card Scientific postgraduate research students will mputing Co normally publish a number of papers that “During my PhD I applied novel led by will help them work towards their thesis. solutions to solve large instances of the Professor lem. This is To be successful, these papers will contain frequency assignment prob id Walker importance Dav new ideas and research results that will go a complex problem of great t cannot be beyond current knowledge in computer to radio-communication tha le problems science and informatics. The student's solved exactly for large-sca combined supervisors will help them develop these that occur in practice. The thods and ideas and get their results. The other application of heuristics me e able to members of the student's research group partitioning techniques wer provide very good performance on a rmatics will help them communicate and improve Info time and quality scale. led by their ideas and results. nvolved as a Professor You'll find out more about the activities of Subsequently I have been i European projects in Alun Preece the three Research Groups on the researcher in two ial following pages. Some areas of research the area of mobile and soc n research in computer science and informatics relate computing. One of my mai exploration to more than one group. For example, contributions concerns the etworks for research in mobile computing involves staff and exploitation of social n of content and students from both the Distributed & the delivery and acquisition Visual onment, Scientific Computing and Informatics in a mobile pervasive envir Computing cooperation groups. Every postgraduate student has focusing on issues such as led by volved in a a ‘home’ group, but may benefit from and trust. I am currently in fessor ng new Pro supervision and interaction with people research project investigati tin self- Ralph Mar from more than one group. This creates approaches for embedding based on a more exciting and stimulating research awareness in ICT systems, echniques.” environment for our students to study in. human cognition inspired t
24 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Distributed & Scientific computationally hard combinatorial Computing problems. With a focus on industrially relevant problems, our research covers an The Distributed & Scientific Computing expanding range of applications, including group is focused on developing efficient green logistics, wireless network design, techniques for large scale problems. Our scheduling and load balancing. interest in this area is strongly motivated to solve practical, real-world problems and issues, reflected in a high level of interdisciplinary collaborations. These have led to advances and applications of our work in a wide range of fields, from medicine to wireless communications. Name: Some examples of the group’s work Diego Pizzocaro includes: Diego recently completed his PhD in Technologies for Communication collaboration between Cardiff University and Collaboration and IBM. He is now co-founder of a Distributed computing covers a wide field startup company in Italy. of study, but in essence addresses large computational problems by dividing them into subtasks which are farmed out to be “In my PhD, I studied the problem of solved on autonomous nodes, either remote how best to assign sensors to help or local. Part of our work here covers users in emergency response situations. composing web-services to encapsulate and When major emergencies like the broker remote computational capabilities Japanese earthquake happen today, there are many along with developing approaches to exploit Informatics kinds of sensors that these within workflows, for example to can help get vital information to users manage, process and interact with Informatics is the science of information. such as rescuers, firefighters, and massive medical data sets. The theme of Informatics is at the core of all systems medical teams. Sensors can be simple large scale data is also at the core of our that store, process, and transmit phone cameras, specialist devices like research into Grid related technologies for information. Research in informatics at radiation detectors, or complex systems e-Science. Here we specialise in novel Cardiff focuses on new ways of modelling like drone aircraft. The problem I visualisation and simulation techniques, information, integrating information, and studied in my PhD is how to choose the together with innovative distributed problem getting the right information to the right best sensors where different users have solving environments. We also consider people at the right time. Many of our different needs, and there may not be decentralised approaches to operation and informatics researchers test their new enough sensors to satisfy every user. management, critical in exploiting distributed ideas in particular application areas, like This is a hard problem to solve in real- and mobile systems, such as mobile peer health care, the environment, or business. time. I designed an ‘intelligent’ algorithm that c to peer and opportunistic networking. Some examples of groundbreaking an run on a smartphone and cope with r Informatics research at Cardiff: apidly-changing situations.” Q Our researchers came up with a new way to manage information to help teams of medical specialists care for cancer patients, and our ideas are now built-into the main computer system for cancer care in the Wales We are interested in a broad range of National Health Service. Informatics topics, including: Q We designed the definitive database of • Data/knowledge mining all the world’s animal and plant • Geoinformatics and spatial information species, used to manage and protect systems our environment. To do this they had • Healthcare & medical informatics to solve problems in how to integrate data from many different, often • Informatics for biodiversity & conflicting, databases across the world. environmental science Intelligent Techniques for • Information quality Problem Solving Q We developed a new technique for • Information privacy & security Complex optimisation problems requiring ‘data mining’ in medicine that protects efficient, intelligent solution techniques the privacy of patients. Data mining is • Ontologies & rule-based reasoning occur in a wide range of important fields. an important way to discover new • Open data and the Semantic Web As an example, consider planning the medical knowledge from data on the • Resilient information systems layout and scheduling of a system of bus treatment of patients. Our research • Sensor information processing systems routes, where approaches have to balance means this can be done without • Social & mobile computing many competing technical and economic revealing confidential personal constraints, such as cost, capacity, information about patients from the • Strategic business information systems frequency and reliability. Our expertise is in ‘mined’ data. developing scalable algorithms capable of quickly and effectively solving this class of
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 25 Visual Computing Visual computing covers computer vision, computer graphics, geometric computing and both image and video processing. There are many applications in this area, and much of our work is inter-disciplinary. The group has had recent collaborations with the Schools of Engineering, Psychology, Dentistry, Optometry and Earth Sciences. The group has attracted top quality international researchers as staff, and recent collaborations include: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Harvard University, University of Southern California, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Seoul National University, Korea University, Aachen University. Industrial links exist with Delcam, Royal Mint, Renishaw, Unigraphics, Airbus, General Dynamics, and QinetiQ.
