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1 Version 2015-16
Information for students: the programme specification is the definitive document summarising the structure and
content of your degree programme. It is reviewed and updated every year as part of Keele's Curriculum Annual
Review and Development process. The document aims to clarify to potential and current students what you can
expect from the study of the subject over the course of your programme.
Names of programme(s): BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Mode of study: Full time
Single Honours/Dual Honours/Major-minor: Single Honours
Framework of Higher Education Qualification
(FHEQ) level of final award:
Level 6
Duration: 3 years
Details of professional, statutory and regulatory body (PSRB): British Computer Society
External Examiners: See http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/externalexaminers/
1. What is the Philosophy of the Programme?
Single Honours Computer Science is a programme for students with an interest in the application of computing to a
wide range of problems. Computer systems are now vital to business, government, science and society, and there is
much demand for graduates with the professional understanding and practical skills to harness software and
hardware technologies to solve real-world problems and develop the systems of the future. Many of the recent
advances in these areas can be attributed to developments in computing, and this trend is likely to increase in speed
and impact.
Both BSc Single- and BSc Dual-Honours Computer Science programmes are available. The Single Honours Programme
enables students to devote their studies full-time to the tools, techniques and underpinning theories that make the
science and technology so innovative and exciting. It provides the greatest breadth of learning in the subject, and has
been developed to meet the accreditation requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS).
School of Computing and Mathematics
Single Honours Computer Science
Programme Specification
2015/16
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The programme explores the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline and place an emphasis on practical
computer programming and software development. There is no specific subject requirement for entry to the
programme, and no previous experience of computing or computer programming is assumed. The programme does
not involve an advanced level of mathematics, and any mathematical knowledge needed beyond that taught at GCSE
is taught as part of the modules included in the programme.
Aims of the Programme
The aims of the Programme are to:
Develop the intellectual, practical and additional transferable skills of the student such that they gain a
sound academic grounding in the discipline of Computer Science and an understanding of the professional
issues relevant to their future working lives.
Include areas of teaching at the leading edge of the discipline, as informed by subject research, discipline and industry trends and market requirements.
Prepare students for further study or research, and for employment in industry, commerce or public
service.
The range of opportunities for graduates with computing skills continues to expand. Many of our graduates move
into employment that is directly computing-related, for example as systems analysts, software engineers and
consultants. A substantial number of graduates go on to study for higher degrees in a wide range of subject areas, at
Keele and elsewhere.
What students will learn
What students who successfully complete the Programme will know, understand and be able to do (that is the
Programme learning outcomes) matches those abilities specified in the QAA 2007 Computing Benchmark Statement,
which are described under four main headings. These are Subject-related cognitive abilities and skills, Subject-
related practical abilities and skills, and Additional transferable skills. Students who successfully complete this
programme will be able to:
Subject-related cognitive abilities and skills
L01.1 Demonstrate computational thinking including its relevance to everyday life.
L01.2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories
relating to computing and computer applications as appropriate to the programme of study.
L01.3 Use such knowledge and understanding in the modelling and design of computer-based systems for
the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of trade-offs.
L01.4 Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan
strategies for their solution.
L01.5 Analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use
and future development.
L01.6 Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and
evaluation of computer-based systems.
L01.7 Present succinctly to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned
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arguments that address a given information handling problem or opportunity. This should include
assessment of the impact of new technologies.
L01.8 Recognise the professional, economic, social, environmental, moral and ethical issues involved in the
sustainable exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate
professional, ethical and legal practices.
Subject-related practical abilities and skills
L02.1 Specify, design and construct computer-based systems.
L02.2 Evaluate systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the
given problem.
L02.3 Recognise any risks or safety aspects that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment
within a given context.
L02.4 Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications,
with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment
of computers to solve practical problems.
L02.5 0perate computing equipment effectively, taking into account its logical and physical properties.
