UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing Informatics and Media
Department of Computing
Programme/course title:Mobile Applications
Final award: / MSc [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level M]
Programme titles: / Mobile Applications
Programme accredited by: / British Computer Society
Duration: / 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Subject benchmark statement: / Computing
Date produced:
Last updated: / September 2003
July 2009
Programme Aims
As the technology for integrating computer and communication systems matures there will be greater emphasis on developing appropriate services and applications. This MSc. seeks to strike a balance between advanced study of heterogeneous network infrastructure and computing systems and the study of the development of applications for new devices and technologies (mobile, ubiquitous, wearable). The success of the next generation of mobile systems will depend largely on the ability of the industry and academia to develop and provide appropriate applications to the users of the new mobile and wireless world.
The main goal of this unique course is to prepare professionally trained graduates for the industry. They will be able to develop efficient and exciting applications for the new generations of mobile systems and networks. The course comprises both the basics of mobile technologies and advances in mobile applications.
This course is one of the first few of its kind worldwide. In particular, the MSc in Mobile Applications course will draw graduates wishing to bridge the disciplines of computing and content management and creation, with special emphasis on mobile applications. This new course draws upon the successful research expertise of the Computing Department and the exciting knowledge base of the Department of Electronic Imaging and Media Communications (EIMC) from within the School of Computing, Informatics and Media (SCIM).
The M.Sc. in Mobile Applications, in particular, seeks to:
Respond to current academic challenges provided by mobile and embedded devices and meet commercial needs for employees who are able to understand and think strategically about future developments in this area.
Provide a high academic quality-of-service to students, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of computing and mobile applications.
Enable students to equip themselves with knowledge, skills and understanding, at an advanced level within the chosen field of study.
Learning Outcomes.
On successful completion of the MSc. in Mobile Applications you will be able to achieve mastery of applications targeted at existing and yet to emerge devices by demonstrating:
Systematic Knowledge and Understanding and a critical awareness at advanced level, of core computing, networking and application development subjects including device technologies, software systems & development;detailedunderstanding of the differences between traditional applications and mobile applications through recognition of the influence of mobility on system design and evaluation, and application development particularly the human computer interface and display technologies; a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to research in mobile computing and applications;
Discipline Specific Skills, showing: originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry in Mobile Computing and Digital Media are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; the ability to design, implement, and evaluate mobile applications;
Personal and Transferable Skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development
The Curriculum
Typically for a taught Masters programme, the course lasts for 12 months of full-time study (two semesters of instruction through a series of modules all of which are integrated to form a complete and coherent course of study, followed by completion of a major dissertation project in the summer) or 24 months of part-time study following a similar pattern.
The MSc Mobile Applications covers a range of specialist topics, leading to the qualification of a Master's degree. Typically, a taught full-time Master's course lasts for twelve months of full-time study. The course has two stages: the taught courses stage which takes place during the first two semesters (or four semesters for the part-time route), and the project/dissertation stage. The taught courses stage is organised on a modular basis. Students who successfully complete the taught modules are eligible for the PGDip Mobile Applications. Students proceeding onto the Masters level undertake a project which the student has to agree with the Department during the first taught semesters.
The course is structured in terms of Core and Option modules. The relevance of the course’s content to the stated teaching aims and objectives is based on existing core computer science and informatics topics as well as possible new modules on the design and implementation of mobile applications. Students are encouraged to attend research seminars based on the latest research work in the field, and in particular, recent research carried out by the University’s Mobile Computing and Networks Research Group. Students will have opportunity to enhance Personal Transferable skills principally through participation in project work.
The course has 60 credits of core modules providing a grounding and advanced study of the field. The optional modules (i.e. of the full time path) provide youwith the opportunity to fine tune the programme to your particular application interest. A maximum of 20 level 3 credits is permitted overall.The final semester allows you the opportunity to develop, through sustained major project work, advanced knowledge and understanding of mobile applications and their development.
