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.

 

 MissionBullseye with solid fill  

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.

Target with solid fill

 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.

 

Settings with solid fill 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.‎

 

Briefcase  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.

 

 

 

Stopwatch 66% with solid fillDuration

 

Two years (4 semesters)

Monthly calendar with solid fill

Study Plan (36 Credit Hours)

 Year 1

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

 

Code

Course Name

Pre-requisite

CH

CS6111

Mathematical Methods for Computing

-

3

CS6112

Advanced Operating System

-

3

CS6131

Advanced Algorithm Design & Analysis

-

3

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

Level 2

 

 

 

Code

Course Name

Pre-requisite

CH

CS6171

Research Methodology 

-

2

CS6212

Advanced Machine Learning

-

3

CS6151

Advanced Software Engineering

-

3

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3

 

 

 

Code

Course Name

Pre-requisite

CH

 

Elective 1

-

3

 

Elective 2

-

3

 

Elective 3

-

3

CS6172 

Research Proposal 

-

1

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

Level 4

 

 

 

Code

Course Name

Pre-requisite

CH

 

Elective 4

-

3

CS6173

Thesis 

CS6172

6

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 Tracks Electives

 

 

Track I

Artificial Intelligence 

 

 

Code

Course Name

Pre-requisite

CH

CS6162 

Bioinspired algorithms and applications 

-

3

CS6221

Deep Learning 

-

3

CS6224 

Natural Language Processing

-

3

CS6113 

Pattern Recognition and Image Processing 

-

3

CS6114 

Bioinformatics 

-

3

 

 

 

 

Track II

Software Engineering 

 

 

Code

Course Name

Pre-requisite

CH

CS6152 

Software Development for Mobile Devices 

-

3

CS6153

Software Design and Architecture 

-

3

CS6122 

Theory and Design of Programming Languages 

-

3

CS6155

Semantic Web Technology 

-

3

 

 

 

 

 

Bar chart with solid fillEnrolment and Graduation Data

 

image

 

Recent Achievements

2022-2023

Number

Published scientific research

21

Research projects

6

Workshops and trainings provided 

11

 

 

Checkmark  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.

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