Recent graduates from the group have gone Q The group is working on controlling, on to positions in modelling, simulating and identifying quantum systems for applications in industry (e.g. EADS), nano-electronics, photonics, quantum government positions computing, quantum networks, and (e.g. Office for medical applications. Q The group is participating in the INSIST National Statistics) EU Marie Curie International Training and university faculty Network involving. Its objective is the development of the next generation positions. design/simulation methods based on isogeometric analysis. Name: Examples of active specific research topics Jonathan Quinn The group is part of RIVIC (Research within the group are: Institute of Visual Computing), the only Q Human motion analysis Jonathan recently completed his PhD pan Wales computer science consortium, on ‘Low-Discrepancy Sampling of 2D Q Image and 3D shape retrieval which has been funded by a £5m grant Manifolds for Applications in Visual from the Welsh government. Q Point-based modelling Computing’. He now works within the One Wales Research Institute f Some examples of major research themes Q Reverse engineering of solid shape or Visual Computing. covered by the group are: Q Solid, curve and surface modelling Q Reverse engineering of CAD models, Q Characterisations and analysis of shape “During my PhD I inves i.e. regenerating CAD models from Q finite element meshing tigated the scan data. One of the group's papers problem of sampling, within the field of Q visualisation and analysis of sports data on this topic has been cited more Visual Computing. Sampling is a hugely than 1000 times. Q image registration important problem in Computer Science, but more specifically, I Q 3D triangle mesh processing, in which Q non-photorealistic rendering considered how to optimally algorithms have been developed for Q cellular automata sample 3D models for rendering and ma manipulating and improving the quality thematical Q 3D model segmentation simulations. High quality sam of meshes by noise filtering, pling Q data/information fusion allows for the simplification o segmentation, morphing, texture f complex models, whilst preserving imp transfer, parameterization, Q Quantum engineering ortant features. Simplified models spee watermarking and remeshing. Q Human perception and vision d up rendering, transmission, and s space rendering earch Q Face analysis, in which both static and algorithms, and reduce storage costs. video sequences of both 2D and 3D Q Optimal route and reaction design for Our solution involved the development data are analysed to develop biometric chemical synthesis (member of the of algorithms to reduce the (recognition) systems and also build Dial-A-Molecule EPSRC network). dimensionality of the 3D models, thus perceptual models and stimuli that reducing the difficulty of the sampling have then been applied within problem.” psychological experiments.
