UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title:
Information and
Communication Technology
Awarding Body:
Staffordshire University
Teaching Institution:
Staffordshire University
Final Awards:
BSc (Hons) Information and
Communication Technology,
BSc Information and
Communication Technology
Intermediate Awards:
Mode of Study:
Part-Time
UCAS Codes:
QAA Subject Benchmarks:
Computing
JACS Code:
Professional/Statutory Body:
BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT
Date of Production:
February, 2013
Date of Revision:
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1
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME


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
Develop in students broad range of competencies and personal and professional skills based on
experiences within a work-place environment as follows:

Cognitive skills required to enable reflection on learning and the ability to exercise personal
responsibility in making decisions.

Key transferable skills such as teamwork, verbal and written communications and personal
organisation

Professional skills and the confidence required to apply both academic and practical skills in a
professional work environment.
Facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding in

The academic aspects of Information and Communication Technology through practical
application in a work environment

Legal issues and codes pf practice which affect the use of Information and Communication
Technology in a work environment

Organisational structures and how technological infrastructures support them.
Provide opportunities for

Advanced and/or specialist study of Information and Communication Technology.

Practical scholarship leading to the completion of a substantial work-related honours level
project
Recognise the importance of employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship within a global context


Embed the facilitation of student attainment of Staffordshire Graduate attributes and the
assessment of that attainment as an important element of the award(s).
Provide an enriching experience for the student

Support and facilitate personal, academic and professional development throughout the period
of study at Staffordshire University

Build a foundation for continuing professional development and lifelong learning
What is distinctive about this programme?

The programme offers students in full -time employment with an accessible route to a level 6 award
by providing

