Postgraduate - before you arrive
Starting your postgraduate degree and studying in the School of Computer Science
"We very much look forward to you joining the School of Computer Science here at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, in which we deliver exciting and wide-ranging computer science curricula with specialisms in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, and human computer interaction.”
- Professor Christian Wagner, Head of the School of Computer Science
Before you arrive
This page contains some helpful information to prepare you for your postgraduate studies in the School of Computer Science.
Preparing for your course
Preparatory Work
There is no compulsory preparatory work you need to complete before starting your postgraduate Computer Science programme.
If you would like to undertake some preliminary study or skills development, the best use of your time for any of our MSc programmes is to develop your programming skills, ideally in the Python programming language.
If you are entirely new to coding, a course such as the free Codecademy is a good starting point.
Additional preparation for MSc Data Science students
If you are taking the MSc Data Science, it is also useful to revise mathematical topics, particularly:
- Descriptive statistics
- Probability distributions
- Maximum likelihood estimation
- Hypothesis testing
- Confidence intervals
Online resources such as StatQuest provide helpful introductions to these topics.
New to Computer Science?
If you are entirely new to computer science, here is a list of that provide non-technical introductions to a range of topics.
The and YouTube channels also offer accessible introductions to computer science and data science concepts, many presented by academics from the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Equipment and computer requirements
Access to computer facilities
You will have 24-hour access to our computer labs during your studies, so there is no expectation for you to provide your own computer.
However, many students find it helpful to have a personal device for their studies.
Buying a computer
If you choose to purchase or bring a device with you then please check the minimum specification for Windows PCs here and information about what we provide in the School of Computer Science.
Please note:
- Any Apple Mac/MacBook will meet the minimum specifications.
- We advise against purchasing Chromebooks, iPads, tablets or similar devices, as they cannot run the applications required for the course.
- The university offers a laptop loan service and other support for students who do not have access to a personal device.
Student support and wellbeing
School of Computer Science Linktree Page – Links to Key Pages
We have a School of Computer Science with webpage links to key School resources and support available.
Tutoring for Student Success
We hope you enjoy your time at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. During your first few weeks, please do not hesitate to ask questions or seek help from staff.
For general enquiries, please contact:
Student Advice Coordinator
The School's Student Advice Coordinator, Gavin Morris, can:
- Answer general student queries
- Direct you to the right support services
- Connect students with colleagues who can provide wellbeing and pastoral support
Students can arrange one-to-one meetings via Teams or in person.
Academic Guides
Academic Guides support students with academic queries and facilitate Academic Guide Sessions, providing opportunities for collaborative learning.
If you are unsure who your Academic Guide is, please:
Peer Guides
Peer Guides are fellow students who can support your transition to university life, both academically and socially.
They are available for:
- Questions and advice
- One-to-one meetings
- Recorded online sessions via Teams
Senior Tutors
Senior Tutors coordinate Academic Guides and wider student support and development activities within the school.
Support and Wellbeing Team
Support and Wellbeing Officers can assist with more significant or complex health and wellbeing issues.
School of Computer Science Wellbeing Support
Claire Kirk
Support and Wellbeing Support Officer
Appointments should be booked through Student Life.
If Claire is unavailable, you may approach any Welfare Support Officer for assistance.
We strongly encourage you to begin thinking about and planning your future career early in your studies.
The university's Careers and Employability Service offers free advice and support with:
Your Careers Team
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Christian Warren – Senior Careers Adviser – A08 Pope Building
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Katie Bonner – Careers Adviser – A08 Pope Building
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Sally Hall – Careers Consultant – A08 Pope Building
Quick Questions
The also offers an online Teams forum where students can ask quick questions and receive advice after arrival.
Study spaces and facilities
Whether you prefer studying independently or collaborating with classmates, the School of Computer Science offers a variety of spaces to support your learning. You'll have 24-hour access to the Computer Science Building, as well as dedicated computer labs, study pods and informal social learning spaces.
The following Computer Science study spaces are available to Computer Science students:
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A32, Computer Science Building*
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A34, Dearing Building*
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B52, Computer Science Building
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C11, Computer Science Building
* Please note these rooms are also used for teaching and may not always be available for personal study.
Computer Science students can book pod spaces for individual or group work via the .
Booking information:
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Up to 3 hours per day
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Bookings available up to 2 weeks in advance
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First-time users will need to create an account
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Single Sign-On is used, so no additional password is required
The school also provides a range of informal study and social spaces.
The Atrium
A study and social space for students and staff.
The Hub Room (A05)
A study and social space with games, books and other resources available.
Rooms A01 and A07
Additional student study spaces. Please note these rooms may also be used for teaching at certain times.
Djanogly Learning Resource Centre
A library and study space located close to the Computer Science Building, supporting both the School of Education and the School of Computer Science on Jubilee Campus.
The campus
Take a virtual tour of the beautiful Jubilee Campus before you arrive.
Take a tour of Jubilee Campus