Software Engineering Programme Specification - Staffordshire ...

UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title:
Awarding Body:
Teaching Institution:
Final Awards:
Intermediate Awards:
Mode of Study:
UCAS Codes:
Software Engineering
Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
CertHE, DipHE, BSc Software Engineering
Full-time, Part-time
G600
QAA Subject Benchmarks: Computing, QAA 170 03/07
JACS Code:
G600
Professional/Statutory Body: Accreditation being sought by BCS –
The Chartered Institute for IT
Date of Production: June 2013
Date of Revision:
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1

Educational aims of the programme
To produce Software Engineering graduates who are fitted to undertake
employment in industry, commerce or public service as computing professionals,
or, for those with suitable degree classification, to undertake programmes of
further study or research in appropriate institutions.
To produce Software Engineering graduates who are experts in the entire
software development lifecycle, and who have the theoretical and practical skills
to develop robust, large-scale systems that are engineered software solutions to
real world problems.
To produce Software Engineering graduates who have proficiency in several
programming languages and system design methods and techniques, and who
can apply their skills in all areas of the computing industry.
To produce Software Engineering graduates who are immediately suitable for
job titles such as Application Programmer, Software Engineer, and Systems
Developer, and who can expect, with experience, to progress to posts such as
Analyst, Project Manager, and Enterprise Architect.
To provide a course of study in Software Engineering that is up-to-date,
appropriate, and facilitated by well-qualified staff.
To provide an enriching experience for the student that supports and facilitates
personal, academic and professional development throughout the programme,
laying a foundation for life-long continuing development.
To provide a sound general education in Computing that also enhances the
student’s general education, including transferable skills
To enable each student to achieve the highest award within his or her overall
ability.
To give a practical emphasis with theoretical underpinning to each student’s
studies.
On sandwich awards only, to enable each student, by means of a one-year
period of supervised work in an industrial, commercial or public service setting,
to gain relevant experience in the computing profession, and as far as possible
gainfully to exploit that experience during Level 6 studies.
To embed within the programme the inculcation and assessment of attributes
and ethos of the Staffordshire Graduate, and to produce Software Engineering
graduates who exemplify these qualities.
(see: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/why_staffs/staffordshire_graduate)
2

What is distinctive about this programme?
This programme embodies the motto, Practical Scholarship, in which we strike a
balance between underpinning theory and experience of practical application.
There are five major themes that are developed through all Levels of the programme:
Software development life cycle: from requirements elicitation to systems
integration, including management
Software architectures: including frameworks and design patterns
Modelling: a strong emphasis on OO modelling; a lesser focus on top-down
modelling, relational database modelling
Application type: stand-alone; client-server; web; mobile; enterprise
Programming: a strong emphasis on Java, and also C++, C#, Objective C
This programme has a highly-recommended sandwich option that comprises a year
of industrial placement, which may be overseas, and can include self-employment.
.
At the end of the final year, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your Final
Year Project at the Graduate Exhibition, examples of which can be seen at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/events/gradex/
The Staffordshire Graduate
The Staffordshire Graduate is a set of qualities that the University passionately
believes necessary for success in the 21st century. A Staffordshire Graduate is a
reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, ready to contribute in the
world of work.
The Software Engineering award is based on the requirements for accreditation by
the BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT – and this ensures that graduates have the
knowledge and skills appropriate for employment in the computing industry.
Throughout your degree, you will be required to communicate in a variety of formats
including software design documents, written reports and individual and group
presentations. Team-work is developed at Level 4 and Level 5 in modules that
require you to specify, design and develop software artefacts in groups using
industry-standard techniques and processes.
Professional, organisational, ethical, legal, and globalisation issues are addressed in
modules at all Levels, which also cover career development, from initial job
applications to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and entrepreneurship.
Globalisation is further addressed from a Software Engineering perspective in
modules which examine localisation (adapting a software product for a particular
local market) and globalisation (developing products for international markets).
You are encouraged to enrol on the sandwich degree which involves a year’s paid
placement in the Computing industry, developing the full range of graduate attributes
from understanding of enterprise and industrial relationships, to interacting
confidently with colleagues, and communicating their experience in a formal report.
The culmination of study is the Project, where you work independently to investigate,
critically analyse, and create practical solutions to a software engineering problem of
your own choosing. Communication and presentation skills form an important part of
the project, and you can engage with local employers by presenting your work at
GradEx, the graduate exhibition.
3

