Computing MSc module details
Block 1
Business Analysis & Modelling – 30 credits
This module covers the theory and ethical practice of systems analysis and design. It also covers the analysis of possibly complex data storage requirements and the design of appropriate databases to meet those requirements.
This module covers the complete lifecycle of systems analysis and database specification from investigation of the problem domain and construction of system requirements and data models, though to mapping those models into a relational database environment. Theoretical issues relating to database technology, such as relational theory, modern non-relational data models (for example, the object data model and the multi-dimensional data model), and approaches to the handling of concurrency, recovery and security, are also discussed. Ethical issues regarding data protection, security and privacy will also be studied.
Block 2
Enterprise Architecture – 30 credits
This module covers business, theoretical and practical aspects of computer systems, operating systems and computer networks. This module discusses the methodologies and tools of modern software and network systems, applied to the IT, business strategy and business transformations. In addition, it covers aligning IT with business processes to achieve organisational goals and objectives, as well as using IT as a strategic business tool and an enabler to achieve digital business transformation. Consideration will be given to the ethical dimension regarding data governance and big data solutions.
Block 3
Digital Commerce – 30 credits
Digital commerce has grown to transform business and the way it interacts with customers and other business stakeholders. This module introduces you to e-commerce as a key type of information system.
You will explore strategies for e-commerce, from building an e-commerce presence, and developing a business plan to designing the user experience and evaluating suitable marketing plans. Finally, the student has an opportunity to implement your designs in the form of a prototype, using suitable applications (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Wix, etc.). Examples of some topics covered include:
- Foundational concepts of e-commerce
- Building an e-commerce presence
- Business strategy, user experience, and marketing in e-commerce
- Ethical, social and political implications of e-commerce
- e-commerce application requirements gathering
- Pathways for developing e-commerce applications
- Extensibility and integrations in e-commerce applications
You will gain greater knowledge and skills regarding digital commerce and enhance your general academic and employability skills in aspects such as critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation.
Block 4
Human Factors, Research and Skills – 30 credits
This module introduces and explores the human factor issues that need to be considered when designing interactive systems and will provide the research expertise and skills that are critical to understanding the issues to consider when designing interactive systems. Critical to understand and identify those factors requires that research methods and methodologies (quantitative and qualitative, methods and paradigms) are studied. This will develop the student’s ability to consider the stages of research both regarding human factors, but also in line with your MSc Project.
You will pilot different methodologies such as questionnaires and interviews, and develop skills in data collection, interpretation and evaluation from a variety of perspectives. You will gain the skills to apply these to your own original research for this module and for your dissertation.
Blocks 5 & 6
PGT Project – 60 credits
You will carry out a self-managed in-depth study involving design, fact finding, analysis, synthesis and integration of complex ideas which are sometimes based on incomplete and contradictory data or requirements. You will apply the skills acquired from the taught course to the solution to a particular problem or research topic. Normally the project is a self-contained piece of work of considerably greater depth than can be accommodated within a taught module and may reflect and build on the entire breadth of material studied by the student.