Computing

This module will help you to deepen your academic, communication and literacy skills in preparation for your postgraduate degree. An intensive programme of English language and academic skills will allow you to become familiar with common academic styles, referencing systems and report writiing. You will have a chance to improve your transferable skills such as effective communication to support ongoing study, career and professional development. You will have both lectures and seminars where you will be asked to prepare and communicate with your peers each week to help you become more confident both inside and outside the classroom.

In this module you will learn fundamental programming concepts such as the structure of a programme, syntax of simple statements, data types, functions, files, design and testing and problem solving, as well as learning to perform data analysis using Python tools and libraries. You will also learn about basic software engineering and database management and engage with a range of scientific literature to familiarise yourself with different types of information necessary for postgraduate study. The material taught to you in this module is intended to form skills directly transferable to your chosen Master’s degree, giving you a good foundation which will allow you to apply programming skills in your subsequent career.

This class will help you to acquire the necessary analytical techniques to succeed in your chosen degree course in either engineering or computing subjects. You will learn about the full range of numerical processes to develop the knowledge and skills to answer mathematical and statistical questions. Topics covered include arithmetic skills, algebra, solving equations, probability and basic statistics.

This module has been designed to prepare you for postgraduate research by providing essential underpinning knowledge and skills in research design, critical thinking and expression. You will learn about the basic tools to conduct research using either qualitative or quantitative methodologies frequently applied in postgraduate study. It will also enhance your comprehension and interpretation of the mechanics of argumentation; the ability to effectively evaluate the rationale of argument and evidence to support claims and how to assess the credibility of sources made in claims. This will help you to better formulate and deliver both verbally and in writing well-structured and critically reasoned arguments and opinions during your Master’s degree.

This module will provide you with a foundation of the German language, enabling you to communicate effectively in everyday situations and on a variety of general topics. It will also give you an important introduction to the customs, culture and society and help you develop your awareness of the general social and cultural background of your study destination. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role playing. It will also include the study of texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises.

Once you have completed your first semester of the German language and culture module, you will be able to continue practicing your German with your peers and with the guidance of a tutor the following semester. The emphasis of this module is on guided but informal conversation practice and a chance to continue to learn about key topics about living and studying in Germany.