Additional transferable skills
L03.1 Demonstrate effective information-retrieval skills (including the use of browsers, search engines and
catalogues).
L03.2 Demonstrate numeracy and literacy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a
quantitative and qualitative dimension.
L03.3 Demonstrate effective use of general information technology (IT) facilities.
L03.4 Work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and
different ways of organising teams.
L03.5 Managing their own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.
L03.6 Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong
learning.
Engagement with this programme will enable students to develop their intellectual, personal and professional
capabilities. At Keele, we call these our ten Graduate Attributes and they include independent thinking, synthesizing
information, creative problem solving, communicating clearly, and appreciating the social, environmental and global
implications of your studies and activities. 0ur educational programme and learning environment is designed to help
students become well-rounded graduates who are capable of making positive and valued contributions in a complex
and rapidly changing world, whichever spheres of life they will engage in after their studies are completed.
Further information about how students can achieve the Keele Graduate Attributes can be found at:
http://www.keele.ac.uk/distinctive/keelegraduateattributes/
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2. How is the Programme taught?
Learning and teaching methods used on the Programme vary according to the subject matter and the level of the
module. They include the following:
traditional lectures providing students with detailed notes, often supported by copies of lecture slides in
print or electronic form;
practical sessions in computer laboratories often supported by copies of laboratory instruction sheets;
web-based learning using the University's virtual learning environment (KLE);
tutorials and directed reading on specific topics under the supervision of a member of academic staff;
group project sessions in which students work together to develop a software.
These learning and teaching methods enable students to achieve the stated outcomes of the programme in a variety
of ways. For example:
lectures allow students to gain a systematic knowledge and understanding of computer science concepts
and ideas and how to apply them to development of software and information systems ;
web-based learning and directed reading allow students to develop their interest in computer
science, their ability to reflect on their own learning and to take responsibility for its development ;
group sessions enable students to develop their written and oral communication skills;
practical sessions and group work encourage students to work both independently and in collaboration
with others as well as enabling them to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments.
The Computer Science academic staff comprises three Professors, three Senior Lecturers, five Lecturers and five
Teaching Fellows, of which one is an Associate Fellow, one a Fellow and one a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education
Academy. More information about the Computer Science staff is available at http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/staff/
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3. What is the Structure of the Programme?
An outline of the structure of the Programme is provided in the tables below. Please note that the Programme may
change and we reserve the right to add, remove or change modules. Modules shown as "Comp" are compulsory and
are known as a "compulsory core modules".
Level 4
In the first year of study the emphasis is placed upon learning to design and write programs to solve problems.
Students therefore study both the algorithmic aspects of programming and the use of data structures as a means of
incorporating data and knowledge within programs. In addition, they learn about some of the fundamental concepts
in computing and the way in which humans interact with technology. Single Honours Computer Science students also
study how information systems are used in business and our every-day lives, and get a chance to apply their coding
skills within the context of animation and multimedia development environments.
Sem1 Sem2 Module Credit
Comp CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing 15
Comp CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals 15
Elective Elective module: may be from another discipline 15
Elective Elective module: may be from another discipline. 15
Comp CSC-10030 Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms 15
Comp CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction 15
Comp CSC-10025 Cybercrime 15
Comp CSC-10026 Computer Animation and Multimedia 15
The content of modules at level 4 is informed by discipline and industry trends and market requirements, and the
theoretical and practical requirements of level 5 and 6 modules.
Level 4 of this programme consists of modules to the value of 120 credits. Discounting electives (of which all
students must take two) there are no options at level 4. However, formally the level 4 modules have the following
co-requisites (modules required to be studied in the same year).
