Postgraduate Prospectus

Professor Chris Greenhalgh
Course Director - MSc in Interactive Systems Design

“I joined the University in 1993 as a PhD student and took up my first post as a lecturer in 1996. Now, I’m course director for the MSc in Interactive Systems Design, but I do a lot of undergraduate teaching too. My specialism lies in distributed interactive systems and the software to support them.

The Mixed Reality Lab (MRL) is a dynamic place to work, drawing together expertise from a range of disciplines spanning computer science, architecture, sociology, psychology, and art and design. We have a strong track record for taking research out of the lab into everyday places, collaborating, for example, with artists on a variety of public art installations and performances.

I thoroughly enjoy my work. I have excellent colleagues from a range of specialisms and have collaborated on a number of ground-breaking projects, some of which have earned us awards, including a Nottingham Creative Business Award (Technology), a Golden Nica for Interactive Arts at the Prix Ars Electronica,  and two BAFTA nominations for our work with Brighton-based artists, Blast Theory.

We provide support to taught and research students through dedicated development space and access to novel devices and technologies, including tablet PCs to facilitate the teaching of mobile technologies and interfaces. All students are allocated a project supervisor who offers support and challenges to push the boundaries of their research.

Staff and research students at the MRL are currently engaged in a wide variety of projects and masters students have the chance to get involved through linked dissertation work. The opportunities on offer here prepare students for exciting careers in both academia and industry.”

 

Dr Peter Blanchfield
Course Director - MScs in Information Technology/Management of Information Technology/Computer Science and Entrepreneurship

“I’ve worked at the University on and off for 15 years and have taught a wide range of subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, including programming and software engineering. My specialisms are educational computer games and adaptive e-learning.

We try, wherever possible, to provide students with realistic problem-solving assignments. For example, over the years, a Microsoft Games company has provided significant support for our research which in turn has fed directly into the teaching of a number of software engineering modules.

We aim to give students all of the support they need. There are plenty of opportunities for staff and postgraduates to work collaboratively and to meet informally which really helps to give the School a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

We offer a wide range of postgraduate opportunities, including some innovative programmes like the MSc in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship, taught jointly by staff from the School of Computer Science and the Nottingham University Business School, which gives students the chance to work with leading experts in both fields. Dissertation work for this course also gives students the scope to take on real and significant challenges with partner companies.

Computer Science students go on to pursue careers in a wide range of areas, spanning software project management, finance, and further research both here and at other universities worldwide.

Jubilee is a beautiful and relaxed campus to work at. Student accommodation is situated conveniently on campus as well as in the surrounding area, and there are plenty of cycle and bus routes giving us great access to the city.”

 

Dr Rong Qu
Joint Course Director for MSc in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship

“I did a BSc in Computer Science in China in 1996 and completed a PhD in Computer Science in 2003, after which I started to work at The University of Nottingham as a research associate.  I was appointed as a lecturer in 2005. 

My current role as the Joint Course Director for the MSc in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship involves a combination of teaching, research and administration, so on any given day you may find me lecturing, in tutorials, acting as a project supervisor at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as doing marketing activities, organising a conference or reviewing an academic article.

The School has several really good strengths – for example, it offers a range of themes of modules under different courses; the modules I teach are in artificial intelligence.  This is one of the topics in which the School has a strong research profile, which means that – in the relevant context – the appropriate research outcomes are fed into the teaching.

Our research deals with real world applications, so some research outcomes have been transferred into real world intelligent decision support systems in educational institutions, hospitals and airports, for example.  We also provide algorithm solutions to software consultancy companies who develop commercial software.

I think it’s important to make potential students aware that the School provides some studentships to strong PhD applicants wishing to study a range of topics.

Career prospects for our postgraduates are fantastic and students tend to be recruited into a wide range of jobs after graduation – recent destinations have included analyst, software developer, consultant, project managers in industry and financial sectors, academics and senior researchers.”

Obianuju Chiamaka Amamgbo
MSc in Management of Information Technology

“When I was investigating the various courses on offer, a friend recommended that I take a look at The University of Nottingham. I liked what I saw and the course suited my needs perfectly – there are a lot of opportunities here. 

