PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Final

Transcription

1 s PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Final PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION Course summary Final award Intermediate award Course status Awarding body Faculty School Location of study/ campus Partner institution(s) MSc Information Systems/PGDip Information Systems/PGCert Information Systems PGDip Information Systems/PGCert Information Systems Validated University of Brighton College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences CEM Moulsecoomb Name of institution Host department Course status 1. SELECT Admissions Admissions agency Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course. Direct to School Honours bachelor degree 2ii or equivalent work experience. If English is not the applicant s first language IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing, or equivalent. Claims for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) will also be considered. Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September Sep-16 and Feb-17 Mode of study Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period Full-time Other: Sep start - 13months Feb start - 18 months Other: 6 years Part-time Other: 2 years 6 years Sandwich Select Select Distance Select Select Course codes/categories UCAS code Contacts Course Leader (or Course Development Leader) Heinz Seefried Page 1 of 13

2 Admissions Tutor Examination and Assessment External Examiner(s) Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB) Heinz Seefried, CEM Admissions Name Place of work Date tenure expires Dr Angelos Stefanidis University of Glamorgan Computing Postgraduate AEB/CEB 31/12/2016 Approval and review Approval date Review date Validation 1 March Programme Specification Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): British Computer Society Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable): Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable): Sep 2016 (Q&S published Aug 2016) Sep Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September). 4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here. Page 2 of 13

3 PART 2: COURSE DETAILS AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Aims The aims of the course are: A001 to educate students to play their part in the world of information systems. A002 to build on existing skills to produce graduates who understand business, and are oriented towards the analysis of business problems and the design and implementation of information systems solutions to these business problems. The course emphasises Business and Information Systems; Systems Analysis and Design; Application Building particularly in a web environment. On completion of the MSc, graduates should be able to obtain employment as a business or systems analyst in new, growing areas of Information Systems or, perhaps, in areas, which combine their first degree or work experience with their new-found skills. Learning outcomes The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 5. Knowledge and theory LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of a range of theoretical and academic underpinnings of Information Systems. LO2 Apply intellectual and communication skills appropriately for a career in Information Systems LO3 Demonstrate core Information System Knowledge and skills LO4 Analyse business problems and define effective Information Systems solutions LO5 Evaluate and exploit the rapid technological advances in Information Systems and to choose and apply appropriate tools and techniques to solve problems in new areas LO6 Explain and evaluate the professional, ethical and moral issues relevant to an Information Systems related career LO7 Recommend feasible Information Systems solutions to new problem areas Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma the successful student should be able to achieve most of the knowledge outcomes above. Typically this would involve achieving LO1 LO6 while only partially achieving LO7. Upon completion of the Postgraduate Certificate the successful student should be able to achieve most of the knowledge outcomes above depending on the modules contributing to the certificate. Typically this would involve achieving LO1 LO6. Skills Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills. LO8 identify and analyse an organisation's business requirements for Information Systems. LO9 design and construct an effective solution to an organisation's Information Systems requirements. LO10 investigate advanced areas of Information Systems and produce wellargued critical evaluations of both the technology and its impact and its potential applications. 5 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details. Page 3 of 13