Module Co-requisite
CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing none
CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals none
CSC-10030 Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms CSC-10024 Programming I
CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing
CSC-10025 Cybercrime none
CSC-10026 Computer Animation and Multimedia CSC-10024 Programming I
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Level 5
The second year builds upon this foundation and introduces a number of different models for solving complex
problems with computers, such as advanced programming techniques. Students also explore some of the
professional and ethical issues in computing, and learn to develop sophisticated web applications and configure the
servers on which these rely. Single Honours Computer Science students also study computational intelligence topics
including evolutionary algorithms and neural networks, their use in vision systems and robotics, and learn to use
Virtual Worlds as an effective tool for conducting business and delivering learning resources.
Sem1 Sem2 Module Credit
Comp CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism 15
Comp CSC-20021 Web Technologies 15
Comp CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I 15
Elective Elective module: may be from another discipline 15
Comp CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design 15
Comp CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices 15
Comp CSC-20002 Database Systems 15
Comp CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds 15
The content of modules at level 5 is informed by discipline and industry trends and market requirements, and the
theoretical and practical requirements of level 6 modules.
Level 5 of this programme consists of modules to the value of 120 credits. Discounting electives (of which all
students must take one) there are no options at level 5. However, formally the level 5 modules have the following
precursors (modules for which the study hours must have been completed).
Module Precursor
CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism CSC-10024 Programming I
CSC-20021 Web Technologies CSC-10024 Programming I
CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I CSC-10024 Programming I
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design CSC-10024 Programming I
CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices CSC-10030 Programming II
CSC-20002 Database Systems CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing
CSC-10024 Programming I
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds CSC-10024 Programming I
The School has excellent links with local and national employers, and can help students arrange placements and
other work experience by connecting them with these employers. A placement can take the form of a year in
industry, between levels 5 and 6, or can be for a shorter period over the summer vacation. However, placements are
not a formal part of this course and so are not assessed by the University.
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Level 6
During the final year, students study a selection of more advanced and specialist topics. Each student also undertakes
an individual project which continues throughout the year, culminating in a written dissertation.
Modules shown as “Option" are known as "optional core modules" and students choose from these to make up the
required number of modules
Sem1 Sem2 Module Credit
Option CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management 15
Option CSY-30001 Advanced Information Systems 15
Option CSC-30019 Games Computing 15
Option CSC-30002 Advanced Databases and Applications 15
Comp CSC-30014 30-credit Project 30
Option CSC-30021 Computing in Education 30
Option CSC-30018 IT Architectures 15
Option CSC-30012 Communications and Networks 15
Option CSC-30020 Computational Intelligence II 15
The content of modules at level 6 reflects and is informed by the research interests of the teaching staff, discipline
and industry trends and market requirements, giving students an opportunity to explore topics at the leading edge of
the discipline.
Level 6 of this programme consists of modules to the value of 120 credits: one compulsory 30-credit core module and
90 credits to be chosen from optional modules. The level 6 modules have the following precursors.
Module Precursors
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design
CSY-30001 Advanced Information Systems CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction
CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design
CSC-20002 Database Systems
CSC-30019 Games Computing CSC-10024 Programming I plus any of
CSC-20021 Web Technologies,
CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices and
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds
CSC-30002 Advanced Databases and Applications CSC-20002 Database Systems
CSC-20021 Web Technologies
CSC-30014 30-credit Project (Normal progression)
CSC-30021 Computing in Education Interview, Secured place
CSC-30018 IT Architectures CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks (Normal progression)
CSC-30020 Computational Intelligence II CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I
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Module Learning Outcomes
In combination with the Programme learning outcomes above, the tables and text below set out what students learn
in the Programme, the modules in which that learning takes place, and the main ways in which students are assessed
on their learning.
Learning Outcome Module in which this is delivered Principal forms of assessment
(of the Learning Outcome)
used
L01.1 Demonstrate
computational thinking,
including its relevance to
everyday life.
All modules Coursework and Examination
L01.2 Demonstrate
knowledge and understanding
of essential facts, concepts,
principles and theories relating
to computing and computer
applications as appropriate to
the programme of study.
