Master of Science in Computer Science

at Middlesex University London United Kingdom

Organisations and businesses are always looking to improve their project success rates. They want them delivered quicker, on time and within the agreed budget. As projects become more global and more complex, improved project management is always at the forefront of an organisation's mind.

Project management isn’t just about being organised. Much like entrepreneurs, they need to take responsibility, be organised and have the ability to drive a project team to success. During this course, we’ll show you how to take deliver it successfully.

This course is tailored to ambitious students who are keen to learn theory in practice. Supported by our academic team you’ll learn how organisations work and operate in a business environment.

Delivering project management skills

During your course you’ll study project management using software applications. You’ll gain the knowledge and capability to use these tools in a dynamic environment. You’ll learn to use Microsoft Project, SAP, and a host of other software that helps you to manage and control projects.

You’ll also learn about the key functions of a successful business – strategy development, management styles, business resourcing and more.

You’ll take part in group projects, talking to project managers who work on live projects so you can understand more about the role in business. You’ll also have guest speakers and coursework based on ongoing projects in a range of industries.

This programme is designed to prepare you for a future in the classical music industry, a complex and exciting field with many interesting employment opportunities. You will examine current issues and challenges facing the industry and explore questions such as: From Spotify playlists to Super Audio CD, how is classical music consumed in the 21st century? Are stars like Lang Lang or Sheku Kanneh-Mason creating new and more diverse audiences for classical music? Is the concert hall the best place for classical music performances? From crossover to the ‘classics’ and from film music to contemporary classical works, what is understood by ‘classical music’?

The MA Classical Music Business is ideal for any graduates with a specific interest in classical music, or for those with a classical music performance, musicology or composition degree. It is also highly suitable for anybody already in employment, who wants to further progress their career in the classical music industry.

The MA Classical Music Business at Middlesex is unique. In addition to its distinct content and specialised teaching, this programme gives you the opportunity take up placements with classical music organisations such as music publishing house Peters Edition, the National Opera Studio, the record label and promoter NonClassical, period instrument orchestra Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the English Chamber Orchestra. Work placements can also be carried out elsewhere in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world.

As Middlesex University is based in London, the centre of classical music activity in the UK, we are perfectly placed to attract high calibre speakers as well as introduce you to a wide range of concerts and cultural activities at internationally renowned classical music institutions such as the Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre and the Barbican.  You will examine contemporary issues and practices within the classical music industry and obtain a high level of understanding of how organisations are funded through commercial, public, and philanthropic income. Your work placement will also allow you to explore the practices and required skills of your chosen area within the classical music industry.

Course Highlights

• The course features work placements with and insight from industry leaders including the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), Peters Edition, the National Opera Studio, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, NonClassical, the London Chamber Music Society, the English Chamber Orchestra, Sound and Music, Kings Place, NMC Recordings , the English Symphony Orchestra, the Octagon Music Society and Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts.
• You will benefit from guest talks and other contributions from classical music industry leaders
• The Classical Music Industry (Routledge, 2018), the first extensive book on the subject and a core text of the MA Classical Music Business, was edited by key staff of the programme.

Computer Systems Engineering gives you the specialist skills, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to achieve your career ambitions. In today’s technically advancing world, improvements in electronics, computing and communications has a significant impact on every aspect of our modern lives. With our programme, you will gain the skills necessary to design the computer systems that shape the way we live.

This programme combines Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, by introducing you to the design, implementation and maintenance of software and hardware components of modern computing systems as well as networks of intelligent devices.

The course content reflects the importance of developments in the area of computer systems engineering, by providing a strong foundation in science, technology and application development, principles, and the development of practical skills in key areas needed by the industry.

The programme focuses on

• Theoretical knowledge skills, provided by a solid background into the theories and principles of computing, mathematics, science and engineering
• Building practical skills by applying these theories and principles in solving real-world technical engineering problems that reflect industry-practice
• Engaging students in the process of learning through various practical project-led learning activities that will stimulate their creativity and the development of leadership, project management, decision making, communication, team working, and critical thinking skills

Combining theory with active learning in a studio environment, our 3D animation course gives you the practical skills needed to start your career in the animation or games industry.

