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MSc Software Development (Part Time)

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 Software Development (Part Time)

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

CSC-MSC-ST

UCAS Code

JACS Code

I300 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

Prior Qualifications
The minimum entry requirement will normally be a 2(ii) UK Honours-equivalent first degree in any discipline excluding Computer Science or other similar Computing degree.
Applicants with entry qualifications other than a 2(ii) degree will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and information on application procedures.
Aptitude Test
In addition to the above qualification requirements, all applicants will also be required to pass an aptitude test.
International Applicants
As this is a part time course, international applicants will not be able to obtain a Tier 4 visa for this course and the University is not permitted to provide a CAS for the purpose of applying for one.
Only international applicants with alternative immigration permission that they have sought and obtained independently will be permitted to join the course. This will be thoroughly checked before admission to the course on a part-time basis.
International applicants, or applicants who have not completed their primary or higher degree at an institution where the language of instruction and of assessment is English, will require a recognised English Language qualification equivalent to at least a British Council IELTS qualification scored at a standard of 6.0 or TOEFL 550 (paper); 213 (computer), 80 (Internet based).

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Part Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Computing (2007)

Accreditations (PSRB)

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/

In order to proceed to Stage 2, Stage 1 students must have passed all Stage 1 modules (worth 60 CATS).

Normally, students must have satisfactorily completed the required taught modules in Stage 1 and Stage 2 (120 CATS points) before they will be permitted to begin their individual software development project.

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

Students, who have achieved at least 60 CATS which includes passing CSC7081 (Programming), 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. The part-time format and blended learning delivery of this programme is specifically designed to allow students to gain their education in a more flexible manner and at a slower pace than the full-time MSc.

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 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 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 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 & 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 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 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 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

 

Assessment

 

 

 

 

S1

S2

 

 

Core

Option

Coursework %

Practical %

Examination %

Programming

CSC7081

1

40

YES

YES

24 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Software Testing

CSC7086

1

20

YES

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Databases

CSC7082

2

20

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Software Engineering

CSC7083

2

20

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Web Development

CSC7084

2

20

YES

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Individual Software Development Project

CSC7058

3

60

YES

YES

24 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Notes