MSci Computer Science
Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
Course Overview
The MSci Computer Science program at Robert Gordon University is a comprehensive 5-year integrated Master's degree that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in software development, systems design, and computer architecture. The program is designed to produce industry-ready graduates with advanced technical expertise and professional capabilities.
This integrated program includes a full year of industrial placement in the fourth year, providing invaluable real-world experience and professional connections before completing the final year of Master's level study.
Key features of the program include:
- Comprehensive coverage of programming languages and paradigms
- Software engineering methodologies and best practices
- Database design and management
- Computer networks and security
- Full year industrial placement in Year 4
- Master's level specialized modules in Year 5
Year 1: Foundation
The first year establishes a solid foundation in computing fundamentals, introducing key concepts and developing essential programming skills. I completed the following courses:
Introduction to Programming
Fundamentals of programming logic, algorithms, and problem-solving approaches (JavaScript).
Grade: Pass
Problem Solving
Techniques for analyzing and solving computational problems through structured approaches (R)
Grade: Pass
Computing Devices
Hands-on exploration of microcontrollers, hardware interfaces, and Arduino programming fundamentals
Grade: Pass
Creative Design
Principles of user-centered design and creative problem-solving for digital products
Grade: Pass
Frontend Web
Development of responsive web interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Grade: Pass
Mathematics for Computing
Essential mathematical concepts for computer science including discrete mathematics and logic (Python)
Grade: Pass
Software Development
Object-oriented programming principles and application development (Java)
Grade: Pass
Year 2: Development
The second year builds on the foundation, introducing more advanced programming techniques and specialized areas of computing. I completed the following courses:
Tip: Click a module card to expand and see details and key outcomes.
Operating Systems
Principles of operating system design, virtualization, process management, memory allocation, OS scripting, and Docker.
Grade: A
Covered principles of modern operating systems: process and memory management, file systems, and resource scheduling in both standalone and cloud environments. Worked with virtualization platforms, containers such as Docker, and cloud infrastructures to understand large-scale deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. Practiced OS-level scripting (Bash on UBUNTU) , automation (cron), backup strategies, and security/access control to manage real servers and virtual instances safely.
Key outcomes
Advanced Software Development
Advanced object-oriented programming concepts and implementation of design patterns in Java
Grade: A
Deepened OOP proficiency by applying abstraction, inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, and generics in Java. Followed the full SDLC from requirements through maintenance, using OO design principles and patterns with a focus on clean architecture, scalability, and testability.
Key outcomes
Full Stack Web Development
End-to-end web application development including frontend, backend, and database integration(Node.js, RESTfull API, EJS, MongoDb)
Grade: B
Built cohesive full-stack web applications using Node.js for the server, RESTful APIs, EJS for server-side templating, and MongoDB for persistence. Structured apps with proper routing and authentication while managing data flow across client, server, and database.
Key outcomes
Real World Project
Collaborative team project solving real-world problems using software development methodologies
Grade: A
Team-delivered a software solution for a real client partner, applying engineering methodologies, communication, and project management. Delivered a doctor medical portal prototype and iterated based on feedback.
Key outcomes
Databases
Advanced database concepts, normalization, query optimization, security, and database management systems (Microsoft SQL)
Grade: A
Explored advanced relational concepts: normalization, indexing, query optimization, and security. Focused on Microsoft SQL Server for both design and administration, including setup and configuration.
Key outcomes
Research Methods
Techniques for conducting research in Computer Science, including literature review and methodology
Grade: B
Introduced to research techniques used in Computer Science. Practiced literature reviews, formulating research questions, and choosing appropriate methodologies for empirical or theoretical studies.
Key outcomes
Data Structures and Algorithms
Implementation and analysis of fundamental data structures and algorithms for efficient problem-solving (Java)
Grade: A
Implemented and analyzed fundamental data structures and algorithms in Java to solve problems efficiently, using Big O to compare time and space performance.
