Diploma in Computer Science
This course was running for the last time during the academic year 2007–08.
The Diploma in Computer Science was a taught postgraduate conversion course intended for graduates of Mathematics, Natural Science or Engineering who want to become computer professionals. It was not aimed for those who want a data processing qualification in order to write programs in a business setting: important topics in, for example, systems analysis for such applications were not dealt with. The course is not a preparation for IT managers.
The first term of the course was largely devoted to ensuring that all students possess adequate background knowledge of computer structure, computing techniques and programming practice. Many lecture courses were on subjects regarded as essential core material. Additionally, a selection of more advanced courses were available which can be regarded as options for those with, perhaps, a specialist mathematical or engineering background. Personal supervision was arranged by the student's college and formed a feature of the course. The course took ten months of full-time study, near the end of which candidates were required to take a written examination and submit a dissertation on a subject of their choosing. The written papers took place in late May/early June and the dissertations had to be handed in at the end of July. Oral examinations (based on the dissertation) were sometimes required by the Examiners in early August.
Candidates for admission were normally required to have a good honours degree in a scientific subject, usually Mathematics, Engineering or Natural Sciences, although applicants from other disciplines were considered as well. Knowledge of mathematics to at least A-level standard was assumed.