4 LO11 communicate effectively about Information Systems solutions with Information Systems experts, end users and business managers. LO12 manage their work effectively on an Information Systems in a business organisation. LO13 Demonstrate the ability to independently develop existing Information Systems skills or acquire new advanced skills Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma the successful student should be able to achieve most of the skills outcomes above. Typically this would involve achieving LO8, LO9, and LO11 while only partially achieving LO10and LO13. Upon completion of the Postgraduate Certificate the successful student should be able to achieve most of the skills outcomes above depending on the modules contributing to the certificate. Typically this would involve achieving LO8 and LO9 while only partially achieving LO10 and LO13. QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable) 6 PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable) Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included. Accredited by the British Computer Society, The Chartered Institute for IT LEARNING AND TEACHING Learning and teaching methods This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course. The teaching on the course will use information and communications technology to provide instruction, to assist in its presentation, to demonstrate the topics taught and to administer the course. Students will be expected to use information and communications technology including the Internet. The course is supported by the University s virtual learning environment (VLE). Hence the student is using contemporary technology to assist learning even as they are learning about the technology. The programme structure and pattern of teaching is described later in this document (see Part 3, Course Structure) where the principal teaching and learning approaches were described. The approaches chosen will be those deemed most appropriate for the subject. This may include partial-distance or distance learning for some modules. Students will be expected to supplement the formal work with their own reading and private study and practical work. Each of the taught modules includes set practical work and may include marked assignments. Particularly by the assessed assignments, the course stretches the student academically and intellectually to develop the necessary maturity and depth of understanding. In each assignment 6 Please refer to the QAA website for details. Page 4 of 13

5 students are expected to plan, research and control their own work, presenting their results both orally and in writing at the right level in an appropriate manner. The Research Methods module involves library and other investigations through a wide range of current journals, the Internet and any other sources of information available to the students. This latter could involve engaging with local professional, industrial or academic contacts in the field of Information Systems. The brings the student face to face with realistic business problems. In a course with strong vocational objectives it is essential to maintain good contacts with industry. Wherever possible the takes place in an outside organisation to reflect the practical problems of using and managing Information Systems. Education for Sustainable Development Policy The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development. The University has adopted the definition of sustainable development provided by the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The implementation of sustainable development in the world of computing may not initially seem compatible with the rapid development of new technology that makes hardware and software obsolete with a few years. Yet this rapid development and growth in technology has facilitated globalisation and accessibility of information raising awareness of sustainability issues. Information Systems have a key role to play in supporting businesses and organisations in strategies to increase efficiency, to effect a reduction in wasted resources, to participate in the global economy and to sustain economic viability. In various modules including the final project MSc Information Systems students will be encouraged to engage with social, economic and environmental issues ensuring they are aware of the ethical issues they may encounter when entering the professional world of Information Systems. Research Informed Teaching This course is taught by academic staff with both industry and research experience. Research interests of staff are reflected in the modules (for example ISM105; The Business and the Information System). The Research Methods module teaches a variety of research approaches. Students are then supervised by a tutor as they undertake a critical literature review of research in their chosen area. This module also requires students to engage in a local academic/research community. The learning and teaching strategy of the course is informed by best practice and recommendations from the Centre for Learning and Teaching, some modules also drawing on research into e-learning to deliver content and assessments on-line. Learning and Teaching Method Lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops 20% Independent study 80% % of Student Effort ASSESSMENT Assessment methods This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course. All modules conform to the School s current assessment policy. All compulsory taught modules will be assessed by coursework. The MSc IS sourced options are assessed by coursework. Other options are assessed according to the regulations for those courses. The () assessment includes a Planning Document, report, Report to the examiners, and a viva voce. Page 5 of 13

6 Assessment methods used on the course to assess students knowledge and skills include: the major project for the MSc, undertaken for a client. Reports, written assignments, and essays demonstration of knowledge, analytical and written communication skills. Practical Assignments demonstration of skills in analysis, design and solution creation. Presentations and vivas demonstration of knowledge and communication skills. Coursework schedules are published at the start of the academic year to ensure that students are able to plan their time in order to manage the completion of assessments to deadlines. Learning Outcome Assessment method Module Number of credits LO1 LO2 Written assignment, Research report, Written assignment, Oral presentation, ISM112, ISM122, ISM105, IDM25, ISM105, IDM25, LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 Practical assignment, Written assignment, Written assignment, Viva Voce, Written assignment, Essay, Research report, Essay, Written assignment, Viva Voce, Written assignment, Viva Voce, Practical assignment ISM122, ISM101, ISM105, ISM101, ISM105, ISM122, ISM101, ISM112, ISM122, ISM105, IDM25, ISM101, ISM105, ISM101, ISM105, ISM101, ISM112, ISM122 LO10 LO11 Written assignment, Research report, Written assignment, Viva Voce, LO12 ISM112, ISM122, IDM25, ISM101, ISM105, LO13 Research report, IDM25, SUPPORT AND INFORMATION Institutional/ University All students benefit from: University induction week Page 6 of 13

