POSTGRADUAT PROGRAMM SPCIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: Final Awards: Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: MSc Mobile Device Staffordshire University Faculty of Computing, ngineering & Sciences MSc Mobile Device PgC/PgD Mobile Device Full Time/Distance earning UCAS Codes: QAA Subject Benchmarks: Not Applicable Master s Degrees in Computing 2011 JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: Accredited by BCS The Chartered Institute for IT for: Chartered IT Professional - Further earning (CITP) Chartered ngineer (Cng) -partial Chartered Scientist (CSci) -partial Date of Production: April 2013 Date of Revision: April 2015 If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us. 1
DUCATIONA AIMS OF TH PROGRAMM Develop masters-level knowledge and skills in mobile computer systems in context of employer-driven needs, emerging markets, and contemporary subject areas within the discipline. Use the rigour of academic knowledge development and training to develop applied practical skills for construction of mobile computer systems in real-world contexts. valuate and apply emerging technologies for the creation of novel mobile applications. Become familiar with the principles that support the development and deployment of mobile applications in a range of contexts. Apply and extend a range of core software development methods and techniques to mobile device applications development. Develop an appreciation and understanding of the role of mobile applications and systems in organizational and enterprise settings. Critically apply the theoretical and principle-based aspects of mobile computing to the design, practical development and implementation of mobile applications and solutions. Develop academic and discipline-specific rigour through applied scholarship to build or strengthen domain-specific understanding and transferrable skills thus equipping graduates for a career in industry or academia Develop and strengthen critical analysis, independent scholarship, and intellectual empowerment through a structured research-informed programme of studies. Provide a balanced programme of study, comprising mobile application development principles with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience. Develop effective communication skills of value to academic, technical and professional environments. What is distinctive about this programme? It has recently been estimated that there are 6 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide, including about 1 billion smartphones. Smartphone and tablet ownership is rapidly increasing, along with the market for applications to run on them. Mobility has grown to be a universal aspect of computer systems providing key infrastructure support, services, and applications across industry sectors, for example in e-commerce (and mobile commerce), banking, personal communications, telecommunications, remote monitoring and control, social networking, retail, and 2
medical informatics. This award is intended for graduates of Computing-related degrees with previous software development experience, who want to develop the key skills and attributes to create applications for mobile and tablet devices. As well as downloadable applications for the consumer market, you will learn to create mobile clients for larger computer systems. The award also aims to instil sound academic & professional skills required for lifelong learning & development. Other distinctive features: On graduating from this award you will be well equipped to become an independent developer of mobile applications, as well to work in the computing industry developing mobile clients and systems. You can choose to undertake a 12 month industrial placement where the University will advise you and help you in finding a placement opportunity There will be opportunities to attend a variety of guest lectures, seminars, and mini-conferences You will develop practical skills in the latest programming languages and platforms for developing mobile software applications, and a knowledge of key issues associated with mobile computer systems. Independent research features strongly throughout the course. You will be able to develop your research skills and apply these in the completion of an awardspecific dissertation in mobile device application development. This provides a good foundation for progressing to further research study. PROGRAMM OUTCOMS What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to: 3
Knowledge & Understanding Develop specific focus and depth of critical understanding and interpretation in specific areas in mobile device application development earning Develop and demonstrate full and competent ability in the approach, execution and critical synthesis of software development relating to mobile device application development, the associated theory, and principles, and the translation of this to real-world contexts nquiry Demonstrate the ability to conduct an independent study of scientific investigation, and on the basis of conclusions drawn, make appropriate recommendations to promote research-based changes in the field of mobile applications development and application-specific contexts. Analysis Understand and demonstrate analytical powers of thought through critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of subject material and demonstrate an in-depth understanding and application of research styles and methods of inquiry relating to mobile computing and associated current and emerging domains. Problem Solving Use a principle-based approach to find and develop solutions within legal, ethical, and professional governance. Communication Convey the educational experience and accrued knowledge & skills to academic and non-academic audiences, including its value in both an academic and commercial context. Adopt a critical lens in the application of appropriate mobile application-related concepts and practice to academic and commercial contexts. Reflection Be able to fully identify and understand one s one intellectual capital in relation to mobile systems and its future value in the Knowledge conomy. 4
