NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
(see guidance notes for completion1)
Please note that from January 2005
 Where a programme is delivered in more than one mode:
o a full Programme Specification is completed for what is deemed to be the main mode
o details of other modes (part-time, franchise deliveries etc.) are entered onto a Delivery Supplement which is attached to the main document
o one or more delivery supplements may be included at the time of validation, or added when an additional mode of delivery is subsequently
approved.
 Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification are indicated on a Log of Changes sheet, and appended.
Sections 1-10 below indicate all modes of delivery and attendance, with the main mode highlighted by the use of bold type; sections 11-20 refer to the main
mode of delivery.
1.
Programme Title and Award
BSc (Honours) Computing Studies
2.
UCAS or other Admissions Code
N/A
3.
Northumbria Programme Code(s) please
indicate the programme code(s) for the main
delivery in bold
21FSOE-M, (Route COS1)
4.
Mode(s) of Delivery please indicate the main
mode of delivery in bold
Classroombased
Yes
Distance Learning
No
Blended
No
5.
Mode(s) of Attendance please indicate the main
delivery in bold
Full-time
Yes
Sandwich
No
Part-time
No
Other please specify
6.
Location(s) of Delivery if other than Northumbria
KDU College, Penang, Malaysia.
7.
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Franchised
Yes
Partner Institution(s)
Validated
Joint
KDU
8.
Date(s) of Approval/Review
Reviewed June 2007, Jan 2008, Jan 2010, Jan 2011, QT update 10/04/15
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group
Computing
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
Dual
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Sections 11 – 20 relate to the main delivery as indicated in bold above.
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme Specified in terms of the general intentions of the programme and its distinctive characteristics; these should be
consistent with any relevant benchmark and with the Mission of the University.
The primary aim of this programme is to provide a broad, general education in the theory and practice of computing. It would aim to produce graduates
highly skilled and professional in developing and managing computing solutions, knowledgeable of current and emergent technologies, and with a broad
business awareness. Typically graduates from the programme would be expected to work in organisations developing solutions to computing problems,
such as internet computing, network and communications services, database development and management, knowledge management, and internet based
activities. Students taking the specialist games pathway will also be equipped to enter the games industry.
Additionally, the programme will aim to

Develop students' critical abilities and general problem solving skills and lay a foundation for continuing education and self-improvement.
Students graduating from this programme should be able to:

Identify the need for, elicit the requirements for, specify, design and implement computing systems in a range of environments and for a range of
problems.

Successfully exploit a range of methods and tools in developing workable solutions to complex computing system problems involving up-to-date
technologies.

Critically appraise the suitability of current and emerging computing technologies to support a variety of domains.

Plan, manage and undertake a substantial piece of individual project work.

Act in a professional and ethical manner in the development and use of computing systems.

Work with users in the development and operation of computing systems.

Plan and manage the development of and use of computing systems.

Use and evaluate a variety of commercial software, tools and techniques relevant to computing systems.

Specify network requirements to support business systems.

Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) at the appropriate business and technical level with users, management, customers and technical
specialists.

