POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION. Intermediate Awards: PgC Software Engineering / PgD Software Engineering

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1 POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: MSc Software Engineering Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: Final Awards: Staffordshire University Faculty of Computing, Engineering & Sciences MSc Software Engineering Intermediate Awards: PgC Software Engineering / PgD Software Engineering Mode of Study: UCAS Codes: Full Time Part Time Distance Learning Not Applicable QAA Subject Benchmarks: Master s Degrees in Computing 2011 JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: Entry Year If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us.

2 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The aims of the MSc Software Engineering are: To develop your knowledge and skills in advanced, current Software Engineering theory and concepts To give you experience in industry-standard, market-leading Software Engineering practices, tools, techniques and technologies To give you further, up-to-date experience in developing complex software systems for a variety of platforms such as enterprise, mobile, web and/or database. To strengthen your skills in critical analysis and independent scholarship through a structured, research-informed programme of studies. To develop your research skills and enable you to become a specialist in a selected area of Software Engineering, by undertaking a MSc dissertation. To equip you for employment and advancement as a Software Engineering professional For those of you studying the Extended International version of this award, the aim of the preliminary semester is to acclimatise you to studying in the UK, so that you will be a confident learner on a UK based masters award. What is distinctive about this programme? This MSc Software Engineering has been designed to provide the skills, knowledge and rigour associated with the internationally recognised discipline of software engineering as defined by amongst others, the IEEE as: the systematic design and development of software products and the management of the software process. The course is designed to concentrate on the core software engineering skills of a methodical, rigorous quality driven, managed approach to software development: whether it is through a practical understanding of Agile Software Development, to a certifiable standard or working with the industry leading SAP software to engineer large scale system design or integration. Throughout the award the emphasis is on real-world skills blended with research driven teaching. In addition to the core activities you will have the option to specialise further by selecting from a range of optional modules tailored to give you exposure to web, mobile or database systems development, enhancing the vocational value of this award. Equally of significance is the programme s emphasis on scholastic development. You will be guided through best research practices to develop your ability to investigate, analyse and communicate research at a master s level; as well as 2

3 encouraging you to consider future trends and technologies that will shape the world of tomorrow. An optional placement provides an opportunity to embellish your portfolio and prove your newly acquired skills in the workplace as part of your master s study. The award culminates in the dissertation, which is your opportunity to develop your specialism to become a subject-matter-expert through research and application of advanced theories and principles, ideally placing you to take advantage of vocational opportunities or progress to further postgraduate study. You can study this course in a number of study modes: Full-time on-campus Full-time on-campus with a placement Full-time on-campus following a preliminary semester [Extended International Masters Programme] with or without a placement Part-time distance-learning The Extended International Programme offers extra modules on employability, computing and study skills including writing in English. This mode is designed to accommodate the needs of international students who require additional support in these areas. The School of Computing at Staffordshire University has an international reputation for outstanding teaching and development of computing professionals with long established relationships with leading companies in the computing industry. You will acquire skills allowing you to manipulate mission critical systems that provide service to every aspect of enterprise activity. You will be encouraged to contribute to research activities within the School and wider academic community, often working with actual real-world organisations on real-world problems. We are one of the largest and best resourced computing schools in the UK. Our work is supported by extensive networked computer facilities, software aids and most importantly expertise all of which you will need to harness and exploit technology to develop systems as diverse as mobile apps to mission critical expert systems, augmented reality to automation, including exposure to other industry hot topics such as the internet of things, cloud computing and Big Data. 3

4 PROGRAMME OUTCOMES What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to: Common learning outcome headings Knowledge and Understanding Learning Enquiry Analysis Problem Solving Communication Application Reflection QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Master s Degrees in Computing [in brackets - reference to QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Master s Degrees in Computing see Appendix] Develop specific focus and depth of critical understanding and interpretation of theoretical and technical knowledge in Software Engineering including that at the forefront of the field. [SKU1, 2, 3, 4] [SS2][GS 2] Demonstrate a systematic approach and ability to the study of the body of theoretical and technical knowledge in Software Engineering and its value in real-world contexts. [SKU 1, 2, 3] [SS 1, 2, 3] [GS 2, 3, 4] Understand and apply advanced techniques of research and enquiry in Software Engineering and the problems associated with the development of software systems, and propose effective solutions that address complex and unpredictable contexts. [SKU 5] [GS 2, 4] Understand and demonstrate analytical powers of thought through critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of subject material in Software Engineering and associated current and emerging domains, and its application to the resolution of complex problems. [SKU 6] [SS1] Use problem solving techniques to produce acceptable solutions in complex and unpredictable situations that encompass a range of stakeholders associated with the development of software systems within legal, ethical, and professional governance. [SKU 7] [SS 3] Convey the educational experience and accrued knowledge & skills to academic and non-academic audiences, including its value in both an academic and commercial context. [SS 1, 4, 5] [GS 3, 4] Adopt a critical approach in the application of Software Engineering- related concepts and practice to academic and commercial contexts to produce solutions of real value. [SS 2] [GS3] Be able to fully identify and understand one s intellectual 4

5 Teamwork capital in relation to Software Engineering and its future value in the Knowledge Economy [SS4] [GS 1, 4] Demonstrate effective use of teamwork and team leadership skills to a high professional standard, and be able to critically evaluate your own contribution and the contribution of others within the product development cycle, and to be able to use that criticism effectively [SS1, GS4] Your Programme of study has been designed taking into account the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Master s Degrees in Computing [see Appendix]. This subject benchmark statement defines the threshold standard of achievement, which is the standard expected to be achieved by a student graduating with the award of a master's degree in computing covered by this subject benchmark statement. An extract of the Benchmark Statement is shown below: All students graduating with a master's degree in computing are expected to be able to have demonstrated: A systematic understanding of the knowledge of the domain of their programme of study, with depth being achieved in particular areas, including both foundations and issues at the forefront of the discipline and/or professional practice in the discipline; this should include an understanding of the role of these in contributing to the effective design, implementation and usability of relevant computer-based systems A comprehensive understanding, and a critical awareness of: the essential principles and practices of the domain of the programme of study as well as current research and/or advanced scholarship; current standards, processes, principles of quality and the most appropriate software technologies to support the specialism; the relevance of these to the discipline and/or professional practice in the discipline; and an ability to apply these Consistently produced work which applies to and is informed by research and/or practice at the forefront of the developments in the domain of the programme of study; this should demonstrate critical evaluation of aspects of the domain, including appropriate software support, the ability to recognise opportunities for software or hardware tool use as well as possible tool improvement, an understanding of the importance of usability and effectiveness in computer systems development, and generally the acquisition of welldeveloped concepts Understanding of t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l, l e g a l, s o c i a l and e t h i c a l framework within which they would have to operate as professionals in their area of study; this includes being familiar 5

6 with and being able to explain significant applications associated with their programme of study and being able to undertake continuing professional development as a self-directed lifelong learner across the elements of the discipline The ability to apply the principles and practices of the particular programme's domain in tackling a significant domain related activity; the solution should demonstrate a sound justification for the approach adopted as well as originality [including exploration and investigation] and a self-critical evaluation of effectiveness but also critical awareness of current problems and new insights, and a sense of vision about the direction of developments in aspects of the domain of the programme. 6

7 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS MSc Software Engineering full-time structure There are two entry points per year, in September or January. Pattern for September entry: Semester 1 COSE71187 Agile Software Development COSE71186 Business Application Programming with SAP COSE70615 Engineering Internet Applications Software Development L E V E L Semester 2 COIS71040 Research Methods COIS71170 Managing Emerging Technologies COSE71188 Advanced Business Application Programming using SAP Software Development 7 al 6-12 month placement COCS71150 Industrial Placement International students please note that you will need to apply for a visa extension if you are offered a placement Dissertation period 16 weeks plus a viva period COIS70914 MSc Dissertation [60 Credits] Normally you will have summer break and undertake your dissertation in Semester 1 of your second year [September- February], or in Semester 2 if you do a placement If you are on the fast-track version of the award, you will undertake your dissertation over the summer [Semester 3], finishing in September Pattern for January entry: Academic Year One, Semester 2 COIS71040 Research Methods COIS71170 Managing Emerging Technologies COSE71186 Business Application Programming with SAP Software Development L E V E L 7 Academic Year 2, Semester 1 COSE71187 Agile Software Development COSE71188 Advanced Business Application Programming using SAP COSE70615 Engineering Internet Applications Software Development al 6-12 month placement COCS71150 Industrial Placement International students please note that you will need to apply for a visa extension if you are offered a placement 7

8 Dissertation period 16 weeks plus a viva period COIS70914 MSc Dissertation [60 Credits] Normally you will undertake your dissertation in Semester 2 of your second academic year [January-June], or Semester 1 of the following academic year if you do a placement AWARD SPECIFIC OPTIONS: Semester One COSE70616 Engineering Applications COSE70611 Android Application Development COIS70929 Database Design and Development Semester Two COSE70610 Advanced Android Application Development COSE70609 COIS71032 Location Aware Mobile Application Development Operational and Analytical Databases The award specific options are subject to change and availability A limited subset of option modules will run each semester. module choices are not guaranteed, and the option module list is subject to change. MSc Software Engineering - Distance learning mode Distance learning students study part-time, typically two modules per semester. All modules are distance learning versions of the modules on the on-campus version of the award, and have the same indicative content and learning outcomes. Distance learning structure for a September start Year 1 Semester 1 [12 weeks] COSE70606 Engineering Internet Applications D/L COSE71191 Agile Software Development D/L L E V E L 7 Year 1 Semester 2 [12 weeks] Year 2 Semester 1 [12 weeks] COIS71180 Managing Emerging Technologies D/L Summer break COSE71190 Business Application Programming with SAP D/L D/L D/L Year 2 Semester 2 [12 weeks] COSE71192 Advanced Business Application Programming using SAP D/L COIS71195 Research Methods D/L 8

9 Summer break Year 3 Semester 1/2 Dissertation period [max 32 weeks + viva period] COIS71165 Dissertation D/L [60 Credits] Distance learning structure for a January start Year 1 Semester 2 [12 weeks] COSE70606 Engineering Internet Applications D/L Year 2 Semester 1 [12 weeks] Summer break COSE71191 Agile Software Development D/L COSE71190 Business Application Programming with SAP D/L Year 2 Semester 2 [12 weeks] COIS71195 Research Methods D/L COIS71180 Managing Emerging Technologies D/L Summer break Year 3 Semester 1 [12 weeks] COSE71192 Advanced Business Application Programming using SAP D/L D/L Year 3 Semester 2/3 Dissertation period [max 32 weeks + viva period] COIS71165 Dissertation D/L [60 Credits] OPTIONS: Semester One COSE70607 COSE70613 COIS70931 Semester Two COSE70604 COSE70608 COIS71015 Engineering Applications [D/L] Android Application Development [D/L] Database Design and Development [D/L] Advanced Android Application Development [D/L] Location Aware Mobile Application Development [D/L] Operational and Analytical Databases [D/L] A limited subset of option modules will run each semester. module choices are not guaranteed, and the option module list is subject to change. 9

10 7.1 MSc Software Engineering Extended International Programme The Extended International Version of the award includes a preliminary Semester which is shared with most full-time taught MSc awards in the school of Computing. You will progress onto your substantive award following successful completion of this Semester. This programme is available for full-time students in face-to-face mode only Preliminary Semester COIS71160 Academic English [0 credits, 150 learning hours] ELEC70320 Study Skills and Employability [0 credits, 150 learning hours] COCS71170 Computing Fundamentals [0 credits, 300 learning hours ] Potential Awards: Postgraduate Certificate [60 credits] comprising a total of 60 credits. Postgraduate Diploma [120 credits] comprising PG Cert plus a total of 60 credits. MSc [180 credits] total of 180 credits from the modules listed above including the MSc Dissertation. Progression: In order to progress to the Industrial Placement [Internship] you must have passed at least 45 credits. In order to progress to the MSc Dissertation you must have passed at least 90 credits. HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning We employ a substantial variety and range of teaching and learning strategies to help you succeed on your chosen course of study, which include inter alia: Face-to-face: Whole-group lectures, where you learn about new key topics and concepts Small-group practical sessions, where you develop practical skills through formative exercises Practical sessions for the development of individual and group projects Workshops, where you get advice and guidance from your tutor on your work Seminar sessions, which include directed activities, presentations and discussions Meetings with your dissertation supervisor Distance learning: Online learning materials, including 10

11 o Lecture notes and directed reading o Videos of lectures o Other selected videos from resources such as Lynda.com o Directed practical exercises, portfolio work and individual projects Tutor support [on-line, by telephone, and by ], giving you access to expert advice and guidance on your work On-line seminar sessions, including directed activities, presentations and discussions, which provide you with opportunities to enhance your learning through interaction with tutors and students Video discussions [e.g. Skype and Blackboard Collaborate], including virtual meetings with your dissertation supervisor Tools for collaboration on the development of group projects Both modes of study involve: Directed and independent reading Discussions with your peers Practical work, problem solving, working with peers on group activities Undertaking literature reviews and critically appraising published work Use of VLE community learning tools such as discussions, wikis and blogs Formative on-line assessments such as quizzes. Discussion with your module tutors, including meetings with your dissertation supervisor As an MSc student, you will benefit from the culture of the research and academic community within the Faculty and the University, which is enhanced by our substantial range of facilities. The greatest influence on your learning is undoubtedly our staff who foster an excellent teaching and learning environment through their specialist subject knowledge, and their commitment to supporting your learning. This is underpinned by our belief in and practice of research-informed teaching. Virtual Learning Environment We use the market-leading Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment [VLE] to host the learning materials for each module. Each module has at least: A welcome page with module news and announcements An information page, containing the module handbook with learning schedule, and links to the module descriptor and timetable Staff contact details Learning Materials, which includes lecture notes, videos, directed reading and additional materials described above A reading list Details of the assessment schedule and tasks Links for assessment submission Provisional grades and feedback Modules may also make use of Blackboard community learning tools such as discussion boards, wikis, blogs, and Collaborate. 11

