PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 4.1 Course Record Information Name and level of final & intermediate Awards Awarding Body Location of Delivery Mode of Study MSc in Advanced Software Engineering Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Software Engineering Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Software Engineering University of Westminster Informatics Institute of Technology Sri Lanka Full-Time, Part-Time UW Course Code QAA Subject Benchmark (where available) Professional Body Accreditation (where appropriate) Date of initial course approval/last review SEIPSEI British Computer Society (BCS) to be applied for 2005/July 2011 Date of next Review/Re-validation 2015/16 Date of Programme Specification May 2011 4.2 Admissions Requirements The normal requirement for admission to the course is that students hold a 2.2 or above honours degree in a subject related to computer science from a British university, or an equivalent qualification. Suitable subjects might include Computing, Computer Science or Software Engineering, joint degrees including one of these subjects, or possibly other science or mathematically based subjects that include significant amounts of computer science material. Applicants who have not had their secondary or tertiary education through the medium of English should normally have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5. In admitting individual students to the course, however, an important consideration is the student s ability to benefit from the course and complete it satisfactorily. As a consequence, additional factors such as continuous professional development, training, and the current role of applicants may also be taken into account in individual cases. These factors will be considered at the time of the interview with the admissions tutor prior to being accepted on the course. 1

4.3 Aims of the course The rapid pace of technical change in software development is notorious and this has been accompanied and compounded by an increase in the complexity of the systems that are developed. Recently this has been most noticeable in the increase in mobile and pervasive computing and the use of sophisticated hardware that require developer knowledge of new interactive paradigms and native programming techniques, including computer graphics and animation. Many applications that run on these systems whether mobile or stationary are distributed in nature and will consume web services provided by service-oriented architectures. There has also been an increase in the use of virtualization techniques for providing flexible and maintainable systems. Businesses are now regularly using virtualized systems and techniques to lower cost and complexity and increase availability in computing environments. This course is designed to enhance your knowledge in a specific area of your choice, which is compliant with these emergent trends and technologies in Computer Science and Software Engineering, The course is practical in nature and provides the student with ample opportunity to practice and enhance skills in software development. The course also provides the necessary theoretical knowledge required to gain sufficient grounding in the topic areas to be able to pursue further self-study and/or academic research with opportunity for both reflection and critical evaluation of course material and student work. There is an acknowledged national shortage of IT and computing skills in the workforce. In the specific area of software development, a number of factors contribute to this. Most obviously, the rate of technological change means that an individual's specific knowledge frequently becomes out of date. Secondly, many significant technological developments originate in industry rather than academia, and are not yet firmly embedded in undergraduate curricula. Finally, many people enter the software industry without a specific educational background in computer science and acquire much vital knowledge in the workplace in relatively ad hoc ways. In response to this, IIT and ECS has been running courses that combine an emphasis on methodical approaches to the development of software applications and information systems with a determination to equip graduates with a portfolio of relevant research-oriented and practical skills and knowledge to compliment and expand their own knowledge. The rationale behind the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering is to draw on this experience to provide an education that will cover in-depth specific skills and best current practice in software development where there is currently a significant skills shortage, whilst at the same time instilling important research-based skills that will equip students for independent lifelong learning in fast-changing and technically challenging environment. The course aims: (CA1) To provide a postgraduate programme in Software Engineering at an advanced level of both a theoretical and practical nature; (CA2) To produce graduates who have built on their first degree or previous experience and added a range of knowledge and practical experience in contemporary computer science topics and skills in both research and development; 2

(CA3) To promote professional standards of work, both independently and collaboratively (CA4) To foster critical evaluation of academic research and industrial practice (CA5) To develop autonomous and reflective learners who take the initiative and responsibility for acquiring new knowledge and skills 4.4 Employment and Further Study Opportunities Today s organisations need graduates with both good degrees and skills relevant to the workplace. IIT is committed to developing employable graduates by ensuring that: Career development skills are embedded in all courses Opportunities for part-time work, placements and work-related learning activities are widely available to students Staff continue to widen and strengthen IIT s links with employers in all sectors, involving them in curriculum design and encouraging their participation in other aspects of IIT s career education and guidance provision Staff are provided with up-to-date data on labour market trends and employers requirements which will inform the service delivered to students. Graduates would typically be part of a team designing, implementing and or maintaining components within sophisticated distributed applications. The actual role within the team may be, for example; designer, programmer, systems administrator or systems analyst. Other types of roles possible are in computer science research for either a commercial company or academic institution. Further study opportunities with the University of Westminster are PhD study programmes. 4.5 Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes are statements on what students are expected to have achieved as the result of learning. They are linked to the knowledge, understanding and skills that a student will have gained on successfully completing a course. On completion of the course, the student will be able to: LO1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the knowledge base, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights generated by both academic research and professional practice, LO2. Have a comprehensive understanding of the methods and techniques necessary for research, LO3. Be able to demonstrate practical skills in emerging software platforms and be able to apply these skills in novel application areas, LO4. Be able to use and critically evaluate current methodologies and tools, 3

