UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing Informatics and Media
Department of Computing
Programme/course title: Software Project Management
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teaching institution:
Final award:
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University of Bradford
MSc [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level
M]
Software Project Management
n/a
1 year full time, 2 years part time
May 2007
May 2012
Programme aims
Today’s information technology market is increasingly demanding employees with a
knowledge and understanding of both specialised computer software industry skills
and particular fields in which these can be applied. For example, companies’ and/or
government bodies’ project and programme management units are looking for
computer specialists to develop, adapt and propose in-house solutions for their
current needs.
To answer this need, the MSc Software Project Management will enable applicants
with a computing background to specialize in some of the more current directions in
the field including software development and management, advanced database
techniques, human computer interaction or Internet or data fusion security alongside
a combination of modules drawn from the field of project planning and programme
management. The programme of study culminates in a dissertation, enabling you to
bring your multidisciplinary studies together in a significant piece of work. In sum, the
MSc Software Project Management offers you the opportunity to build your own path
of study—from the advanced computing modules, the extended list of optional
modules available, as well as the dissertation—so as to match your specific career
aspirations.
The MSc Software Project Management is located in the Department of Computing
of the School of Computing, Informatics and Media (SCIM). As one of the oldest
computing departments in the country, it offers a vibrant postgraduate atmosphere of
study that currently includes eight separate MSc degree programmes courses and
over 200 postgraduate and research students. Depending on their selection of
modules, students on the MSc Software Project Management will also benefit from
studying in the equally vibrant Department of Creative Technology in the School of
Computing, Informatics and Media or Bradford Centre for International Development
(BCID) in the School of Social and International Studies (SSIS).
Learning outcomes
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A career in software system development requires knowledge of the application,
development, design and implementation of these systems, as well as a welldeveloped set of creative, problem-solving and teamwork skills. As such, students on
the MSc Software Project Management will develop the following:
 Knowledge and Understanding. You will develop mastery of the practical and
theoretical concepts of computer science, current and emerging trends in
technology, and how these will be applied in the context of your chosen field of
study.
 Discipline Specific Skills in the use of advance software development or project
management for the design of specialized real-life systems, and the identification
and evaluation of research methodologies in the chosen field of project
management. Depending on the mix of core and optional modules selected,
additional discipline specific skills in the field of project management studies will
include systematic understanding of the project management process and its
application to sustained economic development, whilst at the same time
equipping you with the skills that are essential for analysis, design and
development of software projects for programmes with defined outcomes.
 Personal and Transferable Skills, developed as a core thread throughout the
proposed modules, requiring written and oral presentation, analysis, problemsolving, flexible specialisation, team-working and time management in a
multidisciplinary environment. In addition, the need to balance and integrate the
requirements of applied computing to different disciplines will enable students to
develop initiative and flexibility to a broader range of approaches and
environments.
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 Software Project Management 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 Software Project Management. Students
proceeding onto the Masters level undertake a project that the student has to agree
with the Department during the first taught semesters.
The MSc Software Project Management enables you to “personalise” the degree to
fit the individual career aspirations within the following parameters; for example, for
the full-time route, in semester 1, you will take 20 core credits drawn from the
Department of Computing plus an additional 40 credits drawn from the field of
“project planning and management” offered by the Bradford Centre for International
Development (BCID). In semester 2, you will take 20 core credits and 20 optional
2
credits drawn from the Department of Computing plus an additional 20 credits drawn
from BCID. In semester 3, you will take a core 60-credit dissertation in Software
Project Management from the Department of Computing.
Semester 1
20 core credits from Computing
40 credits from the BCID field in
Project Planning and
Management
Semester 2
20 core credits from Computing
20 optional credits from Computing
20 credits from the field in
Project Planning and
Management
Semester 3
60 core
credits from
Computing
NOTE that, prior to admission, students will be advised as to which field best
suits their previous qualifications and/or experience, as well as career
aspirations. As all modules in the fields are currently offered, all the modules
contained within fields as core modules will be timetabled. However, not all
combinations of modules to be chosen as options may be possible. For particular
options (i.e. in Biomedical Sciences), any additional health and safety training that
may be required will be provided during the module delivery.