Programme outcomes
At the end of your studies you should be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of computing concepts and principles.
Show that you have acquired coherent and detailed knowledge about the principles
and practices of Software Engineering, some of which is at, or informed by, the
forefront of research and development in Software Engineering.
Learning
Develop lines of argument and evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques,
platforms and solutions based on knowledge of Software Engineering principles and
practices, and demonstrate understanding of the uncertainty, ambiguity and
limitations of this knowledge.
Enquiry
Initiate and carry out Software Engineering projects.
Ethically gather information pertaining to computing problems, possible solutions,
and the success of these solutions, from existing or potential users and/or
organisations using established Software Engineering practices.
Find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and understand information from a range of
sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues
surrounding the use of such information.
Analysis
Critically discuss current research in Software Engineering, and evaluate arguments,
assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to draw
conclusions.
Problem Solving
Apply knowledge & understanding, learning, enquiry and analysis to devise and
address appropriate questions and strategies that lead to the identification,
development and evaluation of solutions to computing-based problems.
Plan and carry out a large and complex computing project, applying established
Software Engineering principles and practices.
Communication
Communicate ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist
audiences in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: written academic reports;
verbal presentations; documentation in support of the development of software;
project management documentation.
Application
Apply Software Engineering principles and practices and established management
techniques, including those at the forefront of Software Engineering knowledge, to
the process of developing complex software.
Reflection
Critically evaluate your performance as an academic and a professional Software
Engineer, considering both process and product.
Plan how to make your performance (process and product) more relevant and more
effective.
4

Programme structure, modules and credits
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
L
E
V
E
L
4
Teaching
Block 1
Teaching
Block 2
CESCOM
10067-4
Application
modelling
CESCOM
10083-4
Introduction to
Software
Development
CESCOM
10073-4
Fundaments of
Computing and
Mathematics
CESCOM
10093-4
Skills for
Computing
Professionals
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
To progress to Level 5, at least 90 credits must be passed at Level 4.
L
E
V
E
L
5
Teaching
Block 1
Teaching
Block 2
CESCOM
10109-5
Engineering
Software
Applications
(30 credits)
CESCOM
10141-5
Web & Mobile
Application
Development
(30 credits)
CESCOM
10129-5
Object-Oriented
Application
Engineering
(30 credits)
CESCOM
10104-5
Concurrent
Network
Applications
(15 credits)
CESCOM
10137-5
Task-based
Software
Engineering
(15 credits)
To progress to placement, at least 195 credits must be passed, including a minimum of 75
credits at Level 5.
To progress to Level 6, at least 210 credits must be passed, including a minimum of 90
credits at Level 5.
L
E
V
E
L
6
Teaching
Block 1
Teaching
Block 2
CESCOM
10153-6
Engineering and
Integrating
Robust, Large-
Scale Systems
CESCOM
10154-6
Engineering
Enterprise
Applications
CESCOM
10176-6
Software
Engineering for
Mobile Devices
(15 credits)
CESCOM
10157-6
Final Year
Project
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(45 credits)
5