LO5. Take a proactive, managed approach to their future careers and personal development. Knowledge and Understanding With respect to a particular subject area, graduates will have: K1 A systematic understanding of the knowledge base, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights generated by both academic research and professional practice, K2 A comprehensive understanding of the methods and techniques necessary for research, K3 A practical understanding of how established techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge, together with the ability to apply this to novel application areas, K4 An ability to be able to critically evaluate current methodologies and standards, and where appropriate propose new approaches. Generic Skills DS1 Software development life-cycle. DS2 Object-oriented paradigm DS3 Associated legal, ethical and professional issues. DS4 Dependant on the choice of option modules, skills in a combination of the following areas: DS4.1 Virtualization techniques and resource DS4.2 Mobile Application Development (native and managed) DS4.3 3D computer graphics and animation DS4.4 Service oriented architecture and implementation of web services DS4.5 Computer forensics 4.6 Key Transferable skills Higher Education Skills Students on completing the course will have the following seven key skill categories for Masters Level (NQF: 7): (HES1) Group working: can work effectively with a group as leader or member. Can clarify task and make appropriate use of the capacities of group members. Is able to negotiate and handle conflict with confidence. 4

(HES2) Learning resources: is able to use full range of learning resources. (HES3) Self evaluation: is reflective on own and others functioning in order to improve practice. (HES4) Management of information: can competently undertake research tasks with minimum guidance. (HES5) Autonomy: is independent and self-critical learner, guiding the learning of others. (HES6) Communication: can engage confidently in academic and professional communication with others, reporting on action clearly, autonomously and competently. (HES7) Problem solving: has independent learning ability required for continuing professional study, making professional use of others where appropriate. Lifelong Learning By the end of the course, students will: (LL1) Be able to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations and those where technical material must be quickly and reliably mastered. (LL2) Have acquired or reinforced appropriate habits of self-organization, in terms of initiative and personal responsibility. (LL3) Be prepared for work towards a research degree or continued professional development. Career Management Skills Provision of Career Management Skills for graduates of the course who are about to enter the Software industry are provided by utilizing material provided by the British Computer Society (BCS). In particular the following BCS professional development schemes will be covered: Industry Structure Model (ISM) and the Professional Development Scheme (PDS). 4.7 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods Teaching and Learning methods The teaching strategy adopted on the course makes use of a variety of teaching methods to ensure that material is presented effectively to students and in a way that emphasizes the practical nature of the subject. The wide range of skills and knowledge required for the successful development of complex software systems means that a correspondingly wide range of strategies is adopted to develop these skills in students. Formal lectures are used on the taught modules as a method for efficiently conveying basic facts and information. Tutorials are tutor-led sessions with a smaller group of students, and 5

usually adopt a more problem-solving approach than is feasible in a formal lecture. Laboratory sessions are practical sessions in which students work at their own speed on set tasks. Other methods used are student presentations or student-led seminars, and a form of surgery" where students can raise any problems related to the module. Significant, use will be made of Web-based teaching materials. Assessment Methods The purpose of assessment is to enable students to demonstrate that they have: Met all the learning outcomes for each module; and Fulfilled the objectives of the programme of study on which they are registered; and Achieved the standard required for the award. The general principles governing assessment on the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering are that a variety of assessment methods should be used to supplement formal examinations, with an appropriate assessment method being selected for the particular learning outcome being assessed, and that course work assessments should be considered part of the learning process, with appropriate and timely feedback being given. The assessment procedures of the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering course adhered to the University of Westminster policy regarding the marking and moderation of assessment. Fuller descriptions of teaching, learning and assessment methods can be found in the appropriate sections of the Course Handbook. 4.8 Course Structure This section shows the core and option modules available as part of the course and their credit value. Full-time Postgraduate students study 180 credits in the academic year. Part time students will normally complete the 180 credits in two academic years. The MSc in Advanced Software Engineering comprises of eight modules, worth a total of 180 credits at level 7. There are seven taught modules each worth 20 credits and a (double) project module worth 40 credits. There are two core taught modules on the course, plus the core project module (Project Part II). In addition, students are required to select five option taught modules from a prescribed list of modules. The core and option modules (selected from the UoW MSc Computer Science) are listed in Table 2. Please note that the respective course leader and module leader must agree the choice of option modules. It is important that you discuss your option with the course leader as they are able to advise you on your choice of modules. 6

