A. Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for BSc HonoursInformation Technology and Networking
1. Programme title / BSc HonoursInformation Technology and Networking2. Awarding institution / Middlesex University
3. Teaching institution / Middlesex University
4. Programme accredited by
5. Final qualification / BSc Honours
6. Academic year / 2011/2012
7. Language of study / English
8. Mode of study / Full Time or Part Time or Thick Sandwich
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
Entry requirements are in accordance with the University regulations. We accept students from a range of backgrounds. Most students educated in the UK will have studied A Levels, AVCEs or an accredited Access Course. To enter a degree programme you would be expected to have achieved 160-240 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 120-160 from two 6-unit awards or 60 points, or have successfully completed the Middlesex University School of Engineering and Information Sciences Foundation Year in Computing. All candidates should possess at least grade C in GCSE maths and English language, or equivalent. Mature applicants with relevant work experience are also welcome to apply.
You may be credited for part of the course provided you have appropriate prior learning such as a Higher National Diploma or similar. To obtain any qualification you must complete at least one academic year - 6 modules of the programme.
International students who have not been taught in the English medium must show evidence of proven ability in English such as TOEFL grade 550 or IELTS grade 6.0. The University provides pre-sessional English language courses throughout the year for candidates who do not meet the English requirements. For further information, visit the learning resources web site at:
University policies supporting students with disabilities apply, as described in the University Regulations, 'Information for students with disabilities'.
10. Aims of the programme
By combining the study of Information Technology with networking this programme aims to provide students with a core set of IT skills and abilities, complemented by a sound knowledge of the technology underpinning computer networks. The programme aims to produce graduates who are strong technically and who are equipped with a combination of IT and network skills that are highly sought after by the computing industry.
The programme focuses on leading trends in information technology, with particular emphasis on the design and development of networks and software applications. Depending on the choice of options, students can explore developments in the Internet, interactive design and multimedia, in addition to computer networks, operating systems, distributed systems, or network engineering.
Successful graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills in both IT and networking that meet industry’s needs for practitioners who understand the key aspects of computer networks, and who recognise how business competitiveness and effective organisation are critically dependent on network performance and effective use of networked systems. Graduates of the programme can enter a broad range of computing fields, including information technology, computer networks and communication technology. The programme will also appeal to students considering careers in internet and web design, computer support and IT software training, or as application developers or network engineers.
11. Programme outcomes
A. Computing-related cognitive abilities
On completion of this programme, the successful student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mathematics and data communications theory and principles relevant to the efficient, secure transmission and storage of data in the analysis and solution of computer network problems.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core theories, concepts and contemporary research underpinning the way people use computer-based systems as individuals or in groups and of a range of leading edge interaction technologies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the software design and development process appropriate to the development of interactive systems including analysing and describing user’s needs, capabilities and related ethical and security issues.
- Understand the factors involved in successful IT project management, and recognise the professional, legal and ethical issues involved in the design and development of computer systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of underlying theory, processes and issues relevant to designing and implementing multimedia websites including the use of a number of scripting languages.
- Specify, design, evaluate and manage a range of network systems, taking into account relevant current network, wireless and Internet standards, models, protocols, functional and operational characteristics of Internet infrastructure components and criteria of network and network component quality
Students learn cognitive skills through weekly lectures, tutored seminars, supervised laboratory work, small group exercises, individual research, feedback on assignments and project work.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are employed including formal group work, design investigations, essays, oral presentations and project work.
Formative assessment may include on-line multiple-choice, coursework, formal class tests and model building exercises. The main vehicles for summative assessment are an unseen examination, various coursework and an individual project.
B. Computing-related practical abilities
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
- Specify, design and construct prototype implementations of computer-based systems using appropriate techniques and computing technologies.
- Select and deploy effectively, techniques and tools used for the analysis and prototyping of interactive computer-based applications and to evaluate such systems from a user perspective employing a range of appropriate techniques.
- Effectively select, use and personalize a range of media editing tools and authoring software.
- Apply sound programming principles and reasoning, with appropriate knowledge of data structures, to design, code, test and document program solutions to simple but well-defined problems.
- Deploy appropriate project management strategies and tools to effectively analyse, plan, implement and evaluate a number of project types.
- Select, configure and operate the principal components of Internet and network infrastructure and tools or select, configure and manage a variety of operating systems, safely and effectively
Students’ practical abilities are developed through closely supervised laboratory work, design and modelling exercises and individual and group projects with appropriate and timely feedback. Students are encouraged to raise questions and be open-minded to suggestions from other team members when seeking solutions to practical problems.
