Technology
MSc Computing
MSc Mobile Computing
MSc Information Technology
MSc Database Technology
MSc Computing for Business
MSc Computer Science
MSc Forensic Computing
MSc Computer Games Software
MSc Mobile Computer Systems
MSc Web Development
MSc Multimedia
MSc Web Multimedia
MSc Network Computing
MSc Computing Solutions for Business
PgC / PgD Computing
PgC / PgD Computer Science
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Contents Page
Welcome to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology
1 Award details and overview
How to use this Handbook
What is my award about?
MSc Computing
MSc Mobile Computing
MSc Information Technology
MSc Database Technology
MSc Computing for Business
MSc Computer Science
MSc Forensic Computing
MSc Computer Games Software
MSc Mobile Computer Systems
MSc Web Development
MSc Multimedia
MSc Web Multimedia
MSc Network Computing
MSc Computing Solutions for Business
What are the stages of my award?
What qualifications do I need to get on the award?
How much will my award cost?
What are the PGC and PGD modules and what do they contain?
What are the Masters modules and what do they contain?
How many modules at a time do I study and how long will it take to complete my course?
What is the proposed timetable for the award?
How much time am I expected to spend on my study?
What software and hardware requirements are there for each module?
What about general computing access?
How am I introduced to the university?
Will I need any books?
2 Learning and Assessment issues
What are the learning approaches I will be exposed to?
What assessment methods will be used?
Is there a strategy behind the use of assessment methods?
3 Modular Awards
Is my award based on a system of modules?
What is a module?
What if I am referred in a module?
When must a referred module be retrieved?
What if I fail a module?
What are extenuating circumstances?
4 Grades and regulations
How am I graded on the MSc?
What feedback shall I receive?
What if I disagree with a grade I received?
What is meant by the terms academic dishonesty and plagiarism?
What are assessment and award boards?
What about certificates?
University award regulations
What do I need to pass a module?
What about compensation?
2
Can I get credit for previous study?
What is progression?
5 Dissertation information
What about dissertation approval and management?
What if I am referred in the dissertation?
6 Contacts and communication
How am I kept informed about my award?
What if I am ill and cannot attend a scheduled session?
Who do I need to contact for information related to my award?
What if I experience problems that are not related to my award?
Is there a counselling service?
What if I have a disability or special needs?
What about the university’s mental health policy?
Can I get careers advice?
What about employability issues?
Are there opportunities for Personal Development Planning (PDP)?
7 Quality and student feedback
How is award quality checked?
How is feedback on awards achieved?
What about feedback from me?
What if I need to complain?
8 Leaving or suspending study
Can I transfer award?
What about intermitting?
What about withdrawing?
9 University expectations
What does the university want you to be able to show when you have completed your degree?
10 Appendices
Appendix 1: Internet, general computing facilities, and library services
Appendix 2: Assessment criteria
Appendix 3: M-level common learning outcomes
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Welcome to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology
4
1. Award Details and Overview.
How to use this handbook
This handbook is specific to all MSc awards. In it you will find information such as the
structure of your award, contact details of staff, and other useful information. You will need to
make sure you read the sections specific to your individual flavour of award.
What is my award about?
MSc Computing
This course applies in depth knowledge of state of the art techniques within the context of
industry or commerce. It addresses market demand for graduates with Information
Technology skills appropriate for business and industry. A major feature of the award is the
industrial placement that enables skills and techniques imparted to be applied within industry
and commerce. The student population is drawn from non-Information Technology
backgrounds and therefore students study and work with others from a wide range of
backgrounds providing a rich learning environment. Advanced computing skills and IT
knowledge are developed that result in a Masters graduate able to design and implement
systems that support application requirements efficiently and effectively, while also bearing in
mind business and strategic issues.
Learning Outcomes
• A critical understanding of the fundamental principles of computing and business, and
their relevance to applications of computer systems within an organization
• An ability to analyse, design and implement reliable and maintainable information
systems
• Be able to communicate effectively in academic, technical and professional
environments
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and
be able to use this to professional advantage
• Show a critical awareness of methods and techniques available and the ability to apply
an appropriate approach in your chosen areas of computing
• Critically appraise the problems associated with the development of software systems
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• A critical and practical understanding of the methods employed in research
• Through practical experience develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue
a successful career in computing
• An ability to critically analyse, design and evaluate possible developments in a
specialized area of the discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding
in a Computing environment
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment.
Learning Outcomes
• Relate, understand, apply and adapt fundamental principles of computing and business
to computer systems within an organisation
• Analyse, design and implement reliable and maintainable information systems
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and
be able to use this to professional advantage
• Show a critical awareness of methods, techniques and technologies available and the
ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to problems in the
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domain of mobile computing
• Analyse the problems associated with the development of mobile computing systems
and develop effective solutions
• Use appropriate research method to discover more optimal solutions and ensure
professional currency
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and technology
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised area of
the mobile computing discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding
in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
Learning Outcomes
• An understanding of the basic principles of computing, and their relevance to
applications of computer systems within an organisation;
• An ability to analyse, design and implement reliable and maintainable information
systems;
• Be able to communicate effectively in academic, technical and professional
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environments;
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and
be able to use this to professional advantage.
• Show a critical awareness of methods and techniques available and the ability to
apply an appropriate approach in your chosen areas of information technology;
• Critically appraise the problems associated with the development of information
technology systems.
• Develop a critical and practical understanding of the methods employed in research,
and specifically Information Technology;
• Through practical experience develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to
pursue a successful career in computing
• Build problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that
encompass people and technology;
• Develop an ability to critically analyse, design and evaluate possible developments in
a specialised area of the discipline in order to further the knowledge and
understanding of how business efficiency and advantage may be gained;
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner.
The award covers topics such as, database design and implementation, use of data, data
mining, data warehousing, security, web databases, mobile databases, XML with respect to
databases, and distributed data etc.