Technology supported learning and work-based learning

The use of negotiated study modules and Work-based projects to facilitate recognition of
learning that is developed in the work-place
2
The Staffordshire Graduate
The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to
contribute in the world of work. The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the
University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. With this in mind, the
Staffordshire Graduate qualities are embedded into core modules for the FDSc in Information and
Communication Technology and into its Top Up.
Both awards have been designed to facilitate the development of professional, technical and academic
skills which will prepare you for your career as an ICT Professional. Employability, enterprise and
entrepreneurship are key components of the award and as you move through your programme of study,
you will begin to understand what your options are in terms of progressing your career.
The award is designed to enhance your perspective by creating scenarios which will enable you to apply
academic skills in your work place to more general contexts and also to appreciate the implications of
globalization.
Your programme of study includes a number of teaching, learning and assessment strategies. These
facilitate the development of your learning and communication skills. You will encounter for example,
enquiry based learning and critical analysis which facilitate the development of independent thinking.
These underpin all your module work but are particularly important for the final year project. We also
want you to be a team player and to this end you will encounter team work, group presentations, and
group reports.
You will be encouraged to continually evaluate your existing strengths and weaknesses in order to plan
your future learning accordingly with a career goal in mind. You will be required to set up an e-portfolio
and encouraged to store work completed as part of your program of study in it. We want you to enjoy
your time with us and to continue your learning and professional development when you leave.
Emphasis is therefore placed on preparing you not just for the assessments associated with your
programme of study but also for lifelong learning and continuing professional development as a
Staffordshire Graduate.
.
3
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
At the end of your top-up studies for the B.Sc (Hons) Information and Communication
Technology you should also be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
 Demonstrate knowledge and a systematic understanding of relevant facts concepts, principles and
theories associated with advanced and/or specialist areas of ICT/Telecommunications and with the
management of ICT/Telecommunications in the work-place. At least some of this knowledge should
be at the forefront of research and development.
Learning
 Demonstrate the ability to develop lines of argument to make sound judgments based on knowledge
and systematic understanding of uncertainty, bias, ambiguity and limitations of data and how this
affects knowledge based on that data.
Enquiry
 Accurately deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry to ethically gather information
pertaining to work-related problems in order to effectively initiate and carry out substantial and
complex work-based projects
 Systematically find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and demonstrate understanding of
information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social
issues surrounding the use of information.
Analysis
 Systematically appraise current research (or equivalent advanced work-related scholarship) in areas
of ICT/Telecommunications, and evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that
may be incomplete) to draw defensible conclusions
 Create sophisticated models where appropriate for the purpose of comprehension, communication,
prediction and the understanding of trade-offs
Problem Solving
 Develop sophisticated strategies to manage the process of solving complex ICT/Telecommunications
problems.
 Plan and carry out a substantial work-related project which resolves a complex
ICT/Telecommunications problem.
Communication
 Communicate problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate
models, documentation techniques and report formats
 Write structured formal reports using appropriate referencing and formats for documentation
Application
 Review, consolidate, extend and apply knowledge and systematic understanding of
ICT/Telecommunications .in the deployment of. appropriate, practices and tools for the specification,
design, implementation and testing of ICT/Telecommunications solutions in the process of solving
complex ICT/Telecommunications problems.
Reflection
 Demonstrate the ability to work in a professional manner, recognising the legal, social, ethical and
professional issues involved in the research, exploitation and management of
ICT/Telecommunications in the work-place.
 Reflect on activities to develop a sophisticated understanding of ICT/Telecommunications
 Demonstrate the ability to exercise personal responsibility and make informed decisions
4
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS
BSc Information and Communication Technology – top up award
LEVEL 6 NON
HONOURS
CESCOM102306
Career
Development
and
Management
of ICT Systems
(15 credits)*
Level 6 Option
(15 credits)
Level 6 Option
(30 credits)
*This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the
STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES.
NOTE: Students will be encouraged to complete a learner journey form detailing the
proposed option modules and the timescales involved. The award utilises all three teaching
blocks though students may elect not to study in all three,
LEVEL 6
HONOURS
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
*This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the
STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES.
OPTION MODULES
CESCOM10162-6 ICT Project Management (DL)(15 Credits)
CESCOM10160-6 ICT for Service Innovation and Management (DL)(15 Credits)
CESCOMD66004-6 Design of Corporate Communication Systems (DL)(15 Credits)
CESCOMD66001-6 Database Administration and Management (DL)(15 Credits)
CESCOMD55103-6 Enterprise Client-Server Development with JSP (DL)(15 Credits)
CESCOMD55107-6 Enterprise Client-Server Development with PHP (DL) (15 Credits)
CESCOMD55108-6 Enterprise Data Interchange with XML (DL) (15 Credits)
CESCOMN53306-6 Negotiated Studies Single (Level 6) (15 Credits)
CESCOMN53023-6 Negotiated Studies Double (Level 6) (30 Credits)
CE00968-6 Negotiated Work Based Project 3 (15 Credits)
CE01063-6 Negotiated Work Based Project 3a (30 Credits)
5
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?
Teaching and Learning
Work Related Learning
The modules on this scheme work-related in some way and the student will in all
cases benefit from having access to a relevant work environment to reinforce
academic learning through practical experience.
Work-based Learning
Many modules on this scheme have a specified requirement for the student to
complete a work-based learning component, which will make a valuable
contribution to the overall learning experience and the assessed work.
The purpose of work-based learning is:
 To reinforce academic learning through practical experience
 To learn through work experiences.
 To reflect on actions in various scenarios, and assess how learning (both
academic and practical) will help to improve work practice
Completion of the work-based component will take place in a suitable work-place
environment and be guided by a work-place-based Mentor. This component will be
formatively and summatively assessed through a series of reviews. The level of
supervision required will be detailed in the module descriptor. The precise nature of
the work-based component and the ICT facilities required will be detailed in the
Module Work-Book.
For modules with a specified work-based learning component, there must be a
Work-Based Learning Agreement in place. The purpose of the Work-Based Learning
Agreement is to set out clearly the division of responsibilities between the Mentee,
the Mentor and the Module Tutor and to ensure that the Mentee understands
her/his role in the overall process. The Work-Based Learning Agreement will be
completed within the first week of the study period and will be signed by the
Mentee, the Mentor and the Module Tutor. Guidelines for completion of the
learning agreement are included with the Learning agreement. The review system
for Work-based learning is discussed in more detail in the Mentor’s Handbook and
the relevant forms are contained within the Work-Based Learning Agreement
Employer Related Learning
One of the options of study on the Top-up is a Negotiated Study module. The
content of negotiated study modules is governed by a learning contract. The
learning contract will be developed in partnership between the student involved,
their Academic Guidance Tutor/Personal Tutor and their Mentor
The contract will detail
 The nature of the learning
 How the learning will be supported eg. practical guidance, learning support
materials, training, technical support, hardware/software availability.
 The outcomes to be met
 The way in which the learning will meet the learning outcomes.
 The assessment specification, process and assessment criteria,
.
The contract will be approved by the module leader at the university. The
negotiated study modules have been in use for several years and this mechanism is
already well established. All students undertaking negotiated study modules will
6
have an allocated Module Tutor who will be named on the Learning Contract and
will be responsible for marking the assessment work.
Use of Virtual Learning Environments
A VLE interface is provided for all modules on this award..
E-mail will be principally used for support and guidance for the award rather than
discussion of concerns for an individual module. Module support for students is
given via the discussion groups within the Blackboard VLE. Students will be
encouraged to form peer group support where possible by being allocated to a
group of students studying the same module at the same time so that informal
communication may take place within the VLE. For each module, at least two fora
will operate. One forum will essentially be based around a FAQ list, which will be
pro-actively updated by the Module Tutor. The other forum will operate in a “café”
style and students will have the opportunity to discuss concepts within each module
and concerns over assessment detail with each other. The Module Tutor will
monitor this discussion and contribute reactively when the need arises.
Assessment
General
A variety of different modes of assessment are employed in the modules. All modules adopt
the use of both formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment is seen as a
vital review point or milestone that can be used to determine how a student is progressing,
enabling positive encouragement to be given, or equally the opportunity to realign and
redirect the student. Summative approaches are used to determine a student’s final level of
achievement and may also offer formative feedback which will be useful within other
modules.
The nature of the subject area for the awards is predominantly practical. Assessment
throughout the programme can therefore be expected to ensure a suitable balance between
theoretical knowledge and practical work-place skills. An assessment strategy will be chosen
for each module, which is appropriate for testing the achievement of the learning outcomes.
The honours level work-based project provides an opportunity for students to negotiate and
define their own work-based assessment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)
IELTS score
Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some
inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly
complex language, particularly in familiar situations
What qualifications would I need to join this programme?
The entry requirement for the award is normally successful completion of the related
Foundation Degree. However, other similar Foundation Degrees or a level 5 qualification
with relevant work experience may be considered suitable.
To enrol on to the BSc or BSc Honours Top-up, students must be in relevant employment.
This may be paid or voluntary, full or part-time. Ideally, students should have the support of
their employer or college in terms of the provision of a mentor and gaining access to a
suitable work-place for learning.
7
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all
students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how
to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Resit Arrangements for the Top Up Award
The following referral dates will apply for students taking the Top up award:



Teaching block 1 referrals – 15th August
Teaching block 2 referrals – 15th December
Teaching block 3 referrals – 15th April
Students who feel able to submit for an earlier referral date should make the award leader
aware of their intentions in writing.
Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and
on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning
outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations.
====================================
8
THE STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE
The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire
Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work.
The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed:
AWARD TITLE:
Characteristic
Work-ready and employable
Understanding of enterprise and
entrepreneurship
Understanding of global issues and their place in
the global economy
Communication skills
Presentation skills
Award Module(s) including level and number of
credits
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
Students will gain knowledge of the all aspects of
ICT system management from specification
through to maintenance.
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
Students will be required to demonstrate
understanding of the importance of ICT both to
drive and support enterprise and
entrepreneurship
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
Students will be required to demonstrate
understanding of the issues around globalisation,
the factors to be taken into account in ICT
specification and management and how ICT
systems can help.
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
9
Method of Assessment
A portfolio of three reports covering various key
aspects of ICT System Management plus a career
action plan
A portfolio of three reports covering various key
aspects of ICT System Management plus a career
action plan
A portfolio of three reports covering various key
aspects of ICT System Management plus a career
action plan
Standard of the written communication is
assessed in both modules
Through the presentation and demonstration
The ability to interact confidently with
colleagues
Independence of thought
Skills of teamworking
Ability to carry out inquiry-based learning and
critical analysis
Skills of problem solving and creation of
opportunities
Technologically, digitally and information literate
Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes
to a range of life experiences to facilitate lifelong learning
Notes:
which forms a vital part of the assessment of the
work.
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Both modules require students to interact with
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
colleagues in order to gain knowledge required
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)* for the assessed work
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)* Independence of thought is vital and contributes
greatly to the success of a project.
This is not assessed directly as the students work
at a distance.
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Both modules assess this directly as part of the
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
coursework
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Both modules assess this directly as part of the
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
coursework
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
This is expected in all modules on the award as it
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
is implicit to the award
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
CESCOM10230-6 Career Development and
Application of knowledge to work related and
Management of ICT Systems (15 credits)*
work based projects is inherent in the core
modules.
CESCOM10161-6 ICT Honours Project (60 credits)*
Award Modules
Indicate which module(s) within the award
develop this characteristic
10
Assessment
Indicate how achievement of the
characteristic is assessed
C
11

1, 2, 7, 8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8
7,8
1-5
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
ATS

CRCA CSci

CRCA CITP

SRPA QAA


SRCA BCS
5


SRCA QAA
Final Year Project


Reflection

30

Communication

Application
C
Problem Solving
Knowledge and Understanding
4
Analysis
CORE OR OPTION
Career Planning and Management of ICT Systems
Enquiry
LEVEL
15
Higher National Certificate/Diploma
Learning
Credits
Applied IT
1, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 2, 3, 5, 6