code title prerequisite status credits EBSI714 Project Management None Option 20 ECIC702 Mobile Application Development None Option 20 ECIC707 SOA and Web Services None Option 20 ECIC706 Systems Administration None Option 20 ECIE703 Software Engineering Context None Core 20 ECIE704 Software Design None Option 20 ECIE706 Enterprise Development None Option 20 ECIF705 Computer Systems Security None Option 20 ECIC798 Research Methods (Project Part I) None Core 20 ECIC799 Computer Science Project Table 2 At least 4 modules including ECIC798 NB: Not all option modules will necessarily be offered in any one year. Core 40 4.9 Modes of Study The course usually starts at the end of September with an induction day and presentations from the Module Leaders and Tutors. Classes normally start with the following two weeks in October. The course may be offered in one or more modes of study: Full Time or Part Time. Applicants will be advised on the mode of study offered on the course website and at interview. In Full Time and Part Time Mode students will take the taught modules totalling 140 credits, over two semesters. The third semester is over the summer when Full Time students undertake the final project and complete the course by the end of September with a project viva term. A part time student would typically study the taught modules over two years and the project over six months. Full time Usually all Advanced Software Engineering modules take place on Thursday and Saturday of the week and over two semesters with the exception of Software Engineering Context which runs over both Semesters. 1st Semester September to January 2nd Second Semester January to May Summer June to September Normally take 3.5 modules Normally take 3.5 modules Complete project Part time 7

Part time students normally choose to follow classes on one evening of the week and a Saturday. The most logical order is to choose all modules first followed by the Project in the last semester. This allows students to take Software Engineering Context in the first year as it underpins many of the other modules on the course and as a core module it also gives students the opportunity to meet all the other students on the course. Students begin the project in the summer of the second year and are given longer to complete their project reflecting the fact they will have to combine their project with their work commitments. 1st Semester ( year 1) September to January 2nd Semester ( year 1) January to May 1-2 modules 1-2 modules Free Summer June to September 1st term ( year 2) September to January 2nd term ( year 2) January to May 1-2 modules 1-2 modules Project Summer & Autumn ( year 2) June to December 4.10 Academic Regulations The MSc and its intermediate awards operate in accordance with the Academic Regulations and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in 2008. All students should make sure that they access a copy of the current edition of the Essential Westminster handbook which is available at westminster.ac.uk/essential-westminster. The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the Modular Framework for Postgraduate Courses and relevant sections of the current Handbook of Academic Regulations. An overall mark of 50% must be obtained in order to pass a module on the MSc. In addition, some modules may specify that certain levels of achievement must be attained in individual components of assessment. For example, some modules require that a mark of at least 40% is obtained in both examination and course work components to pass a module, in addition to achieving an overall mark of 50%. Award of an MSc in Advanced Software Engineering To be eligible for the award of Masters degree, a student must have: a) passed modules worth at least 180 credits at Level 7, including all core modules. b) attempted (see definitions in appendix 1) modules worth no more than 240 credits (under this regulation a first attempt of any module will count as an attempt, and a reattempt of any module that a student has failed will count as a further, separate attempt. Reassessment (referral) following failure at the first attempt will not count as a further separate attempt; and 8

