Module details

First year modules:

Block 1: Foundations of Computing

This module introduces students to the professional context of computer science, software engineering, cyber security, and digital forensics. It introduces mathematical structures that provide a basis for computer science and cyber security to prepare students with the necessary skills in this domain. Students gain skills to learn the concepts of computer science cyber security.

In this module the students will learn the mathematical foundation of computing such as Logic and Boolean Algebra, Set Theory, Probability and Statistics, Relations, Functions, and Modular Arithmetic. The evolution of computational IT infrastructures (e.g., general-purpose mainframe and minicomputer computing, personal computers, client/server networks, enterprise computing, cloud, and mobile computing.) will also be presented and discussed from hardware, software, OSs, applications, data management and storage internet platforms.

Lecture: 24 hours
Seminar: 48 hours
Self-directed study: 156 hours
Consolidation: 40 hours
Revision: 30 hours
Assessment: 2 hours

Total 300 hours

Block 2: Programming in Python

The Python programming module has no pre-requisites; it is designed for learners with no prior programming experience and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. As well as covering the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python, this module aims to teach students the basics of programming computers using Python.

Students will be introduced to fundamental theories and related concepts of the Python programming language; the module will help the learner develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable background and hands-on practical knowledge. Learners will solve problems, explore real-world software development challenges, and create practical applications.

Workshop/Lectures: 40 hours
Practical/Large Group: 72 hours
Self-directed study: 136 hours
Assessment: 52 hours

Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics

Introduces the skills on data analytics and basic quantitative techniques for data collection, summary and presentation. Students will develop an understanding of basic concepts associated with the analysis and interpretation of statistical data within a business and organizational context.

This module will allow students to understand and present financial data within a business and organisational structure. Students will be able to apply financial mathematical techniques to simple but real life scenarios to make decisions. The module will also introduce the formulation, solution and interpretation of linear programming models and cover network models and project management.

Lecture: 24 hours
Seminar: 24 hours
Practical: 24 hours
Self-directed study: 180 hours
Assessment: 48 hours

Block 4: Information Systems Analysis and Design

This module gives an insight into the many tasks that must be carried out during the analysis and design stages of an information system development project. It provides a practical introduction to the techniques used at different stages of a project. It also illustrates how these tasks fit together within the overall project framework, and how they can be managed to ensure that the aims of the project are met.

Lecture: 24 hours
Seminar: 24 hours
Practical: 24 hours
Self-directed study: 104 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Second year modules:

Block 1: Social Computing and Data Analytics for Business

This module covers the key concepts and tools for engaging in systems thinking in an organisation, applying this in a Social Media context. Its critical purpose is to enable the students to think in a holistic manner, seeing the organisation as a whole and hence enables an understanding of the complex human purposeful activity systems within which ICT systems develop and reside. Systems involve the interaction of many elements, including communicating and connecting within networked hierarchical structures to attain purposes and goals. Students will develop an understanding of a range of concepts (e.g. cultural context) key to understanding systems and recognise that the behaviour of the system is emergent.

Lecture: 10 hours
Seminar: 30 hours
Practical: 24 hours
Self-directed study: 86 hours
Consolidation: 60 hours
Reading: 40 hours
Assessment: 50 hours

Block 2: Fundamentals of IT Management

This module introduces the practice and architecture of managing IT organisation and services. The module is structured around the IT4IT reference architecture and value chain. IT4IT is an Open Access framework which covers the IT strategy, development and delivery lifecycle and addresses information requirements, processes, components in IT practices. Significantly it encompasses the demands of organisation for fast response and continuous development as express through agile development and DevOps.

The use of IT4IT as a framework for the module will immerse the students in the concepts and practice of IT mobilisation in organisations and prepare student for professional roles, particularly providing context, practice and vocabulary to underpin industrial experience in placement or apprenticeship.

Lecture: 7 hours
Seminar: 35 hours
Practical: 28 hours
Self-directed study: 170 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Block 3: Introduction to Information Security

The module will investigate the importance of Information Security in the context of Information Systems. The module will be investigating the challenges to application and system developers in relation to the requirement for secure design and implementation. The module is a foundation of security foundations as required in terms of requirements analysis and the design of software. The module will be providing a theoretical framework in providing security solutions with reference to secure application development.

Lecture: 15 hours
Seminar: 30 hours
Self-directed study: 55 hours
Assessment: 50 hours

Block 3: Information and Database Development

In an emerging digital world, data is essential to all aspects of human life. What is of more importance is how data is efficiently stored, retrieved, and presented in a way that makes sense. using appropriate database management systems (DBMS). This module will take students through the fundamentals of DBMS, shedding light onto the two broad categories of DBMS: relational (structured) and non-relational (unstructured) databases. Students will understand the business and technical motivations behind the use of specific DBMS for managing information in specific situations.

Whilst unstructured DBMS will be discussed at introductory level, the module will provide more detailed understanding of structured DBMS, such as relational DBMS design principles, data modelling using Unified Modelling Language (UML), entity relationship diagrams, and manipulating data using Structured Query Language (SQL). The relational database design may be related to business scenarios. Students may also be expected to make modifications to pre-prepared databases through redesign allowing them to reflect on the implications.

