Programme Specification for Information Technology BSc (Hons)
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Final award |
BSc (Hons) |
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Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE |
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UCAS code |
- |
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Details of professional body accreditation |
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Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Computing |
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Date specification last up-dated |
April 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
Thinking about making a difference in the field of Information Technology? With a degree in Information Technology at UEL, you can! Our programme has been designed around six core themes (systems, analysis and design, databases, web, programming and skills). At each level a theme is introduced and built upon in subsequent levels. This provides you with a broad range of competencies which you can use to further your studies and knowledge.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A typical offer of 200 UCAS tariff points (including two GCE or VCE A-levels or VCE Double Award)
50% Merits Year 2 of BTEC National Diploma
Relevant Access programme
Equivalent overseas qualifications, if English is not the first language, a minimum of IELTS of 6.0 with a minimum of Reading and Writing 6.0; Listening and Speaking 5.5 or equivalent.
Mature students, without appropriate academic qualifications but with relevant work experience, attend for interview and aptitude test
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Information Technology?
Information Technology is an integral component of our everyday and professional lives. Well-engineered, reliable and usable information systems and infrastructures play a crucial role in the survival of most organisations. Thus, IT professionals who can implement, maintain and develop such information systems and who possess the practical and technical working knowledge are in constant demand. Studying in the Information Technology field of computing is challenging, enjoyable, and can lead to a rewarding career.
Information Technology at UEL
The programme at UEL concentrates on Analysis and Design, Database techniques, Usability theory, Networking concepts and Web Design techniques. Emphasis is placed on the balance between practice and theory which leads to a solid foundation for a career in the field of computing.
Programme structure
Programmes in the field of computing are three or four years in length. In each year (if you are full time) you will study 120 credits, that is, six modules. Each module starts off from a basic level and slowly develops into a more complex learning domain. There is also a final year project module, where you will be able to bring together all what you have learnt to develop a solution to an area of interest to yourself or a real-life company.
Learning environment
As well as the usual teaching and learning facilities such as well-equipped laboratories, lecture and seminar rooms and well-resourced library, students have access to a wide range of computing resources. Specialised labs are used for the study of computer networking and operating system such as Windows and UNIX environment. Students are provided with software tools for programming, database development, computer-aided software engineering, Internet access and Web-based development. The virtual learning environment UEL Plus is used to give extra support to students and allow easy communication between students and staff. The placement year (which can take place abroad) is the ideal opportunity to add to the skills gained during the first two years of the programme.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are entirely assessed by coursework, although most are assessed by the combination of coursework and examination. Coursework assessment can take a number of different forms, including presentations, software demonstrations, research-based assignments and practical exercises involving system or program specification, coding and testing, and might be carried out individually or in group. Examinations might be multiple choice tests or more traditional unseen questions.
Work experience/placement opportunities
There is an optional 48 weeks industrial placement year between the normal second and third years. This placement is normally paid. The School has long-standing links with a large number of well-known employers who can provide UEL students with worthwhile work experience. Many students are offered permanent employment by their placement organisation when they graduate. In addition to enhance employment prospects, the placement provides a valuable learning experience, the results of which feed into our students' final year of study.
Project work
Students complete a project in their final year. This is a major piece of work that allows students to choose the direction of their study, to develop their own ideas and to integrate the various subjects studied.
Added value
In addition to the IT-related skills and knowledge acquired during your studies, you will develop a wide range of personal and professional skills including communication, presentation, negotiation, team working and time management. These sought-after skills will be useful throughout your working life and will increase your chances of finding a well-paid and interesting job after graduation.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- How computers and the internet can be used to design and develop information systems to solve business tasks
- Finding out more on what happens ‘behind’ the computer screen
- Understanding the technology underlying computer systems and developing the technical skills to use them
If you enjoy...
- Design and developing computer solutions.
- Solving technical problems
- The challenge of finding solutions to seemingly insoluble problems
- Working and sharing ideas with others to identify and develop these solutions
If you want...
- The opportunity to work in a well rewarded and fast growing area of computing
- Sought-after and up-to-date skills
- To communicate and work with a wide variety of people to solve a range of business and technical problems
...........then, the Information Technology (IT) programme could be for you
Your future career
There is still a significant shortage of up-to-date computing skills in the UK. Organisations need to have access to these skills to make best used of their computing and internet resources.
Graduates of the Information Technology degree programme combine business knowledge with technical skills and are qualified for a range of jobs including business analyst, web designer and IT strategist.
For graduates who wish to continue their studies at postgraduate level, the programme provides a suitable entry route to a variety of Masters programmes, both at UEL and elsewhere.
How we support you
- Personal tutor support throughout the programme
- Support for development and study skills, preparation for employment and research.
- Placement Office with well-established links with employers to provide support for finding placements.
- Specialist support for dyslexia and English as a second language
- Student advice services for accommodation, finance, career, IT training and learning resources.
Bonus factors
The proximity of London means that UEL is ideally placed for developing links with a wide range of well-established, prestigious and innovative employers. The Knowledge Dock based at the Dockland Campus provides a natural channel between business and higher education, by making the knowledge and expertise of UEL available to local employers. The TGTC also provides a variety of opportunities including placements and final year projects to our students.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Develop knowledge through the study of models, theories and concepts associated with the application of Information Technology (IT)
- Gain appropriate knowledge and skills base to pursue a career managing and developing information systems in a contemporary business context.
- Gain an understanding of the operational, strategic, practical issues as well as the technology behind the information systems currently relevant to small, medium and large enterprises.
- Be aware of the management, economic, legal, social, professional and ethical issues relating to information systems and technology.
