Undergraduate Programme Specification
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Applied Computing Awarding Body: Staffordshire University Teaching Institution: Staffordshire University Newcastle Under‐Lyme College Stoke‐On‐Trent College Burton and South Derbyshire College Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology Staffordshire University, Lichfield Centre with South Staffordshire College Final Awards: HNC Applied Computing HND Applied Computing Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: Full‐Time/Part‐Time UCAS Codes: QAA Subject Benchmarks: Computing JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: Date of Production: April, 2013 Date of Revision: If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us. 1 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The program aims to 1. Equip you with the necessary skills and experience to enter employment (or progress to further study) within your chosen area of applied computing By providing you with the opportunity to gain national qualifications, with detailed common standards recognised by educational institutions and employers on route to (or instead of) gaining a degree. The Higher National Certificate and Diploma qualifications will provide entry to further awards and professional development both at this University and externally 2. Develop a broad range of competencies, personal skills and motivation which are essential for a successful, professional working life. By providing a foundation in the knowledge and understanding of academic aspects of Computing through practical application. By facilitating the development of transferable skills such as teamwork, verbal and written communications and personal organisation. By instilling in students the confidence to apply their academic and practical skills in real world contexts through case study and project work. By providing you with the capacity to reflect on their learning and to thereby be capable of exercising personal responsibility in making decisions based on their experiences within their chosen field of application. 3. Provide academic stimulation and challenge, and to foster an enjoyment of Computing and its application. 4. Recognise the importance of employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship within a global context By facilitating your attainment of Staffordshire Graduate attributes and embedding the assessment of that attainment as an important element of the award(s). 5. Provide an enriching experience for you By supporting and facilitating your personal, academic and professional development throughout your period of study at Staffordshire University By building a foundation for your continuing professional development and lifelong learning What is distinctive about this programme? The programme offers an accessible route through Higher Education by providing flexible modes of study at local colleges Students leaving after successfully completing the first year (120 credits) will be eligible for a HNC in Applied Computing. The HND has two option slots which allow your programme of study to be tailored and the HND project allows you to focus on an area of specific interest to you The award provides the foundation for further academic study. There is a direct progression route to the Applied Computing Top‐up which is an 18 month (three teaching block) award running in full‐time mode at the University’s Stoke On Trent campus. This Top‐Up is also available in part time (evening class) mode and distance learning. You may instead wish to apply to join the Computing Science Top Up which is a two year (four teaching block) award running in full‐time mode at the University’s Stafford campus 2 The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. With this in mind, the Staffordshire Graduate qualities are embedded into core modules for both the HNC and HND in Applied Computing. Both awards have been designed to facilitate the development of professional, technical and academic skills which will prepare you for your career as a Computing Professional. Employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship are key components of both awards and as you move through your programme of study, you will begin to understand what your options are in terms of a career. The awards are designed to enhance your perspective by creating scenarios which will enable you to apply skills learnt in the classroom to more general contexts and also to appreciate the implications of globalization. Your programme of study includes a number of teaching, learning and assessment strategies. These facilitate the development of your learning and communication skills. You will encounter for example, enquiry based learning and critical analysis which facilitate the development of independent thinking. These underpin all your module work but are particularly important for the final year project. We also want you to be a team player and to this end you will encounter team work, group presentations, and group reports. You will be encouraged to continually evaluate your existing strengths and weaknesses in order to plan your future learning accordingly with a career goal in mind. You will be required to set up an e‐portfolio and encouraged to store work completed as part of your program of study in it. We want you to enjoy your time with us and to continue your learning and professional development when you leave. Emphasis is therefore placed on preparing you not just for the assessments associated with your programme of study but also for lifelong learning and continuing professional development as a Staffordshire Graduate. 3 PROGRAMME OUTCOMES At the end of your studies for the HNC Applied Computing you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate knowledge and basic understanding of underlying facts concepts, principles and theories relating to the field of Applied Computing and its use within specific case studies Learning Evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques and solutions to the application of Computing within specific case studies Demonstrate the ability to present, evaluate and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data showing an awareness of the key principles involved including the use of graphs and statistics Enquiry Demonstrate Knowledge and understanding of the main methods of enquiry (including recognised literature searching and requirements elicitation techniques) to gather information about Computing problems Analysis Apply analytic tools to examine the operation of an Computing system (or its components) under a variety of conditions, interpret the outputs of the analysis and present results in an accessible and accurate way Problem Solving Select and apply appropriate practices and tools (based on requirements and practical constraints) to propose satisfactory IT solutions Communication Communicate information, ideas and arguments (orally, electronically or in writing) effectively to specialist and non‐specialist audiences Application Apply knowledge and basic understanding of Computing .and its application in the development of solutions Work both independently and as part of a team Reflection Demonstrate the acquisition of personal and professional qualities and transferable skills and commitment to continuing professional development and lifelong learning 4 At the end of your studies for the HND Applied Computing you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of underlying facts concepts, principles and theories relating to the field of Computing and its application both in specific case studies and more general contexts. Learning Critically evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques and solutions to the use of Computing both in specific case studies and more general contexts. Demonstrate the ability to present, evaluate and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data showing an awareness of the key principles involved including the use of graphs and statistics Critically evaluate contemporary developments in Computing and provide a justified interpretation of the likely impact of these technologies both within a specific working environment and in more general contexts Enquiry Demonstrate Knowledge and critical understanding of the main methods of enquiry (including recognised literature searching and requirements elicitation techniques) to gather information about IT problems Recognise the nature and extent of an information requirement and the need to apply appropriate safeguards Analysis Apply analytic tools to critically examine the operation of an IT system (or its components) under a variety of conditions, interpret the outputs of the analysis and present results in an accessible and accurate way Create models where appropriate for the purpose of comprehension, communication and prediction Problem Solving Evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to problem‐solving following analysis of a complex problem and utilise chosen approaches Select and apply appropriate practices and tools (based on requirements and practical constraints) to propose satisfactory Computing solutions Use skills and knowledge in the planning and management of projects involving the use of Computing and business systems Communication Communicate information, ideas and arguments (orally, electronically