Master of Science (Computer Science)


Program Info

The MS (Computer Science) comprises of both course work as well as research component. There are four ‘core courses’ aimed at strengthening the understanding and competence of students in computer science fundamentals. The University expects its MS graduates to pursue careers either as ‘Computer Science Faculty Members’ or as ‘Software Development Managers’ in the industry.

Recommended Courses

The following core courses are recommended to be completed before entering the MS (CS) program.

  1. Computer Programming
  2. Data Structures
  3. Operating Systems
  4. Database Systems
  5. Analysis of Algorithms
  6. Computer Networks
  7. Theory of Automata
  8. Software Engineering
  9. Assembly Lang. / Computer Arch.

A student selected for admission having deficiency in the above stated courses may be required to study a maximum of FOUR courses. These courses must be passed in the first two semesters. The deficiency courses shall be determined by the Graduate Studies Committee before admitting the student. No fee will be charged for studying deficiency courses. A student selected for admission having deficiency in the above stated courses may be required to study a maximum of FOUR courses, which must be passed in the first two semesters. Deficiency courses shall be determined by the Graduate Studies Committee, before admitting the student. Fee is not charged for studying deficiency courses. A student cannot take MS courses unless all specified deficiency courses have been passed.

NUCES staff cannot register for more than two courses in a semester. A student has the option to pursue MS by undertaking either a 6-credit hour MS Thesis or MS Project, spread over two regular semesters.

Award of Degree

For the award of MS degree, a student must have:

  • Passed courses totaling at least 30 credit hours, including four core courses
  • Obtained a CGPA of 2.5 or more.

Offered Campuses

Chiniot-Faisalabad Islamabad Karachi Lahore Peshawar

Eligibility:

  • Degree in relevant subject of Science or Engineering, earned from a recognized university after 16 years of education AND
  • At least 60% marks or CGPA of at least 2.0(on a scale of 4.0).

Selection Criteria:

  • Past Academic Record (Bachelor): 50%
  • Performance in NU MS Admission Test: 50%

Typical course load in a semester is four courses. However, NUCES staff cannot register for more than two courses in a semester. In the second semester, a student has the option to pursue MS by undertaking either a 6 credit hour MS Thesis or Project, spread over two regular semesters.

Tentative Study Plan
Sr. No Course Name Crdt Hrs.
Semester 1
1 Applied Programming 1 NC
2 Core Course-I 3+0
3 Core Course-II 3+0
4 Core Course-III 3+0
Sr. No Course Name Crdt Hrs.
Semester 2
1 Research Methodology 3+0
2 Computing Elective-I 3+0
3 Computing Elective-II 3+0
Sr. No Course Name Crdt Hrs.
Semester 3
1 Computing Elective-III 3+0
2 MS Thesis-I/MS Project-I 0+3
Sr. No Course Name Crdt Hrs.
Semester 4
1 Computing Elective-IV 3+0
2 MS Thesis-II/MS Project-II 0+3

Note 1: Applied Programming course is of No Credit (NC), but it must be passed.

Note 2: Registration in “MS Thesis - I” is allowed provided the student has:

  • Earned at least 15 credits
  • Passed the “Research Methodology” course
  • CGPA is equal to or more than 2.5
Core Courses
  • CS 5005  Advanced Analysis of Algorithms
  • CS 5006  Theory of Programming Languages
  • CS 5007  Advanced Theory of Computation
  • CS 5009  Advanced Operating Systems

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

  1. To produce computer scientists who fulfil the requirements of the industry’s software needs.
  2. To fill the vacuum present, due to lack of computer science and technology education in the Karachi region and beyond.
  3. To provide a broad understanding of the computer sciences field by introducing innovative concepts, theories, and techniques.
  4. To sharpen communication skills in students and enable them to produce well-organized reports.
  5. To provide formal foundations for further higher education.
  6. To develop highly skilled researchers are scholars who may pursue in the field of computer sciences

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1

Computing Knowledge

Have an advanced, and coherent disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge of computing domain, and research principles and methods for the application of computer science.

2

Critical Thinking, Design Thinking and Decision-Making Skills

Develop problem solving, design and decision-making skills to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex computing problems through application of modern technologies and techniques.

3

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Demonstrate mindfulness of professional practices in a global and sustainable context and act with professional accountability and integrity.

4

Research Methods Competence

Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a research-based practical project with personal autonomy and accountability.

5

Communication Skills

Interpret, document and present the core issues, problem statements, evaluation reviews, requirements and findings in developing computer science research work.