How will I be taught and assessed?
Teaching and Learning
This programme of study has been devised to fit the university’s framework of 30-
credit modules. Most modules in this programme are 30-credit modules that run
across both teaching blocks in the academic year. There are three 15-credit
modules, two in Level 5, and the third in Level 6. The Final Year Project is a 45-credit
module.
We use a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies and these will differ from
module to module depending on the module subject. Generally, there will be a
mixture of lectures, practical (lab-based) sessions, and tutorials (theory-based
sessions). You can also expect to be involved in:
• presentations
• seminars given by speakers from outside of the Faculty
• student-led seminars
• group work
• project work
• case studies
Importantly, you must expect to engage in self-directed learning outside of timetabled
classes.
To be awarded the BSc honours degree you must study and pass all modules in the
programme of study.
The Final Year Project is a major component of Level 6, comprising 45 of the 120
credits. You are expected to use established Software Engineering principles and
practices to create a complex software artefact, supported by documented academic
research. Most of the academic support for the project is through regular meetings
with the project supervisor and feedback from the second assessor at a mid-point
interview. These project meetings will be supplemented with project induction
lectures at the outset of the Final Year Project and detailed schedules, handbook and
guidance notes available on the project web site.
The placement year allows you to apply and extend your developing Software
Engineering skills in industry.
To find out which software is available in the laboratories please check:
http://www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/current_students/labs.htm
Virtual Learning Environment
All modules have a presence on the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment.
The minimum content for each presence consists of the module handbook and links
to the module specification and other background material.
Many modules also use Blackboard as a repository for lecture slides, tutorial sheets,
supplementary materials, assignment specifications, and sample examinations.
The Blackboard assessment facility is used for both formative (practice) assessment
and summative (actual) assessment, and as a means of recording assessment
results and giving feedback to you.
6

Assessment
The university framework stipulates that there is to be one assessment for a 15-credit
module, and no more than two assessments for a 30-credit module (i.e. one
assessment per 15 credits).
As far as possible, the assessments on this programme of study will be scheduled to
avoid an unreasonable assessment workload. This has been facilitated by the
university’s 30-credit framework.
The assessment strategy will vary from module to module, but you will be assessed
in some way on every module.
Some of the assessment strategies that you will encounter are:
Tests
o
o
o
Class tests (up to 1 hour)
Portfolio-based tests (up to 1 hour)
Examinations (up to 3 hours)
Coursework (individual or group-based)
o Practical assignment work
o Portfolio of work
o Report
o Presentations
o Seminar papers
The Final Year Project is assessed on the basis of:
an interview, draft report and graduate exhibition entry mid-way through the
project
a structured, referenced 12,000 - 20,000 word project report
a presentation summarising the project work
a demonstration of the artefact
7

Additional information
Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)
The entry requirements for the award are normally:
All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and
experience. However, a typical entry requirement is 260 UCAS tariff points
(three A-levels or BTEC National Diploma).
You should have passed GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or
above.
For applicants from overseas, the required IELTS score is currently 6.0, but
this may be raised in light of new UKBA guidance.
More information can be found at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/undergraduate_courses/entry_requirements/
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure
that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details
about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp
8

Award-specific information
Your award is regulated by the Undergraduate Modular Framework, which can be
accessed at:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/regulations/academic/index.php
Industrial placement
We strongly encourage every student to enrol on the sandwich version of the award,
which includes a year of supervised work placement.
The assessment of the industrial placement does not contribute to the degree
classification directly, but, generally, the skills and confidence gained during the
placement are of great value in enhancing your academic performance in the final
year, as well as giving valuable professional experience.
The industrial placement normally requires the completion of 48 weeks in relevant
supervised work experience taken between Level 5 and Level 6. However,
exceptionally for placements in School environments (where the nature of the
employment precludes the completion of 48 weeks), the completion of 36 weeks is
acceptable.
Normally, if you are enrolled on a sandwich award, you must pass the sandwich year
to progress to Level 6. However, in exceptional circumstances the completion of the
industrial placement may be deferred until after the completion of Level 6. Where this
occurs you will still be required to pass an industrial placement before you can be
awarded a sandwich degree.
If you fail the industrial placement period, you will only be allowed one further
attempt. The referral attempt must normally occur within 18 months. Failure at the
referral attempt will mean that you cannot further progress on a sandwich award. You
would have to transfer onto an appropriate non-sandwich full-time award in order to
continue.
The placement period cannot be compensated.
To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree with a sandwich, you must pass
the industrial placement period.
For further details about placement, the placement handbook, and to access the
placements site, please go to:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/academic_depts/fces/placements/
The Faculty Placements Team supports you in your efforts to find a placement.
9