Abilities B1 – B4 and B6 are developed through a combination of lectures, directed laboratory exercises, coursework assignments and the Level 3 project. B5 is developed primarily through the project modules at Level 3.
Assessment
Students’ practical abilities are assessed through laboratory exercises, individual and group coursework, tutorial seminars and workshops, and the Level 3 project. Assessment is both formative and summative at all Levels but special emphasis is placed on formative feedback at Level 1. The acquired skills are then progressively enhanced and reinforced as the student advances through the programme.
C. Additional Transferable Skills
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through graphical notations, and be able to present technical material succinctly to a range of audiences.
- Learn independently, and effectively use organisational, research and time management skills in preparation for life long learning.
- Effectively retrieve information from a range of sources (including libraries and electronic catalogues and databases) and be able to cite and reference those sources appropriately.
- Demonstrate numeracy, by using mathematical notations competently, and by understanding, and effectively presenting, numerical data in different contexts.
- Operate computing systems or equipments effectively, and be fluent in a range of information and communication systems and devices.
- Work effectively as a member of a team and be able to take responsibility for a range of activities and make decisions within a group context.
Students acquire additional transferable skills through a combination of individual and group exercises, coursework, essays and presentations delivered across the Level 1 modules. These skills are further developed at Levels 2 and 3 in the context of individual module requirements.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used to determine whether, and to what extent, students have acquired the relevant stipulated transferable skills. These include individual and group assignments (C1 – C6), presentations (C1, C6), mini reports (C1 – C3), lab-based exercises and demonstrations (C4, C5), and through the Level 3 project (C1, C2, C3, C5). At Levels 2 and 3, assessment of these skills is contextualised within the learning objectives of each individual module.
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
The course may be studied in three modes:
Three years full-time, 100% University-based
Four years full-time ‘thick-sandwich’, where year 3 is an industry placement
Part-time study over 4 – 6 years
The course is undertaken at three Levels, 1, 2 and 3. Each Level represents one academic year of study in full-time mode. There are 24 study weeks in each year and each year of the programme comprises 120 (4 x 30) credits.
The course is divided into study units called modules. Each module has a credit value of 30-credits and each 30-credit module represents approximately 180 hours of student learning, endeavour and assessment.
The programme structure is driven by the desire to combine key IT skills with knowledge and competence in the design, operation and management of computer networks. The main themes include: Internet and web technologies, Human-computer interaction, Multimedia, Network design and security and Network management. Students must study all four modules at Level 1. At Level 2, students can choose to take either the Network Design and Security path or the Network Management path.
At Level 3, all students must either undertake an individual project or study the Computing Project Management module.
The study units within the course and the Levels at which they are studied are shown below.
12.2 Levels and module
Level 1
COMPULSORY / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the following:
CMT1300
Discovering Interaction Design
CMT1314
Programming with Data Structures and Algorithms
CCM1418
Introduction to Operating Systems, Architectures and Networks
CCM1416
Computer Networks / To progress to Level 2, students MUST achieve 120 Level one credit points.
Level 2
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the following:
CMT2317
Web Development and Scripting Technologies
CMT2326
Designing Interaction: Principles and Practice
CCM2420
Data Communications / Students must also choose 1 of the following:
CCM2412
Network Routing and Protocols
CCM2424
Host Operating Systems and Security / To progress to Level 3, students must achieve at least 210 credit points at Levels 1 and 2 with a minimum of 90 credit points at Level 2.
A student may be allowed to proceed to Level 3 with 60 Level 2 credit points if they are advised, or if they wish, to finish with an ordinary degree. Such students may not be allowed to do the individual project or study the Computing Project Management module.
Compulsory modules are those that must be taken, that is, the qualification cannot be awarded unless these modules have been successfully completed. Each of these modules makes a unique contribution to the learning objectives of the programme.
Optional modules are those from which a specified minimum number must be taken, that is, the qualification cannot be awarded unless this specified minimum number of optional modules has been successfully completed. Each of the possible combinations of optional modules will make a similarly unique contribution to the achievement of the learning objectives of the programme
Level 3COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Student must take all of the following:
CMT3321
Novel Interactive Technologies
CMT3331
New Media
CMT3342
Computing Project Management
OR
Individual Project
CCM3422 Computer Communications Project or CMT3333 Software Development Project / Students must also choose 1 of the following:
CCM3415
Advanced Network Design and Security
CCM3419
Network Management and Security / To qualify for an honours degree, students must achieve 360 credit points with a minimum of 120 credit points at Level 3.
Students must achieve at least 300 credit points to qualify for an ordinary degree.
