Overview of Optional Modules

The MSc in Computer Science offers a range of optional modules that allow you to deepen your expertise in specialist areas and explore emerging topics across the discipline. These modules allow you to explore specialist topics, engage with research-led teaching, and develop expertise aligned with your interests and future career goals.

 

CS904-15 Computational Biology

This module helps the students explore how computer science is transforming modern biomedical research. This module introduces computational methods for analysing large-scale biological data, including genomic sequences, microscopy data, and digital pathology images. Students learn how machine learning, deep learning, and computational modelling can be used to address real-world challenges in healthcare and the life sciences.

CS918-15 Natural Language Processing

The aim of the module is to equip students and learn how computers analyse and understand human language. This module covers the foundations of natural language processing, including text analysis, language modelling, and automated information extraction from sources such as social media, websites, news articles, and scientific publications. Students gain hands-on experience with modern NLP techniques and tools used across industry and research.

CS922-15 High Performance Computing

High Performance Computing (HPC) underpins many of today's most demanding scientific and engineering applications. This module introduces parallel computing concepts, modern computing architectures, and scalable programming techniques for multicore processors, GPUs, and distributed systems. Students develop practical skills in designing, implementing, and optimising high-performance applications for large-scale computational challenges.

CS924-15 Agent Based Systems

Agent-based systems provide a powerful framework for modelling autonomous and intelligent behaviour in complex environments. This module introduces the principles, architectures, and technologies behind software agents and multi-agent systems, demonstrating how they are applied in distributed, data-driven, and real-world computational settings.

CS933-15 Image and Video Analysis

This module explores the theory and practice of computer vision, image processing, and video analysis. Students learn the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of techniques such as object detection, image segmentation, feature extraction, tracking, and 3D reconstruction. Applications span fields including healthcare, robotics, autonomous systems, biometrics, security, and digital media.

CS939-15 Quantum Computing

Quantum computing represents one of the most exciting frontiers in computer science. This module provides an introduction to quantum algorithms, quantum information, and quantum cryptography, examining how quantum mechanical principles can be harnessed to solve computational problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

CS955-15 Digital Forensics

Digital forensics plays an increasingly important role in cyber security, criminal investigations, and trust in digital media. This module focuses on the analysis of image and video evidence, including techniques for detecting manipulation, identifying synthetic media, establishing provenance, and extracting forensic intelligence. Students explore how modern computational and machine learning methods are used to investigate digital content in real-world forensic contexts.

For a complete list of available modules see Computer Science MSc Module List webpage.