msc information technology - glasgow caledonian · pdf filemsc information technology ......

School of Engineering and Built Environment

MSc Information Technology

Programme Specification Document

Original 2012

Updated as required 2016/2017

2

Table of Contents

1.GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................... 3

2. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME ......................................................................................... 3

3. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................ 4

4. PROGRAMME STRUCTURES AND REQUIREMENTS, LEVELS, MODULES,CREDITS AND AWARDS ......... 7

5. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING ................................................................................. 8

6. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION .................................................................................................................. 11

7. METHODS FOR EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF

TEACHING AND LEARNING ...................................................................................................................... 12

8. ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS ............................................................................................................... 13

Assessment rules:- .............................................................................................................................. 13

Role of External Assessor: ................................................................................................................... 13

9. INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS ....................................................................................... 14

10. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAMME ....................................................................................... 14

Key information about the programme can be found in: ....................................................................... 14

Curriculum Map for MSc/PgD/PgC Information Technology .................................................................. 15

3

Programme Specification MSc Information Technology

1.GENERAL INFORMATION

1.Programme Title: Information Technology

2.Final Award: MSc

3.Exit Awards: PgC/PgD

4.Awarding Body: Glasgow Caledonian University

5.Approval Date: May 2012

6.Faculty/School: School of Engineering and Built Environment

7.Host Division: Computer, Communications, Interactive Systems

8.UCAS Code: 9.PSB Involvement: British Computer Society

10.Place of Delivery: GCU Glasgow Campus

11.Subject Benchmark Statement: Computing

12.Dates of PS Preparation/Revision: May 2012

2. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme is intended for those who want to develop, and use effectively, Information

Technology in their own area of expertise. This is an in depth study of Information Technology at

a level relevant for students studying at MSc level. The programme is intended to provide for the

study of information technology at a postgraduate level, for non functional specialists.

The programme aims to enhance the students knowledge in their own discipline and to develop

skills in the field of Information Technology to suit the students own requirements.

The programme aims are to:

Develop an understanding of the established theories, principles and concepts and of a

number of advanced and emerging issues in information technology.

Develop an ability to deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry within

information technology projects and to critically appraise their use.

Develop a critical awareness of current issues in the development of information

technology which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field

Develop the ability to adapt to new techniques and to evaluate their relevance and validity

in the context of new projects in information technology.

Develop a conceptual understanding that enables the student to:

evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to

new situations;

extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised

approaches to practice.

Develop the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a range of

media.

Develop the ability to work independently.

4

3. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES – the programme provides opportunities for students

to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in

the following areas:

Preamble This development of this programme has been informed by:

Glasgow Caledonian University’s Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2011

School of Engineering and Built Environment research in the areas of

Distributed and Pervasive Systems Initiative(DPSI)

Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing Group (MUCom)

Computing and Engineering Research Group (CEER)

Multimodel Research Group

Emotion Lab

Networking and Grid Research Group (NGR)

School of Engineering and Built Environment Technology Transfer and Lifelong Learning

programmes

ICT Academy

KTP

Consultancy

Tempus Projects

Erasmus Projects

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement in Masters Degrees in Computing

ACM Benchmark Statement on Information Technology

A Knowledge and Understanding

A1 Discuss and critically appraise theoretical and practical concepts in information technology.

A2 Critically appraise techniques, tools and technologies used to support the development of Information technology systems.

A3 Assess the commercial, organisational and professional issues that constrain the development of an information technology system.

A4 Critically evaluate the characteristics and design principles of applications in information technology.

A5 Discuss and critically appraise emerging issues in Information Technology

A6 Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and

demonstrated:-

Lectures; Group-based Tutorials/Seminars (both tutor and student led); Group based Practical

Computing labs (Supervised and Directed); Problem based learning scenarios; Directed Study;

Coursework Assignments (Individual and Group-based) ) and the MSc dissertation.

A7 Assessment:-

Unseen Written Examinations, Coursework Assignments and Class Tests. For the MSc, the

Dissertation is a deliverables along with a presentation.


5


Coursework Assignments (Individual and Group-based)

B Intellectual Skills:-

B1 Identify, analyse and solve practical problems.

B2 Plan, conduct and report on work.

