University of Sunderland

Computing

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Twin Entry for February and October - this is a 45 week programme taught over a 60 week period. Note that there is an 8 week summer vacation period.

This course was formerly the MSc in IT Application Development but has been replaced with the MSc Computing programme.

Do you have a degree in a non-computing discipline and would like to move into the computing arena? The MSc Computing is a Masters programme aimed at individuals with a degree qualification (or equivalent) in a non-computing related discipline.

The programme provides the necessary theoretical practical and research skills to be able to carry out a masters-level project in designing and implementing IT systems. It assumes little or no experience in the topics covered and consequently teaches students 'from scratch'. It is a broad-based course covering the understanding of how IT systems are developed within modern organisations, and provides the ability to develop such systems both as an individual and as part of a team.

Programme Aims
The MSc in Computing is designed to provide non-computing graduates with advanced skills and knowledge in the application of IT systems development. The overall aims of the programme are:

• Provide understanding of the processes and techniques as well as the knowledge and technical skills needed to specify, design, implement, document and support state-of-the-heart effective IT systems, either alone or as part of a team.

• Imbue students with a professional comportment towards both management and technical aspects of software fabrication.

• Promote a critical awareness of the natures, roles and limitations of computer-based IT systems and the technologically advancing environments in which they exist.

• Develop and enhance the skills and knowledge of students so that they can contribute at a high level to the creation and adoption of a systematic, professional and quality approach to IT systems development.

• Provide students with the skills and knowledge to make a significant contribution to IT and information systems research activities.

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Course Content

Stages 1 and 2
Successful completion of the taught modules and an individual project will qualify the student for the MSc degree. Intermediate awards of Postgraduate Certificate in Computing and Postgraduate Diploma Computing are available for students who do not wish to, or are unable to complete the full MSc.

The modules are:
Stages 1 and 2
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)* and Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)

• Research Skills and Academic Literacy

Nature of research, types of research, research process and its management, ethical issues in research, outlining research problems and developing research questions. Research methods, qualitative and quantitative approaches, Literature surveys and critical analysis and evaluation of sources.

Data collection and data analysis. Critical evaluation and appraisal of published work and data sets. Recognition of appropriate and inappropriate use of approaches and statistics. Writing a technical paper, use of graphics, the publication process, reviews and the role of the reviewer. The use of peer review and appraisal. Presenting work orally and by other appropriate means. Structuring a research report and dissertation. Professional, ethical and legal issues that relate to the relevant programme of study, for example, critical examination of: the BCS code of conduct, the ACM code of Ethics, and the UK Data Protection Act.

• Techniques for Information Systems Analysis

Information gathering (interviews, observations etc), soft systems approaches to problem understanding (e.g. rich pictures, CATWOE, root definitions).

• Web and Multimedia Development

HCI Fundamentals: Context, Design and Evaluation; Context of use research: user, stakeholder, task, activity and environment studies; Web development: HTML and CSS. Understanding of common tools used multimedia/web development and skills in multimedia programming.

• Software Development

Learn how to develop software. Learn about classes and objects. Requirements definition and specification. Design and implementation inheritance in an OOL. OOL Classes. Software design using interaction diagrams, state diagrams. Testing. Design patterns. Testing OO systems

• Networks

To develop in the student an appreciation of the standards, concepts and configuration of the hardware and software of a network system, so that they can specify, design, procure, evaluate and apply security measures to 'real-world' network systems. Network basics: LANS, MANS, WANS, WLANS, topologies, ISO 7-layer and TCP/IP models, media (radiated and conducted), signaling techniques, routers, switches, print servers, file servers, web/ftp servers, protocols (routing and routed) and wireless network configuration. Software: types, principles and configuration of network operating systems (possibly including: Windows 2000/2003 IIS, UNIX/Linux), GUI's, e-mail, other network applications and architectures, TCP/IP configuration & diagnostics. Router, switch and firewall programming (e.g. Cisco IOS).

• Database Systems

The aim of the module is to provide students with an ability to design and implement information systems using database technology. The module will cover: Data models (e.g. relational, object-oriented, object-relational) and their evolution, database theory, database administration, design techniques and implementation using appropriate tools, use of Data Definition Language and Data Manipulation Languages, database security, database integrity, transaction management, client-server systems, distributed databases, internet database technologies and connectivity, data warehousing and data mining.

• Foundations of Computer Science

Learn about the professional approaches taken to software engineering. Learn soft systems approaches to problem understanding (e.g. rich pictures, CATWOE, root definitions,) object oriented techniques for analysis (e.g. use cases, sequence diagrams, activity diagrams); systems level understanding and modeling/algorithms. Discussion of how the techniques fit in terms of development paradigms. Discussion of how the techniques map onto one another.

• Project

Students will normally undertake a real-world project through an industrial sponsor; which involves both a research and a practical element.

Note: The majority of the project phase can be undertaken anywhere in the world where adequate communication facilities are available.

*A generic award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Computing is available for those students who gain a minimum of 60 M- level credits from any of the taught modules within the programme (excluding the project).

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Entry Requirements

Applications are welcome from holders of a good honours degree (2:2 or above) in a non-computing discipline; candidates with other backgrounds and experience will also be considered.

It is expected that applicants have basic PC skills in using a PC, for example MS Office packages (e.g. Word and Excel), sending and receiving e-mails, and using a web browser such as Internet Explorer (IE).

International students must demonstrate a good command of the English Language and normally would have to undertake an IELTS examination. Students who do not possess the necessary English Language grade will be required to gain further English Language tuition prior to starting the programme.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Various methods of teaching and learning are employed on the course, for example, lectures, group work, directed reading, research, tutorials, seminars and practical laboratory sessions.

Students will make extensive use of computer based resources.

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Work Experience

During the project phase of the programme students have an opportunity to undertake a project which solves a real world problem.

Many external clients sponsor such projects and students are actively encouraged and supported to find their own client and sponsor.

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Career Opportunities

Computing and Information Technology (IT) has come to play a greater and greater role in all aspects of life. The impact of the Internet on business and the growth of Electronic Commerce are but two examples.

Both recent and mature graduates from non-computing disciplines recognise the need to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the new technologies.

Graduates from these programmes would specifically gain skills in traditional and web-based systems development.

Key employment areas that postgraduates from this programme would be able to apply for include:

• Internet and Traditional Systems Development
• User Systems Analysis and Support
• Management with Technical Computing Knowledge
• Research and Education
• Technical Support and Consultancy

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Supplemental Information

Academic credibility of the programme is further supported through a distinguished invited speaker programme, which allows students to participate and discuss areas of current and evolving research and development with leading invited researchers and industrialists.

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Facilities

World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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