Key outcomes
Year 3: Bachelors Year
The third year offers more specialized modules and focuses on advanced computing concepts. I will be learning the following courses:
Tip: Click a module card to expand and see details and key outcomes.
Concurrent Programming
Advanced programming techniques for parallel execution and synchronization in multithreaded applications
Studied advanced programming techniques for building multithreaded and parallel applications that utilise modern hardware efficiently. Covered synchronisation, race conditions, deadlocks, and thread-safe design to build reliable concurrent systems.
Key outcomes
Interdisciplinary Team Project
Collaborative projects work with students from different disciplines to solve complex problems
Worked with students from other disciplines to solve complex, real-world problems using an agile, project‑based approach. Contributed to a client‑facing prototype, integrating technical computing with design and business inputs.
Key outcomes
Machine Learning
Algorithms and statistical models for computer systems to perform tasks without explicit instructions
Introduction to core machine learning concepts, algorithms, and workflows. Trained and evaluated different models on datasets, including an experiment where an SVM model achieved 100% accuracy on a given task.
Key outcomes
Information Risk and Security Management
Strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating information security risks in organizations
Focused on identifying, assessing, and managing information security risks while aligning technical controls with business needs. Studied risk assessment frameworks, security policies, and mitigation strategies (aligned with industry practices like NIST).
Key outcomes
Pirates Studies
Creating a product that has a product-market fit within the student's respective area of expertise
Product‑focused module aimed at validating problem–solution fit and iterating towards product–market fit in a chosen domain. Emphasised experiments, user feedback, and rapid iteration.
Key outcomes
Internet of Things
Advanced concepts in IoT architecture, protocols, and applications for connected devices
Covered IoT system architecture, communication protocols, and device integration. Explored sensor data acquisition, gateway design, and secure cloud ingestion for connected solutions.
Key outcomes
Artificial Intelligence for Problem Solving
Application of AI techniques to solve complex computational and real-world problems
Applied AI techniques such as heuristic search, planning, and knowledge‑based reasoning to tackle computational and real‑world problems. Emphasis on modelling problems and choosing suitable strategies.
Key outcomes
Software Security and Malware Analysis
Techniques for identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing malicious software, and implementing secure coding practices
Explored secure coding principles and approaches for assessing software security. Introduced static/dynamic analysis and fundamentals of malware analysis and basic reverse engineering.
Key outcomes
Year 4: Industrial Placement
The fourth year is dedicated entirely to working in industry through a professional placement, providing invaluable real-world experience in the computing industry. During this year, I will be employed by a company, working on real projects and contributing to actual business outcomes. This is a crucial component of the MSci program that sets it apart from traditional computing degrees.
Full-Time Employment
Working as a full-time employee in a tech company, contributing to real projects and business objectives
Professional Experience
Working alongside industry professionals, applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges
Technical Skill Development
Gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, technologies, and methodologies
Professional Networking
Building connections with industry professionals and potential future employers
Year 5: Master's Level
The final year consists of advanced Master's level modules and a substantial research project, building on the practical experience gained during the industrial placement.
Computer Science Research
Advanced research methodologies and academic writing for Computer Science
Knowledge Modeling and Reasoning
Techniques for representing knowledge and implementing reasoning systems in artificial intelligence
Languages and Compilers
Design and implementation of programming languages, parsing techniques, and compiler construction
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Cutting-edge techniques in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics
MSci Capstone Project
Substantial individual research project demonstrating mastery of advanced computing concepts
Current Progress
Currently in my Bachelors year of the MSci Computer Science program, focusing on specialized modules including Concurrent Programming, Interdisciplinary Team Project, Machine Learning, Information Risk and Security Management, Pirates Studies, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence for Problem Solving, and Software Security and Malware Analysis. Actively seeking a placement opportunity for my 4th year to gain valuable industry experience working with a company in the tech sector.