PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
UCAS code:
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
Awarding institution/body:
Teaching institution:
Faculty:
Parent Department:
Departmental web page address:
Method of study: Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Length of the programme:
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS) (see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
MRes Web Science
Master of Research
N/A
From 2012 intake onwards
University College London
University College London
Engineering Sciences
Computer Science
http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk
Full-time
The MRes programme is designed for graduates with a first or upper
second-class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a highly quantitative
subject such as computer science, mathematics, electrical
engineering or the physical sciences. Students should also have
some experience with a programming language such as Matlab.
Java, or python. Appropriate industrial experience may also be
considered in some cases.
One calendar year
Masters Level (Level 7)
Engineering
The MRes has a research and a taught element. The research
element is a project on a science or technology topic related to web.
The taught element includes subject-based modules and research
methodology and research skills. It comprises:
 (4x15 credits = 60 credits) Three core courses selected from
five (i.e. Information Retrieval and Knowledge Discovery,
Web Economics, Multimedia Systems, Complex Networks &
Web, and Distributed Systems and Security), and an
additional one selected from available UCL CL Master’s
modules. These can be chosen on a flexible basis in
consultation with the MRes supervisors
 (2x15 credits = 30 credits) Two development modules:
o Investigating Research
(http://www.ucl.ac.uk/calt/masters/modules/EDUCGE
01.html)
o Professional Development in Practice
(http://www.ucl.ac.uk/calt/masters/modules/EDUCGE
02.html)
 (90 credits) An MRes dissertation (starts from first term).
In summary:
Research skills (15 credits, mandatory)
Professional skills (15 credits, mandatory)
Core Option Courses (4 modules): (4x15 credits)
Dissertation (90 credits, mandatory)
Assessment: written exams, course work and dissertation.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Board of Examiners for MSc/MRes Web Science
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
BCS/IET (to be discussed)
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
Autumn 2014
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
MRes in Web Science is a one-year full-time Masters programme aimed at providing students with a knowledge
and understanding of fundamental principles and technological components of the World Wide Web. The
programme is quantitative in that the curriculum focuses on core technological components of the web and
essential analytical, computational and statistical skills. It covers fundamental aspects of web science ranging from
(multimedia) information processing, information search and retrieval, data mining and knowledge acquisition,
large-scale distributed data analytics, to e-commerce and their business and economic models, and to the latest
concepts of participatory web and social networks and the underlying networks science, with potential options in
machine learning, finance, artificial intelligence and machine vision.
The Master of Research programme is flexible and specific, and tailored to suit students’ individual needs. It is
intended for the students who have the background in the Internet-based businesses and have a specific technical
question in mind. They are encouraged to bring up their own technical problems, though not essential. Each student
is liaised with their academic or industrial supervisor to choose a study area of mutual interest, and will be able to,
based on their past experience and future interests, choose their optional modules from a wide range of specialised
courses (including specific programming and analytical modules), and will research and write a dissertation based
on a research project.
The programme will produce graduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who will be well equipped to
proceed to scientific research or directly into employment in internet-based industry or other professional areas.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
fundamental principles and technological
components of the World Wide Web,
Lectures and tutorials
ranging from (multimedia) information
processing, information search and
retrieval, data mining and knowledge
acquisition, large-scale distributed data
analytics, to e-commerce and their
business and economic models, and to
the latest concepts of the paticipatory
web and social networks and the
underlying networks science
Assessment:
The resulting mathematical models,
technologies, systems development, and
Examination, project and presentation
integration
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Analysis of complex engineering
arguments, analysis of a research
problem
B: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, tutorials, projects and seminars
Assessment:
Research projects, design exercises
Synthesis of systems integrating basic
components, development of novel ideas
C: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Laboratory and projects
Practical skills (able to):
Design and fabricate advanced web
intelligent systems and experimental
testing systems
Assessment:
Demonstration of built complex web
intelligent systems
Assignment and course projects
Transferable skills (able to):
Ability to work in a team; communicate
effectively; project manage; lead
research; use technology appropriately;
use data and literature resources
appropriately
D: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Individual and group projects
Assessment:
Individual and group projects
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr Jun Wang
Name(s):
Date of Production:
2011 February
Date of Review:
January 2015
Date approved by Head of
Department:
January 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
January 2015
March 2015