CSC8099 : Project and Dissertation for MSc Computer Science
CSC8099 : Project and Dissertation for MSc Computer Science
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ellis Solaiman
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 3 Credit Value: | 60 |
| ECTS Credits: | 30.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Maths requirement depends on project.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• To enable students to develop and apply their software engineering skills to a substantial problem.
• To provide an opportunity to pursue original research.
• To give experience in working independently, with a minimum of external structuring.
Outline Of Syllabus
Students are expected to choose a project from a list offered by potential supervisors, or to propose their own project and find a suitable supervisor.
Suitable projects are likely to involve students in learning about some unfamiliar aspect of Computing Science and applying what they've learned to a realistic problem. Students are expected to undertake a significant amount of programming as part of their project.
Students are expected to hand in a dissertation at the end of Semester 3.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the successful conclusion of this module, a student will be able to:
• Define aspects of the design of experiments.
• Discuss the main body of knowledge for their programme where applicable to their project.
• Identify the current state of the art in chosen subject area.
• Express an in-depth knowledge of chosen project topic and relevant technologies.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be able to:
• plan and carry out research appropriate to a project.
• demonstrate project planning.
• search information sources for relevant publications and background material.
• assimilate, evaluate and analyse information.
• present properly referenced documents, with citations, references, and bibliographies.
• formulate a practical solution to a problem, making effective use of time and resources available.
• manage personal learning.
• implement own solution to a problem.
• evaluate own learning, progress and quality of solution objectively.
• practise technical writing.
• exercise critical self-evaluation.
• present and interpret results effectively.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 22 | 4:00 | 88:00 | Writing dissertation, demonstration of software or presentation of research findings, formative elements. |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 99 | 5:00 | 495:00 | Undertaking project. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Supervisor meetings [online synchronous, or in person, depending on the requirements of each project]. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introductory lecture (in person). |
| Total | 600:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students are expected to undertake a substantial piece of work on their own with guidance from a supervisor.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 3 | M | 100 | Report - 16 pages excluding appendices. |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | M | Ethics Form. |
| Design/Creative proj | M | Demonstration of software or presentation of research findings. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Students will work independently, while being supervised by an academic member of the School.
The project will require the students to perform research in Computing Science topics that they are not yet familiar with.
The project will also provide students with opportunities to apply their newly acquired software engineering skills.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8099's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC8099's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.