The University may award a Masters degree with Merit to a student where an average of at least 60% has been achieved in modules at Level 7. The University may award a Masters degree with Distinction to a student where an average of at least 70% has been achieved in modules at Level 7. 4.11 Support for Students On arrival, an induction programme will introduce students to the staff responsible for the course, the Library, UoW electronic library access, Blackboard and IT facilities and to all other departments of the Institute. Students will be provided with the Course Handbook and the How You Study Guide, which provides detailed information about the course. Students are allocated a personal tutor who can provide advice and guidance on academic matters. Learning support includes the Library which has a wide collection of books required for the undergraduate post graduate degree programmes plus other books to obtain a wider knowledge of the subject area. Access to electronic resources (databases, e-journals, e- books, exam papers and links to recommended websites) is facilitated through the Library. There are over 175 computers spread over 5 labs located on the 1 st floor and the 4 th floor of the Institute for students use. At Institute level, Services for Students provide advice and guidance on accommodation, financial and legal matters, personal counselling, health and disability issues and career guidance. The IIT Students' Union also provides a range of facilities to support all students during their time at the Institute. The Induction Programme: introduces the student to the course and services provided by the IIT and UOW. Since the course is open to applicants with a mix of computing knowledge and languages a number of introductory tutorial workshops will be run on these topics as part of the induction process for the course. This includes a 4-day refresher course on OOP and Java programming language. Student Handbook and Module Guides: there is a course specific handbook. All module leaders provide module guides that include: a module description, teaching schedule, assessment schedule and lecture notes. Personal Tutor System: the course leader normally acts as personal tutor for all students, until a student is allocated a project supervisor, who then acts as the personal tutor. Computer equipment: the two main computer systems used on the course, these are Microsoft Windows and Linux OS computers running in various laboratories. Students also have access to embedded systems hardware where necessary. Students have access to 4 computer laboratories. Course Committees: are the forum for students and staff to present their views on the operation and development of the course. The Course Committee meets once per semester and reports on all aspects of the course. Additional learning material of notes, links to additional content and presentations is also made available via the Virtual Learning Environment Blackboard. Each module on the 9

course offers content via the virtual learning environment and some lecturers put extensive additional content on Blackboard as well as notes and content from the course. 4.12 Reference Points for the course Internally University of Westminster Quality Assurance and Enhancement Handbook Postgraduate Modular Framework University of Westminster Academic Regulations Handbook University of Westminster Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Externally QAA Subject Benchmark for Computing / Software Engineering British Computer Society Guidelines on Accreditation and Exemption 4.13 Quality Management and Enhancement Course Management The Course Leader is responsible, through the Head of the Department, to the Dean of School for the academic management and organization of the course. The Course Leader, who is also the Admissions Tutor, is assisted by an Examinations Officer and a Project Coordinator. The Course Team comprises the Course Leader and all the members of staff who teach on the course. Module leaders are responsible for the delivery of individual modules. In many cases, a number of academic staff members will be involved in the delivery of a module. Such a module team will consist of at least one full-time member of the academic staff, possibly assisted by a number of part-time or visiting lecturers. The module leader of the project module is known as the project coordinator. The entire course is franchised from UOW therefore the module leaders at IIT will communicate with their counterparts at UOW. The University of Westminster Liaison Tutor will provide a link between those responsible for the management and delivery of the programme at IIT and academic and administrative staff at UOW. Every student is allocated a personal tutor. The tutor offers academic guidance, and advice in the case of medical or other personal problems that may affect progress on the course. Students can gain guidance on choosing their programme of study from both the personal tutor and the level coordinator. Administrative support is provided by the Registrar s Office. 10

Course approval, monitoring and review The host course at the University of Westminster (MSc Computer Science) was initially approved by a University Validation Panel in June 2010 and the MScASE was validated June 2011. The Panel included internal peers from the University and external subject specialists from academia and industry to ensure the comparability of the course to those offered in other Universities and the relevance to employers. Periodic Course Review helps to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and that the skills gained on the course continue to be relevant to employers. A validation process is currently in place to validate the franchise and the MScASE being conducted at IIT. The course is monitored each year by IIT and the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Westminster to ensure that it is running effectively and that issues that might affect the student experience have been appropriately addressed. Staff will consider the outcomes from each Course Committee, evidence of student progression and achievement and the reports from External Examiners to evaluate the effectiveness of the course. The Annual Monitoring Committee considers IIT action plans resulting from this process and the outcomes are reported to the Academic Council, which has overall responsibility for the maintenance of quality and standards in the University of Westminster. Student involvement in Quality Assurance and Enhancement Student feedback is important to IIT and UOW and student views are taken seriously. The most formal mechanism for feedback on the course is the Course Committee. Student representatives will be elected to sit on the committee to represent the views of their peer group in the discussions held at the committee. IIT and the Students Union work together to provide a full induction to the role of the Course Committee representatives. Students are invited to complete an end-of module questionnaire before the end of each module. The feedback from this will inform the Module Leader on the effectiveness of the module and highlight areas that could be enhanced. Students meet with members of the University Review Panel when the periodic revalidation of the franchised course is conducted to provide oral feedback on their experience on the course. Student feedback from Course Committees is part of IIT s quality assurance evidence base. For more information about this course: Please contact the MSc Coordinator Assoc Prof Alfred Perera a.perera@iit.ac.lk by email Please note This programme specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. This specification should be read in conjunction with the Course Handbook provided to students and Module Handbooks which provide more detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods for each module. 11