B3 Evaluate alternative design and implementation solutions.

B4 Critical evaluation of work undertaken by themselves and others.

B5 Evaluate research material from a variety of sources and critically evidence.

B6 Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and

demonstrated:-



Coursework Assignments (Individual and Group-based) and the supervised MSc dissertation

enable particular demonstration of these skills.

B7 Assessment:-

A variety of assessment methods are used within the modules, depending on the aims, objectives

and the learning outcomes of each module. For example, some of the modules are more theoretical

in nature and others are more practical or software based, while others are more discursive or

presentation based. These therefore require different teaching and learning and assessment

approaches. The most common instruments of assessment used are unseen examinations and

coursework assessment exercises of various types.

Examinations are taken at the end of a Trimester and endeavour to test understanding and the

application of knowledge under strictly controlled conditions. The unseen examination tests the

ability of the student to apply analytical and synthesis skills within a limited time-frame.

Examples of methods of assessment include:

Exams;

Coursework;

Student oral presentations;

Computer-based tests and other e-Learning exercises;

Case study analysis;

Written reports;

Dissertation / Masters level Project;

other discipline-specific assessments as required.

C Professional/ Practical Skills

6

C1 Analyse the needs of a commercial or industrial business problem requiring the application of information technology.

C2 Specify a set of information system requirements to meet the needs of a commercial or business problem requiring the application of information technology.

C3 Generate system design that satisfies requirements for an information system.

C4 Develop a database and integrate it into an N tier information technology system.

C5 Demonstrate effective use of a variety of processes, methods, techniques, tools and technologies for the development of an information technology system.

C6 Teaching and Learning methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and

demonstrated:-

Group-based Tutorials/Seminars (both tutor and student led); Group based

Practical Computing labs (Supervised and Directed); Problem based learning

scenarios; Directed Study; Coursework Assignments (Individual and Group-

based) and the MSc Project.

Group-based Tutorials/Seminars (both tutor and student led); Group based

Practical Computing labs (Supervised and Directed); Problem based learning

scenarios; Directed Study; Coursework Assignments (Individual and Group-based)

and the MSc Project.

C7 Assessment:-

Unseen Written Examinations, Coursework Assignments and Class Tests.

D1 Critical thinking and problem solving

D2 Cognitive/intellectual skills

D3 Knowledge and understanding in the context of the subject

D4 Learning style and orientation to learning

D5 Time management: organising and planning work

D6 Independent working

D7 Planning, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating own learning and development

D8 Presentation skills

D9 Information Retrieval Skills

D10 Communication skills, written, oral and listening

D11 Group working

D12 IT Skills

D13 Numeracy Skills

D14 Assessment:

Transferable/key skills are assessed through the use of the coursework elements

in individual modules.

7

4. PROGRAMME STRUCTURES AND REQUIREMENTS, LEVELS,

MODULES,CREDITS AND AWARDS

The academic year is split into three trimesters, each of 15-16 weeks (12 teaching plus exam

revision weeks).

MSc/PgD/PgC Information Technology (Full/Time)

MSc/PgD/PgC Information Technology (Part/Time)

Masters Project Capstone

The project is a practically based implementation project in which student have to demonstrate

mastery of the skills developed in the taught modules.

Trimester 1 of Study

ISIS Code Module Title Credits

MMI122916 Networking and Computer Technology 30M

MMN222917 Project Management, Software Processes and Ethics 30M



MMI322918 Software Development and Database Systems 30M

MMI322919 Web Systems Development and Interaction Design 30M



MMG521685 Masters Project (Capstone) 60M

Year 1 Trimester 1 of Study


MMI122916 Networking and Computer Technology 30M



MMI322918 Software Development and Database Systems 30M



MMN222917 Project Management, Software Processes and Ethics 30M



MMI322919 Web Systems Development and Interaction Design 30M

Year 3 of Study


MMG521685 Masters Project (Capstone) 60M

8

During Trimester 2 of the session prior to the scheduled undertaking of the Masters Project, the student is required to develop (with the support of a named supervisor and the guidance

provided by the MSc Project Handbook for the programme) a suitable proposal for a viable

MSc Project. This process will provide support to the student in MSc proposal development and a

process for the formal scrutiny and approval of their proposal. This process will give students 2

opportunities (with feedback) during that trimester to produce a viable proposal. If both

opportunities are exhausted the student will not be permitted to undertake the Project.