Work in teams.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development eg curriculum design, personal development plans, placements,
fieldwork, practical projects.
Students are supported by
 Induction Programme
 Student Handbook detailing programme structure, assessment schedule, regulations, advice re study skills and time management, available
support, module descriptor information.
 Direct access to all staff by e-mail.
 Direct academic support in seminars/computer lab sessions.
 Student Support Team – a team based in the administrative office who act as a first point of contact for student queries and issues.
 Student Representatives (one for each seminar group chosen by the students themselves) who represents their views and concerns at StaffStudent Liaison Committee and Programme Committee meetings.
 Year Tutors and Programme Leaders, responsible for managing and looking after the wellbeing of the year group/programme.
The induction programme consists of:
Level 4: given details of programme structure, assessment, student support, information services (library, Internet, e-mail); advice re study and
time management, familiarisation with laboratory hardware and software.
Level 5: details of programme/assessment and the assessment schedule. In addition, students joining at level 5 receive details of student support,
information services (library, Internet, e-mail); advice re study and time management, familiarisation with laboratory hardware and
software.
Level 6: details of programme/assessment, advice on projects, option choice, and careers guidance.
The design of this degree expressly supports the employability of its graduates: the choice of skill and knowledge areas, tools, techniques and methods
has been made to ensure students are immediately useful to employers. Industry practice and subject benchmarking have strongly influenced the design,
and the programme content will evolve in line with developments in the industry and in the subject as an academic discipline.
Key transferable skills are developed throughout the programme. Through formative and summative coursework, students will develop and apply
computational, communication and team-working skills. The ability to work effectively as an individual, both as a student and as a practitioner, is a critical
skill developed throughout the programme. Learning independently, managing oneself and others on project tasks, evaluating and reflecting upon
practitioner experience are all essential skills of the computing professional. The taught modules help to develop these and provide students with
opportunities to contribute towards their personal development planning.
Students undertake activities in second year module Professional Development & Project Management (CM0558) which prepare them for professional
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
employment.
Students on this programme are additionally supported by regular franchise coordination visits by Northumbria teaching staff. Such visits include
meetings with students and additional support for the individual project.
13.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway. Please identify
numerically to correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
a) Knowledge and Understanding
On completing the programme we want students to know and understand:
A1: The business need for computing applications, their nature and evolution, especially those applications supporting e-commerce.
A2: Core software technologies, including development tools and languages.
A3: Technical, professional, security and business issues surrounding the development, operation and maintenance of computing systems.
A4: Techniques and tools for the specification of requirements, analysis, design and implementation of computing systems.
A5: Hardware platforms, network architectures, technologies and standards, used in and to support computing systems.
A6: Techniques, tools and issues involved in management of networks, including those impacting upon system security.
A7: Supporting and current techniques and technologies.
A8: The professional, ethical, social and legal issues involved in the development and operation of computing systems
b) Intellectual Skills
The most important intellectual skills developed on the programme are to:
B1: Select, plan and manage individual and team-based development projects
B2: Discuss and critically evaluate available development tools, methods, and technologies and associated user and professional issues
B3: Identify a problem and select and apply effective methods and tools for its solution
B4: Select the most appropriate methods and tools for the solution to a given problem
B5: Analyse a simple problem domain, and build an effective software solution to given problems in that domain
B6: Integrate and evaluate information and data from a variety of sources
B7: Demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought
B8: Reflect on the professional and ethical issues surrounding computing applications development and use
c) Practical Skills
The most useful practical skills, techniques and capabilities developed are:
C1: Analyse, design, build and test software solutions to increasingly complex and varied computing problem domains.
C2: Use a range of tools, techniques, knowledge and technologies in the development of computing for business applications.
C3: Design and build high quality computing applications with appropriate interactive components, networking and database support.
C4: Use appropriate techniques and tools to support effective management of the development and operation of software systems.
C5: Manage the development of a computing system and evaluate the effectiveness of the system and development process.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
d) Transferable/Key Skills
The student will be able to:
D1: communicate information, ideas, problems and their solution, in both written and oral form.
D2: manage their time and resources efficiently.
D3: work effectively both individually and as a member of a team.
D4: exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
D5: learn independently using a diverse range of resources.
D6: evaluate and criticise their own learning experience.
D7: apply appropriate mathematical skills to the design, building and testing of software systems
14.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Specified to enable learners to achieve and demonstrate the above learning outcomes.
The programme aims to provide students with a wide range of learning opportunities in an exciting, challenging, stimulating and dynamic quality learning
environment. The programme learning outcomes are aligned with module learning outcomes (see section 18) and the learning methods applied to address
the module learning outcomes are specified in module descriptors. Students have a variety of learning opportunities including lectures, seminars, tutorials,
practicals, research, case studies, online using Blackboard, guest / expert input and task based learning in guided and independent study modes. The
variety includes methods for individual as well as group learning. Students will be encouraged to develop independent learning skills and techniques in
level 4 and these will be used increasingly in levels 5 and 6. At level 5 this is developed particularly by the Professional Development & Project
Management(CM0558) module. Further analysis will take place at while undertaking the work placement and at level 6 in the Case Project CM0656.
At levels 5 and 6 students are increasingly expected to incorporate critical analysis and critical evaluation into their learning. Students will be supported in
developing these skills throughout the programme. The development of transferable skills permeates the whole of the programme, particularly with regard
to communication and presentation of the results of study. The subject of Computing is continuously developing, evolving and changing and as a result
students will be expected to keep up to date with developments through independent research.
The assessment methods used in the programme aim to reflect the wide range of teaching and learning practices, and diversity of subject matter across
the discipline of Computing. Assessments are designed to align with the module learning outcomes and assess the learning outcomes of each module in
the most appropriate way whilst ensuring a full-range of assessment methods across the programme.
Whilst learning and the measurement of learning will be linked closely to assessment, it is hoped that the learning environment and learning opportunities
presented to students will encourage students to be motivated to learn for educational reasons, and not simply to pass summative assessments. The aim
is to avoid surface learning and focus on the need for learning opportunities that elicit a deeper more reflective learning response from students.
Formative assessment and feedback is incorporated into modules wherever appropriate and students are encouraged to participate in formative activities
through linking those activities to PDP and using the formative activities to develop the skills, techniques and expectations of summative assessment.
Summative assessment methods include exams, technical reports, case study analyses, presentations, portfolio and project work.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
The following table illustrates the typical balance of assessments.
Level 4
CG0047
CG0048
CM0433
CM0432
CM0429
EN0407
Exam
70%
100%
50%
ICA
Report
Reflection
Portfolio
Presentation