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technology solutions where applicable.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of
database technology and computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of
professional competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt fundamental
database technology theory and principles and be able to present these in a
professional format to a wide audience
• Show a critical awareness of methods, techniques and technologies available and the
ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to problems in the
domain of database technology
• Analyse, design , implement and manage database solutions at both the component
and full application level
• Research the problems associated with the development of database systems and
propose effective solutions
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical computing knowledge
available and be able to use this to professional advantage
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and database technology
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised area of
the database technology discipline in order to further the knowledge and
understanding in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
9
• Develop an understanding of the basic principles of computing and business, and their
relevance to applications of computer systems within an organisation;
Learning Outcomes
• An understanding of the basic principles of computing and business, and their
relevance to applications of computer systems within an organisation
• Be able to communicate effectively in academic, technical and professional
environments
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and
be able to use this to professional advantage
• Show a critical awareness of methods and techniques available and the ability to apply
an appropriate approach in your chosen areas of computing and business
• Critically appraise the problems associated with the development of software systems
• Experience of working effectively within an industrial or commercial organisation
• A critical and practical understanding of the methods employed in research
• Knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to pursue a successful career in
computing;
• An appreciation of the importance of information in society and in the management of
business organisations;
• Problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and technology;
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• Learn to apply knowledge and skills to solving business problems during your industrial
placement and further in your dissertation project;
• Acquire knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to pursue a successful career in
academia or industry.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of
Computer Science, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of professional
competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt fundamental
Computer Science theory and principles and be able to present these in a professional
format to a wide audience
• Show a critical awareness of methods, techniques and technologies available and the
ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to problems in the
domain of Computer Science
• Analyse, design and implement computing solutions at both the component and full
application level
• Research the problems associated with the development of computing systems and
propose effective solutions
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical computing knowledge
available and be able to use this to professional advantage
• Use principled process in problem solving to find and devise acceptable solutions that
encompass people and computer systems
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialized area of
the Computer Science discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding
in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
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This award has the following aims:
• To deliver up-to-date subject contents that are relevant to the current and evolving field of
forensic computing, by maintaining close links and direct input from national and
international industrial and commercial organisations;
• To build on the students existing computing knowledge, by developing this to specifically
focus on forensic computing and enable them to research in more depth in their chosen
subject areas;
• To ensure the student has a systems view of business problems and is able to analyse
problems, and design and deliver comprehensive technical and sound forensic solutions;
• To enhance the students abilities in research, problem-solving and management;
• To encourage the student to apply knowledge and skills to solving forensic based
problems during their dissertation project;
• To enable the student to acquire knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to pursue a
successful career in academia or industry.
Learning Outcomes
• Become technically competent and proficient in one or more specialist branches of
forensic computing
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and
be able to use this to professional advantage
• Be able to communicate effectively in academic, technical and professional
environments
• Acquire skills and techniques used in the design and implementation of computer
systems which are forensically sound
• Learn the principles of a selection of areas within computer science
• Be able to critically appraise the forensic problems and risks associated with the
development of computer systems
• Be able to contribute to the advancement and the development of Computer Science
and forensic theories and practices
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that
encompass people and technology
• Develop skills to critically analyse, design and evaluate possible developments in a
specialised area of the discipline in order to further the knowledge and
understanding in a forensic computing environment
• Relate through placement, project or paper, your forensic experience to groups
outside the taught environment
A major part of study will have a technical focus that will enable students to implement
concepts and theories taught. Non-technical aspects are also included in the course, to give a
firm grounding in the principles and methods for producing entertaining animations and
sounds. Students will study topics such as 3D modelling, animation, real-time 3D rendering,
collision detection, intelligent agents, finite state machines, path finding, game audio, game
platforms, inter-process communication in the context of multi-user distributed or mobile
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games, and physical laws that govern the dynamics of various solids and fluids.
Learning Outcomes
• A critical understanding of fundamental principles of modelling and animation
practice
• A critical and practical understanding of concepts, principles, techniques, and
practices fundamental to most game software
• A critical and practical understanding of how computer game software is developed
• A critical understanding of theories, concepts and principles embedded in computer
game software techniques, and ability to implement using them
• The ability to analyse, formulate, and solve complex technical problems, as well as
critically appraise the solution(s), in the context of game software
• Information and knowledge gathering, abstraction, organisation, and exchange skills
• A reflective application of knowledge to a range of game software systems,
underpinned by a systematic investigation of relevant game development issues
• A critical awareness of current issues in game software development enabling you to:
identify and evaluate options, explore issues that may effect the future of game
production, further the development of the game production industry
• The ability to further develop your knowledge and skills
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
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knowledge and skills acquired in your first degree, expanding into areas of mobile
computing;
• To enhance your abilities in research, problem-solving and management;
• To encourage you to apply knowledge and skills to solving mobile computer systems
problems during your dissertation project;
• To enable you to acquire knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to pursue a
successful career in academia or industry.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous under-graduate study in a number of specialist branches
of computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of professional
competence
• Be able to communicate effectively in academic, technical and professional
environments
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge
available and be able to use this to professional advantage
• Show a critical awareness of methods, techniques and technologies available
and the ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to
problems in the domain of mobile computing
• Analyse the problems associated with the development of mobile computing
systems and develop effective solutions
• Use appropriate research method to discover more optimal solutions and
ensure professional currency
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that
encompass people and technology
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised
area of the mobile computing discipline in order to further the knowledge and
understanding in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to
groups outside of the taught environment
The award covers topics such as: web standards, multimedia research, mobile web and
multimedia, programming for web applications, enterprise database systems, research
methods, and the opportunity to select module choices from a list of available options.
