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Frequently Asked Questions


What is the UCL Computer Science Industry Exchange Network - UCL IXN?


UCL Computer Science has a long history of industry engagement and this was formalised with the launch of our UCL Industry Exchange Network (UCL IXN). This is a project-based educational methodology enabling students to work on real-world problems as assessed core components of their degree programmes. 
 
The UCL IXN operates on a large scale with over 800 UCL Computer Science students per year from undergraduate through to MSc level, taking into account the students’ motivations and special interests. A team of staff and external collaborators has been built up to support the teaching, lab work, assessment, administration, financial operations, events and public relations.


Can I make a Project Proposal?


We invite you to submit project proposals, which we will go through our checking process in order to identify students whose interests match the project area. A project proposal should identify a task with clear requirements and goals, in a specific technology area (e.g., machine learning, mobile app, or IoT) suitable for a specific student cohort. 

 lf you or your company would like to submit a project proposal for the next academic cycle? For further details, please contact us via ucl.ixn@ucl.ac.uk with the following details:

  • Name
  • Company
  • Area (e.g. healthcare)
  • Project description (3-4 lines)

What is the deadline for project proposal submissions?


The deadline for undergraduate level project proposals (individual and group) is mid-June. The deadline for Masters level project proposals is start of January, however, we would advise that you submit your proposal as soon as possible as the deadline may be brought forward if there is a large volume of submissions.


Can I get help writing a project proposal?


We are keen that the students work on real-world problems defined by our industry partners. Our UCL IXN programme leads work with you to match your specifications with our syllabus and assessment criteria. If you would like assistance aligning your project proposals with our scheme then please contact cs.strategicalliancesteam@ucl.ac.uk who will put you in touch with the appropriate staff.


What are the Undergraduate projects?


Our undergraduates have the unique opportunity to each work with organisations on the UCL IXN during their degree programme, giving them a wealth of industry exposure based on their motivations in Computer Science. In the second year there are IXN group projects, and in the final year there are individual projects, both taking approximately 25% of the learning time in the academic year.


Where can I find information on the undergraduate programmes?


Please visit our Undergraduate study pages.


What are the MSc Projects and UCL IXN Innovation?


UCL IXN Innovation specifically refers to the project scheme for our MSc programmes in subjects including Computational Finance, Machine Learning and Financial Risk Management among many others. These projects take place as a full-time 3 month engagement over the summer and are supported by an Academic Supervisor who will advise the student in relation to the process of writing their dissertation.


Where can I find information on the MSc programmes?


Please visit our Postgraduate taught study pages.


When do the MSc projects start and end?


The projects take place over the 3 months of June, July and August, as a full-time activity. After the end of August, the students will then have 1-2 weeks dedicated to finishing the write-up of their dissertations.


Where will the students work on MSc projects?


We support a number of working models from full-time on-site engagement to the student working remotely and only visiting the industry partner for necessary supervisory meetings. Students can work individually or in teams, depending on their degree programme. We ask that our partners notify us early of any administrative requirements for the students to come on-site so that they can be completed in a timely manner.


How much interaction will I and/or my colleagues be required to have with students throughout their project?


Regardless of the working arrangement, our experience from previous years is that students require an average of one meeting per week for supervision. For group projects this supervision can be done for the whole team, rather than on an individual basis.