100%
30%
100%
50%
100%
Practical





Individual





Group

Level 5
CM0513
CM0571
CM0570
EN0574
CM0511 (o)
CM0569 (o)
CM0572 (o)
CM0573 (o)
40%
60%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%


























Level 6
CM0645
CM0603
CM0656
CM0602 (o)
CM0655 (o)
CM0665 (o)
CM0669 (o)
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%




Games Pathway
CM0645
CM0603
CM0607
CM0608
EN0609
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%


BSc (Hons) Computing Studies







































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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
15.
Programme Structure This section should be completed with reference to the Modularised Framework for Northumbria Awards .2. Diagrams can also be
used to demonstrate the structure.
Programme Structure See appended diagrams
Level 4
CG0047, CG0048, CM0433, CM0429, CM0432, EN0407
Level 5
Either
CM0570, CM0571, EN0574, CM0513, CM0572 and CM0573.
or (Games Pathway)
CM0570, CM0571, EN0574, CM0513, CM0511, CM0569.
Level 6
Either:
CM0645, CM0656, CM0603 and 40 points of options drawn from CM0602, CM0669, CM0655, CM0665. (Students are offered a choice
between two pairs of options.)
or (Games Pathway)
CM0645, CM0603, CM0607, EN0609, CM0608.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Structure Diagrams
In all cases, the order of the semester-based modules is reversed for January-start students.
Level 4, Year 1
Programming
1
CG0047
Web
technologies
Relational
Databases
Computing
Fundamentals
Programming
2
CG0048
EN0407
CM0429
Systems
Analysis
CM0433
CM0432
Level 5 Year 2
Professional
Software
Engineering
Practice
Program
design and
development
CM0570
Dynamic
internet
technologies
Operating
systems in
practice
CM0571
Networks
EN0574
CM0513
Mobile apps
Development
Game
Interface and
Scripting
Project
CM0569
Programming
for Games 4
CM0511
CM0572
CM0573
Level 5 Year 2 (Games Pathway)
Professional
Software
Engineering
Practice
Program
design and
development
CM0570
Dynamic
internet
technologies
CM0571
Networks
EN0574
CM0513
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Level 6, Year 3, Option 1
CM0656
Effective
Systems
Development
CM0602
Strategic
Systems,
Management
CM0603
Machine
Learning and
Computer
Vision
CM0669
Case Project
CM0656
Web
Application
Integration
Emerging Web
Technologies
Strategic
Systems,
Management
CM0603
CM0655
CM0665
Games
Case Project
Multimedia
Assets for
Computer
Games
CM0607
CM0608
Case Project
Individual project CM0645
Level 6, Year 3, Option 2
Individual project CM0645
Level 6, Year 3, Games Pathway
Specialist
Games
Programming
EN0609
Individual project CM0645
Strategic
Systems,
Management
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
CM0603
Page 9 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
Page 10 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
16.
Lower Level Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Lower Level Awards.
Please delete or add rows as appropriate, with reference to the Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards 3 Learning outcomes should be
specified for each lower level award in accordance with the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications 4 which also provides generic
qualification descriptors for each level. The standard credit structure for each award is given below. The Modularised Framework for Northumbria
Awards2 indicates permitted variations and allows programmes to be validated with some lower or higher level credit (e.g. the Certificate of Higher
Education (120 credits at Level 4) can be validated with up to 30 Level 3 credits).
Award
Programme Learning Outcomes may be completed with reference to section 13.
Certificate of Higher Education
Modules as defined above
120 credits at Level 4
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B4, B5, C1, C2, D1, D7
Diploma of Higher Education
Modules as defined above
240 credits:
120 credits at Level 4;
120 credits at Level 5.
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D7
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
Page 11 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PassDegree
Any 60 credits at level 6
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D7
300 credits:
120 credits at Level 4;
120 credits at Level 5;
60 credits at Level 6.
17.
Variation from Assessment Regulations or the Modularised Framework Provide details of any approved variations from the Assessment
Regulations for Northumbria Awards (ARNA)3 or the Modularised Framework for Northumbria Awards2.