Computing (School of Computing, Informatics and Media)
unit code
unit title
sem
CM1003D
or
CM1013D
CM1014D
CM1064D
CM1033D
CM1054D
CM1034D
CM1044D
CM0423D
CM0424Z
Software Development (PG)
or
Software Project Management
Group Project (Multidisciplinary
Computing)
Internet Security and Protocols
Advanced Software Development
Advanced Simulation Modelling (PG)
Human Computer Interaction (Design
and Development)
Artificial Intelligence with Applications
Advanced Database Techniques
Dissertation
credits
level
1
or
1
2
20
or
20
20
M
or
M
M
Core /
option
Alt*
or
Core
Core
2
2
2
2
20
20
20
20
M
M
M
M
O
C/O*
O
O
2
2
3
20
20
60
M
M
M
O
O
Core
* CM1003D is offered as an alternative to core module CM1013D for students who have
less experience in Software Development (OOA/OOD/OOP). They will then be required to
cover project management by taking ID7022D in semester 1 and CM1033D will be core
for them in semester 2. In all other scenarios CM1033D remains an optional module.
Field of Project Planning and Management (BCID, School of Social & International
Studies)
Unit code unit title
sem credits level Core /
option
ID7022D Project and Programme Management
1
20
M
Core
ID7065D Project Planning Design and Appraisal
1
20
M
Core
ID7091D Project Management Skills
2
20
M
O
ID7040D Public Policy Analysis and Management
2
20
M
O
ID7072D Human Resource Management and
2
20
M
O
Development
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The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
Assessment regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Ord_5_PG_Taught_Awards.html
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Students on the MSc Software Project Management will experience a range of
teaching and learning environments. Concepts, principles and theories are generally
explored in formal lectures, demonstrated in laboratory classes, and practised in
associated tutorials and seminars. Practical skills are developed in labs. Professional
and personal skills are developed through discussion, presentations and small-scale
project work which involve problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by
working in small groups. A particular strength of this course is the contribution made
to the teaching programme by successful research active members of staff.
Each 20-credit module on the course requires 200 hours of study. Some of these
hours will be formally timetabled lectures, laboratories, seminars, tutorials and
workshops, while others will involve carrying out private study by students.
Methods of assessment are similarly varied and students’ progress will be assessed
using a mix of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports,
laboratory tests, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate method is
chosen to reflect the particular learning outcomes of each module.
Admission requirements
Generally, applicants are expected to possess a good Honours degree (normally 2:2
or above) in
 computer science, computer engineering, informatics or other computer-related
subjects from an approved degree-awarding body
OR
 any subject from area relevant to the field(s) of the proposed (multidisciplinary)
programme of study, together with skills and relevant experience in a computerrelated area such as computer programming or information systems.
Candidates applying to the course with non-standard qualifications will be judged on
an individual basis using the University’s APEL procedures. In addition, a test of
written and spoken English normally needs to have been passed at grade 6.0 for
IELTS or 550 for TOEFL (or 250 for the computer-based test) or above.
Note that a candidates’ suitability for the degree course and field will be
assessed by a team from participating Schools prior to any offer of admission
being made to the MSc Multidisciplinary Computing.
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Student support and guidance
Students admitted to this 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.
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 parttime 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 www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
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.
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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: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
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 www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Further Information
More details about our MSc Software Project Management may be obtained from the
School of Computing, Informatics and Media Admissions Office via telephone on +44
(0)1274 235963, email pgadmissions@bradford.ac.uk, or our website at
www.scim.brad.ac.uk/courses/pg/ If you require further information about the
University of Bradford, please refer to its Postgraduate Prospectus.
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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