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Distance Learning MSc Courses in Computing Liverpool John Moores University, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Programme Brochure
There are three routes to our award of MSc in Computing, which enables the student to specialise in:
Computing and ICT Network Security Information Systems
or visit us online:
for more information about Liverpool John Moores University, Distance Learning MSc contact programme leader Dr Dhiya Al-Jumeily: e: [email protected] t: +44 (0) 151 231 2578
deputy programme leader Ms Janet Lunn: e: [email protected] t: +44 (0)151 231 2128
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Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Brochure List of Contents
A New Flexible Route to a Postgraduate Qualification in Computing 1
Qualification 1
The Awarding Body 1
Course Description 1
Course Content 2
Methods of Study 3
Assessment 4
Duration of the Programme 4
Fast Tack (2 Years) 4
Standard (3 Years) 4
Moderate (4 Years) 4
Fees 5
Entry Requirements 5
English Language Requirements 5
Enrolment Dates 5
Application Process 5
Contact Information 5
1
Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
A New Flexible Route to a Postgraduate Qualification in Computing Whether working within a busy sector in Information
Technology or seeking to gain qualifications to enhance
career prospects in the industry, it is becoming increasingly
difficult to keep up to date with current trends or put aside
set time for study. The idea of gaining a valuable
qualification to enhance your present expertise and provide
new skills is little more than a dream. Now, however, it is
possible to plan for a brighter, more fulfilling future career
at a pace that suits your lifestyle.
The Master of Science (MSc) in Computing from Liverpool
John Moores University School of Computing and
Mathematical Sciences is available via a newly developed
distance learning package based on a Virtual Learning
Environment. You can achieve a postgraduate degree by
studying at a time and pace that is set by yourself, whilst
benefiting from the help and support of a skilled and
knowledgeable teaching staff.
The University, as a whole, and the School of Computing
and Mathematical Sciences, in particular, have many formal
and informal contacts with industry and commerce, through
both joint projects and various partnerships. This course is
based on the communicated needs of industry in seeking to
provide the student with the analytical skills, up to date
knowledge and practical expertise demanded by employers
of their computing professionals.
The qualification of MSc in Computing from Liverpool John
Moores University provides highly regarded evidence of the
expertise and attitude required to progress in a computing
career. In addition to tailoring the course to specific
learning and life styles, it is also possible to structure the
choice of modules towards your own personal interests or
specialisations. In this way a whole range of careers,
throughout IT, become available to students achieving the
MSc in computing. Further study towards gaining a PhD
through research may be an option or the modules can be
selected for employment in software and/or computer
systems engineering. Specialising in security and security
evaluation can lead to jobs in secure network/middleware
development.
A more commercial/business approach allows the student
to acquire the skills necessary for a career as a business
analyst or to move into information system development
and management.
Qualification Students successfully completing the combination of core
(compulsory) and optional modules together with the
project dissertation will be awarded with the MSc in
Computing, Computing with Network Security or
Computing with Information Systems depending on the
combination of optional modules chosen. Students only
wishing to complete the combination of core and optional
modules will be awarded the postgraduate diploma in
Computing. Successful completion of the four core
modules will lead to the award of a postgraduate certificate
in Computing.
The Awarding Body This MSc in Computing is awarded by Liverpool John
Moores University in the U.K. The University is one of
the biggest in the U.K. forming part of a new generation of
universities with very strong business, commercial and
industrial links.
Course Description The course is designed to initially provide a highly relevant
understanding of, the latest developments and concepts
within IT, computing and business processes through the
four core (compulsory) modules. The choice of four
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Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
optional modules then allows the student to tailor their
MSc to their own interests or areas of specialisation. The
choice of project allows the student further specialisation
to investigate and report on, through the associated
dissertation, an area of particular interest. For this the
student will choose a member of staff, with similar research
interests, to be their project supervisor.
There are three general specialisations within the MSc
leading to the award of an MSc in Computing, an MSc in
Computing with Network Security or an MSc in Computing
with Information Systems.
Varying the choice of modules gives the student freedom to
gain knowledge and understanding in whatever subjects
within computing and information systems that are relevant
to them. Each module completed successfully gains the
student 15 credits.
The project dissertation is worth 60 credits on successful
completion. The MSc is awarded on the basis of 180 credits
being achieved by the student. That is completion of eight
modules (four core and four options) and the project
dissertation. The main feature for the awarding of a
Masters degree is the preparation of a research project
dissertation. The student is offered strong support and
advice towards their choice of project.