Course Structure
Code / Module title / lev / sem / cr / NotesCM1067D / Mobile Applications / M / 1 / 20 / C
CM1066D / Networks and Protocols / M / 1 / 20 / C
CM1052D / Security, Privacy and Data Protection / M / 1 / 20 / O
CM1032D / Information Engineering / M / 1 / 20 / O
EM4006D / Software Systems for e-Business and WWW / M / 2 / 20 / C
CM1034D / Human Computer Interaction (Design and Development) / M / 2 / 20 / O
EM4034D / Multimedia Systems / M / 2 / 20 / O
CY0317M / Digital Image Processing / 3 / 2 / 10 / O
CM0330M / Computer Graphics / 3 / 2 / 10 / O
CM0328D / Artificial Intelligence for Games / 3 / 2 / 20 / O
CM1044D / AI with Applications / M / 2 / 20 / O
CM0422D / Web Engineering / M / 2 / 20 / O
CM0424Z / Dissertation / M / 3 / 60 / C
CM 0330M Computer Graphics and CY0317M Digital Image Processing to be taken together as a 20-credit option. Just 20-credit level 3 module/s are permitted to be chosen from the optional modules list.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Assessment regulations: a summary (the text of the progression regulations is maintained on the university website at
To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and at least 35% in the other 20 credits studied. Students who attain an overall average of at least 70% in the initial attempt will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction. Students who attain an overall average of at least 60% in the initial attempt will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma with Merit.
To be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master, you must achieve at least 40% in 160 credits and at least 35% in the other 20 credits. Students who attain an overall average of 70% in the initial attempt, including at least 70% in the initial attempt at the project, will be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Distinction.
Students who attain an overall average of at least 60% in the initial attempt, including at least 60% in the initial attempt at the project, shall be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Merit.
Students who do not meet these criteria, but who achieve at least 40% in 40 credits and at least 35% in another 20 credits will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate. Students who attain an overall average of at least 70% in the initial attempt will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate with Distinction. Students who attain an overall average of at least 60% in the initial attempt will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate with Merit.
Students who achieve at least 40% in individual units but who do not qualify for one of the awards described above will be eligible for the award of Certificate of Continuing Education.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Project work further enriches the opportunities you have to take control of your own learning. A range of teaching and learning methods is employed including lectures, tutorials, laboratory work and directed private study. Each 10-credit module on the course requires you to commit 100 hours of study. Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars, tutorials and workshops – and others will involve you in carrying out private study.Professional transferable skills enhancement is provided through the optional seminar programme and user groups.
Admissions Criteria
The procedures, criteria and regulations for admission to these programmes of study operate within the parameters defined by the University’s Ordinance for Postgraduate Courses. However, with respect to the proposed programmes, we specifically require that all applicants:
have a good Honours degree (normally 2:2 or above)awarded by an approved degree-awarding body in Computer Science, or Mathematics or Engineering, following a course which contained a significant proportion of computing; or
have a good Honours Degree (normally 2:2 or above)in a subject other than with above, but can demonstrate sufficient relevant professional computing experience.
Candidates applying to the course with non-standard qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using the University’s APEL procedures.
Student support and guidance
Students admitted to the programme will have the Department of Computing within the School of Computing, Informatics and Media as their “home” department. As such, you will go through a process of induction within Computing and SCIM. Afterwards, ongoing support for is provided in the form of one-stop facilities located at the School of Computing, Informatics and Media Student Support Office (SSO) in Horton Building, open throughout the day during term, and in the mornings and afternoons outside term. Support for registered students also is provided 24/7 via the intranets of the School of Computing, Informatics and Media, Department of Computing and the School’s Technical Support. The School also uses the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support students via their individual modules.
All students on our MSc Mobile Applications will be allocated a Personal Tutor who provides support and guidance on matters relating to learning, teaching, and academic progress. There are tutors in the School who have specialist responsibilities, and are able to deal with specific issues relating to factors such as disability, equal opportunities and gender.
Further Information
More details about the department and its courses can be obtained from the School of Computing, Informatics and Media Admissions Office via telephone on +44 (0)1274 235963, email , or our website at If you require further information about the University of Bradford, please refer to its Postgraduate Prospectus.
The university web site can be accessed at
Further information on degree opportunities available at the School of Computing, Informatics and Media can be found on and, similarly, further information on courses available at the Department of Computing can be found at
Disclaimer
The details of this Programme Specification and information contained therein are subject to change in accordance with the University of Bradford’s course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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