All modules Coursework and Examination
L01.3 Use such knowledge
and understanding in the
modelling and design of
computer-based systems for
the purposes of
comprehension,
communication, prediction and
the understanding of trade-
offs.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing;
Cybercrime; Computing in Education
Coursework and Examination
L01.4 Recognise and analyse
criteria and specifications
appropriate to specific
problems, and plan strategies
for their solution.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing; Computing
in Education
Coursework and Examination
L01.5 Analyse the extent to
which a computer-based
system meets the criteria
defined for its current use and
future development.
Requirements, Evaluation and
Professionalism; Database Systems; Software
Engineering Project Management; IT
Architectures
Examination
L01.6 Deploy appropriate
theory, practices and tools for
the specification, design,
implementation and evaluation
of computer-based systems.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing; Computing
in Education
Coursework and Examination
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L01.7 Present succinctly to a
range of audiences (orally,
electronically or in writing)
rational and reasoned
arguments that address a given
information handling problem
or opportunity. This should
include assessment of the
impact of new technologies.
All modules Coursework and Examination
L01.8 Recognise the
professional, economic, social,
environmental, moral and
ethical issues involved in the
sustainable exploitation of
computer technology and be
guided by the adoption of
appropriate professional,
ethical and legal practices.
All modules with the exception of
Programming I - Programming Fundamentals;
Programming II - Data Structures &
Algorithms; Computer Animation and
Multimedia; Computational Intelligence I;
Advanced Programming Practices;
Computational Intelligence II;
Communications and Networks; Advanced
Databases and Applications
Coursework and Examination
L02.1 Specify, design and
construct computer-based
systems.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing;
Cybercrime; Computing in Education
Coursework and Examination
L02.2 Evaluate systems in
terms of general quality
attributes and possible trade-
offs presented within the given
problem.
Requirements, Evaluation and
Professionalism; Database Systems; Software
Engineering Project Management; IT
Architectures
Coursework and Examination
L02.3 Recognise any risks or
safety aspects that may be
involved in the operation of
computing equipment within a
given context.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing; Programming I -
Programming Fundamentals; Programming II
- Data Structures & Algorithms; Information
Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation
and Multimedia; Computational Intelligence I;
System Lifecycles and Design; Advanced
Programming Practices; Virtual Worlds;
Games Computing; Computational
Intelligence II
Coursework and Examination
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L02.4 Deploy effectively the
tools used for the
construction and
documentation of computer
applications, with particular
emphasis on understanding
the whole process involved in
the effective deployment of
computers to solve practical
problems.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing; Cybercrime;
Communications and Networks; Computing
in Education
Coursework and Examination
L02.5 Operate computing
equipment effectively, taking
into account its logical and
physical properties.
All modules with the exception of
Fundamentals of Computing; Requirements,
Evaluation and Professionalism; System
Lifecycles and Design; Software Engineering
Project Management; Advanced Information
Systems; Computational Intelligence II; 30-
credit Project; Communications and Networks;
Advanced Databases and Applications;
Computing in Education
Coursework and Examination
L03.1 Demonstrate effective
information-retrieval skills
(including the use of browsers,
search engines and catalogues).
Fundamentals of Computing; Information
Systems & Interaction; Advanced Information
Systems
Coursework and Examination
L03.2 Demonstrate numeracy
and literacy in both
understanding and presenting
cases involving a quantitative
and qualitative dimension.
All modules Coursework and Examination
L03.3 Demonstrate effective
use of general information
technology (IT) facilities.
All modules Coursework and Examination
L03.4 Work as a member of a
development team, recognising
the different roles within a
team and different ways of
organising teams.
System Lifecycles and Design Coursework
L03.5 Manage their own
learning and development
including time management
and organisational skills.
Information Systems & Interaction;
Requirements, Evaluation and
Professionalism; 30-credit Project; Computing
in Education
Coursework, Examination, and
Dissertation and supporting
materials
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L03.6 Appreciate the need for
continuing professional
development in recognition of
the need for lifelong learning.