However, in completing their project, the student is
expected to exhibit a high degree of independent study and
research with the project supervisor in the role of
academic advisor and ultimately assessor of the project.
Course Content The course is based around a strong core of compulsory
modules designed to give the student a wide grounding in
the technical aspects of computing with the core modules
of:
• Database Systems: A comprehensive course in
the theory and practice of database design,
implementation and technology.
• Computer Networks: An in-depth treatment of
modern network technology and management.
Essential for understanding the distributed
computing environments that are becoming
evermore prevalent.
• Software Engineering Technology: A critical
examination of the software development process
cycle. This includes the use of support tools,
techniques and methodologies in the specification,
design, implementation and management of software
systems.
The final core module is included to provide the student
with the necessary tools and techniques to carry out
effective research:
• Research Methods: Designed to provide an
understanding of the nature of different methods
of research and best practice in planning and
presentation.
The optional modules are chosen to provide a degree of
specialisation. In particular for the MSc. in computing
(Information Systems) the four options would be chosen
from:
• Software Development Java: Using object
orientation implemented in java for software
design and development.
• Human Computer Interaction: How to design
and implement interfaces between the computing
system and its users.
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Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• Business Systems: Analysis and Design:
Systems thinking and modelling providing a
comprehension of the nature and necessary
composition of systems for business.
• Entrepreneurship and E-business: Modern
practices in business, looking at the latest
business models with respect to computing
technology.
• Geographic Information Systems and
Science: The impact of the latest computing
technology providing services related to
geographic positioning.
Alternatively for the MSc in Computing with Network
Security, the four option modules would be:
• Computer Security: The latest techniques in
cryptography and in keeping computer systems
and data secure.
• Network Security: The issues involved with
securing a network against malicious and
accidental attacks and threats.
• Software Development Java: Using object
orientation implemented in java for software
design and development.
• Human Computer Interaction: How to
design and implement interfaces between the
computing system and its users.
For the MSc in Computing any four of the option modules
stated above may be chosen to match the individual
student’s requirements.
The final component of the MSc is the project and
associated dissertation. The project is chosen by the
student in consultation with staff members who can help
and advise in the choice. A single staff member is chosen as
the project supervisor and the student is encouraged to
work independently to produce a researched dissertation
detailing the results of their project.
Methods of Study
The main access point to all the materials and resources
required for study is the Virtual Learning Environment.
This replaces the traditional lecture theatre and seminar
rooms normally used for delivering the taught modules of
the MSc.
In the Virtual Learning Environment lectures are delivered
via slides with added multimedia content to illustrate and
explain the subject material. Audio and video are used
together with extensive background notes written by the
lecturers. Each module is usually based around a course of
eleven 3 hour blocks of study. Additionally the Virtual
Learning Environment enables students access to
participate in online seminars, receive notices/technical
advice and ask questions regarding the programme’s
administration.
The Virtual Learning Environment is accessed through a
standard web-browser over the internet enabling the
facilities and content to be available to the student from
any location with an online connection. Access to the VLE
is authorised via the username and password received by
students upon enrolment on a distance learning
programme. Students registered on the course, will also
receive a set of CD-ROMs enabling them to access the
course resources offline.
Students have complete flexibility to effectively manage
their programme of personal study using the facilities, such
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Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
as an online calendar and task management system. Using
the services contained within the Virtual Learning
Environment students gain all the benefits of a
lecture/tutorial based teaching approach with the additional
emphasis of extra explanatory material and easy access to
personal help and support from the academic and
administrative staff.
In short the method of study is totally controlled by the
student. Learning can take place at a time, place and pace
that suit the individual student.
Assessment The students’ understanding of each subject module is
assessed either by a single examination, a number of
assignments through the course of the module or a
combination of coursework assignments and an
examination. The exact choice depends on the type of
module and the learning outcomes required. The
assignments generally take the form of mini-projects
requiring the student to produce a research report,
perform and document a systems’ analysis or undertake
some system development. The resultant electronic files
are sent to the course coordinators for assessment on or
before a date given when the coursework is assigned.
Examinations test the knowledge and understanding that
the student has gained from the module. In the UK
examinations take place at Liverpool John Moores
University. Additionally there are examination centres in
many countries around the world located with the British
Council. Details of a centre in your country can be found at
http://onlinemasters.ljmu.ac.uk/. No
additional charges, on top of the course fees, are payable,
by the student, for the use of these centres.