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This award has the following aims:
• Produce effective computing professionals able to develop web based components and
applications using state-of-the-art technologies;
• To deliver up-to-date subject contents that are relevant to current and future business /
industry demands related to web systems and applications;
• Allow the development of technical competencies, building on computing and relevant
application areas, knowledge and skills acquired in a first degree, expanding into areas of
web development;
• To enhance abilities in research, problem-solving and management;
• To encourage the application of knowledge and skills to solving substantial web
development problems;
• To enable the acquisition of knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to pursue a
successful career in academia or industry.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of web
development and computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of
professional competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt web development
theory, principles, and technologies and be able to present these in a professional
format to a wide audience
• Show a critical knowledge of current and emerging web standards and be able to
apply these in an efficient and appropriate way to web development based problems
• Show a critical awareness of web programming methods, techniques and technologies
available and the ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to
problems in the domain of web development
• Analyse the problems associated with the development of web based and general
computing systems and develop effective solutions
• Use appropriate research method to identify more optimal solutions and ensure
professional currency
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and web based technology
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised area of
the web development discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding
in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
MSc Multimedia
The MSc in Multimedia is a postgraduate qualification that provides specialist study of
multimedia and related systems. By studying the award as a student you will be given the
opportunity to build on your undergraduate knowledge learning further leading edge
technologies used within the context of industry / commerce, and develop research
perspectives relevant to multimedia. The award aims to address the increasing market demand
for graduates with multimedia skills and knowledge appropriate for designing and developing
applications for business and industry.
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The award covers topics such as: media editing and multimedia applications, mobile web and
multimedia, advanced multimedia systems, enterprise database systems, multimedia research
topics, research methods, and the opportunity to select module choices from a list of available
options.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of
multimedia related computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of
professional competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt multimedia theory
and principles and be able to present these in a professional format to a wide audience
• Show a critical awareness of methods, techniques and technologies available and the
ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to problems in the
domain of multimedia computing
• Analyse, design and implement multimedia solutions at both the component and full
application level
• Research the problems associated with the development of multimedia computing
systems and propose effective solutions
• Be able to draw upon the body of theoretical and technical computing knowledge
available and be able to use this to professional advantage
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and multimedia technology
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised area of
the multimedia computing discipline in order to further the knowledge and
understanding in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
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standards and technologies. Apart from having a deeply rooted focus on industry perspectives
you as a student will also develop strong research perspectives relevant to issues and areas of
web multimedia. By following the degree at the end you should find that you are highly
employable as there is an increasing need for graduates with web multimedia design and
implementation skills and knowledge.
The award covers topics such as: web multimedia, multimedia research, mobile web and
multimedia, enterprise database systems, research methods, and the opportunity to select
module choices from a list of available options.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of web
multimedia and computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of
professional competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt web multimedia
theory and principles and be able to present these in a professional format to a wide
audience
• Show a critical knowledge through selection, application and use of web technologies
applied to specified applications
• Show a critical awareness of specific web based applications (such as games),
understanding methods, techniques and technologies available and the ability to select
and apply them to form an appropriate solution to a set problem
• Analyse problems associated with the development of web multimedia based and
general computing systems and develop effective solutions for these
• Use appropriate research method to identify more optimal solutions and ensure
professional currency
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and web multimedia based technology
• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised area of
the web multimedia development discipline in order to further the knowledge and
understanding in the environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
17
MSc Network Computing
The MSc in Network Computing is a postgraduate qualification that provides specialist study
of Computer Networks, particularly related to the application and deployment of such
networks. By studying the award as a student you will be given the opportunity to build on
your undergraduate knowledge and learn about further leading edge technologies used within
the context of industry / commerce, and develop research perspectives relevant to computer
networks.
The award covers topics such as: Routing, Switching, Troubleshooting, Security, Wireless
LANs, Quality of Service, Network Computing research topics, Research Methods, and the
opportunity to select module choices from a list of available options. Some of these topics
utilise Cisco networking equipment and utilise support material provided by Cisco Systems
Inc.
Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of
Network Computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of professional
competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt fundamental
networking theory and principles and be able to present these in a professional format
to a wide audience
• Critically evaluate methods, techniques and technologies available and be able to
select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to problems in the domain of
network computing
• Analyse, design and implement networking solutions at both the component and full
application level
• Draw upon the body of theoretical and technical computing knowledge available and
use this to professional advantage
• Research the problems associated with the development of computer networks and
propose effective solutions
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and networking technology
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• Critically analyse, design and evaluate current developments in a specialised area of
the networking discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding in the
environment
• Plan and conduct a research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or paper, your educational experience to groups
outside of the taught environment
The award creates graduates who can combine technological competence with
business/management awareness in the application of technology solutions to business
problems. Graduates will be proficient in computing, knowledgeable of user concepts,
objectives of business and understand commercial frameworks. Graduates will be able to
fulfil the demands of applying technology to business applications throughout industry.