Requirements, Evaluation and
Professionalism; 30-credit Project; Computing
in Education
Coursework, Examination, and
Dissertation and supporting
materials
Module Topics
The BCS requires that an accredited honours degree provide breadth and depth in the area of computing and be
influenced by relevant research, industry and market requirements, with adequate theoretical underpinning. The
QAA 2007 Benchmark Statement provides a "Body of Knowledge" seen as defining the scope of the broad area of
computing. This is not intended to define curricula or syllabi. The table below shows which modules contribute to
each topic from the Body of Knowledge.
Body of Knowledge topic Modules contributing to the topic
Architecture Fundamentals of Computing
Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals of Computing; Computational Intelligence I; Computational
Intelligence II; Advanced Information Systems
Comparative programming
languages
Programming I - Programming Fundamentals; Programming II - Data
Structures & Algorithms; Web Technologies; Advanced Programming
Practices
Compilers & syntax dir. tools Fundamentals of Computing
Computational science
Computer-based systems Fundamentals of Computing; Information Systems & Interaction; Cybercrime;
Database Systems; Advanced Information Systems; IT Architectures
Computer communications Communications and Networks
Computer hardware engineering
Computer networks Fundamentals of Computing; Cybercrime; Communications and Networks
Computer vision & image
processing
Computational Intelligence I
Concurrency and parallelism Advanced Programming Practices
Databases Fundamentals of Computing; Information Systems & Interaction; Web
Technologies; Database Systems; Advanced Databases and Applications;
Advanced Information Systems
Data structures and algorithms Programming I - Programming Fundamentals; Programming II - Data
Structures & Algorithms; Advanced Programming Practices;
Advanced Information Systems; Advanced Databases and
Applications
Developing technologies Advanced Information Systems; IT Architectures
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Distributed computer systems Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Web Technologies; Advanced
Programming Practices; Database Systems; Communications and Networks
Document processing Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and
Multimedia; Web Technologies; Advanced Information Systems
e-Business Cybercrime; Advanced Information Systems; IT Architectures; Advanced
Databases and Applications
Empirical approaches Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism
Games computing Virtual Worlds; Games Computing
Graphics and sound Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and
Multimedia; Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Virtual
Worlds; Games Computing
Human-Computer Interaction Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and
Multimedia; Virtual Worlds; Games Computing
Information retrieval Information Systems & Interaction; Advanced Information Systems
Information systems Information Systems & Interaction; Web Technologies; Advanced
Information Systems
Intelligent information systems
technology
Computational Intelligence I; Database Systems; Advanced Information
Systems; Computational Intelligence II; Advanced Databases and Applications
Management Issues Software Engineering Project Management
Middleware Web Technologies; System Lifecycles and Design; IT Architectures
Multimedia Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and
Multimedia; Virtual Worlds
Natural language computing Advanced Information Systems; Computational Intelligence II
0perating systems Fundamentals of Computing; Cybercrime
Professionalism Cybercrime; Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Virtual
Worlds; 30-credit Project; Computing in Education
Programming fundamentals Programming I - Programming Fundamentals; Programming II - Data
Structures & Algorithms; Advanced Programming Practices
Security and privacy Cybercrime; Communications and Networks
Simulation and modelling
Software engineering Fundamentals of Computing; Programming I - Programming Fundamentals;
Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms; Requirements, Evaluation
and Professionalism; System Lifecycles and Design; Software Engineering
Project Management
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Systems analysis and design Fundamentals of Computing; Information Systems & Interaction;
Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Web Technologies; System
Lifecycles and Design; Software Engineering Project Management;
Advanced Information Systems;
Theoretical computing
Web-based computing Cybercrime; Web Technologies; Communications and Networks
Awards
Students who complete the Single Honours Computer Science Programme will normally obtain an Honours Degree.
