This module will cover topics of:

Project proposal specification planning.

Methods and skills of critical literature review.

Selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g., library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources).

Gathering data from a range of primary sources, including experimental programming.

Techniques for testing project artefacts.

Techniques to analyse data and to present the results in a suitable format.

Critical evaluation of project outcomes.

Critical reflection on one’s performance in the project.

Course-specific guidelines for the individual project.

Project planning and management.

Health and safety.

Legal, ethical, professional and social issues.

Aspects of cyber security and principles.

Organisation of study materials.

Techniques of research report writing.

The roles of the supervisor and the student.

Issues associated to software testing and robustness (including British Standards Institution PAS 754).

Consideration of computing in relation to public well-being.

Industry roles and industry relations.

Environment and sustainability issues.

Business, economics, environmental and sustainability issues.

Commercial issues and principles, and Intellectual Property.

Globalisation issues.

Disability and accessibility.

Health and Safety, and associated risk issues.

Economics of systems and architecture.

Documentation, plans, requirements and specifications.

Domain and professional, ethical and legal practices.

Design processes and trade offs.

Risk assessment and forward thinking.

Team organisation, team-working, and effectiveness of individual roles.

Professional practices in the domain.

Solution support.

Utilisation of accepted standards.

Evaluation, selection and application of suitable technologies.

Creation of an artefact suitable for the course-specific requirements.

Project proposal - During the inception phase of the project the student will work with their supervisor to develop an idea into a suitable proposal. Once completed and approved by the Course Leader you will then develop your ideas through research toward an analysis of the problem domain. You will present your findings in a review (Learning Outcome 1).

Dissertation - The analysis, design, implementation and testing phases of the project will be documented into a single report, supported appropriately by academic references and practices. The report will conclude with your evaluation and reflection on the work undertaken and resulting artefact (Learning Outcomes 2 - 5).

Presentation / Viva - The culmination of the dissertation module will be your presentation and defence of your work to your assessment team (Learning Outcomes 2 - 5).

1. On completion of this module you will be able to identify and specify an individual academic project proposal which is relevant to your course and justified through critically evaluative research communicating the context of the project, the objectives of the work, the projected plan of study and proposed management practices to be employed to control the work.

Enquiry,

Communication,

Knowledge and Understanding

2. You will be able to identify and apply appropriate tools and techniques to develop and document a model solution to the problem.

Analysis,

Problem Solving

3. You will be able to create and document the transformation of your model into an artefact which is an effective solution to the problem using recognised standards and best practices appropriate to your course of study.

Analysis,

Application,

Problem Solving

4. You will be able to test, evaluate and document the artefact critically evaluating the process and result.

Learning,

Reflection

5. You will be able to conduct the project in full compliance with professional, legal, social, ethical and security considerations showing clear understanding and consideration of the risks and management and mitigation thereof.

Analysis,

Application,

Communication

An important part of the learning strategy is direct one-to-one supervision of your project by a supervisor, which would typically be 30 minutes per week. Most of your time will be spent in self-managed learning. The independent learning for this module will include your keeping of a logbook, which will encourage you to reflect about the problems you are meeting and the ways in which you are solving them. You will prepare for and conduct business-like meetings with your supervisor and communicate clearly and effectively with them. An important part of your learning will take place in direct discussion with your supervisor.

Additionally, there are a series of induction lectures (typically 2 hours per week for four weeks) which cover the process and best practices you will need to be successful in your project.

As determined by the chosen project

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.

Williams, K. (2018), Planning Your Dissertation (Pocket Study Skills), Red Globe Press; 2nd edition¿

Burton, H, M. (2021), Your First Research Paper: Learn how to start, structure, write and publish a perfect research paper to get the top mark, Independently published

Dawson, C. (2015) Projects in Computing and Information Systems: A Student's Guide. 3rd edition. Pearson Education. ISBN: 9781292073460

Schwalbe, K. (2018) Information Technology Project Management. 9th edition. Course Technology Inc. ISBN: 978-1337101356

Robson, C. (2016) How to do a Research Project: A Guide for Undergraduate Students. 2nd Edition. Wiley. ISBN: 978-1118691328

This is your opportunity to create something totally unique as the culmination of your course. It is your chance to define your difference, no two projects are ever the same.

You will begin by developing an idea into a proposal, outlining the intention of the work. You will then develop this into an artefact suitable for your course, such as a piece of software, a specification or a code of practice by undertaking rigorous, professional academic research techniques and applying the summation of your knowledge and skills from your course, work experience, if possible, and personal development. All of this work will be presented in a professionally produced, academic report detailing your finding and reflections on your achievement.

Ultimately, it will give you the opportunity to participate in our end of course Graduate Exhibition where you can showcase your work to industry leaders, offering tremendous career opportunities and maximising your exit velocity as well as being your opportunity to join in a fabulous celebration and maybe join our honour roll of prize winners.