Module details
First year | Second year | Third year
First year modules:
Introduction to Computing and its applications
This module explores the context of computing, starting with your own experience and then exploring issues, conflicts and social changes brought about by computing and its applications. You will be introduced to the social, political, economic and legal context of computing.
Data Analytics 1
Introduces the 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. The module will allow students to understand the theoretical foundation of data analytics, data analytic processes and techniques. Extensive use will be made of a variety of software, e.g. Minitab, Excel etc.
Information Systems Analysis
The development of modern information systems is a highly complex activity. This module introduces students to the software development lifecycle and gives an insight into the first stage of this process – establishing the requirements of an information system. It provides a practical introduction to some of the techniques used at the early 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, and the project is a success.
Foundations of Python Programming
Python is an interpreted language with a simple syntax, a rich programming environment, and a powerful set of libraries. The Foundations of Python Programming module is a beginner’s module; it introduces the learner to the fundamental theoretical concepts of programming in general and the Python language in specific. Designed for learners without prior programming experience, the aim is to provide students with a sufficiently detailed, generally applicable background in programming with python.
Computer Ethics
The module introduces students to the ethical theories affecting information systems, information security, software engineering, computer science and digital forensics. It requires them to develop critical analytical skills in applying ethical theories to technological outcomes regarding information systems, information security, software engineering, computer science and digital forensics.
Data Analytics 2
Using a variety of software such as Minitab, Excel, The Management Scientist etc. this module aims to provide skills on data analytics and basic quantitative techniques to be able to summarise and present financial data within a business and organisational context. Applying financial mathematical techniques to simple but real-life scenarios to make decisions, as well as introducing the formulation, solution and interpretation of linear programming models and cover network models and project management.
Database Design
This module gives an insight into the design stage of the system development life cycle – designing a solution to meet the requirements of an information system project. It provides a practical introduction to some of the techniques used at the design stage of a project. It also illustrates how these stages fit together within the overall project framework.
Programming in Python 2
Programming in Python 2 module seeks to extend the learner's skill and knowledge of the selected language and wider program related concepts drawing on the learnings completed in the Foundations of Python Programming module. Learners will solve problems, explore real-world software development challenges, and create practical applications. The module prepares students for more advanced programming in year two.
Second year modules:
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 to understand the motivations behind the use of specific DBMS for managing information in specific situations.
Introduction to IT Service Management
This module is an extensive introduction to the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), commonly known as the de-facto industry adopted framework for IT Service Management. Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to understand the ITIL service lifecycle and its key components, holding the knowledge necessary to pass the ITIL V3 Foundation Certificate examination - a qualification recognised throughout the world and external of this degree.
Project Management
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.
Integrated Project
Students work in teams to manage and complete a substantial project for a given scenario to develop skills in team working and managing a substantial project. The project integrates the various aspects of software development encountered on the course (project management, analysis, design, development and testing). The students will utilise and extend the knowledge and understanding gained during the modules previously studied their course specific material and work on a more extensive scenario.
Social Computing for Business
This module introduces 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 thinking in a holistic manner, seeing the organisation as a whole and enable 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.
Analytics and Business Modelling
Business Data Analytics is used by business organisations for data-driven and fact-based decision making. Firms that are guided by data-driven decision making have higher productivity, market value, and increased output and profitability. Business Data Analytics has emerged as a field and skill fundamental to the business analysis and information systems discipline – it is important students understand the theory behind it, and how it is applied in industry. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the field of analytics and business modelling, highlighting the key fundamental concepts that define the field.
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.
Mobile Application Design and Development
In this module, students will learn mobile application design and development at the beginners’ level. Using the appropriate tools, frameworks, programming languages, and development environment, students will conceptualize mobile application requirements, evaluate design issues, and develop a mobile application. The functionalities of the developed app can be demonstrated using a simulator or mobile operating system (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows). Students will learn the skills that could lead to the deployment of mobile applications for smartphones or tablets in a real situation.
Third year modules:
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.
IT Service Foundations
IT Service Management involves a wide range of activities and disciplines. This module explores the fundamental of processes and the standard problem space around the management of IT in organisation. It tackles fundamentals, starting with the use of CATWOE and stakeholder analysis frameworks in order to set the context. An overview of ITIL is outlined for students who have not come across ITIL before and revision for those who are ITIL-competent having completed the year two IT Service Management modules.
Business Systems Solutions
This module covers an important aspect of Information Systems Development (ISD) and discusses how to ensure that digital solutions meet a range of business and managerial criteria: the selection and evaluation of methodologies used in the Systems Development process. A variety of ISD paradigms and methodologies will be considered, including ‘hard’ approaches, both Object-Oriented and Structured, ‘soft’ and participative approaches, and ‘heavyweight’ and ‘agile’ methodologies.
Application Architecture
An understanding of application architecture is an important part of the implementation of a wide range of modern technologies, including web, mobile and desktop development. This module will look at the issues surrounding the implementation of appropriate architecture e.g. security and programming considerations. It will take a hands-on approach allowing students to build software that address many of these issues.
Information & Communication Technologies for Development (optional*)
The gaps in the socio-economic wellbeing of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries often indicate how they use emerging technologies for solving problems. As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) evolves, it offers a wide range of opportunities for closing these socio-economic gaps, particularly, from a developing country viewpoint. This module will expose students to issues that influence the adoption, implementation, uptake, and sustainability of ICTs in developing countries. 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.
Professional and Academic Research Development (optional*)
This module focuses on research skills that are necessary in modern careers. Data scientists, for example, need to understand the importance of developing a useful research question prior to collecting and analysing data. Project managers, software developers, and innovators need to understand the needs of those for whom they are developing systems and products. These all require an understanding of research methods: the skills of asking the right questions of the right people, interpreting the data collected, and presenting results in a professional manner.
Information Security Management and Governance (optional*)
The module exposes the students to issues surrounding management and governance of Information Security within an organisational context. Consideration is given to the need for related policy, analysis of risk and the management of organisational assets. The module includes legal and personnel aspects of Security by giving an overview of laws and regulations in governing systems.
IT Service Practice (optional*)
This module looks outwards to the stakeholder and groups that interface with IT services. The focus is primarily on the customer of IT services who draw on IT services to achieve their tasks and meet their goals. In particular, work is done on how to understand customers and the use of tools such as customer journey mapping. The module also looks to the interface with senior management of the organisation management as expressed through the development of strategy. Seminars and consultancy briefs address the extent of customer-orientation in IT services and the measurement of quality.
Database Management and Programming (optional*)
This module provides further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing the 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.