MSc/PgD/PgC Information Technology (Part/Time) – (day release)

Students can take the programme part time on a day release basis by studying a minimum of 30

credits per semester. Part time students are expected to complete the MSc in a period of 3 years

Each credit point represents approximately 10 hours of student learning, endeavour and

assessment (including staff delivery hours). All modules including the Project module have a

pass mark of 50%.

5. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING

Induction Programme

Student Handbook and Module Descriptors

Group Coursework Guidelines

MSc Project Study Guide

Caledonian Library with access to other local and national library resources

Year Tutors where numbers require

GCU Learn

Departmentally based PC Computer Laboratories equipped with full range of course

and supporting software.

Open access to Departmental and University Computer facilities

C & IT Services

Open access to tutorial staff including the Programme Organiser

Access to Student Services Department which provides assistance and guidance

The School of EBE’s Learning Development Centre which provides specific study

skills support and guidance

Web based learning facilities

Professional Body Contacts

Student representatives on the Programme Board

Student representatives on Senate and its Standing Committees

Student Staff Consultative Group

Student Induction and transition Students registering on the programme will have access from the outset to a wide range of

facilities and services designed to support both the students and their learning throughout the

programme. An induction process is in place for all incoming students comprising of a period

of activities prior to joining the timetabled classes of the programme.

Induction sessions are held at the start of both Trimester A and Trimester B to accommodate

the programme admissions policy. Students will receive an induction pack and undertake a set

of activities to ensure that they have programme specific information and have been introduced

9

to the full range of University services and resources including the Saltire Centre (library)

which has an extensive range of learning and study resources.

Typical student induction activities are outlined below:

Welcome Address from Programme Leader;

Expectations of Students/Staff;

An introduction to the University, its services, and the library including the

computerised catalogue system;

Matriculation Card Collection;

Introduction to the Managed Learning Environment (GCU Learn);

Accessing University Information Services;

The Role of the School’s LDC and University Careers Centre;

Plagiarism Issues;

Introduction to Programme Handbook (aims, structure, LTAS/SfL etc);

The Nature of the Dissertation/Project;

Developing Graduate Attributes/ Personal Development Planning (PDP).

The LDC runs a number of workshops and events in conjunction with the University’s Careers

Centre on a range of topics that complement the students’ academic discipline. These include;

project workshops, literature search skills, employability skills, presentations skills, interview

skills and CV production skills. The Careers Centre also offers specialist help for international

students to help them gain employment in the UK, deal with cultural differences and job

seeking. The School publicises these events and organises tailored events as appropriate.

The University has a well resourced International Student Support Service. This service offers

personal appointments and support to individual students along with sessions on specific topics

covering:

Applications;

Visas;

Accommodation;

Finance;

Support from International Alumni Ambassadors;

Learning Support;

Orientation sessions on:

- Registering with a GP and accessing NHS Services;

- Personal Safety with Endsleigh Insurance;

- Opening a UK bank account;

- Cultural Exchange;

- Part time work.

Support services fair;

Moving Books – Showcasing countries and cultures;

City Centre Challenge.

The School also provides drop in sessions once a week with the School’s Associate Dean

International. International students receive a welcome bag containing information about the

10

campus and Glasgow.

Academic Support and Guidance

Programme Leaders are the first point of contact and provide the majority of the academic

guidance. However, if student numbers increase beyond that manageable by the Programme

Leader, the School assigns a small number of students to a personal tutor. Students will be

encouraged to contact their Programme Leader or personal tutor for guidance as required,

including by email.

Module Leaders will also play a part in the delivery of academic guidance and will endeavour

to provide advice where appropriate. The induction process will also ensure that students are

aware of the help available from Student Administration Services. The University has put in

place a swipe card system which is now in operation and is used for attendance monitoring. It

is School policy to monitor attendance at all timetabled classes and the School will write to

students who are not attending and also to praise students who are attending and contributing to

classes.