26 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience PhD, MRes and University Graduate College
PhD environment for postgraduate students, At the end of the programme, you will be with well-equipped modern laboratories fully prepared for future research, whether PhD study at Cardiff follows three year and a vibrant community of students, both through a PhD at Cardiff, elsewhere, or in programmes which aim to provide you with academically and socially. industry . the ability to produce original, novel and significant research findings in your chosen At the end of your PhD programme, you area. We welcome applications with will have demonstrated your ability as an proposals related to any of our research independent researcher, and will be ideally The University areas. Examples of potential projects can prepared to pursue a career in academia Graduate College be found at www.cs.cf.ac.uk/research or industry . The University Graduate College Although individual PhD projects can follow supports the work of our academic diverse paths, they generally have a MRes Schools and supervisors and enhances common overall structure. Usually your first Our one year MRes programmes are the experience of postgraduate year involves an in-depth review of designed for those who are interested in research students by: literature and preliminary investigations to pursuing a research career, but are unsure Q Fostering an intellectually develop and refine your research plan. By of which topic to pursue or feel the need stimulating environment through your second year you should have to first strengthen their research skills. encouraging postgraduate research formulated a clear problem or hypothesis As such, they give you the opportunity to students to become part of the to study, and can plan an appropriate develop the necessary skills to conduct wider research community; approach to demonstrate your theory. and publish internationally recognised Typically your final year is spent producing research while also exploring contemporary Q Providing a comprehensive, experimental results to validate your topics and techniques in order to refine integrated skills development proposed approach and writing your thesis, your research interests. programme for research students; which you will defend in a viva. Q Ensuring a quality research In contrast to our taught MSc programmes, experience by working with Each student in the School is guided by over half of your time will be spent Schools, supervisors and supervisors with relevant interests and undertaking a substantial research project postgraduate research students to expertise that is internationally recognised of your choice with regular individual provide information and guidance in their field. Annual poster and supervision. Although you will specialise in based on the University’s Code of presentation events for our PhD students one of our research areas, a key element Practice for Research Degrees; allow you to develop your presentation of the programme is interaction with skills and gain valuable feedback on your students from different fields and our PhD Q Developing the facilities and work, and we encourage and support your cohort in order to broaden your awareness services for postgraduate participation in national and international of applicable techniques. For the remainder researchers. conferences over the course of your study. of your time, as well as choosing advanced The formal training available to Throughout your PhD you are given the modules from our MSc portfolio, you will postgraduate research students is opportunity to develop your technical, follow modules to develop your critical known as the University Graduate communication and project management reading, research and innovation skills, and College Programme for Postgraduate skills via a range of available taught give you an understanding of the levels of Researchers. courses. The School has an excellent rigour necessary to publish successfully.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 27 International Students (Non-EU Countries)
As an international student you have access to a personal and dedicated service from the International Office to help with your application, and make the transition to studying at Cardiff. Please contact us, we are here to help.
Supporting International Q International student societies English Language Requirements Students The Students’ Union is home to more All students must have a standard of than 20 international student societies. written and spoken English that will enable The University has a long tradition of The societies run social and cultural you to benefit fully from lectures, seminars welcoming international students and events and organise the annual Go and tutorials. The English Language prides itself on providing a supportive Global international culture festival. qualifications accepted by the University environment. Some of the benefits for There is also space within the Students’ include IELTS, and the minimum standards international students studying at Cardiff Union for students to meet and relax. required are listed on the website. You are University include: Q International careers advice advised to check the website for the most Q Guaranteed accommodation The University’s Careers Service has a up-to-date information: Cardiff is one of few universities that Careers Consultant for International www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgradapply guarantees accommodation to single Students, and provides resources to international students for the duration help you research career paths and Applying to Cardiff University as of your course, as long as you apply opportunities. through the normal admissions cycle an International Student and appropriate allocations process. Meet the International Office To apply to Cardiff as an international The accommodation is in a variety of student you follow the standard procedure high quality student residences which in your Country as outlined on page 32. You do, however, are close to campus. You can find out Staff from the International Office also have access to additional support from the more on the web: travel to more than 30 countries each International Office. www.cardiff.ac.uk/residences year so you can meet University staff and Q Help before you arrive discuss your study options in person. The International Office Additionally staff from the School visit The International Office will send you As an international student you have various countries throughout the year so detailed information on how to apply access to a personal and dedicated service there could be an opportunity to meet a for your visa, travelling to Cardiff and from the International Office to help with representative from your academic school. the other necessary arrangements you your application, and make the transition Look at the International Office website: will need to make to prepare for to studying at Cardiff. Please contact us. www.cardiff.ac.uk/international for more studying in the UK. We are here to help. details of where we are travelling, and sign Q The induction programme up to receive notifications of visits . In September and January each year the International Office organises a comprehensive orientation programme Help Making an Application Further Information: for new students. In September this in your Country includes free collection from Cardiff In addition to help provided by the Email: [email protected] and Heathrow (London) airports. International Office, you can get assistance Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4432 Q International student advisors from the University’s network of Skype: cardiffuni_international In addition to the support provided by educational advisors. To find out whether Facebook: www.facebook.com/ your School, the University has specially we have an educational advisor near you, cardiffinternational trained international student advisors to visit the International Office website and provide you with assistance on any select your country: Web: www.cardiff.ac.uk/international issues including visas and finances. www.cardiff.ac.uk/international