Transfer between a sandwich award and a non-sandwich award
A sandwich award has a placement year. A non-sandwich award does not have a
placement.
You may opt to transfer from a non-sandwich award to an appropriate sandwich
award at any time.
You may transfer from a sandwich version of your award to a non-sandwich version
at any time up until the end of week 2 of the first teaching block of Level 5. However,
after week 2 of the first teaching block of Level 5, the transfer is only permitted if one
or more of the following criteria are met:
1) You are unable, for valid reasons (e.g. extenuating circumstances) to
undertake or complete an industrial placement;
2) Having attempted the industrial placement, you have failed it;
3) You have BOTH
a) been unable to secure a placement 12 months after the start of Level
5, AND
b) have a portfolio of evidence that shows that you have made a bona
fide attempt to obtain a placement. The decision as to whether the
portfolio of evidence shows that you have made a bona fide attempt is
at the discretion of the Academic Placements tutor.
Further information about the award can be found in the relevant
Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes
information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below
honours, student support, and academic regulations.
====================================
10

The Staffordshire Graduate
The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The
Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work.
The table below indicates where these characteristics are addressed in the Software Engineering award.
Award title
Characteristic
Work-ready and employable
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number of
credits
Method of Assessment
This award focuses on an established discipline with well-defined theories, principles and practices, all of which
are directly relevant within the computing industry. Thus, every module on this award supports your
employability by adding to your body of knowledge, skill and expertise in this discipline.
The modules below specifically prepare you for employment and a future career by focusing on the
development of transferable knowledge and skills.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Industrial Placement
(Level P, 0 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You are introduced to enterprises and entrepreneurship,
and undertake a team-based practical assignment before
submitting a report reflecting on the team-working
experience.
You gain experience of taking a defined role in a
software development team. As well as assessing the
software artefact produced by the team’s assignment,
you prepare and submit a report on the ethical and legal
considerations, surrounding developing software for
national and global markets, and critically reflect on
personal contribution to the team.
The placement gives you direct, relevant experience of
Software Engineering in industry. Assessment is by
observation by company supervisor and university tutor,
and by a written reflective report.
You prepare technical documentation for every stage of
the software development process, including an
academic literature review, and make a presentation to
subject experts.
11

Award title
Characteristic
Understanding of enterprise and
entrepreneurship
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
A Software Engineer operates in the context of SMEs, as an employee, a contractor, or manager. Therefore,
this award gives you a clear introduction to the business environment as it relates to the Software Engineer.
You also gains experience of the types of system that the Software Engineer can develop in different size
enterprises.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Engineering and Integrating Robust Large-Scale
Systems
(Level 6, 30 credits)
You are introduced to enterprises and entrepreneurship,
and undertake a team-based practical assignment before
submitting a report reflecting on the team-working
experience.
You gain experience of taking a defined role in a
software development team. As well as assessing the
software artefact produced by the team’s assignment,
you prepare and submit a report on the ethical and legal
considerations, surrounding developing software for
national and global markets, and critically reflect on
personal contribution to the team.
You learn about key business concepts such as:
management and organisational structures; concepts of
commercial system development; business plans,
managing change; relevant company, product and
employment legislation; professional integrity; product
pricing & marketing; planning & management. By
undertaking a practical assignment, you demonstrate a
critical understanding of these concepts.
12