I work as an Information Officer for the National Root Crop Institute in Umudike, Nigeria. My background is in linguistics, rather than IT management. Although I had no problems coping with my job, I always felt that I could do things differently – more efficiently and effectively.

My employer was very positive about my decision to improve my skills and knowledge, offering me a gap-year to complete the course. I was also successful in securing a Developing Solutions Scholarship from the University’s International Office. So, here I am.

I live and study at the Jubilee Campus. The buildings on Campus are accessible to me – ramps and automatic doors really help. In fact, I’ve found the University to be flexible and supportive in a number of ways that make life easier and more convenient – something that I haven’t always encountered.

Academic Support adapted my accommodation, making necessary reasonable adjustments so that it suits my needs. They also arranged a number of other services to support me in my studies, including note-takers and a Library Browser who collects my reserved books and does my photocopying. The School of Computer Science’s Lab Assistants offer support to everyone with their practical work.

The course is everything I hoped it would be, and the tutors are very encouraging and helpful. I have certainly learnt a lot so far and have particularly enjoyed the modules that deal with the human aspects of IT – making systems work for the user. I now have a lot of effective planning and management tools to apply in the workplace.

I’ve also gained a lot of experience, improved academically and made so many good friends. It was my friends who paid for my motorised wheelchair by organising a
fund-raising concert.

When I finish the course, I’d love to find work and stay in Nottingham. I like the city and have so many friends here. I really feel that I can make the most of the opportunities on offer.”

Top tip:
“Whatever you want to achieve, work towards it. It may take time, but it’s worth it – irrespective of the challenges you encounter.”

 

Ademola Olaide Adenubi
MSc in Management of Information Technology

 “The course has certainly lived up to its title and my expectations, helping me to improve my management skills whilst developing my technical expertise.

Before starting the course, I was working as an IT Administrator to the Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria. After three years in this role I wanted to upgrade my skills and knowledge to support the delivery of the state’s ICT policy. I chose Nottingham because of its reputation as a world-leading university and because the course was exactly what I was looking for.

Because it is modular, the course has allowed me to choose a balance of computing and management classes that relate directly to my job. I have thoroughly enjoyed the module on database systems — it involves a lot of independent research work and has really challenged me. I have also enjoyed the group work required by a number of my modules —  it has been a good way to promote leadership skills and team working. The dissertation has really given me the chance to explore scalable websites and services—an area that I'd like to develop in my career.

I am very impressed with the teaching and facilities here. The numerous computer labs are accessible and have a good working atmosphere with everything you need to support your studies.

When I return to work, I look forward to introducing the technologies and management practices I have mastered this year. The course has really given me the confidence to meet a new set of challenges.”

Top tip:

“Be prepared to meet the challenge, an MSc is demanding but rewarding.”

 

Joy Ananyi
MSc in Management of Information Technology

“As an undergraduate I studied computer science at one of the top universities in Nigeria and decided that I wanted to pursue my postgraduate studies at an equally well regarded institution. I chose Nottingham because it has an excellent reputation and the course really stood out from the rest.

My work as an Account Officer with the GTBank plc in Nigeria draws on my computing background and requires a sound knowledge of business practices. So this course is perfect – combining business with a high percentage of IT modules.

The staff here have been really supportive. They are always on hand to help and provide you with the information you need to succeed.

As well as developing my business and IT expertise, I have improved my communication and presentation skills – valuable transferable skills which I believe are among the most important in industry today.

When I complete the course, I am particularly keen to put into practice my growing knowledge of user interface design. I hope to find work as a business analyst, a role I am confident my course has prepared me for. “

Top tip:

“Be clear about your career path so that you can choose modules that best suit your needs and equip you for the future.”

 

Sofia H Sufiani
MSc in Management of Information Technology

“I work as a computer analyst at the Central Bank of Tanzania. I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge and decided to return to university.

When looking at the postgraduate courses on offer, I found that Nottingham was among the top universities in the UK and offered a masters programme that suited my needs perfectly.

