UCAS Code: 8F77

Course Length: 4 Years Full-Time

Start Dates: September 2018, September 2019

Department: Department of Computer Science

Location: Edge Hill University

Example Offers: ABB (A Level) or DDM (BTEC)

View full entry criteria below

• Learn how to develop and test highly effective andcreative software systems, in preparation for a

career in software application development;

• First steps to chartered status in the industry as aresult of alignment to SFIAplus skills standards;

• Initial accreditation awarded by BCS, TheChartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fullymeeting the academic requirement for registrationas a Chartered IT Professional.

This integrated Masters degree will provide you withadvanced technical programming skills and knowledgeclosely aligned to the SFIAplus skills standards, which areused widely across the IT industry. You will gain theexpertise to develop software using the latesttechnologies and toolkits while exploring theunderpinning concepts in a broad range of softwaredevelopment models. You will study in a highly effective

MComp Software ApplicationDevelopment

Studying Abroad Option Available Sandwich Year Option Available International Students Can Apply

Work Placement Opportunity Professional Accreditation

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learning environment and be introduced to manydifferent styles of programming and problem-solvingtechniques. Learning to work as part of a team on real lifeprojects using leading-edge resources andindustry-standard software, will enable you to develop a

breadth of practical and communication skills and gain adistinct workplace advantage.

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Course in Depth

What will I study?

This MComp programme is an integrated Masters degreewhich combines study at Bachelor of Science withHonours (BSc) level with study at Masters level over fouryears.

In Year 1 you will study a balanced range of computingtopics covering the fundamentals of analysis andconstruction of systems to the foundations of computerscience and web design and development. Part of yourstudies will look at career options within the computingand IT industry to help you select subsequent modules.

Year 2 provides a more specialised focus. You willenhance your programming skills and broaden yourexperience of programming to cover not onlyobject-oriented programming but other paradigms whichare re-emerging in modern programming languages. Youwill experiment with all aspects of applications, from theunderlying software to hardware devices, and from there-engineering and enhancing of existing applications.

Year 3 provides the platform for you to develop advancedknowledge and skills with an emphasis on independentstudy and learning. You will explore leading edgeconcepts utilising industry-standard platforms andframeworks. You will also develop your own original ideasand concepts building upon the theoretical underpinningprovided within the modules.

Year 4 is Masters level study, which comprises in-depthmodules exploring specialist areas of softwaredevelopment. A key part of this final year is a significantindividual project which enables you to pursue an area ofinterest in-depth.

How will I study?

Teaching methods are designed in consultation withleading employers in the region. Many classes are basedin computer workshops, focusing on student activity as ameans of learning. We introduce theoretical concepts bybuilding on concrete practical activity.

To enhance your employability, you will be givenopportunities to work together and develop the essentialpeople skills to complement your technical ability.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are designed to ensure you acquire a rangeof skills, particularly those required by future employers.You will design and write programs, write reports andessays, critically analyse documents, deliver oralpresentations and undertake examinations.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by staff who are passionate aboutstudent learning and development. The programme teamare specialists in computing and active researchers inareas including mobile computing, distributed systems,e-commerce, web information architecture, visualisationand applications of problem-based learning in computingand information systems. Academic staff are regularcontributors to academic conferences and journals.

A Great Study Environment

The Department of Computer Science is based in thestate-of-the-art £13m Technology Hub. Thispurpose-built development offers highly contemporarysuites of outstanding facilities for Computer Sciencestudents.

Our modern computer laboratories are equipped with

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high-specification computers, high-resolution screensand the latest hardware and software.

A four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented VirtualEnvironment) provides a super immersive 3D virtualenvironment, enabling users to immerse themselves in avirtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4Kresolution.

There are also specialist laboratories for networking andgames programming, in addition to a specialist researchlaboratory, open access laboratory, a Harvard stylelecture theatre, and 'The Hatchery', a working space fornew business ideas.

Learning resources include robots and a roboticssimulator, wired and wireless networking hardware,graphics software, web development tools, softwaredevelopment environments, big data servers, eyetrackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and otherspecialist software required for studying forensics andinternet security techniques.

The department has strong links with industry and the

curriculum is kept current and highly relevant throughinput from our Employer Advisory Panel.