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Learning Outcomes
• Build upon previous undergraduate study in a number of specialist branches of
business computing, so as to achieve in these areas a masters level of professional
competence
• Develop academic qualities to relate, understand, apply and adapt fundamental
computing theory and principles and be able to present these in a professional format
to a business wide audience
• Show a critical awareness of methods, techniques and technologies available and the
ability to select and apply them to form an appropriate approach to problems in the
domain of business computing
• Analyse, design and implement business computing solutions at both the component
and full application level
• Research the problems associated with the development of business computing
systems and propose effective solutions
• Use problem solving techniques that can produce acceptable solutions that encompass
people and computing technology
• Plan and conduct a business computing research project in a professional manner
• Relate, through placement, project or research paper, your educational experience to
groups outside of the taught environment
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MSc Computing
Computing Skills
PgC Systems Analysis and Design
Computer Systems Architecture
Principles of Software Engineering
Internet Applications
PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Option
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Electronic Commerce 1
Introduction to Database Technology
Enterprise Applications
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Knowledge Management
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Survey Design and Statistical Data Analysis
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Interaction Design
Multimedia Systems and Applications
Network Systems and Technologies
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
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MSc Mobile Computing
Computing Skills
PgC Systems Analysis and Design
Computer Systems Architecture
Principles of Software Engineering
Internet Applications
PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Electronic Commerce 1
Introduction to Database Technology
Enterprise Applications
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Knowledge Management
Survey Design and Statistical Data Analysis
Interaction Design
Multimedia Systems and Applications
Network Systems and Technologies
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
22
MSc Information Technology
Computing Skills
PgC Systems Analysis and Design
Computer Systems Architecture
Principles of Software Engineering
Internet Applications
PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Option
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Electronic Commerce 1
Introduction to Database Technology
Enterprise Applications
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Knowledge Management
Survey Design and Statistical Data Analysis
Interaction Design
Multimedia Systems and Applications
Network Systems and Technologies
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
23
MSc Database Technology
Computing Skills
PgC Introduction to Database Technology
Computer Systems Architecture
Principles of Software Engineering
Internet Applications
PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Database Management and Security
Database Technology
Option Module
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Mobile Applications and Systems
Methods and Issues of E-Investigation
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
E-Commerce 1
24
MSc Computing for Business
Computing Skills
PgC Management of IT and Business
Systems Analysis and Design
Computer Systems Architecture
Principles of Software Engineering
PgD Placement / Research Paper / Integrated Project
Specific Option Module
Specific Option Module
Specific Option Module
MSc Research Methods and Proposal
Dissertation (45 credits)
25
MSc Computer Science
PgC / PgD Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Option
Personal Development and Research Methods
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Forensic Computing Concepts
Interaction Design
Internet Applications
Methods and Issues of E-Investigation
Multimedia Systems and Applications
Network Systems and Technologies
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Electronic Commerce 1
Introduction to Database Technology
Enterprise Applications
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Knowledge Management
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Methods and Issues of E Investigation
Survey Design and Statistical Data Analysis
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
26
MSc Forensic Computing
PgC / PgD Forensic Computing Concepts
Network Systems and Technologies
Personal Development and Research Methods
Forensic Investigation Project
Methods and Issues of E-Investigation
Option
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Interaction Design
Internet Applications
Multimedia Systems and Applications
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Electronic Commerce 1
Introduction to Database Technology
Enterprise Applications
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Knowledge Management
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Survey Design and Statistical Data Analysis
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
27
MSc Computer Games Software
PgC / PgD Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Personal Development and Research Methods
Game Development Project
Game Artificial Intelligence
Option
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation
Options
Image Processing
Interaction Design
Network Systems and Technologies
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Real-time Rendering, Animation, and Audio
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
28
MSc Mobile Computer Systems
PgC / PgD Network Systems and Technologies
Personal Development and Research Methods
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Option
Option
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Forensic Computing Concepts
Interaction Design
Internet Applications
Methods and Issues of E-Investigation
Multimedia Systems and Applications
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Electronic Commerce 1
Introduction to Database Technology
Enterprise Applications
Interactive Graphics and Virtual Reality
Knowledge Management
Methods and Issues of E Investigation
Survey Design and Statistical Data Analysis
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
Programming for Web Applications
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Web Multimedia
29
MSc Web Development
PgC / PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Introduction to Database Technology
Mobile Web and Multimedia
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Multimedia Research
Programming for Web Applications
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Advanced Multimedia Systems and Applications
Web Multimedia
Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Interaction Design
Network Systems and Technologies
Image Processing
Electronic Commerce-1
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Mobile Applications and Systems
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
30
MSc Multimedia
PgC / PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Introduction to Database Technology
Mobile Web and Multimedia
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Multimedia Research
Advanced Multimedia Systems and Applications
Option module
Option module
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Web Multimedia
Programming for Web Applications
Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Interaction Design
Image Processing
Electronic Commerce-1
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
31
MSc Web Multimedia
PgC / PgD Personal Development and Research Methods
Introduction to Database Technology
Mobile Web and Multimedia
Media Editing and Multimedia Applications
Multimedia Research
Web Multimedia
Option Module
Option module
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Programming for Web Applications
Advanced Multimedia Systems and Applications
Artificial Intelligent Systems
Computer Graphics
Interaction Design
Image Processing
Electronic Commerce-1
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Methods and Issues of E-Investigation
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Advanced Computing Investigation Topics
32
MSc Network Computing
Pre-enrolment Networking Concepts
PgC / PgD Information Technology Project Management
Personal Development and Research Methods
Award Specific Option
Award Specific Option
Award Specific Option
Award Specific Option
Option
Option
MSc Research Paper or Placement
Dissertation (45 credits)
33
MSc Computing Solutions for Business
PgC / PgD Management of Business and IT
E-Commerce or Knowledge Management
Specific Option Module
Specific Option Module
Specific Option Module
Specific Option Module
Specific Option Module
Placement / Research Paper / Integrated Project
MSc Research Methods and Proposal
Dissertation (45 credits)
Options
Business Process Re-Engineering
Corporate Strategy
E-Commerce
Enterprise Database Systems
Interaction Design
Information Technology Project Management
Internet Applications Development and Computer Networks
Managing Multimedia Systems
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Mobile Applications and Systems
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Network Systems and Technologies
Software Quality Engineering
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
34
What qualifications do I need to get on the award?
MSc Database Technology, MSc Computer Science, MSc Forensic Computing, MSc
Computer Games Software, MSc Mobile Computer Systems, MSc Web Development, MSc
Multimedia, MSc Web Multimedia, MSc Network Computing, and MSc Computing
Solutions for Business
To be considered for admission onto the Award you will normally hold a good single or joint
honours degree in computing or information technology. As an alternative you may have
suitable equivalent professional qualifications or experience that may be considered in the
absence of an honours degree. In addition for MSc Network Computing strong background to
networking must be shown.