By carefully choosing my modules I have been able to create a course that covers the range of subjects I need to develop my career – the application and management of IT in business, networking and UNIX. My studies have also helped me to improve my writing, presentation and management skills.

I have been really impressed by the facilities on offer within the School and University. I have everything I need to support my studies. The School itself is a very supportive environment and my lecturers are always very helpful.

When I finish the course, I plan to return to Tanzania and take up my old job. However, I will definitely be putting my new qualification to good use – looking for higher posts within other government organisations.”

Top tip:

“Choose Nottingham! It has all the facilities you need, and the lecturers are friendly and always happy to help.”

 

Deborah Kingston
MSc in Management of Information Technology

“Having completed an undergraduate degree in ancient history and archaeology here at Nottingham, I’m not perhaps the first person you would expect to meet on a postgraduate IT course. However, it’s the perfect conversion if you want to pursue a career in IT management and have no prior computing experience or qualifications.

Because the course can be tailored for people like me who don’t have an IT background as well as those who have computer science degrees, you can choose modules pitched at your level which suit your needs. In the first semester, I followed a programme that introduced me to technical computing concepts and in the second, concentrated on management training.

The School really has an international environment and I’ve enjoyed working with people from all over the world. The facilities are good: there is a dedicated postgraduate computer lab equipped with everything you need, and plenty of handy places to do your group project work.

Since my undergraduate days, I’ve been a member of the Ladies’ Cricket Club. It’s always good to unwind after a busy day and it’s a great way to meet people.

As well as improving my expertise in IT and management, I have also developed a flair for team work and presentations – transferable skills that will be useful throughout my career. I have been offered a place on an IT graduate scheme with Atos Origin, an international information technology services company. I’m in no doubt that this course was invaluable in securing my place.”

Top tip:

“Getting involved in some of the Student Unions’ hundreds of clubs and societies is a really good way to meet people on other courses and try something new.”

 

Alejandro Macedo Obiol
Computer Science and Entrepreneurship

I have a strong technical background in information technologies; I was looking for a masters degree that could drive my career towards business rather than just pure IT.

During my work experience, I realised the importance of the business aspects in every company. In my opinion, understanding the organisation of a company is a key factor for any career growth.

What I found to be the most beneficial aspect of this course is the way technical elements are joined with business disciplines to give a better understanding of the whole picture to students of both technical and business backgrounds. Also, studying together with students of different educational backgrounds coming from many parts of the world helps to create a very broad point of view on how different cultures work.

A key factor for choosing The University of Nottingham is that it was voted University of the Year in 2006, with the Business School being one of the leading in the country.

Throughout the year I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies on this course and staff have always been very helpful no matter what challenges I faced. I would highly recommend coming here to study.

 

Victoria Busse
MSc in Interactive Systems Design

“I chose the MSc in Interactive Systems Design because it offers a good combination of Human Factor issues and IT. I wanted to focus on human centred design and improve my previous knowledge and experience, and this course seemed to fit the brief.

I did my undergraduate degree – a BSc in Digital Media – at the University of Bremen, Germany, and I was keen to continue my studies at postgraduate level. In Germany, the undergraduate and postgraduate degree system is very new; previously, students have always completed a five-year university diploma. It was always my plan to continue on to a Masters in order to compete with peers who had taken the conventional diploma route in Germany.

This course is truly interdisciplinary across the Computer Science and Human Factors (Engineering) departments. Human factors are becoming increasingly important in IT, and Interactive Systems Design gives you the opportunity to focus on designing IT that meets the needs of people. I like the fact that students on this course come from a range of backgrounds and undergraduate degree subjects as it gives us a broader perspective.

The School and wider university offer a very good student experience with hundreds of social activities run through the Student Union; there is also great cultural diversity here. The University has an excellent reputation and I have found it to be attentive and supportive in terms of my studies, personal well-being and my future plans.

Looking to the future, I would like to become a Human Interface Designer or Usability Engineer and design technologies that ‘all’ people (not only a small group, e.g. young people) can benefit from, and that accessible, easy and fun to use.”