Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science at Africa University is a postgraduate program within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Students study advanced topics including Advanced Algorithm Design, Pattern Recognition & Image Processing, Advanced Enterprise Architecture Programming, Computational Discrete Mathematics, Advanced Database and Data Mining, and Software Methodology. The program also includes Research Methods, Research Proposal and Defence, Dissertation Research and Report Writing, and optional research-focused study such as Evolutionary Computing & Parallel Distributed Processing.

Learning mode is full time at the main campus. The program duration is 2 year(s). It combines taught courses with research training through modules such as Research Methods, Research Proposal and Defence, and a dissertation through Dissertation Research and Report Writing.

Modules

• Advanced Algorithm Design
• Pattern Recognition & Image Processing
• Advanced Enterprise Architecture Programming
• Computational Discrete Mathematics
• Research Methods
• Advanced Database and Data Mining
• Cloud Computing
• Simulation and Modelling
• Software Methodology
• Research Proposal and Defence
• Dissertation Research and Report Writing
• Evolutionary Computing & Parallel Distributed Processing

Normal Entry Requirements: Candidates applying for admission to the MSc Computer Science degree programme must have:

• Second Class Honors degree with relevant discipline like Information Technology, Computer Information System, Software Engineering & Computer Science from Africa University
• OR a qualification from another institution of higher learning deemed by the Graduate Studies Committee to be equivalent to a Second Class Honors degree from Africa University
• OR a qualification from another institution of higher learning deemed by the Graduate Studies Committee to be equivalent to a Second Class Honors degree in any IT area like Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology or Computer Information Systems of National Qualification Framework
• Upon recommendation to the GSC by the Dean of the respective College, a candidate whose first degree is considered deficient (that is a third class) may be required to take two undergraduate courses in addition to the minimum graduation requirements.
• A candidate who holds a general degree should at least have a lower second class with an average of B (CGPA 3.0) or higher in the academic discipline of the intended Master’s degree.
• Upon recommendation to the Graduate Studies Committee by the Dean of the respective College, a candidate whose first degree is considered deficient may be required to take one or more undergraduate courses in addition to the minimum graduation requirements.

Special Entry: Special entry to the programme requires an undergraduate degree or postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field from Africa University or another recognized institution. The College may also impose special conditions for admission as required by the degree programme.

Mature Entry: Mature entry to the programme would require proven work-related experience. All applicants in the normal, special and mature entry should have 5 “O” Level passes, including English Language or its equivalent as provided in the General Academic Regulations.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science programme at Africa University must provide official documentation of one of the following as evidence of proficiency in English:

• Successful completion of a minimum of two years of study at a university where English is the language of instruction.
• Successful completion of a minimum of four years of study at a secondary school where (i) English is the language of instruction, AND (ii) study of English as a subject has been undertaken during each of those four years, AND (iii) the candidate passed all English courses taken during those four years.
• A score of 500 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Any other evidence of competency in English acceptable both to the College and the GSC.

The Dean of the College may recommend to the GSC a candidate who does not meet the minimum required proficiency standard to be provisionally admitted pending successful completion of the Intensive English Programme offered at Africa University.