7 Course-specific Additional support, specifically where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include: Student Handbook: the University and you Course Handbook Extensive library facilities Computer pool rooms (indicate number of workstations by site) address Welfare service Personal tutor for advice and guidance In addition, students on this course benefit from: The CEM computer suite and the course specific material on Student central. Page 7 of 13

8 PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS COURSE STRUCTURE This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here. To achieve the MSc award the student must accumulate 180 credits with the following structure: 60 credits for compulsory modules (three double modules) 20 credits for the module Research in Computing 40 credits for elective modules 60 credits for mandatory project All students study a core set of compulsory modules. In addition each student will study two to four elective modules depending on the credits of the chosen electives. The elective modules are sourced from: The MSc IS course itself Other Masters courses The electives chosen by a student are subject to availability and must be approved by the course leader. Pattern of teaching Compulsory taught modules The Business and the Information System (ISM105) and Data Management (ISM122) are normally taught in semester 1. Systems Analysis and Design (ISM101) is normally taught in semester 2. In both semesters the modules are taught by weekly lectures, tutorials, workshops and directed study. Non-taught modules The Research module (IDM25) is compulsory and is normally studied in semester 2. The project () is mandatory for the MSc award. It is undertaken after the student has accumulated at least 80 credits points, which must include 60 credits from compulsory modules. Elective modules The pattern of teaching varies depending upon the source of the elective. The MSc IS elective modules Programming (ISM112), Enabling Technologies (ISM113), and Management (ISM302) are taught over one semester with weekly lectures etc. Other masters electives from postgraduate computing are also taught over one semester. Electives from other masters courses may have different patterns of teaching. Relationship to other taught Masters courses The MSc IS course in terms of aims and outcomes is distinct from the other awards within postgraduate computing. The MSc IS course is differentiated by aiming to produce graduates with business analyst/system analyst and business awareness skills and knowledge. Also it can accept candidates who would not be qualified for Computer Science or Internet and Distributed Systems and still provide the necessary grounding in Information Systems to complete a Master s degree by providing an appropriate programme of study in a narrow specialism. We could also attract candidates who would qualify for Computer Science or Internet and Distributed Systems but who are seeking a course with more business oriented aims. Full-time pathway The full-time course runs for three or four semesters depending on start date. For students who join the course at the start of an academic year the final examination board is typically in November of the following year. All taught modules are studied in the first two semesters. The third semester takes place over the summer with the student occupied full-time on a project () where possible in an external organisation. A full time student with no or little previous computing experience Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 ISM105 (20 credits) ISM101 (20 credits) Page 8 of 13

9 ISM122 (20 credits) Elective (10 credits) Elective (10 credits) ISM113 (10 credits) ISM302 (10 credits) IDM25 (20 credits) For students who join the course at the start of semester 2 the final examination board is typically in July of the following year. All taught modules are studied in semester two and semester one of the following academic year. The Research Methods module is studied over the interim summer (July September). The final project is undertaken in semester 2 of the second year of study. A full time student with previous technical computing experience Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 1 Semester 2 ISM101 (20 credits) IDM25 (20 credits) ISM105 (20 credits) Elective (10 credits) ISM122 (20 credits) (60 credits) ISM302 (10 credits) Elective (20 credits) Part-time pathway Students may study modules at any rate and in any order compatible with their personal requirements subject to the following constraints: A maximum of five years duration from studying the first module to be counted towards the award of a degree, diploma or certificate, to completion. Normally the project required for the MSc award can be started only when the student has accumulated at least 80 credits points of which 60 must be from compulsory modules. The project () may be completed in the student s workplace, if appropriate, or in another organization. The total effort should equate to ten weeks full-time work plus two weeks for writing-up the results. The student will need to spend at least one day a week on the project with the project being completed within one year. The part-time pathway could last from two to six years with many variations of study possible. An indicative example follows: A part time student with no or little previous computing experience completing the course in 3 years Year 1 Semester 1 ISM105 (20 credits) Elective (20 credits) Year 1 Semester 2 ISM101 (20 credits) ISM302 (10 credits) Year 2 Semester 1 ISM122 (20 credits) Year 2 Semester 2 ISM113 (10 credits) IDM25 (20 credits) Year 3 (60 credits) Modules Level 7 Module code Status Module title Credit 7 ISM101 C Systems Analysis and Design 20 7 ISM122 C Data Management 20 7 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module. Page 9 of 13

