UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing, Informatics & Media
Bradford Media School
Department of Computing
Programme/course title: MScSoftware Engineering and Internet Architecture
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / PG Cert/PG Dip/MSc[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level M]
Programme title: / Software Engineering and Internet Architecture
Programme approved by:
Duration: / Flexible part-time
Date produced: / October 2011
Last updated : / April 2012
Introduction
The framework has been developed by Skillset (the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Creative Industries), in consultation withthe Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It will be delivered by programme teams within the English Skillset Media Academies to meet the professional development needs of media practitioners through a range of postgraduate shortcourses.
The short course modules in this framework are designed to serve as continuing professional development for those in employment, or with recent professional experience. They are not intended to be a Masters conversion route for those coming directly from undergraduate programmes.
The framework and its modules and awards are designed to be of relevance to the employment needs of both students and their organisations as students will be able to select their own pathway through the framework by selecting from the available modules, and to develop work-based projects as part of assessment.
ThesePG Cert/PG Dip/MSc Software Engineering and Internet Architecture awards aim to develop the student’s specialist knowledge and understanding of software engineering and internet design in order to enable him/her to act as a critical, knowledgeable and responsible practitioner, capable of initiating, developing and embedding new understandings and techniques into his/her professional practice.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1.provide students with a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of current knowledge, issues and opportunities at the forefront of contemporary technical practice;
A2.equip students with the intellectual tools, understandings and techniques to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively in order to improve their working practices;
A3.ensure students develop innovative and creative solutions to professional work-based problems, and can provide effective leadership where appropriate;
A4.develop the qualities and skills necessary for evidence-based decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations;
A5.develop the independent reflective learning abilities required for effective continuing professional development.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1.Appraise the application of contemporary knowledge and advanced techniques at the forefront of your discipline.
LO2.Debate a range of controversial issues within your discipline.
LO3.Devise innovative solutions to a range of technical problems in software engineering and internet architecture.
LO4.Critically evaluate literature and research for its value to inform technical practice.
LO5.Critically evaluate your own reflective and analytical skills.
LO6.Debate the strengths and weaknesses of trends in current professional practice.
LO7.Operate according to established codes of professional practice.
LO8.Practice effective communication skills within your professional community.
LO9.Apply leadership skills in both academic and professional contexts.
Curriculum
This specification is for a Masters level/framework. As such it does not contain a set of curriculum modules as would a traditional programme.
All modules that are included within the Skillset portfolio are reviewed and updated annually to ensure professional relevance. The current listof modules is available on-line at provides an overview of the wide-ranging disciplinary focus. The approved specifications for the modules offered by School of Computing, Informatics and Media are:
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodCM-0423D / Advance Database Techniques / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-1033D / Advance Software Development / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-1064D / Internet Security and Protocols / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-1067D / Mobile Applications / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-1066D / Network and Protocols / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-1052D / Security, Privacy and Data Protection / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-0422D / Web Engineering (PG) / Standard / 20 / M / Flexible
CM-0424Z / Dissertation / Dissertation / 60 / M / Flexible
Postgraduate Certificate
This will consist of 60 credits from the list of Skillset approved modules, with at least 20 from those available from the School of Computing, Informatics and Media.
Postgraduate Diploma
This will consist of 120 credits from the list of Skillset approved modules, with at least 40 from those available from the School of Computing, Informatics and Media.
Masters
This will consist of 120 credits from the list of Skillset approved modules, with at least 40 from those available from the School of Computing, Informatics and Media modules plus the 60 credit Dissertationmodule.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Due to the market for these modules (professionals), learning and teaching methods will be based upon short, intensive classroom activity supported by a variety of on-line resources and communication in order to ensure a flexible course delivery as required by practising professionals. Lectures, seminars and workshops will identify and develop new subject-specific skills and systematic understandings which students will apply as part of work-based learning. In face-to-face sessions concepts, principles and theories will be introduced and explored in lectures and practiced and discussed in tutorials by working through examples, with lab sessions to simulate networks and protocols.These skills will be further developedthrough online learning supported by feedback and masterclasses provided by visiting media professionals. Self-directed research based learning is also a key element of subject skills development.