MSc Computing, MSc Mobile Computing, MSc Information Technology, and MSc
Computing for Business
To be considered for admission onto the Award you will normally hold a good UK honours
degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent in a non-computing subject.
Other graduates who have appropriate experience would also be considered for entry, as
exceptionally would be non-graduates. In such cases the extent of industrial experience
gained would be a major factor. In all cases the final decision will be taken as to whether the
student is likely to be successful and benefit from the award.
* Students studying MSc Network Computing with only a limited knowledge of Networking
would need to pay and attend a preliminary course before beginning the MSc.
MSc Computing, MSc Mobile Computing, MSc Information Technology, and MSc
Computing for Business
The total cost for the award for UK and EU students is £4100. The cost for Overseas students is
£9875. (Fees correct as at 22/02/08, but may be subject to change.)
This pays for the 12 modules you study. This cost only covers your tuition fees so any
additional costs, such as books and accommodation, will be extra.
35
What are the PgC and PgD modules and what do they contain?
Most modules are offered in only one semester. For 2008-2009, it is
expected that the following modules will be available.
Semester commencing September 2008
Please refer to the online timetable at:
www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/timetable/modsem1.htm
36
module you will need to show that you are professional, a good problem solver, able to
work with others, and produce a good level of work output. You will be assessed by a
company line manager and an academic as to your achievements in the workplace itself.
On finishing the placement you must submit a log book and a report which documents
your achievements and will also be assessed.
Before proceeding to the placement you will have to pass at least three of your modules.
As already mentioned the placement occurs before starting the dissertation. It cannot be
done after it.
Integrated Project.
This optional module may be undertaken as an alternative to the Industrial Placement.
From time to time the University has practically based projects available. These give the
student an opportunity to simulate the demands of undertaking a real project in a working
environment. The Award Leader will make students aware of such opportunities if and
when they arise.
On passing all modules including the dissertation you will be eligible for the award of MSc.
How many modules at a time do I study and how long will it take to complete my
course?
By studying this award in full-time mode you are expected to enrol on four modules at a given
time. Each study period will last the equivalent of 1 semester or about 4 months.
Students who start in September could complete their MSc studies in a minimum of 1 year
without a placement, or upto 2 years with a placement.
Students who start in January would typically take sixteen months to complete their studies
without a placement. Taking a placement would add another six to twelve months to this.
All these time estimates could be increased if students are referred in modules, or if they elect
to spend more than the minimum twelve weeks on their dissertation.
If studying in a part-time mode you study two modules at a time and are likely to complete in 3
to 5 years time.
37
What is the proposed timetable for the award in 2008-2009?
Awards will start on the following dates. Further information related to semesters will be
given in your enrolment pack.
38
How much time am I expected to spend on my study?
Most 15 credit modules expect a typical study time of 150 hours. This includes work on
assignments and examinations. For the PgC and PgD stages you study four modules, studied in
parallel, over each 4 month period. Attendance at any module lectures and tutorials and time
spent on assessments is included in this overall figure. Each module will contain a recommended
timetable of study with suggested milestones.
What software and hardware requirements are there for each module?
The following hardware and software are minimum specifications:
39
For each module there are further necessary resources as shown below required if you intend to
work at home in completing assignments or study etc.:
40
41
What about general computing access?
There are many computing laboratories available on campus for you to use. These are run by the
Faculty itself and also Information Services. You will find the Faculty manages the more
specialist hardware and software laboratories, whilst Information Services runs the more generic
widespread computing facilities (e.g. Microsoft Word etc.). You are free to use any of these
facilities when a class is not taking place within them.
42
appeals, complaints etc. and other such important details.
• Tours will be provided so you are quickly familiarised with the university. This will involve you
going to the library, looking at computing facilities, and finding out where eating areas are etc.
• Library information, a full introduction to the physical library and its electronic resources.
• IT logon sessions will be held so that you get an introduction to the IT facilities and learn how
to use them effectively.
• The award team will introduce the structure of your award, its contained modules, and the
operation of modules.
43
2 Learning and Assessment issues
What are the learning approaches I use?
As a student studying on an MSc we expect you to take a student centred approach and work both
collaboratively and individually to complement the Faculty’s resource centred teaching
mechanisms. Many of the modules you study will have different teaching and learning methods,
including traditional time-tabled lectures and tutorials, whilst also using practical laboratory
sessions, surgeries, group-based activities, case studies and investigations, seminars, supervision,
independent reading, independent resource based learning, and problem based learning. What
follows is a brief description of these methods.
Independent resource based learning where you are expected to achieve specific goals using
your own personal efforts. This approach will help you build up your research skills and develop
your own individual study approaches and strategies whilst using resources. This will not only
benefit you on your award, but should also help you to continue lifelong learning after completing
your course;
Independent reading often you will be set passages of text or research papers to read in your own
time;
Practical laboratory sessions normally take the form of intensive coding on machine, with the
support of a tutor;
Staff-directed learning where, through individual or group contact (e.g. in a formal lecture,
tutorial or workshop), a member of staff directs your learning experience. Such an approach
mixes students with diverse backgrounds, and enables different perspectives to be put forward in
learning activities;
Surgeries may take place where a tutor sets you an activity, and allows you later to visit them in
an informal setting to discuss and get guidance on your progress;
Problem based learning often within a module your will be set a specific problem that requires a
solution to be found. To solve this problem you will need to think, and reason towards a good
final solution. This approach to learning will be used both within groups and as individuals;
Group-based activities where you are expected to work together within groups (of specified
sizes) to achieve a collective goal;
Supervision: All students at the MSc stage of the award are required to write a dissertation, a
major factor related to this is learning how to work independently and be guided by a project
supervisor;
Case studies and investigations: On modules it is often the case that a real life scenario is used
for you to investigate in order to understand how theories taught relate to the real world;
Seminars during some aspects of your award you may be asked to research a topic with others
and give a mini seminar in order that others learn from your perspective.
