Description
The Master of Computer Science programme is of interdisciplinary nature and aims at students interested in, and adequately
qualified and motivated, for graduate education to become scientific researchers in various fields of study related to Computer
Science. In this regard, the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) defines Computer Science as focusing on the ‘theory of
computation, algorithms and data structures, programming methodology and languages, and computer elements and architecture’.
In addition to these four areas, the CSAB also identifies fields such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer
networking and communication, database systems, parallel computation, distributed computation, computer‐human interaction,
computer graphics, operating systems, and numerical and symbolic computation as being important areas of computer science.
The programme will enable students to deepen their knowledge of a particular computer science speciality for application,
research and/ or management purposes. Possible fields of specialisation include Communication Networks, Software Development,
Mobile Development, Information Security and Forensic Computing. The precise focus of the research will be determined through
dialogue between the candidate and supervising staff and will fall within the scope of the approved research clusters of the Faculty
of Computing and Informatics.
Students will develop a thorough understanding of relevant methodological approaches, and develop competence in the
application of qualitative, design, mixed‐mode and quantitative research methods through participation in research projects under
the supervision of experienced staff members. The development of research competence has prime priority in the context of this
programme. Students are required to design, undertake and report on research where computer science is the research focus and
apply techniques and/or deal with a specific application problem connected with the field of interest.
Admission Requirements
Applicants who hold qualifications from recognised institutions at NQF level 8, or equivalent, in disciplines related to
computer science may be considered for admission to this programme. Applicants need to provide evidence of having
conducted supervised research and may be required to make‐up specific deficiencies in coursework at the discretion of the Faculty Postgraduate
Committee. In addition, applicants may be required to attend a pre‐selection interview and/or test at the discretion of the
Department.
Applicants from other institutions must submit detailed information on all courses in their previous qualifications, as well as
contact details of three referees. The latter also applies to applicants who have been working in the field subsequent to obtaining
their previous qualifications. The Faculty Postgraduate Committee may approve exceptions, and all admissions are at the discretion of
the Faculty Postgraduate Committee.
Registration prior to the approval of a research proposal is provisional and will be made official only when the Higher Degrees
Committee approves the proposal. These procedures will be fully explained to each prospective student during his or her personal
interview.