Award title
Characteristic
Software Engineering
Understanding of global issues and their
place in the global economy
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
Increasingly, Software Engineers operate across international boundaries to plan, develop and deliver
software solutions, and this award prepares you to deal confidently with the challenges this can present.
Fundamentals of Computing and Mathematics
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Engineering and Integrating Robust Large-Scale
Systems
(Level 6, 30 credits)
You are introduced to virtualisation and cloud computing,
and you are assessed by undertaking a research-based
group presentation.
You learn about specifying and developing software for
global markets, including internationalisation and
localisation, and tools to facilitate collaborative
development. You prepare and submit a report that
includes coverage of these concepts.
You learn about key business concepts such as:
management of change; relevant legislation; marketing.
By undertaking a practical assignment, you demonstrate
a critical understanding of these concepts.
13

Award title
Characteristic
Communication skills
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
Communication is a core skill for any successful Software Engineer; it lies at the heart of every stage of the
software development process. Every module on this award gives you opportunity to develop communication
skills. The following are some examples.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Engineering and Integrating Robust Large-Scale
Systems
(Level 6, 30 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
To work effectively in a team, you must communicate
well. The assignments assess your communication skills
by presentation, report, and technical documentation.
You gain more experience with teamwork, taking a
specified role in a software development project. The
assignments assess your communication skills by
reflective report and technical documentation.
You make a presentation to a knowledgeable audience
to communicate ideas, problems and solutions on
technical subjects.
You prepare technical documentation for every stage of
the software development process, including an
academic literature review, and make a presentation to
subject experts.
14

Award title
Characteristic
Presentation skills
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
Presentation skills are an important part of the Software Engineering tool kit, and can be used at every stage
of the software development process. This award gives you opportunity to develop confidence in this
important aspect of processional life.
Fundamentals of Computing and Mathematics
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering and Integrating Robust Large-Scale
Systems
(Level 6, 30 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You prepare a research-based group presentation on
aspects of virtualisation and cloud computing.
You prepare a five-minute self-promotion presentation
demonstrating suitability for an employment opportunity.
You make a presentation to a knowledgeable audience
to communicate ideas, problems and solutions on a
technical subject.
You prepare a presentation that describes the processes
and outcomes of the project.
15

Award title
Characteristic
Software Engineering
The ability to interact confidently with
colleagues
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
This attribute is of great value to Software Engineers who have to interact with clients and other engineers.
The modules on this award provide many opportunities for you to develop this trait by exploring options and
expressing ideas.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Industrial Placement
(Level P, 0 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
This is assessed by critical self-analysis as part of the
reflective report.
Assessment is by critical self-analysis as part of the
reflective report.
This is assessed by observation by company supervisor
and university tutor, and by a written reflective report.
Part of the assessment requires the project supervisor to
consider how you have interacted with the supervisor
throughout the year.
16

Award title
Characteristic
Independence of thought
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
This is a core skill for a Software Engineer who must be capable of independent though at every stage of the
software development process. This award encourages the acquisition of this trait by providing opportunities
for critical evaluation and creative problem-solving.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Industrial Placement
(Level P, 0 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You work on a collaborative assignment, defending
ideas, and developing part of a solution to the team’s
practical assignment. This is also assessed by reflective
report.
You work on a more complex collaborative assignment,
defending ideas, and developing part of a solution to the
team’s practical assignment. This is also assessed by
reflective report.
By the end of an industrial placement, you should have
become a confident, independent learner and
practitioner. This will be assessed by observation by
company supervisor and university tutor.
You are expected to work on the project with as much
independence as possible. You have responsibility for
the definition, planning, and execution of the project, and
the supervisor’s guiding role is as light as possible.
Assessment of this trait is via the supervisory meetings,
the academic report, the final presentation, and
demonstration of the software artefact.
17

