Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing MSc
Why study Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
Taught by acknowledged world experts in the fields of mobile and ubiquitous computing, this MSc combines two of the most exciting trends in modern computer science. The mobile computing revolution has transformed how we communicate and access the Internet, creating new ways of working, staying in touch and entertaining ourselves, spawning entirely new industries and business models. Ubiquitous Computation is migrating away from the desktop PC and into the everyday world, in the form of smartphones, information appliances, everyday digital devices, smart environments and wearable devices. Increasingly, the world itself is an interface to computation; computer-based interactions can take place through many kinds of devices, surfaces and places.
Key Facts
Study core technologies and interaction design skills required to design and build mobile and ubiquitous systems.
Choose from a range of complementary advanced level courses closely aligned to our areas of research expertise, including System Dependability and Advanced Topics in Networking.
Be taught by internationally renowned researchers, leading experts in their field.
Enjoy unique state of the art interactive learning including novel methods of teaching.
Benefit from significant individual research or industrial led projects with one-to-one supervision.
Study in block mode, which offers the luxury of focusing on one course at a time as a full-time student spending a year on campus or convenience as a part-time student balancing this course and your role in industry.
Flexible full and part-time study options.
Course Details
The course contains a set of compulsory modules, option modules and a dissertation project.
Compulsory Modules
- Systems Engineering
- Advanced Interactive Systems Design
- Advanced Distributed Systems
- Mobile Computing
- Ubiquitous Computing
Option Modules
- System Dependability
- Network and System Security
- Advanced Networking and the Internet
- Contemporary Operating Systems: Inside Microsoft Windows and Linux
- Multimedia Systems Engineering
- Aspect-Oriented Software Development
- Advanced Topics in Networking
Dissertation Project
- A substantial piece of individual project work in the area of Mobile and Ubiquitous computing that is supervised by one of the internationally recognized members of staff.
Khooviraj Seewoonauth - MSc Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing 2008 (Pass with Distinction), Java ME Developer - Oybike, London
I chose Lancaster University because the Computing Department is highly ranked in the UK and it carries out cutting edge research in the field of mobile and ubiquitous computing.
I chose an MSc in Mobile and Ubiquitous computing because I think that this field is very innovative and interesting to learn. Moreover, Lancaster University carries state of the art research in this domain and the Computing Department has very good academics and researchers in this field.
I heartedly feel that this course will help pave the way for me to a successful career in computer science as my level of expertise has increased from the enriching modules that have been taught during the course.
The most exciting part of the course was my final year project which was challenging and enjoyable. The facilities and help provided by the Computing academics have enabled me to implement an innovative way of interaction with a laptop display. Also, I was very happy with the outcome from my user study which consisted of 20 participants.
I worked for fifteen days for Backbone Solutions Ltd in collaboration with Knowledge Business Centre of Infolab21 - the experience gained during this work placement was really good for me. Backbone Solutions Ltd is an Internet Marketing company which offers search engine optimisation, conversion rate marketing and software development services to a wide range of clients. Personally, I found this work experience very useful and instructive. I learnt how internet marketing is carried out and overall, I am very satisfied with the knowledge that I gained during this fifteen day period. Moreover, the employees of the KBC were always available when I needed their help and guidance. I am very grateful to the KBC for giving me this opportunity and I strongly believe that this work placement will help me in my career.
I first went to carry out research and develop mobile applications for TouchIP Ltd located in Warrington. I got the job because Dr. Enrico Rukzio (my project supervisor) recommended me to the company. Hence, I am very grateful to the Computing Department of Lancaster University for helping me getting a job after completing my MSc. Moreover, Chris had given me a job advert from BT and I was one of the successful candidates to pass the interview, unfortunately, they could not recruit me because of a lack of funding. I am very happy with the number of job opportunities that the Computing Department offered me during my studies at Lancaster University. I am now currently working as a Java ME developer for Oybike in London.
As I stated previously I got my job because I carried out research in the field of mobile computing during my final year project. My project supervisor (Dr. Enrico Rukzio) recommended me to the company because I had acquired significant knowledge in the field of Near Field Communication technology during my final year project. It is difficult for international students to get a job in the UK but after completing this course, I easily got a job in the mobile computing domain.
Vatsala Nundloll-Ramdhany - MSc in Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing 2007
The best thing about the MSc Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing course is that it is very research orientated and the subjects we have been exposed to are in the cutting edge field. We have been shown all the latest technology. Even during the course the Department's PhD students were coming to the lectures to give us insights into the latest research going on in these fields, which impressed me. Another plus was that I got lots of opportunities to play with fun gadgets during the course!
I chose to study at the Computing Department at Lancaster because it is well known internationally. It is very good for research and in the academic field we have a lot of well known lecturers, which was very appealing.
For my project I developed an application on a Mobile, to run on a Mobile. I got to do lots of research by interviewing with user studies but the best thing was making the application itself. Seeing the programme, which it was actually made by me, running professionally gave me great satisfaction.
I made a lot of international friends whilst at Lancaster, which meant I got the chance to learn about all their cultures and traditions.
Entry Requirements
At least a second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. Applicants who do not meet this criterion but who have significant industrial experience will also be considered subject to individual circumstances.
Overseas Students
For students whose first language is not English, there may be an additional requirement to demonstrate fluency in English. The school requires one of the following: a minimum of IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 580 (paper-based test), 238 (computer-based test), 93 (internet-based test); or Pearson PTE Academic 62.
You will require a visa to be able to study with us in the UK (you do not also need an ATAS certificate). The UK Border agency will be scoring applications against a new points based system. There is more information on the Home Office website.
To get a visa you will need to show that you have the money to pay the course fees and to support yourself for 9 months. You must have held the funds for 28 days when you apply for the visa. See here for more information.
Tuition fees
- For UK and EU students: £6,500(full time)
- For overseas students: £15,650(full time)
Fees are revised annually; the above information is for guidance and relates to the 2012/13 academic year. Fees are normally payable on Registration Day. Alternatively, you may opt to pay the fees in three instalments with the first instalment being due on Registration Day in October, then January and April.
Course fees do not cover residential accommodation or living expenses. However, as a campus based University, Lancaster is a relatively inexpensive place to study. As a guide, a reasonable estimate of living expenses is about £8,500 for 12 months including rent. Being in the North West, you will also find that the cost of accommodation, food and entertainment are all cheaper than more major cities like London and Birmingham.
Additional information is available on the University website.
Many students choose to work during their studies to help make their studies here more affordable. Normally visa's permit part-time work of up to 20 hours per week and full time over the vacations. More information about this can be found on the University website. The Knowledge Business Centre, based in InfoLab21, can help you find full and part-time work using their ICT JobShop.
Open Days
We recognise that it will not always be possible to visit us before considering whether to apply to Lancaster. So we are always happy to receive your questions via email, the phone, or through the postgraduate applications portal.
If you are able to visit then please do contact the school and we will normally be able to arrange for an informal tour of our facilities.
Online tours
There are a number of 'virtual tour' options and videos describing the campus and campus life that may be of interest to you.
Applying for a Masters
You will need to apply online via the Postgraduate Admissions Portal. Once you have created an account you will be able to fill in your personal details, background and upload supporting documentation. If you are experiencing any technical problems when trying to apply please feel free to contact Faculty Admissions