MSc Computer Science (Thesis)

The Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis Option) program is intended for working researchers who are eager to enhance their qualifications in order to achieve growth in their careers. The program is expected to have high demand due to increase usage of IT in all spheres of life and it is in tune to the new vision of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

 Mission  

To provide a sustainable environment for advanced research and education that produces scholarly equipped professionals to engage in cutting edge research and development.

 

Program Goals 

1. Provide competitive scientific and technical educational environment targeting towards ‎professional excellence.
2. ‎Encourage fundamental and applied research in fulfilling the professional needs of ‎computing industry. ‎‎

 Program Objectives

1. Emerge as innovators, researchers, scientists in computing fields practicing cutting edge technologies.
2. Continue higher studies, self-learning and scientific research for solving contemporary issues in the field of computer science.
3. Practice effective communication and follow ethical standards and professional values in the work environment and collaborative research.
4. Demonstrate responsibilities and commitments towards sustainable development of computing technology for the betterment of the society.

 

 Main Tracks 

Artificial Intelligence

Software Engineering

 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Artificial Intelligence Track

1. Demonstrate understanding of advanced scientific and technical knowledge in computer ‎science focusing on various computing algorithms, modelling and systems.

2. Analyze, design, develop, test and deploy computing systems of varying complexity and ‎critical nature using emerging technologies. ‎
3.  Identify pertinent computing problems and formulate corresponding research proposals to ‎develop solutions using Artificial intelligence techniques.
4. Conduct critical literature review and evaluate state of the art artificial intelligent systems ‎for reasoned arguments and improved solutions.
5. Demonstrate technical writing and presentation skills to communicate effectively with ‎scientific and professional communities. ‎
6. Plan and manage collaborative research with ethical and professional values, and function ‎effectively as an individual and as a team member or leader.
7. Recognize the importance of continued and self-learning in research practices.

• Software Engineering Track

1. Demonstrate understanding of advanced scientific and technical knowledge in computer ‎science focusing on various computing algorithms, modelling and systems.‎

2. Analyze, design, develop, test and deploy computing systems of varying complexity and ‎critical nature using emerging technologies. ‎
3. Identify pertinent software engineering problems and formulate corresponding research ‎proposals to develop software engineering and management practices for sophisticated ‎models. ‎
4. Conduct critical literature review and evaluate state of the art software engineering ‎practices for reasoned arguments and improved solutions.
5. Demonstrate technical writing and presentation skills to communicate effectively with ‎scientific and professional communities. ‎
6. Plan and manage collaborative research with ethical and professional values, and function ‎effectively as an individual and as a team member or leader.  ‎‎
7. Recognize the importance of continued and self-learning in research practices.‎

 

  Professional Job Prospects

• Software Engineer
• System Analyst
• Software Architect
• Machine Learning Expert 
• Researcher in state-of-the-art laboratories
• Artificial Intelligence Expert
• Lecturer/ Research Assistant

Graduate Attributes

• Competitive Knowledge: High technical competencies to identify, design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions with recent techniques.
• Critical Thinking: Analytical and critical spirit to participate in the implementation of innovative computing solutions.
• Exploratory Research: Scientific rigor to carry out state of the art research to investigate problems and derive innovative solution models.
• Effective communication: Communicate effectively to differed scientific level of audience in written and oral and to plan and manage collaborative research.
• Social Responsibility: Sense of personal and social responsibility, following ethical and professional standards, leading to active participation and contribution to research society.
• Adoptability: Adaptable to work environment with self-confidence and flexible nature.
• Self-Learning: Capable to generate extensive knowledge through continued self-learning.

 

 

 

Duration

 

Two years (4 semesters)

Study Plan (36 Credit Hours)

 

Enrolment and Graduation Data

 

 

Recent Achievements

2022-2023	Number
Published scientific research	21
Research projects	6
Workshops and trainings provided	11

 

 

  Student Admission Requirement:

All prospective graduate students must apply online through King Khalid University website. Graduate Studies Admission Guide 2022-2023 is available at the portal as well.

The applicant must have a Bachelor degree from a Saudi university or from another recognized institution with a suitable background with a minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5.00 (very good), in the following disciplines: (Computer Science - Information Systems - Information Technology - Software Engineering). Other related disciplines may be accepted after the approval of the department.

Other Requirements:

• Two recommendation letters. 
• Minimum score for general aptitude test is 70%.
• Minimum score for STEP English test is 80 (should be provided within the application submission period, no provisional admission is granted) or its equivalent in other language tests as shown in the table below:

English Aptitude Test Equivalence
STEP	IELTS	TOEFL
		IBT	CBT	PBT
97	6	79	213	550
92	5.5	70	194	525
83	5	61	173	500
75	4.5	53	153	475
67	4	45	133	450
52	3.5	32	97	400

 

All applicants will be notified of the results of their application by the Deanship of Graduate Studies. A student admission may be postponed for not more than two semesters based on the approval of the relevant Department Council, the Dean of the College, and the Dean of Graduate Studies. This period of postponement will not be included as part of the maximum period allowed for completing the degree.

Useful Links:

• M.Sc., Computer Science – Program Handbook
• Master Students Rights, Regulations and Code of Conduct
• Admission Guide
• Graduate Studies – E Services Guide