28 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience English Language Programmes
Our courses help students improve their general English language skills, as well as develop the specific skills needed for British academic study. Cardiff University is also an official British Council IELTS Test centre
Summer Pre-Sessional The programme aims to improve students’ There are also regular writing clinics and Programme in English for English, allowing them to reach the workshops. Some schools have their own appropriate level for their chosen academic programmes of academic study skills for Academic Purposes course, and to give them the study skills to international students, specifically These full-time courses of 8 or 10 weeks function successfully within their academic developed to meet the needs of a are designed to prepare you for academic school. It is designed to improve English particular course or subject area. study at Cardiff University. They combine language ability, increase knowledge of intensive English language tuition with academic conventions and provide a Accommodation advice and practical exercises on smooth progression from English language Accommodation for courses is provided academic study skills. You learn improvement to academic study. in University halls of residence or houses techniques for listening and note-taking in The programme aims to provide students and is guaranteed for pre-sessional lectures, discussing ideas and expressing with a balance of the following elements: students, and English for University Study opinions in seminars, succeeding in exams Q students starting in September. and producing good written work. You will An opportunity to improve their general also have the opportunity to prepare for English skills; the IELTS exam, if needed. The minimum Q The necessary exam techniques to Additional Information entry requirement for the Pre-Sessional achieve the results needed to enter their We offer small and friendly classes, Course is IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of academic school; with a maximum of 14 students. You will 4.0 in each sub-score. Q The academic study skills required for find the teaching material is relevant and successful study in their academic school. applicable to life in Britain today. We have The English for University Study well-qualified and experienced staff, who Programme: an Academic will offer you regular feedback, support and In-Sessional Programme: advice to make sure that your individual English Language and Study Support Classes in Academic language needs are addressed. Skills course English and Study Skills This academic-year programme is Working and studying at an English- designed to prepare students for study at speaking university can be very a UK university. It is a full-time English demanding. Once you are enrolled as a full language and study skills course with entry fee-paying international student at Cardiff points in September (9-month course), University, you can select from a range of January (6-month course) and April free and optional English language support (2-month course). Each entry point has a classes. You can choose courses to suit minimum entry requirement of IELTS 4.0, your individual needs and, as the courses 4.5 and 5.5 respectively. run part-time, you can fit language development around your university study. The programme is suitable for students who have applied for, or are planning to As well as developing your reading, apply for, a postgraduate taught or writing, speaking and listening skills, research degree in the UK. the courses help you with academic More online at: writing, examination techniques, listening and speaking, pronunciation, note-taking Web: www.cardiff.ac.uk/elt and seminar skills.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 29 Funding and Scholarships
Securing funding for postgraduate study is an important consideration for most students. Most funding sources are highly competitive and are subject to various application deadlines.
Tuition Fees Awards can range in value from partial funding to full tuition fee support and a In most cases, you will Tuition fees vary depending on the course stipend to cover living costs. You should need to have received you decide to study and whether you are check your eligibility for specific classified as a home, EU or international an offer of a place to studentships carefully; some are restricted student. You should check our course to UK/EU applicants and others are open study in order to listing online for detailed fee information to non-EU applicants. obtain financial for your course. support, so an early To make it easier to manage your finances Funding for International you can pay in 3 instalments each year. university application Postgraduates is advisable. Cardiff University Postgraduate Cardiff University's highly prestigious International Scholarship Fund is designed Studentships to attract and reward the most deserving Each year Cardiff University offers a wide and exceptional students to the University. range of funded, competitive studentships. A range of Postgraduate scholarships and Funding sources for these studentships bursaries are available. We also advise include awards made by individual international students to investigate funding Academic Schools, the UK Research opportunities offered by their own country, Councils, collaborations with charities and and to check with the British Council. trusts, industry and businesses, Cardiff University is a participating government departments and other bodies. institution in the US Government Federal Studentships become available throughout Family Education Loan Programme the year and are published on our website (FFELP). US students seeking Federal when they become available. There is no Stafford Loans for overseas study can uniform application deadline and you are study at Cardiff University. encouraged to follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest funding opportunities or sign up to our funding email newsletter.
