Computing
Introduction
The main focus of this recently updated Master’s programme is application software development and integration for corporate enterprise computing platforms. The programme aims to equip graduates from Computing, Computer Science and Computing related courses, with skill-sets and knowledge required to become application designers and developers, and systems integrators for the enterprise computing platforms. Modules are chosen to develop students’ knowledge and skills in software development lifecycle for the client side, distributed network architectures including middleware platforms and database integration for the corporate back-end. The variety of taught modules gives the students breadth of learning enabling them to engage on a final MSc dissertation in an application area that is of interest to them. The part-time mode is not available to overseas fee paying students.
Awards
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits (from taught part of the programme at the discretion of the exam board)
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits (from initial taught part of programme)
MSc
180 credits (140 credits from taught part and 40 credits from project/dissertation)
This programme is ideally suited for graduates with a good Honours degree in Computing, or those with significant industrial/commercial experience in Object Orientated Paradigm (programming in Java, C++, VB.NET etc).
Programme Structure
Taught components (140 Credits)Teaching is in the form of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops. Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination. Some modules and assessments involve group work, aural presentation and viva voce examination.
Outline Course Content
The aim of the programme is to equip graduates with the theory and skill-sets required by application designers and developers, and systems integrators for the enterprise computing platforms emphasizing both the front-end (Client-Side) and the back-end (Server-Side) aspects of enterprise computing. Subject areas have been selected to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of software development lifecycle for the client-side, distributed network architectures and middleware platforms for enterprise computing and database management techniques for the server-side back-end. The programme is built on modules that utilise state-of-the-art techniques, tools and development platforms.
Agile Software Development (20 credits): This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the techniques and steps used in the analysis, design, and implementation of an object-oriented software system. The students are introduced to an appropriate conceptual framework (methodology) for undertaking software engineering projects which the students are required to use in their subsequent work. The use of analysis artefacts to inform and influence a design that is represented by appropriate artefacts is covered before implementing the design in an object oriented programming language. An underlying theme will be the application of sound Software Engineering Practice and the use of an appropriate methodology in the production of a small software system.
Component-based Software Engineering (20 credits): This module is expected to give an opportunity for students to analyse, design and develop an object oriented software system and gain experience of team work close to what they would find when they join the software industry. This module’s aim is to enhance the students’ ability to develop, within a group, a software application through the use of disciplined and methodological approaches to analysis, design, coding and testing. In this exercise the students are given an opportunity to present to their peers the artefacts produced by the various phases of the software development cycle. The individual members of the project development team are given responsibility to implement parts of the total system by decomposing the specification. The exercise is completed by integrating the component artefacts into a fully working and tested application. An innovative assessment scheme is used that reflects the contribution of each of the team members to the overall project implementation.
Distributed Enterprise Computing (20 credits): The aim of this module is to furnish students with the necessary theoretical and practical skills required to both understand and provide well recognised solutions to the distribution of information across the network. The first half of the module will focus on the utilisation of network APIs suitable for delivering viable client server interactions. In this context the students are introduced first to the client server architecture from a low level networking perspective and then to the use of network programming APIs. The second half of the module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of Distributed Enterprise Computing. This involves the development of generic software solutions to industrially scaled problems. This is a growing trend in industry reinforced by the academic research within the field of distributed computing systems. Students are introduced to the service oriented and object based architecture (SOA and OMA) that support enterprise software systems. In this context middleware such as GRID computing are covered. The students are then introduced to emerging trends in enterprise computing. Throughout this module their understanding and skills in industry standard technologies such as AJAX, EJB, CORBA, Web Services and Web 2 are developed. Students are required to apply at least one advanced distribution technique to deploy a software system.
Professional and Ethical Computing (10 credits): The aim of this module is to develop an appreciation of the major professional and ethical factors affecting the people working in computing applications and highlight the choices and consideration that individuals and organisations must make in their operation. Students are exposed to codes of conduct of professional bodies associated with computing and laws related to computer use.
Corporate Database Design and Development (10 credits): This module provides students with a theoretical appreciation and practical application of the fundamental issues involved in database design and implementation. Conceptual database design (using entity relationship (ER) modelling) and logical database design will both be covered to a reasonably advanced level while physical database design will be covered only briefly. Implementation will be in Structured Query Language (SQL). On the practical front students will design, implement and test a small relational database application system in a multi-user environment using an industry-standard database management system (DBMS).
Advanced Database Design and Development (10 credits): The module builds directly on the prerequisite Database Design and Development module and provides a more in-depth treatment of the underpinning concepts of the Relational Data Model, the role and structure of relational database management systems (RDBMS) including how these impact on physical database design and consolidates/extends the practical/analytical skills required to carry out more advanced physical database design to improve the performance of a database application system partly by making efficient use of software tools integrated within a modern Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). It also keeps students abreast of recent developments in this field.
Computer Security (20 credits): The aim of this module is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and understanding required to analyse and formulate solutions regarding computer systems and networking security. Students are taught how to analyse security requirements and creatively apply solutions and evaluate them under various constraints. Current solutions to complex information and computer security problems are investigated.
E-Commerce for Integrated Enterprise Solutions (10 credits): This module serves to provide a case study for the integration of the three core themes taught elsewhere in the programme namely: Analysis, Design and Implementation of Software Solutions, Distributed Computing in the Enterprise and Database Design and Development.
Research Methodologies (20 credits): This module aims to enable students to produce a critical and reasoned academic project proposal underpinned by a systematic methodology, in preparation for their final project work. Very few lectures are delivered but the students’ learning is supported by a combination of presentations, seminars, workshops on selected topics; in particular the CCCU Policy on ethical practices, and conference attendance where appropriate. This module also aims to enhance students’ skills in critiquing research and presenting their findings. This module will require the students to illustrate how they have utilised project planning, and project management techniques for the successful completion of their project dissertation.
Project (40 credits): This module is the culmination of a student’s learning experiences on the entire programme. Students, under the guidance of a supervisor, will undertake an extended piece of focussed research, building on work completed elsewhere on the programme, by means of either an in-depth study of one aspect of such work or by the exploration of a new area. It allows students to individually manage, analyse, design, program and test a substantial system (within an academic context), of good quality, of their own choice using a software development life cycle/methodology of their own choice. As such it provides a context for the unification, consolidation, analysis, synthesis, integration and further development of the knowledge and practical skills cultivated elsewhere in the programme as well as an opportunity for both creativity and innovation. The final submission is in the form of a Report with a software artefact and all the deliverables associated with the development and subsequent use of that artefact along with a presentation. Successful projects can act as a portfolio to show prospective employers or may lead to higher research degrees.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will normally possess a good honours degree in Computing or Computing Science. Students will also have experience of an Object-Oriented programming language. Non-standard applicants will be considered on their merit. Overseas students whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language to at least IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 570/230/89.
Applicants are required to furnish additional information on their experience and skills related to OO technologies using a prescribed format. This can be downloaded here.
For information on Accreditation of prior learning (APL) for programme entry and credit exemption, please refer to guidelines and procedures available here.
How to Apply
An application form can be downloaded
here.
Copies are also available from:
Student Recruitment (Postgraduate Admissions)
Canterbury Christ Church
University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU
Telephone: 01227 782900
Fax: 01227 782888
Email: admissions@canterbury.ac.uk