However, students who leave after one year may obtain a Certificate in Higher Education and students who leave
after two years may obtain a Diploma in Higher Education.
1. Honours Degree (360 credits). Students require at least 120 credits at each of Levels 4, 5 and 6. See
"What is the structure of the Programme?" (above) for the number of credits at each of Levels 4, 5 and
6 that are required to be in Computer Science.
2. Certificate in Higher Education (120 credits). Students require at least 120 credits at Level 4 or higher.
See "What is the structure of the Programme?" (above) for the number of credits at each of Levels 4
and 5 (or higher) that are required to be in Computer Science.
3. Diploma in Higher Education (240 credits). Students require at least 120 credits at Level 4 or higher
and at least 120 credits at Level 5 or higher. See "What is the structure of the Programme?" (above) for
the number of credits at Level 4 (or higher) that are required to be in Computer Science.
4. How is the Programme assessed?
The function of the assessments listed above is to test students' achievement of the learning outcomes of the Single
Honours Computer Science Programme. Assessments in Computer Science take one of the following forms:
Unseen examinations in different formats test a student's knowledge and understanding of computer
science topics. Such examinations are of two hours in length and contain compulsory and possibly
also optional questions.
Class tests are taken during the course of a module, usually in a lecture slot. They are intended to
assess a student's current understanding and subject knowledge in that module in a structured and
focused manner. Some taught compulsory modules may have class tests as part of the assessment
profile.
Coursework normally consists of assignments designed to assess student's knowledge and
understanding of the module material. Some of these assignments may be computer based; others take
the form of individual reports, essays or group projects.
Short reports: for which students are required to write up their own account of small group studies and
discussions on particular topics.
Tutorial Participation, whereby students may be asked to make contributions based on the
subject material, either orally or as a written solution, sometimes in consultation with their peers.
Dissertations are formal reports of work carried out by students undertaking a project. Projects
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involve the integration and application of theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to an
identified programming need and/or research problem within the discipline. Dissertations describe
product and process in extended detail.
Oral presentations and reports assess a student's ability to communicate their knowledge
and understanding, both visually and orally, to both general and academic audiences.
Marks are awarded for summative assessments designed to assess students' achievement of learning outcomes.
Students are also assessed formatively to enable them to monitor their own progress and to assist staff in identifying
and addressing any specific learning needs. Formative assessment is not formally marked but is used to provide
students with feedback on their subject knowledge and understanding. Feedback is also provided on regular
summative assessments throughout the Programme.
5. What are the typical admission requirements for the programme?
Candidates do not have to have any qualifications or previous experience in computing but are required to have at
least GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English Language.
For Single Honours Computer Science, offers are typically A-level grades BBB/ABC, excluding General Studies and
Critical Thinking.
Keele welcomes applications from students with qualifications other than A-levels, including the BTEC Nationals
Extended Diploma, the Scottish Certificate of Education (Advanced Higher Level), the International
Baccalaureate and other equivalent international qualifications. Typical offers include BTEC Nationals Extended
Diploma grades DDM, or 30 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Applicants with these or other
qualifications are advised to contact the University's Admissions 0ffice before applying through UCAS.
Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may apply for or be offered entry to the four year degree
programme Computer Science with Science Foundation Year. The Foundation Year includes a comprehensive
programme for students intending to progress to Single Honours Computer Science.
University Regulation 1A.2.2 applies: The Director of Academic Services, in consultation with the Head of the School
of Computing and Mathematics, is authorised to offer applicants admission with advanced standing who already
hold up to 240 credits at level 4 or above, provided always that no exemption shall be accorded for level 6 modules.
The Head of School, or the School's Computing Undergraduate Admissions Tutor as their nominee, will only
recommend admission with advanced standing provided the applicant can demonstrate competence in the
programme-specific learning outcomes at the relevant level, and provided the applicant has obtained 120 credits at
level 4 or 240 credits at level 5 from Keele or another higher education institution. Such students may be required to
complete additional work.