A dedicated Enterprise Projects Team and Web Factorysocial enterprise initiative recruit students to paid workon a range of commercial projects. This provides you withthe opportunity to gain experience in a commercialenvironment. You will also be actively supported indeveloping solutions for local businesses through yourcoursework.

Competitions including 'University TechnologyChallenge' and 'Hackathon', organised in collaborationwith companies such as Barclays, the BBC and Talk Talk,allow you to show invention and initiative through, forexample, inventing new apps and presenting a businesscase in a highly competitive environment.

An annual employability conference and specialistcareers fair prepare you for employment. You can alsoengage with research through the 'INSPIRE' initiative,with some of our students having papers published atinternational conferences.

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Modules

Year 1

CIS1107: Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)Foundations of Computer Science introduces you to the concepts and practices of problem solving through a series ofinnovative class seminars and individual experiments. You will learn to identify a problem, analyse it, and produce astructured solution. Exploring common issues within computing, you will also see how all of the separate areas merge,overlap and depend on each other in order for a robust computing system to be developed.

CIS1108: Digital World: Information Systems and Design (20 credits)Digital World: Information Systems and Design explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned bycomputing technology. The module will develop your understanding of the essential concepts of systems analysis,including identifying systems processes, understanding business needs and presenting appropriate IT solutions. Youwill then apply this knowledge of systems analysis and design methods to make suggestions for improvement of abusiness, its processes and information systems.

CIS1109: Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks (20 credits)Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned bycomputing technology while challenging you to envision your future developments as a Computing professional. Themodule discusses how current and modern computer architectures operates. It also analyses the technology on whichcomputer architecture depends, starting with current central processing units (CPUs) and their instruction sets andprogressing to the principles of modern multitasking operating systems that are supported by the underlyinghardware architectures. An important aspect of modern computer technology is networking. The module introducesand covers basic principles of networks, their interconnecting components and protocols used in enabling reliablecommunications.

CIS1110: Web Design and Development (20 credits)Web Design and Development is a fusion of two distinct areas in the world of web content production. The modulewill enable you to develop a sound understanding of the World Wide Web, the related technologies, the relationshipsbetween them and also their use. You will also explore colour and design theories, layout and typography. In addition,the module provides an appropriate setting to introduce some of the more powerful, user friendly web developmenttools used widely in the industry today, along with HTML and CSS and both client and server side scripting.

CIS1111: Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 (20 credits)Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of anobject-oriented approach to software development. You will be introduced to the analytical techniques and processesthat are essential for specifying, designing and implementing applications.

CIS1112: Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 (20 credits)Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of anobject-oriented approach to software development. You will explore and develop object-oriented modellingtechniques and receive an introduction to programming through event-driven program design and graphical userinterfaces.

Language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, are available to study as an integral part of this degree.

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A single Language module can be studied instead of either CIS1107 Foundations of Computer Science or CIS1110Web Design and Development.

Year 2

CIS2143: Databases (20 credits)Databases introduces you to the fundamental concepts in database design. You will acquire practical skills in databasemodelling, development and design using the rules of normalisation and entity relationship modelling. The module willenable you to identify the legal implications of creating and maintaining a database system, recognise and apply theprinciples underpinning the relationship model, utilise an appropriate database language, and extract and present datain a meaningful format suitable for the required use.

CIS2149: Object-Oriented Programming (20 credits)Object-Oriented Programming focuses on the object-oriented concepts which underlie the modern system designparadigm. The module presents the concepts behind the object model and its use in modelling and implementingcomputer applications. You will gain an in-depth understanding of object-oriented modeling concepts and acquireskills in object-oriented programming.

CIS2155: Mobile Apps (20 credits)Mobile Apps covers the emerging area of mobile computing and equips you with the knowledge and experience ofdeveloping mobile applications for different types of mobile devices. You will develop an understanding of the systemarchitectures that can be employed in mobile internet applications and investigate various mobile software andhardware platforms.

CIS2158: Software Engineering (20 credits)Software Engineering equips you with an in-depth knowledge of the software engineering processes and developmentmodels. You will learn about the principles and methods of software engineering, including current and emergingsoftware engineering practices and support tools. The module will also examine the development of software productsfrom an industry perspective, including generation of appropriate documents, under tight schedules and limitedresources.

