Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
Programme Summary
Programmes Informations
Candidates for the Master of Science in Computer Science shall be admitted on the basis of the University regulations, which govern admission process. The minimum qualifications for the Master of Science in Computer Science shall be a Bachelor degree in all fields related to Computer Science subjects.
(a) For admission to the Master of Science in Computer Science degree of The Open University of Tanzania, a candidate shall either hold a BSc ICT or BSc in Data Management degree of The Open University of Tanzania or a qualification from an approved institution of higher learning, deemed to be equivalent to a degree of The Open University of Tanzania of not less than GPA of 2.7.
(b) Candidates with PASS division will also be considered for admission if: (i) Their undergraduate performance in Computer Science related subjects was a B grade average or above; and (ii) They have satisfied the ICT department and the faculty in general that they have exhibited academic potential through extensive field work, subsequent research experience and/or additional training in the field of Computer Science.
(c) Candidates who hold unclassified degrees should have a credit or, a distinction in the subjects related to Computer Sciences.
(d) Candidates from all fields related to B. Sc in Computer Science, B. Sc. in Computer Engineering or BSc in Electronics including but not limited to Informatics, Microelectronic Engineering, ICT, Applied IT, Telecommunication, Aerospace, Space Technologies, Satellite Communications, Networks, Multimedia, Digital Arts, Internet Science and Technology, Software Engineering, IS Management, Computing in Intelligent Systems, Computer Games Development, Multimedia Technology and Media Informatics, Cyber Security, Geo-informatics, Data Science, Data Management, Information Sciences and Engineering, Big Data, Business Analytics, Digital Forensics, Applied Cloud Technology, Internet of Things and Mobile Application Development.
The Master of Science in Computer Science is a mixed mode programme and consists of taught courses and a dissertation. The programme consists of a total of 18 Units. Candidates must complete and pass 6 core courses with a total of 12 Units and a Dissertation with 6 units. The dissertation is compulsory to all candidates. There are two streams leading to MSc in Computer Science which are Information Systems and Cyber Security (the different streams will only be reflected on Transcripts, but the Certificate will read MSc in Computer Science). Students can choose to take only one stream. Both streams will share 5 core courses. However, specialized courses will be selected based on the stream. Furthermore, the candidate must produce a dissertation that is in line with the chosen stream.
Dissertation will take minimum of six months and will include proposal presentation, defense and other procedures as regulated by the DPGS.
CORE COURSES | |||
COURSE TITLE | COURSE CODE | Units | TCU CREDITS |
Scientific Research Methods | OCS 601 | 1 | 10 |
IT Entrepreneurship and Management | OIM 601 | 1 | 10 |
Data Warehouse and Data Mining | OCS 602 | 1 | 10 |
Core networks, Virtualization and Cloud Computing | OCS 603 | 2 | 20 |
Advanced Programming and Algorithms | OCS 604 | 1 | 10 |
Dissertation | OCS 609 | 6 | 60 |
SPECIALIZATION COURSES INFORMATION SYSTEMS | |||
COURSE TITLE | CODE | Units | TCU CREDITS |
Mobile and Web based Information Systems | OCS 605 | 2 | 20 |
Intelligent Expert Systems | OCS 606 | 2 | 20 |
Management information systems | OCS 607 | 2 | 20 |
SPECIALIZATION COURSES IN CYBER SECURITY | |||
COURSE TITLE | CODE | Units | TCU CREDITS |
Ethical Hacking, Security Audit and Digital Forensics | OCS 608 | 2 | 20 |
Network Security and Cryptography | OCS 609 | 2 | 20 |
IT Security Planning and Management | OIM 602 | 2 | 20 |
S/N | ITEM | LOCAL | Fee for EAC/SADC(USD) | Fee for Non EAC/SADC(USD) |
1 | Examination fees paid annually | 20,000 per examination paper except ODEX which is 30,000 per paper | 20 USD per examination paper except ODEX which is 30 USD per paper | 20 USD per examination paper except ODEX which is 30 USD per paper |
2 | Students Organization fee paid annually | 20,000 | 40 | 60 |
3 | Students ID Card | 20,000 | 20 | 20 |
4 | Quality Assurance fee paid annually | 20,000 | 20 | 40 |
5 | Registration Fee | 50,000 | 100 | 100 |
6 | Plagiarism fee | 20,000 | 20 | 20 |
7 | Tuition Fee | TShs. 250,000/= per unit; hence, TShs. 4.5m for a total of 18 units. | 210 USD per unit; hence, 3,780 USD for a total of 18 units. | 350 USD per unit; hence, 6,300 USD for a total of 18 units. |
Head of Department of Information and Communication Technologies
Contact: Mobile 0679950442 email hod.ict@out.ac.tz
Upon successful completion of the programme it is expected that a candidate shall have acquired the following competences;
- Develop a deeper knowledge in computer science/IT that is both conceptual and empirical based
- Enhance their awareness of the growing importance of computer science/IT solutions and innovations to the problems/opportunities in our society, nation and the world at large
- Develop capacity to apply critical and analytical skills in understanding and applying in our context from small to complex problems of computer science/IT industry
- Gain a comprehensive understanding and be able to communicate, prepare sound reports and carry out computer science/IT related research at minimum guidance
- Develop skills, values and knowledge to create end to end secure information systems to support the core business and/or an ecosystem of solutions that are interoperable or inter-dependent
- Develop the capacity on the appropriate knowledge, values and skills that support the life-long learning and sustainable development in relation to computer science/IT industry in the country and beyond.
Coursework (Assignment/Practicals/Term Paper/Timed Test) carrying 30%
Final Examination carrying 70%