Module leaders, module tutors and their contact details are detailed in the individual module

handbooks. Teaching staff, including the Programme Leader, operate a policy of open access

for consultation and help, and in addition can be contacted through email, GCU Learn or

telephone. In addition to offering technical advice, academic staff may advise students on areas

such as time management, and study skills. On-going support in English is available to students

for whom English is not their first language.

Academic staff may also refer students to the School’s Learning Development Centre (LDC).

LDC has been established within the School to provide a ‘one stop’ friendly and informed

student support service targeting the specific needs of the School’s students. The primary aims

of LDC are to assist with the continuous enhancement of the student learning experience and

improvement in retention, progression and completion rates. LDC is staffed by a team of

Academic Development Tutors (ADTs) and Learning Technologists (LTs). The ADTs provide

direct support to individual students and Module Teams in areas such as study skills support,

general advice and guidance, mathematics underpinning and academic writing. The LTs mainly

support academic staff with the provision of blended learning resources and other

teaching/learning technologies.

IT Support

The University, through Information Services department, provides student support by way of

My Caledonian, student e-mail facilities, Office 365 and open access to a range of University

IT laboratory facilities. The School of Engineering and Built Environment has also heavily

invested in a number of specialist computer laboratories with internet access. These are

available on an open access basis when scheduled teaching is not taking place in them. GCU

learn, a managed learning environment, is used for programme and module support.

11

6. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

a) A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree of a UK university or equivalent. Computing should

not normally be a principal part of the degree programme.

OR

b) A formal qualification equivalent to (a) above.

OR

c) Substantial experience in industry or commerce and supporting evidence of an ability to

undertake a programme of study at postgraduate level.

d) For students for whom English is not their first language

An IELTS average score of 6.0 and no element less than 5.5

OR

A TOEFL score of 550 (213 for Computer based test)

OR

An equivalent qualification

12

7. METHODS FOR EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND

STANDARDS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and

outcome standards:-

Examples:

Module review

Annual module monitoring

Development events, Enhancement Led Internal Subject Reviews (ELISR)

Annual Monitoring Statement/Annual Programme Analysis

External Assessor reports

Subject Group

Programme Board

Reports from BCS

Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards:-

Student/Staff Consultative Group

Programme Board

School Management Committee

University Academic Quality and Standards Committee

Progression and Awards Boards (PAB)

University Learning and Teaching Committee

Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning

experience:-

Student/Staff Consultative Group

Student representation on Programme Boards

Student representation on Senate Standing Committees

University’s Module Evaluation Questionnaire

Open access to module leaders/programme organiser/personal tutor

National Student Survey

Staff development priorities include:-

Tertiary Level Teaching Methods programme

Discipline-based Continuous Profession Development

Staff appraisal scheme

Peer support for teaching

Mentoring scheme

Regular Programme Team and Subject group meetings

Seminar programme with visiting lecturers

Conference presentations

REF submission

Institutional learning and teaching workshops

Membership of the HEA

Membership of professional body

13

8. ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Assessment rules:-

Overview of assessment details are provided in the Student Handbook for the

programme and a copy of full assessment regulations are available from the

University web site. Minimum pass mark is 50% for all taught modules

(inline with new University policy). The Project has a pass mark of 50%

The award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology shall

be made to students who are ineligible for a higher level of award and have

achieved a minimum of 60 credits with a minimum of 40 at SHEM level.

(excluding the dissertation module)

The award of the Postgraduate Diploma in the named programme shall be

made to students who achieve at least 120 credits with a minimum of 90

being at the SHEM level. (excluding the dissertation module)

The award of the Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction in the named

programme shall normally be granted to a candidate who is eligible for the

Postgraduate Diploma and has achieved an overall average of 70% or more

and no mark below 55% in any module. (excluding the dissertation module)

The award of Master of Science in the named programme shall be made to

students who have achieved at least 180 credits with a minimum of 150 at

SHEM level.

The award of the Master of Science with Distinction in the named

programme shall normally be granted to a candidate who is eligible for the

award of Master of Science and achieved an overall average of 70% or more

with no mark below 55% in any module, and have gained at least 70% in the

dissertation module.