CIS2162: Employability (20 credits)Employability simulates, as accurately as possible, what it's like to work in a given Computer Science specialism. Youwill be introduced to the "world of work" via a simulated work environment, as part of a team representing a fictionalcompany but which need to produce real products or engage in realistic work-related activities. A 15 day placementwill also enhance essential employability skills and provide you with the opportunity to relate theory to practice, buildon your transferable skills and evaluate your learning.

CIS2163: Introduction to Software Quality Assurance and Testing (20 credits)Introduction to Software Quality Assurance and Testing outlines quality assurance in software engineering,explaining how and why we need it. The module covers a brief history of the development of quality assurance,explores the models and measurements in quality assurance activities, and reveals the common standards adopted insoftware industry. In addition, the module further explores the methods and types of software testing and itsimportance in modern software development.

Year 3

CIS3157: Complex Systems (20 credits)Complex Systems recognises that the IT discipline is constantly changing as advances in hardware, software and

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methodologies result in new systems being constantly developed and new application areas being discovered. In thismodule, you will be exposed to a range of issues and technologies of current importance to both research and industry.You will critically discuss and contrast leading edge technologies and discuss the potential for applying them to existingand future complex systems, as well as exploiting existing technologies in new contexts.

You will select five of the following modules:

CIS3145: Distributed Systems (20 credits)Distributed Systems equips you with broad knowledge for building distributed computer systems. You will learn themain concepts of parallel and distributed systems. A number of modern and representative case studies (systems builton different middleware technologies) will be studied. Practical implementations of a small distributed system will alsobe undertaken.

CIS3146: Embedded Systems (20 credits)Embedded Systems introduces you to the principles of embedded systems as essential tools for enabling many otheradvanced technologies that we see or experience around us. The basics of the hardware and software unique tomicrocontrollers, as core components of embedded systems, are introduced. You will have the opportunity to programa microcontroller and apply this skill to communicate with, or control, external devices.

CIS3149: Interface Programming (20 credits)Interface Programming provides an insight into the issues relating to the design and implementation of userinterfaces. The development of new technologies and libraries that offer richer functionality to interface developersoffers the opportunity to explore different mechanisms for the creation of interfaces. You will develop a criticalunderstanding of these mechanisms as well as the relationship between the end user, the interface designer and thesoftware developer through the development lifecycle that takes place. You will also gain an insight into the humanfactors that offer key determinants to support decisions in the design process.

CIS3155: Advanced Databases (20 credits)Advanced Databases enhances your knowledge of databases, modelling tools and database management systemsincluding object-relational database management systems and NoSQL systems. You will compare and contrast therange of modern DBMS architectures and critically evaluate the implications of the different tools and techniques theymake available. You will also critically evaluate the key concepts of advanced databases and their application todatabase implementation, as well as designing and constructing databases using advanced concepts and techniques.

CIS3156: Intelligent Systems (20 credits)Intelligent Systems focuses upon the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that are embedded within many games toadd greater depth and challenges to players. The module explores the theory behind AI programming and provides theopportunity to develop your skills in writing AI code, using a range of techniques and theories which are relevant to thegaming industry, among others. You will be introduced to paradigms which facilitate the creation of AI routines andenable you to integrate these concepts into gaming code.

CIS3163: Embedded Systems Software Development (20 credits)Embedded Systems Software Development enables you to design and develop software on embedded systems whichform the most pervasive computing devices found in everyday objects such as mobile phones, tablet computers,domestic appliances, modern cars and the entertainment industry. The module is highly practical and a substantial partof it is devoted to carrying out hands-on software implementation under supervision. Any underpinning theory isintroduced as and when appropriate and needed and punctuates the practical sessions. You will use anindustry-standard development environment to develop, upload, test and debug software on both a device simulator

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and on embedded systems kits. The software developed will demonstrate the full capabilities of a typical,industry-standard embedded system device.

Year 4

CIS4114: Research and Development Project (60 credits)Research and Development Project provides experience of designing and executing a substantial project in a limitedtime, based on a project plan, employing practical skills, problem solving and underpinned by relevant research.You will apply and extend skills and knowledge learned in taught modules and demonstrate your competency toconstruct and complete a coherent project as a Computing professional.

CIS4115: Research Methods (20 credits)Research Methods provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop a proposal for, and subsequently undertake,a research project at Masters level. You will engage with the essential considerations when analysing a problemand designing a solution. The module will also immerse you in data collection from the user, literature reviews,interface designs and project planning. On successful completion, you will have a well-formed proposal suitable forMasters level study.