3D Animation is the future

With more than 2000 active games and animation studios in the UK, has there ever been a better time to enter the British gaming industry and take part in a game design course? As part of our 3D design course module you'll gain the knowledge and space to develop as an artist working with 3D software. You'll cover the key areas within the industry: character art, environment art, character animation, rendering and dynamics, virtual reality design, Z-Brush sculpting, 3D printing and a host of others. All this builds your confidence and equips you for a career in the industry.

A studio environment helps build your skills
You'll perfect your skills in a live studio environment working on the latest industry-standard software and techniques, mirroring exactly how animators and game designers work daily.

You'll learn through discussions, demonstrations, seminars, presentations and practical work, as well as intensive workshops combining individual and group work. All of these support you as you learn all about contemporary workflows in commercial animation and games studio pipelines.

Our studio facilities are second to none and you'll work on industry-standard software such as Maya and Z-Brush. The studio also hosts high-spec, overclocked workstations, 20 VR devices, a motion capture studio, green screen and a state-of-the-art 3D printing and scanning studio.

Take that first step towards an animation career

Our course also allows you to build your professional network - beyond your day-to-day learning, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend guest lectures and masterclasses from animation professionals to interview them and learn more about their work. Previous lecturers have included Sydney Padua, senior animator on Clash of the Titans and Jungle Book, and Alex Robinson and Daniel Boyle of the award winning Treat studio. During your course, you’ll even have the chance to gain work experience in a studio, as you complete a four week live project responding to a brief set by industry practitioners that reflect the most emergent and contemporary practices in the industry.

You also get the support you need to succeed. From your Personal Tutor to your Graduate Academic Assistant, each one has studied your subject and will provide the support you need based on their own experience. If you need a little help with writing, numeracy or library skills, we can help with that too. We also offer support from specialised technicians with professional experience in your field. They support you in the studio and in workshops, as well as during your projects.

We have strong links with art and design employers to help you find the career of your dreams. Graduates have gone on to work with game studios like Rockstar and Cloud Imperium Games, as well as animation boutiques like Treat Studios and Blue Zoo. A degree in 3D animation and games is the first step for a career as an artist in the games and animation industries.

On our course you will develop as an artist working with 3D software. The course framework includes project based collaborations and integrated workshops that are designed to develop observational drawing and technological skills essential to 3D computer animation production and computer games. This interdisciplinary approach combines a critical arts education with specialist knowledge in 3D technology and workflows.

In the first year you will attend lectures and workshops in the fundamental principles of animation and storytelling, alongside intensive workshops in Environment and Character design, Virtual Reality design, Z-Brush sculpting and even 3-D printing.

The second year uses this interdisciplinary foundation to explore specialist workflows while retaining an experimental, playful and collaborative atmosphere. This includes a series of short intensive projects where you will be introduced to the latest industry standard techniques (e.g. modern asset workflows, Physically Based Shading, GPU Rendering, Dynamics). Briefs are studio orientated and supported by both your lecturers and specialist technical tutors. This practical curriculum is interwoven with lectures and seminars that address the historical and cultural background to animation, games and digital culture.

In the final year of study, students are given the opportunity to specialise in a wide variety of disciplines such as Character Art, Environment Art, Game Development, 3D Character Animation, Rigging, Lighting / Rendering and Concept Art . There is a strong focus on producing an outstanding portfolio of work, tailored to your individual strengths and artistic temperament.

Embracing all aspects of animated film making, this animation degree simply makes perfect sense if you’re an aspiring animator.On this course you will study a broad range of animation practice including

Animation is at the heart of the movie industry, from the latest blockbuster to the small budget indie. Here you will develop your vision as an artist, animator, designer and director, equipping yourself with the essential skills to establish yourself in the animation industry. You'll be encouraged to experiment and be given the space to explore your own creativity and develop your own style. You’ll study across a broad range of animation practice, including traditional and digital 2D, motion graphics and stop motion, as well as 3D computer animation and even working directly onto 16mm film.