Blackboard is a virtual learning environment that will be used to house some of your learning
activities and materials. For each module you study you will find module material contained
within the VLE. The main elements of this module material will be housed on a server which you
access from the Internet in order to get to related notes and teaching material. Blackboard in some
instances will also provide student communication facilities for staff contact and discussion
forums for student to student and staff to student contact in an asynchronous mode.
44
What assessment methods are used?
All modules are individually assessed via a number of assessment methods, according to the
requirements of that module. These may include examination, presentations, demonstrations, oral
viva, in-course practical assessment and individual/group assignments. In relation to the criteria
by which you are assessed, each module assignment shows the individual assessment criteria for
that module.
• Coursework assignments these can both be individual or group based, and can involve written
work or code based assignments. Each assignment will have its own specification and criteria that
you need to address to pass the component. You are graded against criteria based on grade points,
shown later in this handbook;
• Presentations this forms a method of assessment which will be used within several modules in
order that you get the opportunity to present your assignment findings and develop your
communication skills;
• Demonstrations similar in the sense to presentations in that you are given the opportunity to
explain your work, but this time you will demonstrate an artefact.
• End of module examinations on your award you will often undertake several examinations that
assess how well you have learned what has been taught. You may be exposed to short answer,
essay questions and multiple choice answer formats.
• Oral viva all students are required to do a viva presentation of their dissertation work at the end
of the award. This typically involves a brief presentation, in depth discussion, questions on the
work, and a demonstration of any artefact created.
45
3 Modular awards
46
What are extenuating circumstances?
The University has a severe penalty for the late submission of assignments or coursework
without extenuating circumstances. You automatically get a zero mark. If you are able to
declare any extenuating circumstances that caused the lateness or non-submission then you
must do so by completing and submitting the appropriate Extenuating Circumstances Form
either electronically or in person to the faculty office. There are specified deadlines for
submission of these claims. You should discuss a claim with a tutor before submitting the form,
to make sure the grounds are justified. You can also apply for circumstances such as mitigating
reasons that have affected your performance on an assessment.
Your claim is considered by the Faculty’s Extenuating Circumstances Panel, which may or may
not uphold it. If your claim is upheld, then a number of outcomes are possible dependent on the
nature and validity of your claim. These include your work being marked without penalty, a
requirement for resubmission with (or without) the loss of an attempt or the awarding of a pass.
The procedure for this is detailed in the Extenuating Circumstances Guide. The guide is
available from:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/images/extenuating_cir_tcm68-15855.pdf
47
4 Grades and regulations
How am I graded on the MSc?
You will be marked using the Common University Assessment 15 point grading system for
postgraduate students.
48
COLLUSION – where two or more students collaborate to produce a piece of work which is
then submitted as though it was an individual student’s own work. Where students in a class are
instructed or encouraged to work together in the pursuit of an assignment, such a group activity is
regarded as approved collaboration. Where there is a requirement for the submitted work to be
solely that of the individual, collaboration is not permitted. Students who improperly work
collectively in these circumstances will be regarded as being guilty of collusion.
COMMISSIONING another person to complete an assignment which is then submitted as your
own work.
COMPUTER FRAUD – the use of the material of another person stored on a hard or floppy disk
as if it were your own
DUPLICATION – the inclusion of coursework of any material which is identical or similar to
material which has already been submitted for any other assessment within the University or
elsewhere e.g. submitting the same piece of coursework for two different modules.
FALSE DECLARATIONS in order to receive special consideration by Examination Boards.
FALSIFICATION OF DATA – the presentation of data in projects, laboratory reports etc.
based on work purported to have been carried out by the students which have been invented by
the student or altered or copied or obtained by other unfair means.
49
(iv) copying the work of another person;
(v) the submission of work, as if it were the student’s own, which has been obtained from the
internet or any other form of information technology;
(vi) the submission of coursework making significant use of unattributed digital images such as
graphs, tables, photographs, etc. taken from books/articles, the internet or from the work of
another person;
(vii) the submission of a piece of work which has previously been assessed for a different award
or module or at a different institution as if it were new work;
(viii) A student who allows or is involved in allowing, either knowingly or unknowingly, another
student to copy another’s work including physical or digital images would be deemed to be guilty
of plagiarism.
50
Do I receive a certificate for each stage?
You will only receive either the Certificate or Diploma if you decide not to progress further, and
‘cash in’ your credits and leave the University. If you intend continuing they will count as entry
to the next stage of your award.
University award regulations
Based on your performance during your study, the award board has the discretion to determine
your final award classification deemed comparable to the general principles set out in the
University’s Regulations, these are available at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/images/postgrad_regs_tcm68-12690.pdf
What do I need to pass a module?
Providing you get 30% in each component and at least 50% overall for the module you will be
awarded a pass.
What about compensation?
You can be compensated for one 15 credit module at PgC level and one further 15 credit module
at PgD level. However, you must get at least a grade point 4 in the module to be eligible for
compensation. The Award Board has the right to deny, or award that compensation based on
your overall performance. No compensation is allowed at the Masters stage of your award. If any
component within a module drops to below 30% you will not be compensated.
Can I get credit for previous study?
Yes, but this must be considered before you start the award, through Accreditation of Prior
Learning/Experiential Learning (APL/APEL), as described in the University APE&L Handbook.
The handbook is available from:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/images/apel_pol_student_hbook_tcm45-2058.pdf
Applications for APL/APEL are assessed against the specific learning outcomes of modules for
which you apply. You may only receive credits for those modules where the learning objective
and context are compatible with particular modules on the chosen route. Credits may not be
given for modules previously used against an undergraduate award or against a second award at
the same level. Where the level of performance has been certificated and is compatible with the
overall assessment scheme, the award board may use such evidence in the determination of a
final classification.
