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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.
Lectures; Group-based Tutorials/Seminars (both tutor and student led); Group based Practical
5
Computing labs (Supervised and Directed); Problem based learning scenarios; Directed Study;
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:-
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 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
Trimester 2 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
MMI322918 Software Development and Database Systems 30M
MMI322919 Web Systems Development and Interaction Design 30M
Trimester 3 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
MMG521685 Masters Project (Capstone) 60M
Year 1 Trimester 1 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
MMI122916 Networking and Computer Technology 30M
Year 1 Trimester 2 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
MMI322918 Software Development and Database Systems 30M
Year 2 Trimester 1 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
MMN222917 Project Management, Software Processes and Ethics 30M
Year 2 Trimester 2 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
MMI322919 Web Systems Development and Interaction Design 30M
Year 3 of Study
ISIS Code Module Title Credits
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