 While studying animation you'll combine both theory and practice to develop your skills and knowledge. In class discussions and lectures, you'll learn about the history of animation, building your understanding of the changing practices of animation and being introduced to new concepts around animation and games.

When it comes to practical work, you'll develop and consolidate your own approach to animation in our state-of-the-art animation studios. Using building your own animated films as part of your portfolio development module. Using industry standard software you'll build and refine your technical skills with a focus on designing and directing your own animated films. You'll also learn storytelling, scriptwriting and characterisation alongside film and sound editing techniques to convey compelling narratives.

You’ll learn alongside our BAFTA winning academic team who all work professionally in film making, each with their own set of skills in long and short animation, commercials, TV shows, motion graphics and music videos. They have worked with companies like Dreamworks, Warner Bros, Cartoon Network and the BBC with nominations and wins across events such as Cannes Film Festival and London International Animation Festival.

• Traditional 2D: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media
• Digital 2D: Flash, After Effects, Cel Action, TV Paint and Adobe Photoshop
• Stop Motion: Puppet, Claymation, Cut Out, Sand on Glass, Paint on Glass and Pixilation
• 3D Computer Animation: Cinema 4D and Motion Capture

In your first year you will develop a personal approach to animation and learn to apply an understanding of film language, narrative and the technical processes of animation to the creation of your own animation sequences. You will learn about changing practices in the history of animation and explore and experiment with different forms of graphic media.

In your second year you will further develop your animation practice and begin to identify specific areas of interest. The second year of study gives you the opportunity to refine your technical and problem-solving skills. In the Digital Cultures module you will be introduced to a range of concepts regarding animation in games and play, particularly in relation to computer games.

In your final year you will consolidate your skills to a professional standard and fully prepare for a career in the animation industry, identifying potential career paths and preparing a graduation showreel, portfolio and promotional material.

Organisations and businesses are always looking to improve their project success rates. They want them delivered quicker, on time and within the agreed budget. As projects become more global and more complex, improved project management is always at the forefront of an organisation's mind.

Project management isn’t just about being organised. Much like entrepreneurs, they need to take responsibility, be organised and have the ability to drive a project team to success. During this course, we’ll show you how to take deliver it successfully.

This course is tailored to ambitious students who are keen to learn theory in practice. Supported by our academic team you’ll learn how organisations work and operate in a business environment.

Delivering project management skills

During your course you’ll study project management using software applications. You’ll gain the knowledge and capability to use these tools in a dynamic environment. You’ll learn to use Microsoft Project, SAP, and a host of other software that helps you to manage and control projects.

You’ll also learn about the key functions of a successful business – strategy development, management styles, business resourcing and more.

You’ll take part in group projects, talking to project managers who work on live projects so you can understand more about the role in business. You’ll also have guest speakers and coursework based on ongoing projects in a range of industries.

Arts Management is a complex and exciting discipline. Once mastered, it provides you with skills that can be applied to many areas of the arts and reach audiences in evermore innovative ways. Explore strategic, collaborative, and pioneering approaches with this challenging MA, which will equip you with the contemporary knowledge, research skills and business acumen you need to succeed worldwide.

At Middlesex, we recognise that there are a wide range of career paths and further study options for those with an interest in Arts Management. That's why we developed our course to be flexible and interdisciplinary, with options to tailor your MA to suit your individual interests and needs, whether that's arts marketing, events, communications, entrepreneurship or further study beyond this programme.