30 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Charities, Foundations You should apply for your loan up to three and Trusts months before your course starts. There are many charities, foundations and Cardiff University’s Learning Provider trusts that may contribute to your study Number is 8655. costs. You will need to apply to these individually and often after having received Working alongside PhD Scholarship in Computer an offer to study. Many of these are listed full-time study Science & Informatics in publications such as The Grants Register, the Directory of Grant Making If you intend to undertake some paid Each year the School is normally able to employment while pursuing full-time study, offer a full-time 3 year PhD Scholarship in Trusts and the Graduate Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide. one option is to register with the Unistaff Computer Science & Informatics in one of Jobshop. The Jobshop is run by the the School's research areas. The Students’ Union, and features casual successful candidate will normally receive Loans employment opportunities in the University an annual stipend in line with the currently Professional and Career Development and surrounding area. recommended EPSRC rate (£13,726 per Loans are the most common loans for Most international students can work up to annum in 2013/14), and the School will vocational postgraduate degrees, but are 20 hours during term-time and full time pay full-time home/EU tuition fees. only available to UK and EU students who during the holidays. The University does have lived in the UK for at least three years The scholarship includes provision of a not recommend you work the full 20 hours before the course starts and plan to work laptop or desktop computer, and funds during the term because studying in the in the UK, EU or European Economic Area attendance at one national and one UK is intensive and you will need to make (EEA) after the course. international conference during the three sure you have enough time to complete all years of study. The loan is a deferred repayment bank your coursework and reading. You should check the School’s website to loan to support further education or see what PhD Scholarships are available training that is interest free up to one for your preferred point of entry. month after the end of your course when you start repaying it with interest. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 31 Application and Entry Requirements
Admissions Criteria Please feel free to supplement your International Students application with a detailed CV or any other We welcome applications from computer The University recognises qualifications supporting material you may consider to literate graduates who have a good honours from all over the world. To know if you be appropriate. degree, or equivalent professional would be considered for entry you can: qualification in a subject such as Computer If you have any questions about the course Science or a related subject. We are or the application process please contact Q look on the website. We have a always pleased to consider suitably the Admissions Tutor, dedicated section for many countries. qualified international applicants. [email protected] This will give you an overview of qualifications we consider: If your first language is not English you www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/international must provide evidence of competence in Application procedure – Q contact the International Office. English. Our standard requirement is an Postgraduate Research / overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no PhD / MPhil Q contact an educational adviser. The area less than 6.0. The University offers University has an international network English language courses that can help you The application procedure for postgraduate of educational advisers (agents) who achieve this. research is the same as postgraduate give free advice (see the website taught (above), however you will also need above for their contact details). We are committed to providing equal to include a research proprosal. You should opportunities and welcome applications also make contact with a member of Applying to Cardiff University from all sections of the community. academic staff who could act as a potential supervisor to your studies. as an international student To apply to Cardiff as an international Application procedure – To do this: Postgraduate Taught / student you follow the standard procedure. 1 look at the School website to see if You do, however, have access to additional Masters / MRes there is a member of academic staff support as detailed on page 28. Programmes start in September each year who matches your area of research. but applications are considered as they 2 send the member of staff a short e-mail arrive throughout the year. You apply directly outlining your area of interest. to the University for a postgraduate taught 3 mention on your application form which Further Information: course. You can apply online at member(s) of staff you have contacted www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgradapply or you regarding your supervision. Email: can download paper application materials [email protected] from the website. It is recommended that If you are unsure whether the School is Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 0084 you apply online because it is quicker and able to offer supervision for your research you can track your application. you can contact us directly: Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 0085 [email protected]
32 www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience Terms and Conditions Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this brochure is correct at the time of going to press in August 2014. However, the University does not accept any liability for any errors that it may contain, or for any subsequent changes to the University or Government policy that may affect the information given. Cardiff University expressly excludes any representations or warranties (whether expressed or implied) and all liability including direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of the information on these pages, to the fullest extent possible under law. COMSCPG/0814/2000
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www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience 33 Cardiff School of Computer Science & Informatics For further information contact: Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, 5 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4812 Facebook: facebook.com/csicardiff Fax: +44 (0)29 2023 4598 Twitter: @csicardiff Email: [email protected] www.cardiff.ac.uk/computerscience