In cases where candidates wish to claim accreditation against modules on the basis of
uncertificated prior learning or experiential learning, for example, in-company courses, work
based training, substantial employment or other experience, candidates must normally offer
written evidence of the prior learning.
Before starting your award you should contact the award leader to discuss whether this is
appropriate for you.
What is progression?
Progression is the term used to describe how you complete one stage of your award and enter the
next. As a general rule we only allow students to trail one referred module into the next stage of
their award. You must try to pass this module at the next available opportunity. Failure of a core
module will stop your progression on the award.
51
5 Dissertation information
Apart from completing the proposal at the same time you will fill out an academic ethical
approval form. This will review all aspects of an ethical nature associated to the project, e.g.
issues associated to users and testing.
On completion of your proposal the Dissertation Co-ordinator will assign you a dissertation
supervisor. During the dissertation period you will be in regular contact with your supervisor
(normally a weekly meeting).Their role is to specifically guide you academically, advise on
literature to review, keep you progressing on schedule, provide regular feedback on your work,
and guide you on ethical issues associated with the dissertation. Please note that it is your
responsibility to attend meetings regularly.
A full dissertation handbook will be given to you when you start the dissertation period.
You will be assessed in relation to how well you complete the work set out in your proposal.
Your supervisor and a second assessor will read the dissertation. After this, you will also
undertake a ‘Viva’, where you will present your dissertation and you yourself will have the
opportunity to discuss and clarify aspects of your work. The dissertation will be graded in the
form of grade points.
52
6 Contacts and communication
53
Award Tutor
• A named tutor you can contact if you have problems you wish to discuss, whether they require
academic guidance or personal support
• Handles day to day student problems that occur
• Communicates to you results of your studies
• Monitors your progress
• Forms a contact for writing references
Personal tutor
• A named tutor you can contact if you have problems you wish to discuss, whether they require
academic guidance or personal support
• In the PgC and PgD stages this will be your Personal Development and Research Methods tutor
• In the Masters stage this will be your dissertation supervisor.
• If you undertake a placement, you will be allocated a placement visit tutor
• Your personal tutor
• Monitors your progress
• Forms a contact for writing references
• You must arrange to visit your personal tutor at least once in your PgC, PgD and MSc stages of
your award to update your tutor on your progress and discuss any issues you have.
Module tutor
• Point of contact regarding module queries and content of assessment
• Responsible for running a module
• Defines content, learning outcomes and sets assessment
• Co-ordinates teaching staff involved with delivery of the module
• Co-ordinates marking of submitted assessments
• Guides you through a module
Award Administrator
• Provides timetable information
• Relays information related to examination times
• Provides award related forms such as enrolment forms
Contact details?
Award Programme Manager:
Dr Russell Campion Room K348
Tel. 01785-353464 e-mail R.J.Campion@staffs.ac.uk
Award Tutor
Di Bishton Room K229
Tel. 01785-353272 e-mail D.K.Bishton@staffs.ac.uk
Award Administrator
Chris Hanks Room K243
Tel: 01785-353462 email c.i.hanks@staffs.ac.uk
54
Recruitment Manager
Robin Oldham
Tel. 01785-353461 e-mail r.a.oldham@staffs.ac.uk
Module Tutors
Contact details for each module tutor are made available within associated module handbooks.
55
Is there a counselling service?
Yes, there are counselling and Health Care Services available at Stafford’s Beaconside site (Ext.
3303). The staff are here to listen and advise you on problems you may have. As alternative
mechanisms you may also speak to the award tutor or the Faculty’s student advisor (Ext. 3345).
What if I have a disability or special needs?
We welcome students with special needs and aim to offer non-discriminatory support in line with
University policy. We specifically address the Special Education Needs and Disability Act
(SENDA) to make learning accessible to all.
An increasing number of students with special needs are studying in the Faculty and have
completed our awards successfully. The majority of our buildings are designed for access by all
students, and the University also provides support services and helpers.
Students who are affected by dyslexia may be disadvantaged in completing written work. You
can arrange to be assessed for your abilities in this area and this may result in support in
undertaking written work and will be taken into account in assessments. Again, contact Welfare
Services but please also discuss the matter with your tutor or award leader.
Located within the University’s Student Support Section is Disability Services, where a range of
services available for advice, information and support continues to develop. Students are
encouraged to contact Disability Services as soon as possible, as early discussion of support
needs is essential.
56
Regional ACCESS Centre
• Diagnostic testing for dyslexia
• One to one dyslexia tuition
• Specialist communication support for deaf and hard of hearing students
• Liaison with teaching and other staff to help you co-ordinate your support arrangements
• Help with access to suitable residential accommodation
• Bookable vehicle with wheelchair access
To make an appointment to see a member of the Disability Services team call 01782 294977
(Stoke campus) or 01785 353302 (Stafford campus). They are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to
rd
Thursday and 4.30 on Friday. You can find them in Room C306, 3 Floor, Beacon Building on
the Stafford campus and in the Student Support Building in Winton Square, Station Road in
Stoke (opposite the railway station, to the right of the North Stafford Hotel). Alternatively you
can visit the web site at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/services
Please note there may be a waiting list for some of these services.
57
Are there opportunities for Personal Development Planning (PDP)?
Yes, a core module on your award, namely Personal Development and Research Methods exists
to develop your personal planning development needs as well as related research skills. By taking
up the PDP opportunities offered you will learn to become an effective planner and be able to
complement your skills with sound evaluation and reflection skills. PDP is a vital part of a
student’s development not only related to education but also in shaping a suitable career path to
follow.
58
critically. Student representatives, along with all the teaching staff involved, will attend these
meetings. Finally, informal feedback through student representatives, tutors and other award
officers are always encouraged.
