The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

This programme is designed for those seeking to upgrade their software development skills and qualifications in line with new technologies and trends.

Our MSc Advanced Computer Systems Development has two parts:

A 120-credit taught course for a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
A 60-credit master’s project for a master’s degree after you complete your taught course
The core taught module on the PgDip provides the underpinning knowledge which enables you to identify the needs of a client, analyse those needs and subsequently plan and develop a working solution. You will then go on to specialise by selecting modules from advanced topics of your choice from a wide list of options. After successfully completing the PgDip, you will undertake an individual master's project which allows you to carry out a substantive project on a topic of your interest.

Core module:

Service Oriented Development (core, 20 credits)
To complete the PgDip stage, you will select a further 100 credits from the following optional modules:

Ethics for the IT Professional (optional, 10 credits)
Technologies for Business Intelligence (optional, 10 credits)
Decision Support Systems (optional, 20 credits)
Intelligent Systems (optional, 20 credits)
Interactive Design for Smart Devices (optional, 10 credits)
Mobile Business Technology and Design (optional, 20 credits)
Mobile Networks and Smartphone Applications (optional, 20 credits)
Internet of Things (IoT) and Applications (optional, 20 credits)
Oracle Database Development (optional, 20 credits)
Research Design and Methods (core, 10 credits)
Security for the Mobile Web (optional, 10 credits)
Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master's module:

MSc Project Dissertation (60 credits)
Teaching & Assessment
Scheduled learning: about 20-30%
Independent study: about 70-80%
Your knowledge and understanding is assessed through a combination of:

Written examinations
Assessed coursework
Coursework assignments are also used to assess practical software development skills.

Course Structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

MSc Advanced Computer Systems Development Course Structure

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it