PROGRAMM STRUCTUR, MODUS AND CRDITS Programme Title: MSc Mobile Device September start Fast Track Semester 1 COS70611 Android COS70633 nterprise Mobility Option COIS71024 Professional V 7 Dissertation period (Teaching Block 3) (The dissertation period is 16 weeks plus a viva period) COS70610 Advanced Android COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile COS70612 for ios Devices COIS71052 Dissertation (60 Credits) COIS71040 Research Methods Note no industrial placement period is permitted as part of the Fast Track award. OPTIONS: Not all option modules will be available in any given semester, or academic year. You should consult your award leader for specific details. MATH70372 Survey Design & Statistical Analysis COWB70358 Media diting and Multimedia s COWB70359 Mobile Web and Multimedia COWB70379 Multimedia Research COCS70627 Mobile Computing and Wireless * COIS70929 Database Design & COS70615 ngineering Internet s COS70616 nterprise s * * Students need to satisfy the necessary pre-requisites. 5
September start Standard Semester 1 COS70611 Android COS70633 nterprise Mobility Option COIS71024 Professional V COS70610 Advanced Android COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile COS70612 for ios Devices COIS71040 Research Methods 7 Summer Vacation Dissertation period (Semester 1 extended) (The dissertation period is 16 weeks plus a viva period) COIS71052 Dissertation (60 Credits) Note the award allows students to take a 6 or 12 month industrial placement between the completion of study of the PG Diploma stage and commencement of the Dissertation period, subject to a student meeting the relevant progression regulations. OPTIONS: Not all option modules will be available in any given semester, or academic year. You should consult your award leader for specific details. C00515-7 Survey Design & Statistical Analysis COWB70358 Media diting and Multimedia s COWB70359 Mobile Web and Multimedia COWB70379 Multimedia Research COCS70627 Mobile Computing and Wireless * COIS70929 Database Design & COS70615 ngineering Internet s COS70616 nterprise s * * Students need to satisfy the necessary pre-requisites. 6
January start - xtended COIS71160 Academic nglish (0 credits single module) C70320 Study Skills & mployability (0 credits single module) COS70645 Computing Fundamentals (0 credits double module) Summer Vacation Semester 1 COS70611 Android COS70633 nterprise Mobility Option COIS71024 Professional V 7 COS70610 Advanced Android COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile COS70612 for ios Devices COIS71040 Research Methods Summer Vacation Dissertation period (Semester 1 extended) (The dissertation period is 16 weeks plus a viva period) COIS71052 Dissertation (60 Credits) Note the award allows students to take a 6 or 12 month industrial placement between the completion of study of the PG Diploma stage and commencement of the Dissertation period, subject to a student meeting the relevant progression regulations. OPTIONS: 7
Not all option modules will be available in any given semester, or academic year. You should consult your award leader for specific details. C00515-7 Survey Design & Statistical Analysis COWB70358 Media diting and Multimedia s COWB70359 Mobile Web and Multimedia COWB70379 Multimedia Research COCS70627 Mobile Computing and Wireless * COIS70929 Database Design & COS70615 ngineering Internet s COS70616 nterprise s * * Students need to satisfy the necessary pre-requisites. 8
Distance earning September start (part-time) When studied in distance learning mode, 60 credits a year will be studied as 2 modules per semester as below. The option modules will be distance-learning versions of a subset of the option modules shown for the on campus awards. The exact modules available will vary. You should consult with your Award eader. Semester 1 COIS71014 Professional (D/) COS70613 Android (D/) COS70604 Advanced Android (D/) COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile (D/) OR COS70605 for ios Devices (D/) V 7 Summer Vacation Semester 1 COS70640 nterprise Mobility (D/) Option COIS71038 Research Methods COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile (D/) OR COS70605 for ios Devices (D/) Summer Vacation 9
Dissertation period (Semester 1 & 2) COIS71165 Dissertation D/ (60 Credits) (The D dissertation period is 32 weeks plus a viva period) Distance earning January start (part-time) When studied in distance learning mode, 60 credits a year will be studied as 2 modules per semester as below. The option modules will be distance-learning versions of a subset of the option modules shown for the on campus awards. The exact modules available will vary. You should consult with your Award eader. COS70613 Android (D/) COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile (D/) OR V Summer Vacation COS70605 for ios Devices (D/) 7 Semester 1 COS70640 nterprise Mobility (D/) COIS71014 Professional (D/) COS70608 ocation Aware Mobile (D/) OR COS70605 for ios Devices (D/) COS70604 Advanced Android (D/) 10
Summer Vacation Semester 1 COIS71038 Research Methods Option Dissertation period ( & Teaching Block 3) COIS71165 Dissertation D/ (60 Credits) (The D dissertation period is 32 weeks plus a viva period) Potential Awards: Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) comprising a total of 60 credits from any of the modules listed above including any required core modules. Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) comprising PG Cert plus a total of 60 credits from any of the modules listed above including any core modules. MSc (180 credits) total of 180 credits from any of the modules listed above including the MSc Dissertation and Core Modules. Progression: In order to progress to the Industrial Placement (Internship) you must have passed at least 45 credits. In order to progress to the MSc Dissertation you must have passed at least 105 credits. Note: Module COIS71024/COIS71014 (Professional /Professional D/) will only be considered for compensation in the following circumstances: The student has achieved a compensatable grade in the module AND has achieved a pass grade in the Dissertation to compensate the module against. If the award board is unable to compensate the module against the dissertation then at most a Postgraduate Certificate can be awarded. 11