The final assessment is made on the student’s project
dissertation. This is the major piece of work that results
from the MSc and comprises an independently studied and
researched project. The dissertation gives full details of the
project and details the student’s results and findings. The
project tutor will provide a great deal of advice and help in
assisting the student to select the project and the project
supervisor will be on hand throughout to offer support and
general advice on standards and presentation. The project
supervisor is responsible for arranging the assessment of
the finished project dissertation.
Duration of the Programme The programme is designed to allow the student to fully
personalise the gaining of the MSc qualification to their
own circumstances. Thus, once registered on the
programme, there is no set order or time for completing
the modules. Most situations ought to permit completion
within 2 to 4 years, with most students gaining the award
in 3 years. The following table gives some typical routes:
Fast Tack (2 Years)
1st Year Modules – 3 core and 2 optional
2nd Year Modules – 1 core, 2 optional and Project
Standard (3 Years)
1st Year Modules – 2 core and 2 optional
2nd Year Modules – 2 core and 2 optional
3rd Year Modules – Project
Moderate (4 Years)
1st Year Modules – 2 core and 1 optional
2nd Year Modules – 2 core and 1 optional
3rd Year Modules – 2 optional and Project
4th Year Modules – Project
However the student is free to devise any route through
the modules that fits their requirements. In most cases it is
preferable to start on the core modules and select option
modules based on experience. Once all the taught core and
option modules have been completed the student will have
an excellent understanding of the many and varied subject
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Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
areas in information technology and computing. From these
studies the student is then in the best position to select a
topic for the project, in consultation with the academic
staff.
Fees
The credits available to be earned determine the cost of
the programme. Consult the programme web site
(http://onlinemasters.ljmu.ac.uk/) for more
information.
Entry Requirements As this is a postgraduate degree entrants for the MSc
programme are expected to hold a degree level
qualification from a UK university or equivalent. This
degree should to be in Computing or a computing related
subject, including degrees with a fair proportion of
computing studies. However other qualifications are
acceptable, such as a degree equivalent professional
accreditation. In addition evidence of extensive professional
experience together with a DipHE or HND in computing
or equivalent will be sufficient criteria for consideration.
Other non-standard entry qualifications will receive
appraisal for admission from the Programme team and
admissions tutor or the School of Computing and
Mathematical Sciences Accreditation committee, as
appropriate.
English Language Requirements
Students educated outside the UK must provide evidence
that they have sufficient command of both spoken and
written English, before they can be admitted to their
chosen course.
Acceptable evidence includes:
• GCSE/O Level English Language at grade C or above
• an overall score of 6.5 in the British Council IELTS test
• a score of 575-600 in TOEFL, including a satisfactory mark in the Test of Written English (TWE)
Enrolment Dates There are two starting points for the programme in the
year; either a January start or a September start. Prior
to these dates, at the start of your programme and
thereafter in each subsequent year, you will be sent
enrolment forms to be completed and posted back to the
University together with 2 passport-sized photographs.
Applications to be considered for a place on the
programme, for either start date, are welcome at any time
throughout the calendar year. Once you have offered a
place on the course by the University you will be enrolled
as a student and be issued with a University card.
Application Process All necessary forms are available from the programme
website (http://onlinemasters.ljmu.ac.uk/).
These can be downloaded and returned by post to the
University or some may be completed online. Both an
application form and a confidential reference form, to be
filled in by a referee, will need to be completed and
returned to the programme administration officer together
with all documentary evidence of relevant academic
qualifications and competency in the English language.
Contact Information
Any further advice or information relating to any aspect of
the LJMU Distance Learning programme from the School
of Computing & Mathematical Sciences may be obtained
using the details below:
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Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Programme Contact Details
Course Leader
Dr. Dhiya Al-Jumeily
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: (+044) 0151 231 2578
Deputy Course Leader
Ms Janet Lunn
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: (+044) 0151 231 2128
Project Tutor
Dr. Abir Hussain
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: (+044) 0151 231 2458
Online MSc Programme Administrator
Mr Mark Vicary
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: (+044) 0151 231 2569
Postal Address
School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences
Liverpool John Moores University
Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
Tel: (+44) 0151 231 2105
Fax: (+44) 0151 207 4594
Liverpool John Moores University School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Copyright © 2007 Liverpool John Moores University. All rights reserved.
School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences Liverpool John Moores University
Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK