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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Software Development

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Software Development Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code CSC-MSC-SD UCAS Code HECoS Code 100374 - Software engineering - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Computing (2016)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Assessment and Progression

The programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/

Normally, students must have satisfactorily completed the required taught modules (120 CATS points) before they will be permitted to begin their individual software development project.

Students who have failed the same module twice, will normally be required to withdraw from the MSc programme and may be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate.

Students who obtain 120 CATS points in the taught modules are required to undertake an individual software development project. The project is assessed via continuous assessment, the delivered software system and final dissertation. The project supervisor, a second internal assessor and the external examiner assess project work. The pass mark for the project module is 50%. Students who fail to achieve at least 50% in the project at the first attempt will normally be permitted one resit attempt to pass with the mark used in calculating the final award being capped at 50%. Students who fail to achieve at least 50% in the project will be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Students who have achieved 120 CATS points in the taught modules, may decide to withdraw from the MSc and be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Students, who have achieved at least 60 CATS points in the taught modules, may decide to withdraw from the MSc and be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broadly-based education in Software Development, which will produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, key skills and competencies required to take a variety of roles within the software development industry.

Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Master’s degrees in Computing, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the Masters in Software Development programme, and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Specifically, students graduating from the Masters programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with award attained, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills.

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

Use the necessary skills, tools and techniques needed to embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research and teaching in Software Engineering.

Apply their knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of Software Engineering and Computer Science.

A solid grounding in the design and development of software systems and the analysis of their correctness and complexity, which will remain applicable through changes in technology.

Display a broad understanding and experience of the professional context and the wider business and legal environment in which Software Engineers operate.

Implement the skills necessary to critically evaluate new developments in technology and take advantage of them where appropriate.

Adhere to the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers.

Practice timely exposure to, and practical experience in, a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in software development.

Avail of opportunities for the development of practical skills in software development in a business/industrial context.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

IC1. Analyse, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades across all modules and comprises the forms of thinking needed to specify, design, implement, evaluate or maintain software systems.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed practical work (IC1, IC2), practical examinations (IC1), online MCQs (IC1), assignments (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4), projects (IC2, IC4), technical reports (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4) and dissertation (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4).

IC2. Critically evaluate and balance quality indicators in the design and development of software solutions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and programming/project based modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed practical work (IC1, IC2), practical examinations (IC1), online MCQs (IC1), assignments (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4), projects (IC2, IC4), technical reports (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4) and dissertation (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4).

IC3. Critically evaluate a given software design, component or project, identifying and resolving deficiencies.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software engineering and design modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed practical work (IC1, IC2), practical examinations (IC1), online MCQs (IC1), assignments (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4), projects (IC2, IC4), technical reports (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4) and dissertation (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4).

IC4. Appraise the professional, legal and ethical framework within which a Software Engineer must operate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mainly developed through modules that explore software quality and capstone project also permits development of this learning outcome.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed practical work (IC1, IC2), practical examinations (IC1), online MCQs (IC1), assignments (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4), projects (IC2, IC4), technical reports (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4) and dissertation (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4).

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

TE1. Work effectively with and for others, including as part of a team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed within modules that involve a team-based project element and to a lesser degree within all modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE2. Retrieve information from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within all modules and strongly embedded as part of modules that include a strong investigative element.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE3. Use information technology effectively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE4. Communicate effectively using various modes/media and with a variety of audiences.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed within modules that involve either a presentation/demonstration element or a strong multi-media component. To a lesser degree it is embedded within the submissions required for all modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE5. Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE6. Manage one’s own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE7. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and a spirit of critical enquiry.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE8. Plan and manage their career.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that require the student to actively consider and explore roles that map onto a range of software development career paths.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of unseen assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

TE9. Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed within modules that illustrate the evolution and development of software engineering.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: combination of assessed practical work (TE2, TE3, TE5), practical examinations (TE2, TE5), online MCQs (TE2, TE5), assignments (TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), projects (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8, TE9), presentations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), demonstrations (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5), technical reports (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7) and dissertation (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE9).

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

KU1. The underpinning theoretical framework of Software Engineering.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through programming modules (including those that primarily focus on algorithms) alongside software design modules. The theoretical frameworks underpinning software engineering are developed and expanded throughout the programme.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of unseen assessed practical work (KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2), assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations (KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4), technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertation (KU3, KU4, KU5).

KU2. The essential principles, theories, practices, languages and tools that may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Forms a core component of the programme and is developed throughout all modules that involve aspects of the specification, design, implementation, evaluation or maintenance of software systems.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2), assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations (KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4), technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertation (KU3, KU4, KU5).

KU3. Good engineering practice in the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software solutions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and project based modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2), assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations (KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4), technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertation (KU3, KU4, KU5).

KU4. The importance of quality and fitness for purpose of the software engineering process and resulting artefacts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules and capstone project, although, this learning outcome is developed, to a lesser degree, within all programing modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2), assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations (KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4), technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertation (KU3, KU4, KU5).

KU5. The professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software Engineers and their role within an organisation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mainly developed through modules that explore software quality and capstone project also permits development of this learning outcome.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (KU2, KU3), online MCQs (KU1, KU2), assignments (KU2, KU3, KU4), presentations (KU3, KU4), demonstrations (KU3, KU4), technical reports (KU2, KU3, KU4) and dissertation (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

P1. Apply a range of software engineering concepts, tools and techniques to the solution of complex software engineering problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within most modules and reflects the practical and problem-based nature of software development.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (P2), practical examinations (P2), online MCQs (), assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6), demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertation (P1, P2, P3, P6)

P2. Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer based systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Embedded within most modules with the strongest development of this learning outcome within development oriented modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (P2), practical examinations (P2), online MCQs (), assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6), demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertation (P1, P2, P3, P6)

P3. Deploy effectively the tools used for software development and documentation of software systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software engineering module and programming/project based modules and to a lesser degree within most modules.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (P2), practical examinations (P2), online MCQs (), assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6), demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertation (P1, P2, P3, P6)

P4. Work effectively as a member of a software development team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising teams.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that involve a team-based project element.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (P2), practical examinations (P2), online MCQs (), assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6), demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertation (P1, P2, P3, P6)

P5. Employ appropriate project management approaches within complex software engineering environments.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that either involve a software development project element or provide specific coverage of this aspect of software engineering.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (P2), practical examinations (P2), online MCQs (), assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6), demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertation (P1, P2, P3, P6)

P6. Articulate and effectively communicate the design and technological rationale for a given software component or project through appropriate technical reports and presentations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within modules that involved the justification of design or related technical aspects through appropriate reports, presentations or demonstrations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment: Combination of assessed practical work (P2), practical examinations (P2), online MCQs (), assignments (P1, P2, P3), projects (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), presentations (P4, P6), demonstrations (P4, P6), technical reports (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6) and dissertation (P1, P2, P3, P6)

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Computing Foundations CSC7064 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Cloud Computing CSC7071 7 0 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Data Analysis and Visualisation CSC7072 7 0 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
User Experience Design CSC7075 7 0 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Web Development CSC7062 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Programming CSC7061 7 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Software Engineering CSC7053 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Individual Software Development Project CSC7057 7 60 -- YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Individual Software Development Project CSC7058 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Databases CSC7052 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

No notes found.