You’ll be taught by leading practitioners and academics from our Business School and Media and Performing Arts departments, with opportunities to collaborate with students across a range of disciplines and tasks. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning you'll develop a critical understanding of arts management in practice and the impact of research on audiences and industries worldwide

Course Highlights

• The management skills you’ll be developing will enhance your employability in a competitive industry whilst the design of the programme allows you to develop your own unique specialisms across the field
• As part of the course, you’ll experience field trips and access to key arts organisations across London and the UK, such as Kings Place, the Roundhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Southbank Centre
• When possible you’ll be taught by academics who are actively engaged in industries and research, ensuring that you have access to original findings, emerging theories and contemporary debates
• You’ll be able to enjoy our well-established evening series of performances, lectures and masterclasses from leading academics and practitioners the creative industries
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

You will enrol on a four-year course which includes the one-year foundation year. The number of students who progress to degree study is very high. The Foundation Year in Performing Arts is taught in our excellent studios and facilities at our Hendon campus by the same lecturing staff who teach on our degree courses. You are taught in small group seminars, workshops and lectures.

BA Dance Practices

Our Dance Practices degree presents a vibrant curriculum that prepares you for a versatile, lifelong career in the dance and creative industries. Our diverse team of industry experts and professional artists will support you in tailoring this dance degree to suit your individual interests.

International politics has never been so relevant to our daily lives, which means our international politics degree will open up opportunities in all areas of this diverse and dynamic field – from public service and international relations to regional organisations, NGOs, diplomacy, the media, and everything in between.

During your BA in politics, you’ll study the key themes, concepts and theories related to international politics, and gain a solid understanding of contemporary international and global issues, political processes and systems through policy analysis, role playing, masterclasses and interactive debates. Covering the fundamental aspects of international politics, you’ll enhance your critical and analytical skills, and learn the different theoretical perspectives and their relevance to global geopolitical and economic developments to enhance your understanding of international relations and global politics.

Build hands-on practical experience in international politics

• You’ll be part of one of the most culturally and socially diverse universities in the UK, with plenty of support from academic staff who are actively engaged in cutting edge research and advanced political study.
• Whether you want to focus on politics or delve into international relations, economics or law, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of specialist courses that will help shape your future career aspirations. A common first year of modules covering global political concepts, institutions and ideologies and the basics of political economy, governance and law means that on successful completion of year one you can select whether you go forward in year two to a degree in International Politics on its own or with law or with both law and economics.
• You’ll gain transferable skills through experiential learning, and direct participation in real-world political activities.

Network management covers a wide area including performance reliability, security, fault, accounting and configuration management. This master's programme has been developed to meet the growing needs of a rapidly evolving sector of industry. The programme is designed as a full-time course including industrial experience whenever possible, or as a part-time programme.

The modules taught on this programme present a well-balanced combination of the theory of computer networks, network management, and network security. Through gaining the essential and much needed skills of network security, you'll have the opportunity to work in a dedicated laboratory to experience security configuration for various systems.

The modules taught on this programme include network systems and services, computer networks, wireless and mobile communication systems, network management, security and disaster recovery, and web-based information systems management. This is in addition to the computer communications project. These modules present a good combination of the theory of computer networks, their management and application.

You'll also have the opportunity to work in a dedicated laboratory to experience setting up local area networks, and troubleshoot such systems. Alongside PCs, the laboratory is equipped with internet working units, such as hubs, switches, routers and servers. You will experience the use of various network operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/Win7, Novell NetWare, and Linux in a networked environment.

You will be encouraged to learn, explore and work within our award-winning technology centre and its five specialist laboratories equipped with the latest industry-standard hardware and software, including OPNET, Wireshark, MATLAB, Simulink, OpNet Modeller 17.0, OMNeT++ , NI and Cisco technology such as Packet Tracer.

The final dissertation offers the opportunity to integrate all of your studies through an individual piece of practical, problem solving work of topical interest to you and of relevance to industry.

Access to campus-based facilities will depend on COVID-19 related restrictions in place at the time. In some instances remote access to campus facilities or equivalent online facilities may be used instead.

The course is designed for those students who have previously studied computing at university level or who are currently working in the sector, and are looking to develop an advanced mastery of the subject.

Course Highlights

• You'll have the opportunity to gain practical experience in our industry-standard networking labs
• We encourage you to explore new concepts and developments and were delighted when three of our students were crowned winners at the Young Professional Engineering Challenge
• Middlesex University is an official Cisco Academy and as part of your studies, you'll have the chance to work towards a Cisco CCNA professional certification
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.