Award title
Characteristic
Skills of teamworking
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
Teamwork is an integral part of the professional life of a Software Engineer. This award provides opportunities
to learn in practice about the benefits and challenges of working in teams. Because of the large contribution of
the final year to the degree classification, students prefer not to engage in teamwork at Level 6 because of the
perceived risk to their grades. Therefore, this award does not provide assessed teamwork at Level 6.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Industrial Placement
(Level P, 0 credits)
This is assessed by a collaborative project to plan and
develop a software artefact, and a reflective report.
This is assessed by a collaborative project to plan and
develop a more complex software artefact, and a
reflective report.
Throughout the placement, you work in a team, and you
are assessed by observation by company supervisor and
university tutor, and your written report.
18

Award title
Characteristic
Ability to carry out enquiry-based
learning and critical analysis
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
The Software Engineering discipline advances steadily, and a Software Engineer must keep abreast of these
developments if career progression is to be fostered. You are expected to engage in background reading and
independent learning on every module. In addition, this award provides you with explicit opportunities to
conduct enquiry-based learning and analysis.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Fundamentals of Computing and Mathematics
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You prepare a literature review of an academic topic,
which is assessed by report.
You prepare a research-based group presentation on
aspects of virtualisation and cloud computing.
You prepare a report discussing the ethical and legal
considerations surrounding developing software for
national and global markets, critically analysing their
application to the development of a software product.
You conduct an extensive critical review of the academic
literature related to the topic of the project. This is written
as an academic report that includes an analysis of how
the findings of the review apply to the project.
19

Award title
Characteristic
Software Engineering
Skills of problem solving and creation of
opportunities
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
Problem-solving is the very essence of a Software Engineer. Every module on this award gives you
experience in problem-solving.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Fundamentals of Computing and Mathematics
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You undertake an assignment to plan and implement a
database application that solves a specified problem.
You solve mathematical problems, which enhances your
ability to think logically. This is assessed by in-class
tests.
You undertake a team-based assignment to plan and
implement an application that solves a specified
problem.
You plan and write a critical review of the academic
literature related to the topic of the project. This is
assessed by report and presentation.
You design and implement a software artefact that
solves a challenging problem. This is assessed by
report, presentation, and demonstration.
20

Award title
Characteristic
Software Engineering
Technologically, digitally and information
literate
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
By definition, a Software Engineer has advanced skills in the use of digital technology to solve complex
problems. Every module on this award requires you to develop the ability to use technology and digital
systems at an advanced level, thereby covering the requirements for technical and digital literacy. The
following modules address development of information literacy within the award.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Fundamentals of Computing and Mathematics
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You prepare a literature review of an academic topic,
which is assessed by report.
You prepare a research-based group presentation on
aspects of virtualisation and cloud computing.
You prepare a report discussing the ethical and legal
considerations surrounding developing software for
national and global markets, critically analysing their
application to the development of a software product.
You conduct an extensive critical review of the academic
literature related to the topic of the project. This is written
as an academic report that includes an analysis of how
the findings of the review apply to the project.
21

Award title
Characteristic
Software Engineering
Award Module(s) including level and number
of credits
Method of Assessment
Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate
attributes to a range of life experiences to
facilitate life-long learning
The Software Engineering discipline and its application in local and global commerce is an ever-changing
landscape, and a Software Engineer must continue to develop knowledge and skills throughout his or her
career. Thus, in essence, a Software Engineer is an independent life-long learner, and this award equips you
with the necessary academic and professional skills.
Skills for Computing Professionals
(Level 4, 30 credits)
Engineering Software Applications
(Level 5, 30 credits)
Final Year Project
(Level 6, 45 credits)
You conduct a skills audit and prepare a personal
development plan, which is assessed as part of an
assignment.
You critically analyse various sources of information. The
assessment of what has been learned is via a written
report.
You conduct an extensive critical review of the academic
literature related to the topic of the project.
In addition, you augment all that has previously been
learned by consulting sources of technical information to
aid in the development of a complex solution to a realworld
problem.
This is assessed via academic report, presentation, and
demonstration of the software artefact.
22