Role of External Assessor:

The duties of an External Assessor will include the following:

To moderate the work of the Internal Assessors in respect of the assessments

under his/her jurisdiction

To attend Assessment Boards at which the results of a final stage

assessment will be determined

To satisfy himself/herself that the work and decisions of the Assessment

Board(s) are consistent with the policies and regulations of the University

and best practice in higher education

To ensure that students are assessed within the regulations approved by the

University for the programme and to inform the University on any matter

which, in his/her view, militates against the maintenance of proper academic

standards

To report annually on the standards attained by students on the programme and

on any other matters which may seem appropriate for report.

14

9. INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS

Details of approval, development events and Cognate Area Reviews organised

by the School/University

Subject Group Overview report on Module

Monitoring Annual monitoring statement

BCS accreditation visits and

reports QAA subject reviews

External Assessor Reports

10. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

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 full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More

detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning assessment

methods of each module can be found in the individual module descriptors in the University’s

module catalogue (accessible from the University Web site). The accuracy of the information in

this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance

Agency for Higher Education.

Key information about the programme can be found in:

Programme Specification/Submission Document

Programme Handbook

Student Handbook

University Web Site

University Prospectus

ISIS Module Catalogue

Departmental publications

A curriculum map is attached showing how the outcomes are being developed and assessed

within the programme. This relates the modules from Section 4 to the outcomes in Section 3

15

Curriculum Map for MSc/PgD/PgC Information Technology

This map provides both a design aid to help academic staff identify where the

programme outcomes are being developed and assessed within the course. It also provides

a check list for quality assurance purposes and could be used in validation, accreditation

and external examining processes. Making the learning outcomes transparent in this way

also helps students monitor their own learning, personal and professional development

as the course progresses. The map shows only the main measurable learning

outcomes. There are many more outcomes detailed in the module specifications and

outcomes (e.g. attitudes and behaviours) that are not assessed.

Modules Codes A 1

A 2

A 3

A 4

A 5

B 1

B 2

B 3

B 4

B 5

C 1

C 2

C 3

C 4

C 5

Networking and Computer Technology

MMI122916

Project Management, Software Processes and

Ethics

MMN222917

Software Development and Database Systems

MMI322918

Web Systems Development and

Interaction Design

MMI322919

Masters Project (Capstone)

MMG521685

Modules Codes D 1

D 2

D 3

D 4

D 5

D 6

D 7

D 8

D 9

D 1

0

D 1

1

D 1

2

D 1

3

Networking and Computer Technology

MMI122916

Project Management, Software Processes and

Ethics

MMN222917

Software Development and Database Systems

MMI322918

Web Systems Development and

Interaction Design

MMI322919

Masters Project (Capstone)

MMG521685

16

Knowledge and understanding

A1 Discuss and critically appraise theoretical and practical concepts in information technology.

A2 Critically appraise techniques, tools and technologies used to support the development of information technology systems.

A3 Assess the commercial, organisational and professional issues that constrain the development of an information technology system.

A4 Critically evaluate the characteristics and design principles of at least one type of application in information technology.

A5 Discuss and critically appraise emerging issues in Information Technology

Intellectual skills

B1 Identify, analyse and solve practical problems

B2 Plan, conduct and report upon work

B3 Evaluate alternative design and implementation solutions

B4 Critical evaluation of work undertaken by themselves and others

B5 Evaluate research material from a variety of sources and evidence critically

Professional practical skills

C1 Analyse the needs of a commercial or industrial business problem requiring the application of information technology.

C2 Specify a set of information technology system requirements to meet the needs of a commercial or business problem requiring the application of information technology.

C3 Generate a system design that satisfies requirements of an information technology system

C4 Develop a database and integrate it into an N tier information technology system.

C5 Demonstrate effective use of a variety of processes, methods, techniques, tools and technologies in the development of an information technology system.

Personal Development Skills

D1 Critical thinking and problem solving

D2 Cognitive/intellectual skills

D3 Knowledge and understanding in the context of the subject

D4 Learning style and orientation to learning

D5 Time management: organising and planning work

D6 Independent working

D7 Planning, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating own learning and development

D8 Presentation skills

D9 Information Retrieval Skills

D10 Communication skills, written, oral and listening

D11 Group working

D12 IT Skills

D13 Numeracy Skills

msc information technology - glasgow caledonian · pdf filemsc information technology ......

Documents