- Enable students to develop their specialised skills in analysing, specifying, constructing, testing and evaluating specialist systems in a given context.
- Enable students to develop their specialised knowledge by means of examining appropriate tools, theoretical principles and methodologies
- Provide the opportunity for students to develop vocational skills relevant to employment within the IT industry.
- Develop a range of personal and transferable skills including communication, group and individual work, time management, delegation and negotiation skills.
- Develop in the student a well‐practised facility for relating theory and practice, such that they become more effective doers, thinkers and learners.
- Develop the necessary study skills and knowledge to pursue further study.
What will you learn?
All learning outcomes are covered in the programme’s single honours route and where Maj, J and/or Min is shown against a learning outcome, this confirms that the learning outcome is covered in the Major, Joint and/or Minor routes offered.
Knowledge
- How to design (Maj, J, Min) and implement information systems
- How computer hardware and technology provides a platform for information systems
- How information systems can be used in a business context. ( J, Min)
- How IT projects can be managed and developed (Maj, J).
- How to develop web front ends for information systems (Maj, J)
- How to develop database back ends for information systems (Maj)
Thinking skills
- Problem solving (Maj,J, Min)
- Evaluation and critical analysis (Maj, J, MIn)
- Self-appraisal and review of personal practice. (Maj, J)
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Use of range of specialised computer technology, object-oriented system development (Maj), databases (Maj), website design (J), dynamic web development (J) and other development packages (Maj, J, Min).
- Preparation of essays, reports and presentations (Maj, J and Min)
- Production of major self-directed project. (Maj, J)
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Communication Skills (Maj, J and Min)
- Time management (Maj, J and Min)
- Learning and working both independently and in groups (Maj, J and Min)
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 5 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
Single 120 credits at levels one, two and three
Major 80 credits at levels one, two and three
Joint 60 credits at levels one, two and three
Minor 40 credits at levels one, two and three.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme
Level 1 Entry
| LEVEL | UEL Module Code |
TITLE | SKILLS MODULES (Insert Y where appropriate) |
CREDITS | STATUS SINGLE |
STATUS MAJOR |
STATUS JOINT |
STATUS MINOR |
| 1 | CN1041 | Academic Skills for Computing | Y | 20 | Core | Core | Option* | |
| 1 | IM1045 | Information Systems | 20 | Core | Core | Core | Core | |
| 1 | SD1046 | Visual Programming | 20 | Core | Core | Option | ||
| 1 | IM1024 | Web Authoring and Web Management | 20 | Core | ||||
| 1 | CN1047 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 20 | Core | Core | Core | ||
| 1 | CN1048 | Computer Based Technologies | 20 | Core | Core | |||
| 2 | CN2041 | Professional Issues | Y | 20 | Core | Core | Option* | |
| 2 | IM2042 | Information Systems Modelling and Design | 20 | Core | Core | Core | Core | |
| 2 | IM2043 | IT Planning and Infrastructure | 20 | Core | ||||
| 2 | SD2052 | Database Systems | 20 | Core | Core | |||
| 2 | CN2047 | Network Systems and Technologies | 20 | Core | Core | Core | Core | |
| 2 | IM2701 | Multimedia Design & Web Development | 20 | Core | Option | |||
| 3 | CN3041 | Research Skills | Y | 20 | Core | Core | Option* | |
| 3 | IM3800 | Final Year Project | 40 | Core | Core | Option | ||
| 3 | SD3043 | Advanced Information Systems Development | 20 | Core | Option | Option | Core | |
| 3 | IM3801 | Distributed Systems and Applications | 20 | Core | Option | Option | Core | |
| 3 | IM3802 | Issues in Internet Design and Development | 20 | Core |
* skills module: must be taken unless equivalent skills module is being taken in other half of programme
** one of these must be taken on the major route
*** can be replaced with a University Wide Option Module if required
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain anhonoursdegree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain anordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain aDiploma of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain aCertificate of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level one or higher
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
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The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
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70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
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60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
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50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
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40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
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0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Participation in lectures, tutorials and workshops
- Directed and general reading
- Primary and secondary research, e.g. using internet or Learning Resource Centre
Thinking skills are developed through
- Successful completion of set assessment tasks
- Self-appraisal and self-evaluation
- Critical evaluation of concepts, assumptions, arguments and data
Practical skills are developed through
- Use of general IT applications such as word processors and spreadsheets
- Use of specialised IT applications such as program development environments and CASE tools
- Investigation of website development
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Working in groups to complete work set, such as presentations
- Working during sandwich year as placement student
- Managing time to complete assessments by deadlines
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Examinations, both unseen and based on previously supplied case studies
- Multiple choice tests
- Extended essays and reports
Thinking skills are assessed by
- All assessment tasks set, particularly those requiring critical evaluation
- Self-appraisal of performance
- Use of appropriate problem solving skills
Practical skills are assessed by
- Assessment tasks requiring use of general and specialised IT applications
- Use of equipment in practicals and presentations
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Evidence of group and team working
- Completion of placement year
- Ability to work to time constraints
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations involving the collection of data via questionnaires
- Informal discussions / meetings between students and teaching staff, year tutor and programme leaders
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting each semester)
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Circulating the minutes of the programme committees
- Providing details on the programme notice board
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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- |
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Where you can find further information
Please contact the programme Leader for further information.
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The programme handbook
- Module study guides (http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/manual/index.htm)
- UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes
- School web pages (http://www.uel.ac.uk/cite/index.htm)
- UEL catalogue for the Undergraduate Degree Scheme
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