Students, as is suitable at M-level, will be engaged in group discussion with peers which focuses on examination of their own practice as well as case-studies (drawn from practice as well as recent research). In this respect, students will learn from both tutor-designed material as well as their peers in order to build a vibrant and dynamic learning experience. A high degree of learning will take place independently within each student's usual professional practice.
Current research is critically evaluated within most modules via written coursework. All students conduct independent research where they evaluate existing solutions to problems, propose alternatives, implement solutions to problems and critically evaluate the work carried out. Ideas are communicated to fellow students, academics and industry specialists via presentations and reports.
MSc students undertaking a 60 credit dissertation are expected to complete work following a developed and approved specification; carry out appropriate research in the problem domain; demonstrate competence in selecting and applying appropriate tools and techniques; analyse, design and, implement a solution to the specified problem; and critically evaluate and clearly present the work carried out.
Forms of assessment will differ across modules, but are designed to best fit the outcomes and be linked to the professional work of the student. Included in this variety of summative assessment are critical reports, action plans, presentations and technical projects. Formative assessment takes place across module delivery via a number of approaches: tutor/student tutorials either in person or via email/phone/Web-based video chat, tutor/peer group discussion and critique of work in progress at key stages. Summative work may also be presented for final critique to peers.
Assessment Regulations
The Programme deviates from the standard University Assessment Regulations by not offering ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’ classifications of degree. All awards will be designated as ‘pass’ degrees due to the inclusion of modules from other institutions.
Besides this,the Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
Applicants should have a basic set of skills and attributes required to fulfill the demands of the framework:
- mature academic knowledge and skills, normally at or above honours degree level, normally in related disciplines;
- professional experience in the creative industries, normally two years or more.
Applicants should confirm their ability to study at postgraduate level by presenting evidence of an appropriate achievement at first degree level, normally a 2.1 (Upper Second Class Honours) or equivalent. Alternatively, for students who do not have a first degree,equivalent intellectual maturity through experience demonstrated in portfolios or records of achievement and/or by tasks set at interview, confirmed by employer reference/s will be considered or any combination of academic, vocational and experiential qualifications, to be considered using Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) principles.
Applicants must have a recognised qualification in English language. Applicants whose first language is not English should present evidence of English language proficiency via the Cambridge/British Council English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with an average score of 7.0 and for each component 6 or above, or an equivalent level of attainment in an alternative test to IELTs.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide electronic resources to support your studies. Most of our journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and course-related materials this way. We buy e-books when these exist.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
Subject librarians for each School can provide individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
When you are on campus, you can access our wide range of printed books and othe materials, quiet and group study space, and student PC clusters, which can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop.
Distance Learner Support
Module online support
E--learning will be a central element in the delivery of modules within the framework via online via forums, blogs (industry and academic) and industry publications. Where necessary, students will be supplied with links to relevant on-line sources either via Blackboard, social bookmarking software or other web-based collaborative software. Use of external resources and technology, such social networks and instant messaging systems will feature in modules as appropriate.
University online support
The University co-ordinates the support to distance learners vie a Web site which has been set up to help Distance Learners to access the wide variety of support that the University has to offer, available at:
It contains links to:
- Induction Materials
- Support with your Studies
- Disability Service
- Counselling
- Career Development Service
- IT Help and Advice
Skillset online support
Skillset provide a website dedicated to the framework, listing all modules and academic contact details for each participating Media Academy:
The website provides full information regarding the framework. The web address will be made available in all module handbooks and on associated University course websites. Skillset also have an administrator in place to advise and guide applicants and provide a clear line of communication between participating Media Academies and Skillset.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
The specific provision on this framework aims to enhance the student's work so that work-based practice contributes to the requirements of the modules, and the new learning feeds into and improves working practice and therefore develops employability.
Learner Development Unit
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both semesters which complements the individual support available from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see
The MSc Software Engineering and Internet Architecture course addresses aspects of the University’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) policy as it equips students with ability to contribute to alternative approaches to development by advancing software engineering and internet. The taught modules help you to develop understanding of some of social and economic conditions of software applications and internet development. The module Security, Privacy and Data Protection provides scope for developing ethical awareness, and you are free to explore further ethical and environmental issues in your MSc Dissertation module, should you wish to.
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions OfficeThe University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK / The Admissions Office
School of Computing, Informatics & Media
University of Bradford
Horton D Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
/ +44 (0) 1274 234286
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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