18.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together contribute to programme
learning outcomes. It should be presented as a matrix of programme learning outcomes (as identified numerically in section 13), against modules.
Where a module contributes to a programme learning outcome it should be flagged. Standard practice will be for a single symbol to indicate a learning
outcome addressed in the module. See guidance notes for discussion of alternative practices.
The following matrix is for a programme structure with 6 learning outcomes in each of the categories of section 13, with rows for 6 modules at level 4,
and core modules at levels 5 and 6. See guidance notes for a discussion of the treatment of option modules. The matrix should be extended as
required. The matrix will show how some learning outcomes are developed at particular stages in the programme, while others may be developed
through the three levels.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Code
Core/
option
a) Knowledge &
Understanding
1
2
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
3
4
b) Intellectual Skills
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
6
7
8
c) Practical Skills
d) Transferable Key Skills
1
1
2
3
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
4
5
2
3
4
5
6
7
Level 4
CG0047
CG0048
CM0429
EN0407
CM0432
CM0433
C
C
C
C
C
C
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Level 5
Main Programme
CM0570
CM0571
EN0574
CM0513
CM0572
CM0573
C
C
C
C
C
C
x
X
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
Games Pathway
CM0570
CM0571
EN0574
CM0513
CM0511
CM0569
C
C
C
C
C
C
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Page 13 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Code
Core/
option
a) Knowledge &
Understanding
1
2
3
4
x
x
x
x
b) Intellectual Skills
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
5
c) Practical Skills
d) Transferable Key Skills
6
7
8
1
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
7
Level 6
Main Programme
CM0645
CM0656
CM0603
CM0602
CM0669
CM0655
CM0665
C
C
C
O
O
O
O
x
x
x
Games pathway
CM0645
CM0603
EN0609
CM0607
CM0608
C
C
C
C
C
x
x
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Page 14 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
19.
Admission Requirements including approved arrangements for admission with advanced standing, where appropriate.
The ability to benefit from Northumbria University programmes is assessed on a combination of academic and personal qualities which can be
demonstrated in a number of ways. Successful completion of a GCE or VCE Advanced level course of study (or some other equivalent qualification) is
just one way. Students who can in other ways demonstrate their ability to benefit from a Northumbria University programme, in particular mature
students without formal qualifications, will always be considered and are invited to contact the Programme Leader to discuss their application.
Applicants should use the personal statement on their application to illustrate their abilities, aptitudes, skills, qualifications and experiences which might
be taken into account as well as or instead of any of the formal qualifications listed below. It is University policy to recognise a wide variety of evidence,
and potential applicants may wish to discuss this aspect of their application with the Programme Leader.
The following standard entry requirements are shown for guidance. A student’s particular combination of qualifications (including key skills) will
always be taken into account in making an offer.
At level 4:
Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics.
Plus one of the following:
GCE and VCE Advanced Level: 280 UCAS Tariff points
Edexcel/BTEC National: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Scottish Highers: BBCCC at Higher level, BCC at Advanced Higher.
Irish Highers: BBBBC
Progression Diploma: Grade A
Advanced Diploma: Grade C in the Progression Diploma, plus an additional 80 UCAS Tariff points from GCE/VCE A level, AS level or BTEC National
Qualification.
IB Diploma: 25 points
HEFC Access: One Distinction and five Merits, plus Toolbox
Other QAA-recognised access programme: Full Access award. Some units should be achieved at Distinction, the remainder at Merit
Or equivalent Malaysian or other overseas qualifications.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Interviews
Interviews will be held where

the suitability of a candidate is in doubt and further evidence is sought

candidates present an unusual set of qualifications taken or pending, and an appropriate conditional offer needs to be determined

