University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the MSci in Computer Science

NOTE: This is a formal specification for the degree programme. If you are not yet a student in the School, you will find more appropriate information on the Undergraduate Admissions pages.

Final Award MSci
Interim Awards None
Programme Title Computer Science
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 4443
Mode(s) of Study Full-time
Length of Programme 4 years
Total Credits 480
UCAS Code G400
Awarding Institution University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by British Computer Society [See Footnote 2]
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Dr M Kerber
Date 30 May 2013
Educational Aims of Programme

Within the context of the general Learning & Teaching Aims of the School, this four-year single honours degree programme aims to provide:

  1. Thorough coverage of the core areas of computer science, with a systematic grounding both in its theoretical underpinnings and in practical software development, through a focussed programme offering an extensive choice of advanced and specialist options in the third and fourth year.
  2. A basis for a career as a computer science professional, producing graduates who are equipped to work effectively in a professional capacity, with transferable skills in numeracy, problem-solving, team working and general communication and information technology.
  3. A solid foundation for advanced study in computing/IT, producing graduates who are self-motivating and are able to take responsibility for their continuing personal and professional development.
  4. A curiosity-driven programme offering a choice of options in the second year and an extensive choice of advanced and specialist options from our specialised Masters programmes in the third and fourth year.
  5. Flexibility to change programmes after the first year, e.g. to the BSc in Computer Science or the MEng in Computer Science/Software Engineering.
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
Computing Benchmarking Statement, UK-SPEC, Requirements of Accrediting Bodies, the University and School Teaching and Learning Strategies.
Special features of the Programme
None.

 

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge & Understanding
Ref A. Students are expected to have knowledge and understanding of Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing and computer applications as appropriate to the topics covered in the programme. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework
2 Appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports
3 Current problems and issues at the forefront of Computing including an awareness of emerging technology. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework

Skills & Other Attributes
Ref B. Students are expected to have attained the following skills and other attributes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The ability to apply the knowledge and understanding noted above to the analysis of a large given information handling problem. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports
2 The ability to specify, design and construct high quality computer-based systems in a professional manner, using appropriate tools, and to document all stages of this process. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports, Presentations
3 The ability to evaluate critically and apply areas of current research and advanced scholarship in computer science. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports
4 A professional software engineering ethos, and a responsible, ethical and open-minded attitude to their work. Lectures, Projects, Practical work Coursework, Reports, Presentations
(transferable skills)
5 The ability to work both independently and as an effective team member. Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Presentations
6 The ability to use and apply general IT facilities, including those required for effective information-retrieval. Practical work, Projects Coursework, Reports, Presentations
7 Numeracy, in both understanding and presenting cases involving quantitative or similar formal, symbolic dimensions. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Presentations, Examinations
8 Management of learning and development, including time management, organizational skills, and the ability to pursue independently further professional development. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Presentations

Footnotes

  1. The Learning & Teaching and Assessment Methods above are not intended to be exclusive, but to indicate the main methods in use. Module Descriptions contain more detail.
  2. Whether to award accreditation is a decision made from time to time by a professional body according to criteria which are then current; hence there is no guarantee that the programme will actually be accredited for any particular year of entry by any particular professional body.

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