HOW WI I B TAUGHT AND ASSSSD? Teaching and earning A substantial variety and range of teaching and learning strategies are used on this award. These take the form of class attendance (for on-campus students), directed reading, independent reading (this is very strongly encouraged), electronic delivery of learning material, computer simulations, discussions with supervisors, practical work, problem solving, working with peers in group activities, working with people in industry, undertaking literature reviews and critically appraising published work, giving presentations, being interviewed, report writing, industrial visits and seminars. This variety of methods is designed to encourage you to become an independent learner so that you can continue to increase your knowledge even after you finish the course (and thus is contributes to your employability). Teaching and learning within the University is supported by electronic distribution of information and course management through the Blackboard virtual learning environment. ach module within the Faculty has a presence on Blackboard. This allows you to engage in your studies in a structured, directed and flexible manner. The system also provides a means of formal and informal communication between students and lecturers through discussion forums. Many of the modules on the MSc have been developed to make full use of this facility and are used as exemplars of good practice. The information on Blackboard is in support of, and not as a replacement for, attendance at taught classes each week attendance is a requirement (for on-campus students). For distance-learning students: the Blackboard V will be the primary vehicle for delivery. As a distance-learner you will be expected to use and regularly engage with Blackboard as part of your studies, and to work through the module material provided at the suggested pace and in accordance with the earning Activity Plan for each module. On-line, telephone and email support will be provided as necessary. This allows you to engage in your studies in a structured, directed and flexible manner. For on-campus students: The laboratories are equipped with high-spec PCs with development environments for Android (clipse) and Windows Phone development. iphone and ipad development is supported with a laboratory of imacs equipped with the XCode developer toolset. There are a variety of mobile devices (including Android, ios and Windows Phone) available for application deployment and testing. You will also approach your studies from both practical and theoretical perspectives; and also learn from the range of assessment activities that you will be subjected to. These activities include delivering presentations, engaging in interviews, recording logbooks, programming, and report writing. You will receive both written and verbal feedback on these activities from tutors to assist you in further developing your skills The substantial range of facilities available within the Faculty and the University, contribute to generating a research/academic community environment and culture that impacts favourably on MSc students. However, the resource that influences the learning of students most on these awards is probably the staff - their approach to supporting students, their specialist subject knowledge, and their knowledge of appropriate specialist texts and other support material that can contribute to student learning. Thus, we believe in, and practice, Research Informed Teaching. 12
Assessment Assessment serves two purposes. Firstly it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have successfully understood the information you have been given. Secondly, and most importantly, assessment is also a continuation of the learning process. Revision for examinations and writing reports allows you to practice what you have been taught and the feedback received from the lecturer can further direct you to enhance your knowledge and skills further. Modules on the course are assessed by a mixture of coursework (written and practical work) and by examination. The coursework is designed to assess practical skills and problem solving ability whereas the examination will focus more on assessing knowledge and understanding. Some modules aim to teach practical applied skills and so may be assessed entirely by coursework - this might include laboratory work, report writing and presentations. It is recognised that peer-group support is an important part of the overall learning process so you may be occasionally encouraged to work in small groups where appropriate, and in this case the work may be assessed as a group. ADDITIONA INFORMATION ntry Requirements (including ITS score) What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry requirements for the award are normally: An Undergraduate Honours degree (grade 2.2 or above) in a related Computing discipline from a UK University or the international equivalent. You must be able to demonstrate a good standard of nglish. A minimum score of ITS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) or an equivalent qualification is required for this award. Applicants with appropriate experience will also be considered provided you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate study. 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 SPCIFIC INFORMATION Assessment of the programme will be undertaken in accordance with the University awards regulations. 13
Students are encouraged to undertake a suitable Industrial Placement (Internship) lasting up to a maximum of 1 academic year. This placement must be completed before the student starts the MSc Dissertation. The placement is zero credit rated and so does not contribute to the final award. Award specific regulations: In order to progress to the Industrial Placement (Internship) you must have passed at least 45 credits. In order to progress to the MSc Dissertation you must have passed at least 105 credits. Module COIS71024/COIS71014 (Professional /Professional D/) will only be considered for compensation in the following circumstances: The student has achieved a compensatable grade in the module AND has achieved a pass grade in the Dissertation to compensate the module against. If the award board is unable to compensate the module against the dissertation then at most a Postgraduate Certificate can be awarded. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 14