candidates may need advice on the appropriateness of a programme, or on the appropriateness of a proposed preparatory course of study
Applicants invited for an interview will always be told its purpose.
At Level 5
Students may be admitted at level 5 after completion of a recognised Diploma to a satisfactory standard.
Students who have successfully completed the Games Technology course at KDU may be admitted on to level 5 of this path to take the Games
pathway. This pathway is not currently available to any other group of students.
20.
Application Procedure
Admissions onto CV programmes are handled by the franchise college according to principles established in the collaboration agreement.
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
Page 16 of 22
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
HEAR SUPPLEMENT
The HEAR Supplement should be completed for all new and existing undergraduate honours degrees. Information in sections 7, 8 and 9 should apply to
students gaining awards in the current academic year for all deliveries within the same route (and the possibility that this could differ from related information in
the main programme specification). Once approved, it will be entered by Faculty support staff onto SITS and will be reviewed annually.
1.
Academic Year
2015/6
2.
Northumbria Programme Title and Route Code
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies COS1
3.
Mode/s of Attendance
Full Time
YES
 Sandwich
Part Time
Other please specify
4.
Partner Institution/s
KDU
5.
Date of Approval
Reviewed June 2007, January 2008, January 2010, January 2011, July 2014
6.
Programme Entry Requirements (150 words maximum) The following generic statement can be edited as appropriate to reflect any subject specific
requirements1
As well as GCE and VCE ‘A levels’, the University accepts a wide range of entry qualifications including BTEC National Awards, Scottish Highers and
Advanced Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, Access courses and the International Baccalaureate. Entry requirements are usually expressed as UCAS
tariff points and can be found in programme specifications and the on-line prospectus. In addition to achieving the UCAS tariff points for entry to the
programme, students must also be able to demonstrate that they have studied an appropriate minimum number of units at Level 3, which is usually not
less than two full GCE or VCE A levels or equivalent (though for programmes at sub degree level this requirement is usually not less than one full GCE
or VCE A level or equivalent). Applicants may be required to have studied a particular subject or subjects to a certain level. Where the first language is
not English, an IELTS score of 6.0 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component) will normally be required for entry.
Students may be admitted to the programme with advanced standing based on accredited prior learning or accredited prior experiential learning.
7.
Programme Statement (250 words maximum) This should be written primarily for an external audience (eg employers) clarifying the aims of the
programme, pathways, professional body implications (including where an alternative award title indicates that professional requirements have not
been met) and opportunities for work experience/placements or study abroad. Please note that further information on professional status is required in
section 10 below.
Typically graduates from the programme would be expected to work in organisations developing solutions to computing problems, such as internet
computing, network and communications services, database development and management, knowledge management, and internet based activities.
Students graduating from this programme should be able to:
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Identify the need for, elicit the requirements for, specify, design and implement computing systems in a range of environments and for a range of
problems
Successfully exploit a range of methods and tools in developing workable solutions to complex computing system problems involving up-to-date
technologies.
Critically appraise the suitability of current and emerging computing technologies to support a variety of domains
Plan, manage and undertake a substantial piece of individual project work
Act in a professional and ethical manner in the development and use of computing systems
Work with users in the development and operation of computing systems
Plan and manage the development of and use of computing systems
Use and evaluate a variety of commercial software, tools and techniques relevant to computing systems
Specify network requirements to support business systems
Communicate effectively (in writing and orally) at the appropriate business and technical level with users, management, customers and technical
specialists
Work in teams
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
8.
Learning Outcomes applicable to students gaining awards in the current academic year. If these are the same as the main programme specification,
please indicate ‘see section 13 of the main specification’ below, noting that information will need to be extracted from the main programme specification
for entry onto SITS.
The learning outcomes for an Honours degree are as follows:
Knowledge and understanding
On completing the programme we want students to know and understand:
 The business need for computing applications, their nature and evolution, especially those applications supporting e-commerce
 Core software technologies, including development tools and languages
 Technical, professional, security and business issues surrounding the development, operation and maintenance of computing systems
 Techniques and tools for the specification of requirements, analysis, design and implementation of computing systems
 Hardware platforms, network architectures, technologies and standards, used in and to support computing systems
 Techniques, tools and issues involved in management of networks, including those impacting upon system security
 Supporting and current techniques and technologies
 The professional, ethical, social and legal issues involved in the development and operation of computing systems
Intellectual Skills