Practical: 10 hours
Lecture: 20 hours
Tutorial: 10 hours
Reading: 20 hours
Collaborative: 10 hours
Reflection: 20 hours
Revision: 20 hours
Assessment: 40 hours

Block 4: Integrated Project

The module will take the form of a taught project module allowing students to draw up the specification, documentation and early prototype for a constrained system. Student will be encouraged to work in teams providing opportunity to experience modern techniques such as Agile/Scrum development. Although no specific language is explicitly named for the module it would be wise to select a family of languages / development environments that allow student to demonstrate a range of modern technical skills.

Practical: 48 hours
Lecture: 24 hours
Collaborative Activities: 40 hours
Revision: 40 hours
Consolidation: 148 hours

Third year modules:

Block 1: Systems Thinking

Practical systems thinking introduced the student to the concepts and ideas of systems thinking, the tools and approaches and some basic methods. It involves a significant change in mindset to address a system in holistic terms rather than reductionist approaches. The module uses SDGs as the material for exploring systems thinking, while identifying a grounding in information systems and information system practices.

Over the six weeks students develop a deep understanding of an SDG by identifying and exploring the issue of a specific situation or case study from a system perspective. Concepts are established, illustrative diagrammatic tools explored and practiced, some frameworks or methods offered and a move to the student creatively suggesting interventions in an SDG are suggested. The module cumulates in a presentation by the student using systems thinking approach of their selected system and problem.

Each week involves a practice workshop, a conceptual discussion framed around the students understanding and progress and a background lecture.

Lecture: 7 hours
Seminar: 35 hours
Practical: 28 hours
Self-directed study: 170 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Block 2: Business Systems Solutions

The aim of this module is to provide students with the essential knowledge to critically evaluate IT decisions that are made at managerial level. Students will explore the implications of digital transformation, and the changing roles of the C-Suite to accommodate global changes in the business environment. The role of IT and different solutions available to a business, based on their need will be discussed; for example, enterprise systems, cloud-based systems, and business intelligence/analytics solutions.

With the growing role of data and emerging technology, students will also explore the importance of strategic, tactical and operational decision-making and the role of business analytics in supporting the business problem solving process. Finally, students will also explore and understand the ethical implications of IT, which influence the decisions around how IT is designed, implemented and used in an organisation.

Block 3 / 4: Final Year Project

The Final Year Project enables students to undertake an individual project on an approved topic of interest, that addresses significant Computing and Information Systems related problems relevant to the Programme of study. The Project provides an opportunity for the students to integrate many of the threads of their Programme of study and to extend their work beyond the taught elements through with research and self-learning.

Lecture: 8 hours
Online interactive workshop: 8 hours
Supervisor meetings: 5 hours
Self-study: 219 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Year 3 optional modules (choose one)

Block 3 / 4: Privacy and Data Protection

There continues to be a growth of databases holding personal and other sensitive information in multiple formats including text, pictures and sound. The scale of data collected, its type and the scale and speed of data exchange have all changed with the advent of ICT. Whilst the potential to breach privacy continues to increase organisations are subjected to a considerable amount of legislation governing privacy and data protection. This module examines the balance between maintaining business effectiveness, legal compliance and professional practice in the field of IT/IS.

Thid module will address the legal, social and technological aspects of privacy and data protection, consider privacy enabling technologies and privacy invasive technologies as well as identify and evaluate the role of the computer professional in providing privacy and data protection.

Lecture: 40 hours
Seminar: 90 hours
Self-directed study: 90 hours
Assessment: 80 hours

Block 3 / 4: Advanced Database Management and Programming

Based on modules studied in previous years involving databases and computer programming, this module provides the student with further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing the student's ability to differentiate between relational databases and non-relational databases.

It develops the skills to choose a suitable database for an application from a business perspective to meet stated requirements using realistic scenarios and the ability to analyse semi-structured data and to choose an appropriate storage structure. It develops skills in database design and data retrieval using a variety of complex data structures and NoSQL programming including aggregation methods.

Practical: 20 hours
Lecture/Large Group: 40 hours
Online Learning: 60 hours
Reading: 60 hours
Reflection: 60 hours
Revision: 60 hours

Block 3 / 4: Digital Transformation

This module introduces the concept of digital transformation, locates it in the context of the organisation and considers the impact of leading-edge technologies on the organisation. The structure of the module is set around the development of a digital transformation consultancy report for a selected organisation. Public sector digital transformation is studied and students select a public sector organisation for study. Definitions of digital transformation are evaluated and emerging themes and trends explored. Such trends will change every year. Trends might include changing working practice and hybrid working, digitally composable business, roles and skills in digital transformation, hyper automation, data silos and a single source of truth (2022). These will change for each delivery.

Lecture: 7 hours
Seminar: 35 hours
Practical: 28 hours
Self-directed study: 170 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Block 3 / 4: Information and Communication Technologies for Development

This module will expose students to issues that influence the adoption, implementation, uptake, and sustainability of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in developing countries. Students will recognise the historical perspectives to the ICT4D concept and why it offers significant possibilities towards addressing some diverse development issues, but also at times exacerbating these existing issues.

Students will learn how to apply theoretical frameworks, such as (but not limited to), the ICT4D value chain, stakeholder matrix, and responsible research and innovation (RRI), in the analysis of ICTs issues and appraisal of ICT implementation solutions and uptake status of a developing country. In addition, the module will discuss the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and debate how ICTs might, if at all, progress these Goals.

Lectures: 50 hours
Seminars: 30 hours
Reading: 40 hours
Collaborative: 20 hours
Reflection: 40 hours
Revision: 40 hours
Assessment: 80 hours