12.3 Non-compensatable modules.
Module Level / Module code
All modules are subject to the university rules and regulations on compensation
12.3 Programme Diagram for BSc Information Technology and Networking
Students enrolled on the four year programme with Foundation Year complete the Foundation Year before starting this study:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Students taking the programme in part-time mode study at a reduced rate, typically two modules at the appropriate Level per academic year and should complete a given academic Level before proceeding to the next.
Students who leave the programme after successfully completing all Level 1 modules will receive the award of Certificate.
Students who leave the programme after successfully completing all Level 2 modules will receive the award of Diploma.
14. Information about assessment regulations
- Information on how the University formal assessment regulations work, including details of how award classifications are determined, can be found in the University Regulations at
- Practical aspects of the programme are often assessed via coursework that may be carried out using specialist software and may include lab tests.
- Theoretical material is assessed by coursework and examinations.
- Grades are awarded on the standard University scale of 1–20, with Grade 1 being the highest. To pass a module all components, both coursework and examination, must be passed individually with a minimum grade of 16. Failure in one of the components will result in the failure of the module.
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support
All Undergraduate students have the opportunity to go on Industrial Placement. Industrial Placements are encouraged as this valuable experience enhances a student’s future career prospects. Additionally students normally achieve better results in their final year. In brief:
- The placement provides a years experience as an appropriately paid graduate trainee.
- Industrial placement is conditional on the successful completion of all modules at Level 1 and Level 2, therefore students need 240 credits before they are able to embark on an industrial placement.
- Obtaining a placement is co-ordinated through the Campus Placement Office.
- For Undergraduate programmes, students wishing to undertake a placement position must register for CMT3985.
- Each placement will be assigned to an industrial tutor who will visit the student on placement.
- On graduation, the degree will be qualified with the term “…with approved industrial experience”.
16. Future careers
All programmes in the School of Engineering and Information Sciences – their curricula and learning outcomes – have been designed with an emphasis on currency and the relevance to future employment.
- The majority of graduates are employed in IT posts relevant to the subject.
- Over 20% of students pursue further postgraduate study or research.
Campus Careers Offices can be found on each campus for advice, support and guidance – or go to
17. Particular support for learning
The School’s Teaching and Learning Strategy is compliant with those of the University, in seeking to develop learner autonomy and resource-based learning.In support of the students learning experience:
- All new students go through an induction programme and some have early diagnostic numeric and literacy testing before starting their programme. Learning Resources (LR) provide workshops for those students needing additional support in these areas.
- Students are allocated a personal email account, secure networked computer storage and dial-up facilities
- New students are provided with a CD containing the schools Subject Handbook at enrolment (electronic copies for all students can also be found at If you require a hard copy of this Subject Handbook please request them from the Student Office
- New and existing students are given module handbooks for each module they study. Soft copies of all module handbooks can be found on My UniHub. Web-based learning materials are provided to further support learning
- Extensive library facilities are available on all campuses. WebCT pages are available as learning resources through My UniHub
- Students can access advice and support on a wide range of issues from the Student Services Counter and the Student Information Desk. Student Advisers aligned to subject areas offer confidential one to one advice and guidance on programme planning and regulations
- Placements are supported by Campus Placement Offices and School academics; please refer to section 15 of this programme specification
- High quality specialist laboratories equipped with industry standard software and hardware where appropriate, for formal teaching as well as self-study
- Access to campus based teaching and learning support drop in sessions, arranged by the school to provide assistance and guidance
- School Academic Advisers for each subject offering personal academic advice and help if needed. Rotas for the operation of Academic Advice Rooms at each campus can be found at
- Tutorial sessions for each module organised for groups of up to 20 students are provided for additional teaching support
- Formative feedback is given on completion of student coursework
- Past exam papers with solutions and marking schemes for all modules are available for students in module handbooks and at
- Research activities of academic staff feed into the teaching programme, which can provide individual students with ad-hoc opportunities to work with academics on some aspect of research
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) / G400
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) / Computing
20. Reference points
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
- QAA computing subject benchmark statement
- QAA framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- QAA/QAAS guidelines for programme specifications
- QAA code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in he
- University’s regulations
- Module narratives
- British computer society (BCS) guidelines for exemption and accreditation
- Middlesex University and School of Engineering and Information Sciences teaching learning and assessment policies and strategies
- University policy on equal opportunities.
21. Other information
Middlesex University has formal links with 250 institutions world-wide, including student exchange agreements with more than 100 institutions. Currently a number of students both from the UK/EU and overseas take part in such exchanges. For further details please visit or contact Elli Georgiadou, the School of Engineering and Information Sciences coordinator of European Affairs & International Exchanges (email: ).
This is a new programme which will be submitted for partial BCS exemption from the Certificate, Diploma and Diploma Project
Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.