UNDRGRADUAT PROGRAMM SPCIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Institution: Final Awards: Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: UCAS Codes: Software ngineering Staffordshire University Staffordshire University BSc (Hons) Software ngineering CertH, DipH, BSc Software ngineering Full-time, Part-time G600 QAA Subject Benchmarks: Computing, QAA 170 03/07 JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: G600 BCS The Chartered Institute for IT ntry Year : 2017-18 If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us. 1
ducational aims of the programme To produce Software ngineering graduates who are fitted to undertake employment in industry, commerce or public service as computing professionals, or, for those with suitable degree classification, to undertake programmes of further study or research in appropriate institutions. To produce Software ngineering graduates who are experts in the entire software development lifecycle, and who have the theoretical and practical skills to develop robust, large-scale systems that are engineered software solutions to real world problems. To produce Software ngineering graduates who have proficiency in several programming languages and system design methods and techniques, and who can apply their skills in all areas of the computing industry. To produce Software ngineering graduates who are immediately suitable for job titles such as Application Programmer, Software ngineer, and Systems Developer, and who can expect, with experience, to progress to posts such as Analyst, Project Manager, and nterprise Architect. To provide a course of study in Software ngineering that is up-to-date, appropriate, and facilitated by well-qualified staff. To provide an enriching experience for the student that supports and facilitates personal, academic and professional development throughout the programme, laying a foundation for life-long continuing development. To provide a sound general education in Computing that also enhances the student s general education, including transferable skills To enable each student to achieve the highest award within his or her overall ability. To give a practical emphasis with theoretical underpinning to each student s studies. On sandwich awards only, to enable each student, by means of a one-year period of supervised work in an industrial, commercial or public service setting, to gain relevant experience in the computing profession, and as far as possible gainfully to exploit that experience during evel 6 studies. To embed within the programme the inculcation and assessment of attributes and ethos of the Staffordshire Graduate, and to produce Software ngineering graduates who exemplify these qualities. (see: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/why_staffs/staffordshire_graduate) 2
What is distinctive about this programme? This programme embodies the motto, Practical Scholarship, in which we strike a balance between underpinning theory and experience of practical application. There are five major themes that are developed through all evels of the programme: Software development life cycle: from requirements elicitation to systems integration, including management Software architectures: including frameworks and design patterns Modelling: a strong emphasis on OO modelling; a lesser focus on top-down modelling, relational database modelling Application type: stand-alone; client-server; web; mobile; enterprise Programming: a strong emphasis on Java, and also C++, C#, Objective C This programme has a highly-recommended sandwich option that comprises a year of industrial placement, which may be overseas, and can include self-employment.. At the end of the final year, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your Final Year Project at the Graduate xhibition, examples of which can be seen at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/events/gradex/ The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate is a set of qualities that the University passionately believes necessary for success in the 21st century. A Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, ready to contribute in the world of work. The Software ngineering award is based on the requirements for accreditation by the BCS The Chartered Institute for IT and this ensures that graduates have the knowledge and skills appropriate for employment in the computing industry. Throughout your degree, you will be required to communicate in a variety of formats including software design documents, written reports and individual and group presentations. Team-work is developed at evel 4 and evel 5 in modules that require you to specify, design and develop software artefacts in groups using industry-standard techniques and processes. Professional, organisational, ethical, legal, and globalisation issues are addressed in modules at all evels, which also cover career development, from initial job applications to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and entrepreneurship. Globalisation is further addressed from a Software ngineering perspective in modules which examine localisation (adapting a software product for a particular local market) and globalisation (developing products for international markets). You are encouraged to enrol on the sandwich degree which involves a year s paid placement in the Computing industry, developing the full range of graduate attributes from understanding of enterprise and industrial relationships, to interacting confidently with colleagues, and communicating their experience in a formal report. The culmination of study is the Project, where you work independently to investigate, critically analyse, and create practical solutions to a software engineering problem of your own choosing. Communication and presentation skills form an important part of the project, and you can engage with local employers by presenting your work at Gradx, the graduate exhibition. 3
Programme outcomes At the end of your studies you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate a systematic understanding of computing concepts and principles. Show that you have acquired coherent and detailed knowledge about the principles and practices of Software ngineering, some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of research and development in Software ngineering. earning Develop lines of argument and evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques, platforms and solutions based on knowledge of Software ngineering principles and practices, and demonstrate understanding of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of this knowledge. nquiry Initiate and carry out Software ngineering projects. thically gather information pertaining to computing problems, possible solutions, and the success of these solutions, from existing or potential users and/or organisations using established Software ngineering practices. Find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and understand information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of such information. Analysis Critically discuss current research in Software ngineering, and evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to draw conclusions. Problem Solving Apply knowledge & understanding, learning, enquiry and analysis to devise and address appropriate questions and strategies that lead to the identification, development and evaluation of solutions to computing-based problems. Plan and carry out a large and complex computing project, applying established Software ngineering principles and practices. Communication Communicate ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: written academic reports; verbal presentations; documentation in support of the development of software; project management documentation. Application Apply Software ngineering principles and practices and established management techniques, including those at the forefront of Software ngineering knowledge, to the process of developing complex software. Reflection Critically evaluate your performance as an academic and a professional Software ngineer, considering both process and product. Plan how to make your performance (process and product) more relevant and more effective. 4
Programme structure, modules and credits BSc (Hons) Software ngineering V 4 Block 1 Block 2 COS40574 Application modelling COS40577 Introduction to Software Development COCS40691 Fundaments of Computing and Mathematics COIS40897 Skills for Computing Professionals To progress to evel 5, at least 90 credits must be passed at evel 4. V 5 Block 1 Block 2 COS50637 ngineering Software Applications COS50586 Web & Mobile Application Development COS50582 Object-Oriented Application ngineering COS50647 Concurrent Network Applications (15 credits) COS50584 Task-based Software ngineering (15 credits) To progress to placement, at least 195 credits must be passed, including a minimum of 75 credits at evel 5. To progress to evel 6, at least 210 credits must be passed, including a minimum of 90 credits at evel 5. COS60636 COS60590 COS60597 COIS61028 V 6 Block 1 Block 2 ngineering and Integrating Robust, arge- Scale Systems ngineering nterprise Applications Software ngineering for Mobile Devices (15 credits) Final Year Project (45 credits) 5
How will I be taught and assessed? and earning This programme of study has been devised to fit the university s framework of 30- credit modules. Most modules in this programme are 30-credit modules that run across both teaching blocks in the academic year. There are three 15-credit modules, two in evel 5, and the third in evel 6. The Final Year Project is a 45-credit module. We use a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies and these will differ from module to module depending on the module subject. Generally, there will be a mixture of lectures, practical (lab-based) sessions, and tutorials (theory-based sessions). You can also expect to be involved in: presentations seminars given by speakers from outside of the Faculty student-led seminars group work project work case studies Importantly, you must expect to engage in self-directed learning outside of timetabled classes. To be awarded the BSc honours degree you must study and pass all modules in the programme of study. The Final Year Project is a major component of evel 6, comprising 45 of the 120 credits. You are expected to use established Software ngineering principles and practices to create a complex software artefact, supported by documented academic research. Most of the academic support for the project is through regular meetings with the project supervisor and feedback from the second assessor at a mid-point interview. These project meetings will be supplemented with project induction lectures at the outset of the Final Year Project and detailed schedules, handbook and guidance notes available on the project web site. The placement year allows you to apply and extend your developing Software ngineering skills in industry. To find out which software is available in the laboratories please check: http://www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/current_students/labs.htm Virtual earning nvironment All modules have a presence on the Blackboard Virtual earning nvironment. The minimum content for each presence consists of the module handbook and links to the module specification and other background material. Many modules also use Blackboard as a repository for lecture slides, tutorial sheets, supplementary materials, assignment specifications, and sample examinations. The Blackboard assessment facility is used for both formative (practice) assessment and summative (actual) assessment, and as a means of recording assessment results and giving feedback to you. 6
Assessment The university framework stipulates that there is to be one assessment for a 15-credit module, and no more than two assessments for a 30-credit module (i.e. one assessment per 15 credits). As far as possible, the assessments on this programme of study will be scheduled to avoid an unreasonable assessment workload. This has been facilitated by the university s 30-credit framework. The assessment strategy will vary from module to module, but you will be assessed in some way on every module. Some of the assessment strategies that you will encounter are: Tests o o o Class tests (up to 1 hour) Portfolio-based tests (up to 1 hour) xaminations (up to 3 hours) Coursework (individual or group-based) o Practical assignment work o Portfolio of work o Report o Presentations o Seminar papers The Final Year Project is assessed on the basis of: an interview, draft report and graduate exhibition entry mid-way through the project a structured, referenced 12,000-20,000 word project report a presentation summarising the project work a demonstration of the artefact 7
Additional information ntry Requirements (including ITS score) For applicants from overseas, the required ITS score is currently 6.0, but this may be raised in light of new UKBA guidance For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/ 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: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp Award-specific information Your award is regulated by the Undergraduate Modular Framework, which can be accessed at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/regulations/academic/index.php Industrial placement We strongly encourage every student to enrol on the sandwich version of the award, which includes a year of supervised work placement. The assessment of the industrial placement does not contribute to the degree classification directly, but, generally, the skills and confidence gained during the placement are of great value in enhancing your academic performance in the final year, as well as giving valuable professional experience. The industrial placement normally requires the completion of 48 weeks in relevant supervised work experience taken between evel 5 and evel 6. However, exceptionally for placements in School environments (where the nature of the employment precludes the completion of 48 weeks), the completion of 36 weeks is acceptable. Normally, if you are enrolled on a sandwich award, you must pass the sandwich year to progress to evel 6. However, in exceptional circumstances the completion of the industrial placement may be deferred until after the completion of evel 6. Where this occurs you will still be required to pass an industrial placement before you can be awarded a sandwich degree. If you fail the industrial placement period, you will only be allowed one further attempt. The referral attempt must normally occur within 18 months. Failure at the referral attempt will mean that you cannot further progress on a sandwich award. You would have to transfer onto an appropriate non-sandwich full-time award in order to continue. The placement period cannot be compensated. To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree with a sandwich, you must pass the industrial placement period. For further details about placement, the placement handbook, and to access the placements site, please go to: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/academic_depts/fces/placements/ The Faculty Placements Team supports you in your efforts to find a placement. 8
Transfer between a sandwich award and a non-sandwich award A sandwich award has a placement year. A non-sandwich award does not have a placement. You may opt to transfer from a non-sandwich award to an appropriate sandwich award at any time. You may transfer from a sandwich version of your award to a non-sandwich version at any time up until the end of week 2 of the first teaching block of evel 5. However, after week 2 of the first teaching block of evel 5, the transfer is only permitted if one or more of the following criteria are met: 1) You are unable, for valid reasons (e.g. extenuating circumstances) to undertake or complete an industrial placement; 2) Having attempted the industrial placement, you have failed it; 3) You have BOTH a) been unable to secure a placement 12 months after the start of evel 5, AND b) have a portfolio of evidence that shows that you have made a bona fide attempt to obtain a placement. The decision as to whether the portfolio of evidence shows that you have made a bona fide attempt is at the discretion of the Academic Placements tutor. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 9
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