Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To inspire students to have interest and enthusiasm for subjects they have chosen to study, and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying. 
• To give students the knowledge and skills needed to become effective specialist professionals within the computing industries 
• To provide students with specialised areas of study so that they can understand and apply the theory and practice of a range of advanced computing topics 
• To provide students with specialised areas of study so that they can understand and apply the theory and practice of internet computing and network security 
• To provide students with an awareness of the impact and risks of professional, legal, ethical and social issues in their specialist area 
• To provide students with the training to undertake research projects in their specialist area of knowledge in computing 
• To provide training, through a range of educational activities, to develop a range of transferable skills applicable to employment

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA Computing Benchmark
The National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of: 

K1 Theory and programming methods for the construction of complex systems

K2 Advanced principles of computer networks and distributed computing

K3 Security issues and vulnerabilities for computing and networked systems

K4 The principles of encryption and their application to security problems

K5 Principles of image processing and coding

K6 Principles of robotics, control and intelligent/autonomous systems

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should gain the ability to: 

C1 Analyse requirements for, plan, model and design computer based systems in the specialist fields of the programme

C2 Critically evaluate computer-based systems

C3 Critically evaluate visual systems and associated technology

C4 Critically evaluate networked and Internet-based systems with particular reference to the security of the systems

C5 Plan and manage a research project in computer-based systems

C6 Assess the possible professional, legal, ethical and social issues associated with a computing project in their specialist area

C7 Identify and manage commercial and scientific risk associated with a computing project in their specialist area

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should gain the ability to: 

P1 Build, implement and test complex computer-based systems that are well structured, reliable and useable

P2 Build, implement and test computer-based systems which take into consideration context and appropriate visual interfaces

P3 Build, implement and test internet and networking systems that are secure, reliable and useable.

P4 Assemble and effectively measure and utilise networking equipment

P5 Effectively deploy tools and computer equipment for the implementation and documentation of computer-based systems

P6 Deploy research methodologies in a computing context to produce novel and leading edge outcomes

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should gain the ability to: 

T1 Effectively employ research and information-retrieval skills

T2 Employ numeracy in understanding cases involving a quantitative dimension

T3 Manage their own learning and development, including time management and organisational skills

T4 Work effectively on their own or as part of a team

T5 Plan and manage a project to complete within schedule and resource availability

T6 Present their work in the form of reports, oral presentations or demonstration

4. Programme structure

Semester 1

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits) 

Semester 2

Compulsory modules  (60 credits) 

Semester 3

Compulsory modules  (60 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

N/A