What if I need to complain?
If you feel after contacting a module leader or the award leader that your query has not been
satisfactorily addressed you may wish to complain more formally. If you do this it will be dealt
with by the University’s Complaint Procedure, more details are available at
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/images/complaints_tcm68-15862.pdf
59
9 University expectations
What does the University want you to be able to show when you have completed your
degree?
and
• to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate to propose new
hypothesis
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10 Appendices
Both the University and the Faculty provide a range of facilities to enable post-graduate
academic life within the University to be as effective as possible.
The advent of the Internet and the use of the World Wide Web within academia has given rise
to the global campus. The Faculty in collaboration with the University Libraries, other Faculties
and with industrial partners, focuses on this development in a number of ways which benefits
your studying here. For instance, as part of the Oracle Centre of Excellence, Oracle supplies the
Faculty with a number of intelligent terminals for use as digital kiosks. This is part of the one
stop approach to information retrieval and querying that is being developed at Staffordshire and
within the Faculty in particular.
There are two MSc specific Common Rooms (K033 and K125) available in the Faculty’s
Octagon Building. They are equipped with facilities (including a number of networked PCs) to
enable both individual and group work. There are two research rooms for M.Res. students, each
provided with a desk and a networked PC. Professional Computing students will have a
dedicated room during their University weeks. In the Trent Building at Stoke, there is a meeting
room (LC008) bookable by students for private study. There is also a project lab equipped with
networked PCs (LC115).
Library services
The University library has many online facilities that you can log on to and use as a student.
Fuller details are available from the below link as to the range of services offered:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/uniservices/infoservices/library/online/
61
• IEEE All-society Periodicals Package (ASPP)
• IEEE Electronic Library online
• IEEE Proceedings Order Plan All Online (POP All Online)
• IngentaConnect
• Institute of Physics Archives
• Kluwer Journals Online
• Lexis-Nexis Professional (UK) Collection
• NUMDAM
• Oxford Journals Online
• ProQuest Nursing Journals
• PsycARTICLES
• PubMed Central
• Sage Publications
• ScienceDirect Elsevier Science Journals
• SourceOECD
• Springer Link
• SwetsWise Online Content
• Taylor and Francis Journals
• United Kingdom Serials Group
• WestlawUK collection
Monday - Thursday - 9am - 8pm (staffed) and 8pm - 3am (self service)
Friday - 9am - 5pm (Library closes at 5pm)
Saturday - 1pm - 6pm (Library closes at 6pm)
Sunday - 1pm - 6pm (staffed) and 6pm - 3am (self service)
For opening times of the Thompson and Law Libraries refer to the web site
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/uniservices/infoservices/library/open.php#nelsonopentime. During
University vacation periods the Libraries close at 5pm every evening and does not open at
weekends.
Inter-Library Loans
Apart from borrowing books from the university library, Inter-Library Loans are also available
to borrow books etc. from others in the UK. You will need to pay for this service and complete
a form in order to do so. If you need further information on this service contact the computing
librarian at the library on (01785) 354819.
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Laboratory facilities at Stafford
Computing facilities within the Octagon building are provided either by the Faculty or IT
Services, and are accessible to students. The Faculty provides a number of specialist
laboratories:
Details of the facilities available in each of the Faculties laboratories can be found on the
Faculties web site or by looking at notices placed beside teaching room doors.
http://www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/current_students/labs.htm
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Appendix 2: Assessment criteria
Assessments are designed to measure the student’s performance in three separate but
related categories: KNOWLEDGE, APPLICATION and COMMUNICATION. The
following table gives the assessment criteria for each grade in each of these three
categories.
Merit Complete knowledge of all Able to identify and apply Have a sound command of
delivered material. The more than one appropriate technical terminology and
60%-69% work will include the technique competently to standard English. Able to develop
students own ideas which the solution of a problem. a well-structured and persuasive
will be sound, but evidently Able to compare critically account. Able to make cogent use
not of a ‘distinctive’ the results obtained. of non-verbal modes of expression.
quality.
Pass Knowledge of all major Able to identify and apply Have a good command of
elements of the delivered more than one appropriate technical terminology and
50% - 59% material will be shown technique competently to standard English. Able to develop
satisfactorily. However, the the solution of a problem. a well structured account. Use
student will not add any non-verbal modes of expression
real personal perspective effectively.
to the work.
Compensatable The student will display an Able to identify and apply Show a near satisfactory
understanding that in at least one appropriate command of technical terminology
Fail principle is basic and technique but not and standard English. Able to
40% - 49% lacking sufficient competently or completely. develop a structured account. Use
knowledge of the delivered non-verbal modes of expression
material. There will be reasonably.
incorrect assumptions and
understanding shown.
Fail Insufficient knowledge of Apply inappropriate Some command of technical
delivered material. Major techniques (or an terminology and/or standard
0-39% flaws will be evident in the appropriate too weakly) to English. Unable to develop a
students understanding. the solution of a problem properly structured account
although some evidence of
structure will be present. Non-
verbal modes of expression either
absent or used inappropriately.
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Appendix 3: M-Level common learning outcomes
Common Level M
learning
outcomes
Knowledge and Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge which is at the forefront of
understanding professional practice in an area of computing.
Learning Demonstrate the independent learning ability required to advance their knowledge
and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level for continuing
professional development.
Problem solving Evaluate complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements
in the absence of complete data, and employ appropriate decision-making in
complex and unpredictable situations.
Reflection Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment
requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, self-direction and
originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and
implementing tasks at a professional level
Practical artifact Demonstrate that learning related to design, theory, and planning can be transformed
development practically into sound and workable practical computing artifacts.
Scientific approach Demonstrate that approaches and theories taught can be applied from one area of the
award to another. This may take the form of learning how to design programs in one
computer language and applying it to another.
RJC 14/03/08
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