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BEng Software Engineering with Year of Professional Experience

Academic Year 2018/19

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

BEng Software Engineering with Year of Professional Experience

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

Bachelor of Engineering

Programme Code

SEP-BENG

UCAS Code

G604

HECoS Code

100374

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci

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

Level 6

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

Computing (2016)

Accreditations (PSRB)

British Computer Society (BCS)

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 17-10-13

REGULATION INFORMATION

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

None

Programme Specific Regulations

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

Progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2:

At the end of Stage 1, students enrolled on a Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computing and Information Technology programme may choose to swap programme and transfer into Stage 2 of any of these listed programmes subject to meeting the normal Stage 1 to Stage 2 progression requirements of the chosen programme. Students will not normally be permitted to swap from a Bachelors to Masters programme or from a programme with Professional Experience to a programme without Professional Experience.

Year of Professional Experience:

Students must, unless exempted, spend at least 9 months between Stage 2 and Stage 3 in obtaining professional experience in a manner approved by the School.

Normally students may proceed to the Year of Professional Experience if they have no more than one module fail (20 CATs) at Level 2.

Students wishing to apply for exemption from their Professional Experience Requirement must do so in writing to the Director of Education before 1st December in Stage 2. Applications for exemption will be considered by the Placement Adviser and the Director of Education, with advice from the students’ Advisers of Studies or other staff as appropriate. Exemption will be granted only in circumstances where a student can demonstrate either personal extenuating circumstances or the equivalent of a minimum of 9 months relevant previous experience.

Students who have been granted exemption from the Year of Professional Experience will be required to transfer to the equivalent programme and may proceed directly to Stage 3 subject to meeting the normal Stage 2 to Stage 3 placement requirements.

In September, prior to the start of the first semester, students who are unable to secure a placement will be considered for exemption by the Placement Adviser and the Director of Education, with advice from the students’ Advisers of Studies or other staff as appropriate.

Before a student will be deemed 'unable to secure a placement' he/she will be asked to demonstrate a consistent effort throughout the year in obtaining a placement. Normally, this will be interpreted as a minimum of 20 relevant applications to advertised positions, spread across the year. Speculative enquiries to companies not advertising placement opportunities do not form part of this.

Students who, despite repeated attempts, are unable to obtain a suitable placement may be permitted to transfer to the equivalent non-placement programme and may proceed directly to Stage 3 subject to meeting the normal Stage 2 to Stage 3 placement requirements.

Award of Degrees
For the award of a BEng degree students must normally have passed at least 16 modules (320 CATS) to include CSC3032 and have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 40%.

For those students that have transferred to this programme from Stage 3 or Stage 4 of the equivalent MEng degree programme, the following conditions apply in place of the above.

For the award of an BEng Honours Degree students must normally have passed at least 16 modules to include a final year project: only one from either CSC3032 or CSC4006. For this purpose, a pass in CSC4006 will be awarded as a pass at Stage 3. Finally, the Year of Professional Experience must also be satisfactorily completed.

The classification of the BEng degree is determined by a straight aggregate of the weighted marks for the individual modules which contribute to the classification. The classification is based on 6 stage 3 modules, to include: core modules, CSC3032 or CSC4006 and the best optional modules, of equal weight = 60% of the final mark, the 6 modules taken in Stage 2, of equal weight = 30% of the final mark, the 6 modules taken in Stage 1 of equal weight = 10% of the final mark.

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 Engineering, supported by fundamental topics in Computing Science, which will produce graduates equipped to apply best practice in software engineering to the design and development of a wide range of software systems in organisations.

• Embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research in Software Engineering.

• Understand the fundamental principles of Software Engineering and Computer Science.

• Understand and able to able use a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in Software Engineering theory and practice.

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

• Maintain a rigorous approach to the design and development of software systems and the analysis of their correctness and complexity, which will remain applicable through changes in technology.

• Exercise high levels of professionalism and an awareness of the wider business and legal environment in which software engineers operate.

• Possess strong interpersonal skills, encompassing team-working skills and effective oral, written, presentation and listening skills.

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

• Draw upon practical skills and experience of software development in a business/commercial context.

Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Computing, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the 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 programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with degree classification, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills:

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Analyse, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive 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 (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

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 (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily developed through software design modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

Appraise the professional, legal and ethical framework within which a software engineer must operate

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations (I1), assessed practical work (I1, I2), practical examinations (I1), online MCQs (I1), assignments (I1, I2, I3, I4), projects (I2, I4), technical reports (I1, I2, I3, I4) and dissertations (I1, I2, I3, I4).

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Grasp the underpinning mathematics and 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 degree.

Methods of 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 dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Understand 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 degree and is developed throughout all modules that involve the specification, design, implementation, evaluation or maintenance of software systems

Methods of 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 dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Recognise 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

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 dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Comprehend 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 projects, although, this learning outcome is developed, to a lesser degree, within all programing modules

Methods of 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 dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Adhere to the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software
Engineers and their role within an organisation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module, although, modules that explore software quality and capstone projects also permit development of this learning outcome.

Methods of 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 dissertations (KU3, KU4, KU5).

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

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 engineering

Methods of 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 dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

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 with development oriented modules.

Methods of 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 dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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

Methods of 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 dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

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

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 dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

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

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 dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, 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

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 dissertations (P1,
P2, P3, P6)

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

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

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

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

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Use information technology effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed within all computing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

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

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed within all computing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed to successfully complete
computing modules, particularly for those after Stage 1.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervasive across all modules and comprises a core
competency needed within all computing modules

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

Plan and manage their career

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Explicitly developed within the CSC2011 professional practice module and to a lesser degree within modules that require the student to actively consider and explore roles that map onto a range of software engineering career paths.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

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

Combination of unseen written examinations
(T2, T4, T5), assessed practical work
(T2, T3, T5), practical examinations (T2,
T5), online MCQs (T2, T5), assignments
(T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9),
projects (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7,
T8, T9), presentations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), demonstrations (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5), technical reports (T1, T2, T3,
T4, T5, T6, T7) and dissertations (T1,
T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T9).

MODULE INFORMATION

Stages and Modules

Module Title

Module Code

Level/ stage

Credits

Availability

Duration

Pre-requisite

Assessment
S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Introduction to Software Engineering and Project Management CSC1009 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Reasoning for Problem Solving CSC1017 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Programming CSC1020 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 30% 50% 20%
Architecture and Networks CSC1022 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Databases CSC1023 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 30% 40%
Professional Computing Practice CSC2011 2 10 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Architecture and Networks CSC2039 2 10 YES 12 weeks Y YES 0% 40% 60%
Data Structures, Algorithms and Programming Languages CSC2040 2 30 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 0% 60% 40%
Information Modelling CSC2042 2 10 YES 12 weeks Y YES 40% 0% 60%
Software Development - Processes and Practice CSC2044 2 30 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Software Engineering CSC2045 2 30 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 60% 0% 40%
Year of Professional Experience CSC2034 3 120 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Concurrent Programming CSC3021 4 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Agile & Component Based Development using .NET CSC3045 4 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 0% 100% 0%
Software Testing CSC3056 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 60% 40%
Software Engineering Project CSC3032 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Software Design Principles, Patterns, Practice and Innovation CSC3031 4 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 15% 15% 70%
Advanced Computer Architecture CSC3058 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Malware Analysis CSC3059 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 40% 60%
Data Analysis and Visualisation CSC3062 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Secure Software Development CSC3063 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 30% 40%
Network Security CSC3064 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 60% 0%

Notes