MSc (T) Software Development
Academic Year 2017/18
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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
MSc (T) Software Development |
Final Award |
Master of Science |
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Programme Code |
CSC-MSC-SD |
UCAS Code |
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JACS Code |
I300 (DESCR) 100 |
Criteria for Admissions Prior Qualifications |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Interview Required |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Postgraduate |
Length of Programme |
1 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
180 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Computing (2007) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
Programme Specific Regulations Assessment and Progression |
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 SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 unseen written examinations (IC1), 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 unseen written examinations (IC1), 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 unseen written examinations (IC1), 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 unseen written examinations (IC1), 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 SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 unseen written examinations (TE2, TE4, TE5), 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 & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 written examinations (KU1, KU2, KU5), 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 unseen written examinations (KU1, KU2, KU5), 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 unseen written examinations (KU1, KU2, KU5), 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 unseen written examinations (KU1, KU2, KU5), 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 unseen written examinations (KU1, KU2, KU5), 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 SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 unseen written examinations (P2), 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 unseen written examinations (P2), 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 unseen written examinations (P2), 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 unseen written examinations (P2), 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 unseen written examinations (P2), 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 unseen written examinations (P2), 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
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
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Assessment |
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S1 |
S2 |
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Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
Databases |
CSC7052 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Software Engineering |
CSC7053 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Individual Software Development Project |
CSC7057 |
7 |
60 |
YES |
24 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Software Testing & Verification |
CSC7056 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Individual Software Development Project |
CSC7058 |
7 |
60 |
YES |
YES |
24 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
|
Programming |
CSC7061 |
7 |
40 |
YES |
YES |
24 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
|
Web Development |
CSC7062 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Notes
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