6. How are students supported on the programme?
Support for student learning on the Programme is provided in the following ways:
Module lecturers, teaching fellows and computing laboratory demonstrators are responsible for
providing support for learning on the modules. They also give individual feedback on coursework
assignments and more general feedback on examinations. Students do not normally need to make a
formal appointment to meet a member of staff. Some staff have dedicated office hours when they
guarantee to be in their room and available for enquiries. 0ther staff have an open door policy, which
means students can drop in at any time. Many staff have both.
Computing Support Staff provide help and advice to students concerning working on the computers
in the laboratories.
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Every student is allocated to a Personal Tutor who is responsible for reviewing and advising on students' academic progress in Computer Science.
Personal Tutors also act as a first point of contact for students on non-academic issues which may
affect their learning and can refer students on to a range of specialist health, welfare and financial
services co- ordinated by the University's Centre for Learning and Student Support.
7. Learning Resources
Computer Science is taught in lecture theatres, teaching rooms and computer laboratories. The learning resources
available to students on the Programme include:
Dedicated networked PC laboratories within the School of Computing and Mathematics, which use the
Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems and provide a wide range of supported software.
The School buildings are open from 0800 to 2300 every day (including weekends). Students have
individual email accounts and file stores on University and School servers. Additional facilities are
provided for final year projects.
The Keele Learning Environment (KLE) which provides easy online access to a range of learning resources
including lecture notes and other resources supplied in modules.
The extensive collection of books and journals relevant to undergraduate study held in the University
Library. Much of this material is also accessible online to Keele students from anywhere in the world with
a University username and password.
8. Other learning opportunities
Students on the Computer Science Programme have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in their second
year (usually the first semester) studying at one of Keele's partner universities in Europe or North America. This is a
replacement semester. No additional tuition fees are payable for studying abroad but students do have to bear the
costs of travelling to and from their destination university plus insurance. Grants may be available to cover some of
these additional costs for students choosing to study elsewhere in Europe. Further information on studying abroad
is available from advisers in the University's Centre for International Exchange and Development (CIED) and at the
annual Study Abroad Fair.
Students intending to study abroad must pass all modules in their first year and obtain an average of at least 50%. In
addition, students must agree a programme of study with the Study Abroad Tutor (who is usually also the Year Tutor
for Level 5) before they leave, and must agree to any changes that become necessary. The Study Aboard Tutor will
only agree a programme of study after confirming the equity of learning opportunities, supervision and assessment,
as required for BCS accreditation. Students should study an equivalent number of modules at the appropriate level to
that which they would have studied at Keele. They must submit a portfolio of work on their return. Marks will be
converted into their Keele equivalents according to the agreement between Keele and the partner universities. In the
case of borderline marks or incomplete work, the internal examination board will determine the mark to be
awarded. In the event of unfinished modules, the Director of Learning and Teaching or Study Abroad Tutor may
require extra work to be completed.
Students considering study abroad should be aware that because of the nature of the discipline, it is difficult to find
appropriate matching modules in other countries. Any student considering study abroad is strongly advised to take
specific advice from appropriate members of staff such as the Year Tutor as early as possible.
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9. Quality management and enhancement
The Programme Director for the Single Honours Computer Science Programme is responsible for the overall
direction of learning and teaching on the Programme, supported by the Computer Science Courses Committee,
which consists of all full-time Keele staff engaged in teaching the programme, all other staff involved in teaching
and/or assessing the programme and at least one student representative of the programme.
The quality and standards of learning in Computer Science are subject to a continuous process of monitoring,
review and enhancement.
The Learning and Teaching Committee for the School of Computing and Mathematics is responsible
for reviewing and monitoring quality management and enhancement procedures and activities across
the School.
