The De La Salle University-Liverpool Hope University (DLSU-LHU) double MSc programmes entail the pairing of DLSU MSc programmes in the different colleges in DLSU-Manila with LHU MSc programmes. The headings of the different sections below give the LHU MSc programme in the pairing. The complementary nature of the different pairings enables the maximization of learning opportunities and acquisition of new skills. The courses are delivered by an enthusiastic team which prides itself not only on high teaching quality, but also on a vibrant research community. In the most recent UK Research Excellent Framework Exercise, 100% of LHU’s departmental research was deemed to be internationally excellent or recognised. DLSU was recently conferred the Association of Southeast Asian Nations University Network (AUN) Quality Mark at institutional level, the only university in the Philippines having this distinction. Using the AUN’s framework for quality assurance at the institutional level, DLSU was assessed on the following key areas: strategic (overall governance), systemic (quality assurance systems), functional (teaching, research, and service), and results (outcomes and financial performance). Along with the excellent training (scientific, technical and practical), facilities, and international recognition of both DLSU and LHU degrees, graduates of these niche double MSc programmes will be competent and provide a unique skill set that employers need to create solutions to their problems and take their organization to the next level.
MSc Advanced Computer Science
Dual Degree
The DLSU-LHU double MSc Advanced Computer Science programme covers many aspects of different areas of Computer Science. It has been designed to expose students to a wide-ranging panoply of ideas and technologies for students to:
- discover what potential specialisms in Computer Science they find attractive
- examine the dependencies between subject areas, for the students to become nexialists
The multidisciplinary approach adopted in the course enhances the student experience by providing a rich and varied curriculum. For example, robotics, networks, parallel and cloud computing techniques are examined. Similarly, the LHU departmental strong research focus on AI is utilised to illustrate various ways how recent advances in this field will impact Computer Science and society in the future.
LHU has recently opened a purpose-built state-of-the-art science building, equipped with the latest cutting-edge technologies including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality interfaces for data visualisation, embedded systems and devices for physical computing, communication modules, wearable and biomedical sensors for data gathering, and HPC facilities for data analysis.
These jointly-delivered programmes aim to produce graduates with a deep understanding of the importance of computational expertise as it applies to various fields of human endeavour. Students would be immersed in a world-class educational experience that combines what the UK and the Philippines can collectively offer: one that is attractive, intellectually-stimulating and culturally-enriching.
In terms of employability, according to the Office for National Statistics, the UK’s IT sector creates 71,000 new jobs each year, and vacancies for IT and telecommunications graduates have grown by 160% since 2005, with 99% of employers expecting to increase or maintain the number of tech specialists they employ over the coming year. Furthermore, 85% of hard-to fill positions are difficult to recruit to because of a lack of tech specialist skills. More specifically, recruiting students with adequate skills in programming has proven to be especially difficult.
MSc Data Science / MSc in Data Engineering
Dual Degree
Data Science is a very new area of study. It has come about as a discipline because of the recent advances in computational power, advances in machine intelligence (AI) and the massive growth of the amount of data. Because it is so new, a Data Scientist is a rare hybrid, a computer scientist with the programming abilities to build software to scrape, combine, and manage data from a variety of sources, and a statistician who knows how to derive insights from the information within.
A novel aspect to the DLSU-LHU double MSc programme is that Data Science is examined from the perspective of how it can be used in conjunction with other subject areas. For example, advances in sensors, Internet of Things technologies and robotic vision systems are used to illustrate how Data Science can exploit progress in electronics and robotics to more effectively gather and analyse data.
The double MSc programme is designed to produce the next generation of Data Scientists who are in very high demand across different employment sectors. Over the next 5 years 2/3 of employers believe that demand for talent will outpace the supply of data scientists; 32% of employers say they can’t fill data science jobs because of lack of scientists with the relevant skills, while 83% of existing data scientists believe that as technology advances it will further dramatically increase the demand for their skills. These inherently multi-disciplinary programmes guarantee a wide-ranging curriculum that seamlessly combines theory with hands-on training, and allows students an opportunity to participate in top-of-the-line yet socially-relevant research.
MSc Robotics Engineering
Dual Degree
This novel DLSU-LHU double MSc Robotics Engineering programme reflects recent software and hardware technological advances and exposes students to new, much sought-after skills and up-to-date areas of research. Recent technological advances are incorporated into the course by developing novel cross-disciplinary approaches and subject areas such as Embedded Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality.
Completed in January 2016, LHU’s new state-of-the-art £8.5 million Science Building is home to a purpose-built Robotics Laboratory equipped with the latest cutting-edge technologies, including industry-standard software (e.g. Matlab/Simulink, Labview, Visual Studio, 3D Studio Max), Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality interfaces (e.g. Oculus Rift), exotic robots and 3D printing facilities. This can be used by students to design, prototype and test their own robots. From the DLSU-LHU partnership, students expect to get an intensive training in robotics, automation engineering and product design with a hands-on multidisciplinary approach.
A double MSc in Robotics Engineering will make students highly employable, having developed a range of specific skills in robotic systems, at a time when the robotics industry is rapidly developing, opening new opportunities for people with these skills. Graduates of the programme can develop products of high quality/value and are commercially marketable.
MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Dual Degree
Sport nutrition is a dynamic discipline facilitating the transfer of knowledge between scientists and practitioners interested in the link between nutritional science, and sport and exercise sciences. Bridging with the best world-wide research evidence in the area of sport nutrition, this DLSU-LHU double MSc programme provides a solid theoretical foundation and encompasses a range of learning opportunities, cross-fertilising the theories and practices of nutrition, sport and exercise science and sport psychology with principles of research methods, to enable students to undertake systematic enquiry into the human physiological and metabolic response to exercise and nutritional factors affecting this response. Topics include the interrelation between nutrition, physical activity and exercise in enhancement of sport performance, health and wellbeing, and prevention of disease/injury.
The programme is suitable for nutrition and/or sport-related science graduates and professionals interested in further expanding or advancing their knowledge and expertise in the practical application of sport nutrition with a granted input of solid theoretical foundation.
The LHU School of Health Sciences hosts current Nutrition, Sport and Biology labs which are equipped with all essential facilities, equipment, and IT technology required for the practice of Sport Nutrition. Additionally, the new LHU Science building, opened in January 2016, comprises state-of-the-art nutrition, food science, exercise physiology, sport performance and sport psychology labs, providing an outstanding learning and research environment for students.
Following successful completion of this programme, students will be able to apply for the Associate Nutritionist Status endorsed by the UK Association for Nutrition (AfN), and the core competencies acquired will support graduates in careers in the sport industry (e.g. gym, national sport leagues, coaching), healthcare, training & fitness sectors, supplement industry, sportswear and equipment design, sports management, food sector and/or other private sectors. Graduates of this program can also have a career as K-12 sports track and physical education teachers.