Virtual University MS Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science offers a Master of Science in Computer Science program aimed at producing high-quality professionals and academicians. The coursework provides comprehensive knowledge of core computer science areas identified by HEC, with specialized courses enabling students to develop advanced expertise in their chosen area. The program currently offers various specializations.
- Software Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Databases
Important Notice
- Admission to the MSCS program is only available once a year for the Fall semester.
- The MSCS program is restricted to applicants residing within Pakistan, and overseas students are not eligible to apply (practical from fall 2018). Students must withdraw from the program if they intend to move overseas after admission.
MS Program Mission
The program aims to address the increasing demand for IT experts in the rapidly evolving 21st-century economy. Its mission is to equip post-graduates with solid skills in software engineering, computer networks, and databases. The program enables students to take advantage of career opportunities in the information technology sector, expand their knowledge, and pursue further doctoral studies.
Objectives
- The program aims to provide students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in computer science.
- The program aims to develop research capabilities in students.
- The program aims to enable students to make significant research contributions in their area of specialization.
Virtual University MSCS Eligibility
- Applicants must have completed 16 years of education, which includes a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Computer Science (Honors), Master of Computer Science, Master of Information Technology, or M.Sc. in Computer Science from a reputable university.
- Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology Engineering, Computer, and Information System Engineering, or Computer System Engineering (16-year education) from a recognized institution are also eligible. However, they may be required to pass deficiency course(s) to meet the program requirements.
- The candidate must have a minimum CGPA of 2.00 out of 4 or a first division in cases where the GPA system is not implemented.
- All candidates must pass the University’s Entry Test with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Seats are limited and allocated based on merit.
Deficiency Courses
If a candidate’s course schedule does not provide sufficient background for the intended degree course, they may need to take one or more additional deficiency courses as prescribed by the University.
- Analysis of Algorithms
- Assembly Lang. / Computer Architecture
- Computer Networks
- Computer Programming
- Data Structures
- Database Systems
- Operating Systems
- Software Engineering
- Theory of Automata
To be eligible for admission, a candidate can have a deficiency of no more than four courses from the specified list, as determined by the Graduate Studies Committee at the time of admission. The student must pass the deficiency courses in the first two semesters.
The formula for Merit Calculation for Admission to the MSCS Program
- For Annual System
2. For Semester System:
(i) In the case of a CGPA out of 4
(ii) In the case of a CGPA out of 5
Download MSCS Entry Test Sample
Course Exemption
Course exemption is not allowed for this program.
Duration
The MSCS program is a two-year program consisting of four semesters, with each semester lasting at least 18 weeks.
Courses of Study
The Virtual University of Pakistan has updated the study scheme for the two-year MS in Computer Science (MSCS) program in accordance with HEC curriculum guidelines. The following revisions have been made to the study scheme.
- The MSCS program is now only offered with a thesis option.
- The number of core/requisite courses for the MSCS program has increased to four, namely CS701 (Theory of Computation), CS702 (Advanced Algorithms Analysis and Design), CS703 (Operating Systems), and CS704 (Advanced Computer Architecture-II).
- A 3-credit hour course on “Research Methodology” has been added to the study scheme. Passing this course is mandatory for students to enroll in the thesis.
- The degree completion now requires a minimum of 33 credit hours, which is an increase from the previous requirement, due to the addition of the “Research Methodology” course.
General Structure of Study Scheme
MSCS Roadmap |
Semester 1 |
Course Title | Cr. Hrs. |
Core I | 3 |
Core II | 3 |
Elective I | 3 |
9 |
Semester 2 |
Core III | 3 |
Elective II | 3 |
Research Methodology | 3 |
9 |
Semester 3 |
Core IV | 3 |
Thesis (Partial Registration) | 3 |
Elective III | 3 |
9 |
Semester 4 |
Thesis (Full Registration) | 3 |
Elective IV | 3 |
6 | |
Total Credit Hours | 33 |
Study Scheme
Semester 1
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS701
|
Theory of Computation |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS702
|
Advanced Algorithms Analysis and Design |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
CS706 |
Software Quality Assurance |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Software Engineering
|
|
CS710 |
Mobile and Pervasive Computing |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
Computer Networks
|
|
CS712 |
Distributed DBMS |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Databases |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS703
|
Advanced Operating Systems |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS719 |
Research Methodologies |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
CS708 |
Software Requirement Engineering |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Software Engineering
|
|
CS716 |
Advanced Computer Networks |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
Computer Networks
|
|
CS726 |
Information Retrieval Techniques |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Databases |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS704
|
Advanced Computer Architecture-II |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS720 |
Thesis |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
CS709 |
Formal Methods for Software Engineering |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Software Engineering
|
|
CS713 |
Object Oriented DBMS |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
Databases |
|
CS718 |
Wireless Networks |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Computer Networks
|
|
CS723 |
Probability and Stochastic Processes |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Computer Networks |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS720
|
Thesis |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS707 |
Network Security |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Computer Networks
|
|
CS711 |
Software Design |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Software Engineering
|
|
CS721 |
Network Performance Evaluation |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
Computer Networks
|
|
CS724 |
Software Process Improvement |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Software Engineering
|
|
CS725 |
Data Mining |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
Databases |
Assessment of Academic Progress
Throughout the semester, vu measures students’ progress using the tools described below. Midterm and final exams are held at VU exam centers.
Assessment Tool | Marks |
Semester Activities: (Assignments, Academic Paper, Seminar/Presentation, Course Viva) | 10%-20% |
Mid-term Exam | 20%-30% |
Final-term Exam | 60% |
Total | 100% |
Requirements for Thesis Enrollment
- Achieved a CGPA of 2.50 or Higher with at least 18 Completed Credit Hours
- Passed the Research Methodology course.
Degree Requirement
To earn an MS (CS) degree, students must pass four core courses, a minimum of two courses from their chosen specialization, a research thesis (worth six credit hours), and the remaining credit hours from the available course list.
Degree Awarded
To qualify for an MS in Computer Science (CS) degree, a student must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours at the MS level, following the prescribed scheme of studies, and achieve a CGPA of at least 2.50 out of 4.
Fee Structure
| Degree Program | Admission Fee | Registration Fee | Security Fee | Admission Processing Fee | Semester Enrollment Fee | Per credit hour fee | Fee of Convocation | Fee payable at admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MS |
7,000 |
2,500 |
10,000 |
500 |
3,000 |
2,750 |
2,000 |
31,250 |
Disclaimer
- The courses are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date with those taught at top universities, considering the needs of local industry and the job market.
- The University may change its fee structure from time to time.