The most important intellectual skills developed on the programme are to:
 Select, plan and manage individual and team-based development projects
 Discuss and critically evaluate available development tools, methods, and technologies and associated user and professional issues
 Identify a problem and select and apply effective methods and tools for its solution
 Select the most appropriate methods and tools for the solution to a given problem
 Analyse a simple problem domain, and build an effective software solution to given problems in that domain
 Integrate and evaluate information and data from a variety of sources
 Demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought
 Reflect on the professional and ethical issues surrounding computing applications development and use
Practical Skills
The most useful practical skills, techniques and capabilities developed are:
 Analyse, design, build and test software solutions to increasingly complex and varied computing problem domains
 Use a range of tools, techniques, knowledge and technologies in the development of computing for business applications
 Design and build high quality computing applications with appropriate interactive components, networking and database support
 Use appropriate techniques and tools to support effective management of the development and operation of software systems
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Manage the development of a computing system and evaluate the effectiveness of the system and development process
Transferrable Skills
The student will be able to:
 Communicate information, ideas, problems and their solution, in both written and oral form
 Manage their time and resources efficiently
 Work effectively both individually and as a member of a team
 Exercise initiative and personal responsibility
 Learn independently using a diverse range of resources
 Evaluate and criticise their own learning experience
 Apply appropriate mathematical skills to the design, building and testing of software systems
An unclassified degree or lower level qualification may also be awarded where a students has not met all learning outcomes.
9.
Professional status (100 words maximum) Please provide a statement on the professional status of the programme for students graduating in the
current academic year, noting the following extract from guidance from the Higher Education Better Regulation Group (HEBRG)2 for the collection of
data for the KIS:
The outcome of a successful programme accreditation by a PSRB may include one or more of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Graduates are able to practise as a professional in a specific field, and in some cases receive a licence to practise that is required by law;
Graduates are granted chartered status;
Graduates are granted exemption from all or part of professional exams;
Graduates are eligible for entry to membership of a professional association or learned society;
The programme is confirmed as meeting externally designated standards and quality.
If not applicable, this section should be left blank and a default statement will appear on the HEAR.
This programme has been accredited by BCS The Chartered Institute for IT as fully meeting the educational requirement for CITP registration and
partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng registration. (Please note – this applies to students who have studied at Northumbria University,
Newcastle campus ONLY).
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
LOG OF CHANGES
Semester/
academic
year
eg S2;05/06
Change takes effect
Stage/year
of
programme
eg Year 3
(including section number)
Programm Programme title(s)
e code(s)
affected
by change
Admin change1
Y/N
Brief summary of change to Programme
Specification
Date of approval
/ amendment
Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification (other than typographical corrections) should be logged below and the
sheet appended to the Programme Specification. Subsequent changes can then be added. Where it is not practicable to change an
existing Programme Specification, a new version is required.
1.
To remove the optional year long module Business
Systems Project CM505 from the second year.
To add the year long module Integrated Consultancy
Project IS503 to the second year as an option choice.
To move the optional module Database Modelling and
Design CG156 from the first to the second semester of
the second year.
June
2007
N
S1
2007/8
2.
To remove the optional year long module Business
Systems Project CM505 from the second year.
To add the year long module Integrated Consultancy
Project IS503 to the second year as an option choice.
To move the optional module Database Modelling and
Design CG156 from the first to the second semester of
the second year.
Jan
2008
N
S1
2008/9
3.

Jan
2010
N
201011


Create a 20 point module Web Production and
Communication delivered in the first semester, from
two 10 point modules CG0181 and EN0153
Create a 20 point module Computer fundamentals
from 2 10 point modules CG0075 and CG0149
Change the delivery of CO0402 to the second
semester
1
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
4.
Changes to the programme have been proposed as part
of a School-wide review of levels 5 and 6 to ensure that
programmes are relevant, vibrant and current and no
longer contain 10 credit modules. The new 20 credit
modules are a result of combining the resources from
two 10 credit modules.
Jan
2011
N
5
To ensure information is accurate since changes to
modules. No changes to basic structure
BCS Mapping updated July 2011
Removal of levels in brackets from section 13 – Learning
Outcomes of Programmes, following decision made at
May 2012 SLEA
June
2011
Y
May
2012
Y
NA
NA
Update to match the programme to the needs of KDU
Penang. This programme is currently only used for
franchise delivery at that college. Changes are already
in place using a programme supplement for CV. This
change brings those changes into a single document.
To replace CM0558, which is no longer delivered, with
its current equivalent CM0571.
June
2014
N
NA
NA
June
2014
N
Level 5
S1.
2014-15
6
7
8
9
BSc (Hons) Computing Studies
S1,
201112
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