Individual modules and the Single Honours Computer Science Programme as a whole are reviewed
and enhanced every year by Module Leaders and the Computer Science Undergraduate Programme
Committee as part of the University's Curriculum Annual Review and Development (CARD) process.
The School operates a process of peer observation of teaching, whereby members of academic
staff critically evaluate the teaching of one another.
Continuous Professional Development is available to all staff.
The Programme is run in accordance with the standards set out in the University's Quality Assurance
framework (http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/) in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education
and is subject to an internal quality audit every five years.
Student evaluation of, and feedback on, the quality of learning in Computer Science takes place in several ways:
The results of student evaluations of modules are reported to module leaders and reviewed as part of
the Curriculum Annual Review and Development (CARD) process. A summary of findings are reported to
The Computer Science Courses Committee and then to the School Learning and Teaching Committee.
Findings related to the Single Honours Computer Science Programme from the annual National
Student Survey (NSS), and from regular surveys of the student experience conducted by the
University, are subjected to careful analysis and a planned response at Programme and School level.
Feedback received from representatives of students in all three years of the Single Honours
Computer Science Programme is considered and acted on at regular meetings of the Student-Staff
Liaison Committee.
In addition to this, the quality and standards of teaching are regularly discussed and monitored by the Computer
Science Courses Committee and by the School Learning and Teaching Committee.
Two senior members of academic staff from other universities are appointed by the University's Senate to act as
external examiners on the Single Honours Computer Science Programme. The external examiners are responsible
for:
Approving examination questions
Confirming all marks which contribute to a student's degree
Reviewing and giving advice on the structure and content of the Programme and assessment procedures.
All Level 5 and Level 6 examination scripts are available to external examiners and they read scripts which are
borderline. External examiners also see a sample of student coursework.
The names of current external examiners are given at the beginning of this document, together with a link to
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past external examiners' reports and responses.
10. The principles of programme design
The Single Honours Computer Science Programme described in this document has been drawn up with reference to,
and in accordance with the guidance set out in, the following documents:
Programme Specification Template: Undergraduate, Keele University, 2014.
Guidelines for preparing programme specifications, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2006.
The framework for higher education qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies, Quality Assurance Agency for
Higher Education,2014. http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication/?PubID=2843
Guidelines for programmes, British Computer Society, 2009. www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/heaguidelines.pdf
Accreditation criteria, British Computer Society, 2010. www.bcs.org/accreditation,
www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/criteria.pdf
Subject Benchmark Statement: Computing, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2007.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-
Computing.aspx.pdf
Learning and Teaching Strategic map 2010-2015, Keele University, 2010.
http://www.keele.ac.uk/aboutus/strategicplan/learningandteachingstrategy/
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11. Programme Version History
Version History Date CHANGES / NOTES
Date first created 2008
Date reviewed / revised May 2015 Added Computing in Education
module.
Updated Module Learning
Outcomes, Module Topics and
admission requirements.
Moved to the new template, with
only very minor changes;
paragraphs on Keele Graduate
Attributes added to section 1,
and section 2 revised to be more
complete.
Reviewed by Dr Alastair Channon
Date approved at SLTC June 2015 On first page, changed “for
levels 4, 5 and 6 up to 2015/16,
16/17 and 17/18” to
“2015/16”.
Added external examiners
(and kept the link).
Copied additional text re.
admission with advanced
standing from the course
regulations to section 5.
Copied additional text re. study
abroad from the course
regulations to section 8.
Removed references to Keele
Assessment Strategy 2008,
Educational Aims for UG Courses
2005, Employability Skills
Guidelines for UG Programmes
2010 and the School Learning
and Teaching Strategy 2010-
2015.
Additional very minor changes. Date approved at FLTC 2011
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Date reviewed / revised 16 August 2017 Remove CSY-30002 Electronic
Commerce optional module -
content no longer current [minor
change]
Reviewed by Dr Thomas Neligwa
Date approved at SLTC
Date approved at FLTC