Regulations

Assessment and Examination

Year 1

In Year 1 each of the six modules must be passed. Each module includes one major assessment which will take the form of either a significant written assignment or a practical project, depending on the nature of the module. Some modules include a written exam. (The detailed rule for progressing from Year 1 is given below.)

Year 2

In Year 2 students take a module on Research Methods and submit a dissertation of approximately 20,000 words to be examined by internal and external examiners neither of whom will have been involved in the supervision of the student. The research will be undertaken over a period of approximately 11 months with a submission date of early September.

Progression from Year 1 to Year 2

To be allowed to proceed to the dissertation leading to the degree of Master in Computer Science, candidates must (i) achieve a pass mark of at least 40% in each module and (ii) achieve an overall average mark of at least 50% on the taught component. Students who fail one or more modules may, at the discretion of the Court of Examiners, re-attempt through submission of supplementary assessment(s) by an appointed date or by sitting supplementary examination(s). The maximum mark awarded for supplementary assessment or examinations is 40%. To satisfactorily complete a dissertation, students must submit their dissertation by the prescribed date and must obtain a passing mark of 50% in their dissertation. Students who pass the required modules but who are not permitted to or otherwise do not submit a dissertation, or who do not satisfactorily complete their dissertation, will be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science. All assessments and the dissertation will be subject to external review.