12 Your award also has a Blackboard hub, which includes: A welcome page with module news and announcements A course information page containing the course handbook and other course-specific material Staff contact details Details of the Student Academic Representatives A discussion area Self-help resources to support the use of Blackboard, academic skills support, information literacy, referencing etc. Assessment Assessment serves two purposes. Firstly it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have successfully understood the information you have been given. Secondly, and most importantly, assessment is also a continuation of the learning process. Modules on the course are assessed by a mixture of coursework [written and practical work] and tests. The coursework is designed to assess practical skills, analysis, problem solving ability whereas the tests will focus more on assessing knowledge and understanding. Some modules aim to teach practical applied skills and so may be assessed entirely by coursework - this might include a development of a software artefact, demonstration of your work, report writing and/or a formal presentation. For some assessments you will work in small groups, and the work may be assessed wholly or in part as a group. Your MSc Dissertation will require you to undertake extensive research in a focused area or topic and create a software artefact. Your understanding will be assessed based on the MSc dissertation, viva, and demonstration. You will also need to follow Staffordshire University s ethical review procedure. Being a computing professional and a masters student, it is expected that you will be able to use technologies that will enable you to present your material [either locally or remotely] and be assessed using the same criteria, regardless of your location. 12

13 Entry Requirements [including IELTS score] What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry requirements for the award are normally: An Undergraduate Honours degree [grade 2.2 or above] in a related Computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent. You must be able to demonstrate a good standard of English. A minimum score of IELTS 6.0 [with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands] or an equivalent qualification is required for this award. Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate study. Entry requirements will be the same for all modes of study, including full-time on campus, part-time distance learning, and the Extended International Masters Programme. Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: Award Specific Information Your course is delivered and assessed according to the University s Academic Award Regulations, specifically those governing Masters awards. These can be found in part 3c of the Academic Award Regulations: Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, student support, and academic regulations. ============================= ======= 13

14 Appendix - Benchmark mapping via learning outcomes QAA Subject Benchmark Statement - Core Criteria Subject knowledge and understanding SKU1 KU2 SKU3 SKU4 SKU5 SKU6 SKU7 An ability to evaluate the technical, societal and management dimensions of computer systems A knowledge and understanding of advanced aspects of computer systems and their use A combination of theory and practice, with practice being guided by theoretical considerations A strong emphasis on the underlying discipline and/or applications The mastery of the practical methodology of the relevant area of computing, whether for general application in software development or in specialised applications relating to the storing, processing and communication of information An understanding of, and attention to, the many and varied aspects of quality An understanding of professional, legal, social, cultural and ethical issues related to computing and an awareness of societal and environmental impact. Subject-specific skills SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 An ability to engage in a peer review process that involves the critical review of papers, software and proposals, coupled with positive advice for improvement and innovation Competences at a systems level appropriate to the learning outcomes of the programme: the ability to assess systems [which may include software, devices, people, and so on], to recognise the individual components and to understand their interaction, to improve systems, to replace them and to create them; this includes socio-technical systems such as those relevant to aspects of healthcare and also computing systems used in specialised applications such as bioinformatics, e-science, virtual environments, Familiarity with codes of ethics and codes of practice specific to the specialism of the degree programme, relevant industrial standards and principles underpinning the development of high integrity systems [for safety, security, trust, privacy, and so on], while keeping in focus the benefits of, approaches to and opportunities offered by innovation Entrepreneurship, which tends to involve acquiring resources to ensure the success of some technically sound endeavour; this may include a company start-up or placing a well-argued resource request before an industrial concern, a research council or some such organisation SS5 Translational skills which involve the necessary communication between technical and non-technical audiences. Generic [transferable] skills GS1 Those required for the creation of the lifelong learner, who can set goals and identify resources for the purpose of learning 14

15 GS2 GS3 GS4 An ability to critically review the literature, which includes identifying all of the key developments in a particular area of study, critically analysing them and identifying limitations and avenues for further development or explanation An ability to recognise and respond to opportunities for innovation Leadership skills, which tend to be characterised by acquiring a vision [based on sound technical insights] coupled with the ability to encourage others to share in that vision and to ensure that this will not be to their detriment. The learning outcomes are mapped onto the abilities and skills identified by the Computing Benchmark Statement which broadly fall into three categories of Subject Knowledge & Understanding, Subject-Specific Skills, and Generic [Transferable] Skills - all of which are developed within the context of the computing discipline [see below for an extract from the Computing Benchmark Statement that delineates these various abilities and provides the numbering system used in this handbook]. In the tables above where the Computing Benchmark Statement is referenced the following abbreviations are used: SKU = Subject Knowledge & Understanding SS = Subject-Specific Skills GS = Generic [Transferable] Each statement of a learning outcome in the table above is followed the relevant Benchmark Statement skills and abilities criteria that the achievement of the learning outcome supports. This is indicated by the term in square brackets. 15