10 7 ISM105 C The Business and the Information System 20 7 IDM25 C Research Methods 20 7 M 60 7 ISM112 O Web Application Building 10 7 ISM113 O Enabling Technologies 10 7 ISM302 O Management O Approved M-level modules 10 or 20 each Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules) A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional, statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules) Page 10 of 13

11 AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award Total credits 8 Minimum credits 9 Ratio of marks 10 : Class of award Final MSc Information Systems 7 Total credit 180 Minimum credit at level of award Other: 180 Final PGDip Information Systems 7 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award Other: 120 Final PGCert Information Systems 7 Total credit 60 Minimum credit at level of award Other: 60 Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select *Foundation degrees only Progression routes from award: Level 7 marks Level 7 marks Level 7 marks Select Select Postgraduate degree Postgraduate (taught) de Postgraduate (taught) de Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate 11 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS) 70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction 60% % Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit 50% % Lower second (2:2) Pass 40% % Third (3) Pass Select Select 8 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 9 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 10 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 11 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters. Page 11 of 13

12 EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section. The examination and assessment regulations for the course are in accordance with the University s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral). Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses. In addition, the following course-specific regulations apply: Award of MSc in Information Systems Students who accumulate 180 credits points will be awarded an MSc in Information Systems. At least 60 credits must be gained from the compulsory modules and 60 credits must be gained from the mandatory module. Award of Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems Students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma provided they achieve a total of at least 120 credits points. At least 60 credits must be gained from the compulsory modules. Award of Postgraduate Certificate in Information Systems Students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate provided they achieve a total of at least 60 credits points of which at least 30 are gained from the compulsory modules. Failure and re-examination The due date of any referred work shall be within one year of the date of the CEB that reviewed the assessment. A candidate may be referred on one occasion only for any one piece of work. A successful piece of referred work will be awarded a minimum pass mark. Exceptions required by PSRB These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) Replacement modules Students may be allowed to take additional optional modules to compensate for failed modules. A student would not normally be eligible for an award of MSc or postgraduate diploma with Distinction if reassessed in more than 40 credits. A student who has completed part of another postgraduate programme may be admitted to the course with advance standing. Where prior learning and achievement is at the same or higher level than the course, it is identified, assessed and formally recognised through the award of credit (accreditation). Provided that it is clear that a student has fulfilled some of the progression and assessment requirements of the programme of study by means other than attendance on the planned programme, the student may be admitted to any appropriate point in the programme with academic credit. Decisions about the equivalence of learning are informed by the intended learning outcomes of the course/module(s). The evidence provided must demonstrate how the applicant has previously achieved the learning outcomes of the module(s) at the appropriate level. Document template revised: 2010 Page 12 of 13

13 Where learning has been gained through experience e.g. from the workplace, rather than formally assessed/certificated study, it can be assessed and, as appropriate, recognised for academic purposes. The learning achieved (i.e. the skills, knowledge and understanding) can be given academic credit which can be used towards an MSc Information Systems award. The maximum amount of credit cannot normally exceed 90 credits. In exceptional circumstances a student may be awarded with 120 credits (taught modules only). Document template revised: 2010 Page 13 of 13