CIS4132: Programming Languages: Constructs and Data Structures (20 credits)Programming Languages: Constructs and Data Structures provides you with an insight into alternative strategies forproblem solving and programming. You will gain a critical understanding of the application of a variety of programmingparadigms and data structures to a range of problems, develop a critical understanding of the strategies available whentesting software, and explore the relationship between software requirements and error detection when testing.

CIS4133: Programming Languages: Logical and Functional Programming (20 credits)Programming Languages: Logical and Functional Programming provides an insight into strategies for developingsoftware applications that do not use procedural programming techniques. You will develop a critical understanding offunctional and logical programming and gain a critical understanding of the strategies available when adopting theseparadigms which provide radically different mechanisms for designing and developing software applications.

Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modulesmay vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that theavailability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected bytimetabling requirements.

Timetables

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You canexpect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while wemake every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place onany day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes aresubject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellationof, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks

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statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right tomake variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

• Academic Year 2018/19 Entry: Typical offer 128UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjectsare required, plus evidence of numeracy;

• Academic Year 2019/20 Entry: Typical offer 128UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjectsare required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C orGrade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Example Offers

Some examples of how you can achieve 128 UCAS Tariffpoints are detailed below.

• A Level: ABB;

• BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTECQCF qualifications): Distinction, Distinction, Merit(DDM);

• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits atLevel 3, for example 30 credits at Distinction and15 credits at Merit. The required total can beattained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actualoffers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awardsmay also be accepted.

As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (orequivalent), there is no maximum number ofqualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. Thisincludes additional qualifications such as the WelshBaccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ),AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, andGeneral Studies AS or A Level awards.

For further information on how you can meet the entryrequirements, including details of

alternative qualifications, please visitwww.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

EU students can get country-specific information aboutthe University's entry requirements and equivalentnational qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria foroverseas applicants.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score nolower than 5.5 in each individual component, or anequivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, eitheroverall or in one or two elements, our Pre-SessionalEnglish course might be for you.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gainedelsewhere, whether through academic credit andqualifications acquired from other relevant courses ofstudy or through recognition of an individual'sprofessional and employment experience (also referredto as 'experiential learning').

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may beused towards meeting the entry requirements for aprogramme and/or for exemption from part of aprogramme. It is your responsibility to make a claim forrecognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consultthe University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy andcontact the faculty in which you are interested instudying.

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Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

You will encounter modules that specifically developtechnical programming skills but with relevantapplication to future employability which is maintainedby closely aligning the objectives of the programme to theSFIAplus skills standard.

The programme carries initial accreditation by BCS, TheChartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fullymeeting the academic requirement for registration as aChartered IT Professional. The course also carries initialaccreditation by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, forthe purposes of fully meeting the further learningacademic requirement for registration as a Chartered ITProfessional. Initial accreditation is granted for newcourses which seem likely to meet the appropriate BCScriteria but which have not yet produced graduates (dueto the limited timeframe). Successfully completing anaccredited integrated Masters degree is the first step tofull BCS membership and to being awarded charteredstatus.

How can I enhance my employability?

It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how youwill spend your time while studying and make the most ofyour university experience.

Optional, additional activities may be available on thisintegrated Masters degree which could help to prepareyou for a stimulating and rewarding career. Theseinclude:

• Sandwich Years - you may have the opportunity toapply to complete a sandwich year placement,usually as the third year of a five year integratedMasters degree, and gain highly relevant workexperience;

• Erasmus+ and Study Abroad - you may have theopportunity to apply to spend time studying orworking abroad, usually as the third year of a fiveyear integrated Masters degree, enabling you toimmerse yourself in a different culture;

• Language Learning - you may be able to selectlanguage modules, delivered at the Edge HillLanguage Centre, as an integral part of your course(for which you will gain academic credits).Alternatively, it may be possible to participate inLanguage Steps classes as additional study.

Please note, the availability of these additional activitiescannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending onavailability and the number of students wanting toparticipate, there may be a competitive applicationprocess for sandwich year placements or studying abroadopportunities or you may be required to secure a relevantplacement yourself.

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Finance

Tuition Fees

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will bejoining this integrated Masters degree in academic year2018/19, the tuition fee will be £9,250 perannum. Tuition fees for international students enrollingon the programme in academic year 2018/19 are£11,800 per annum.

If you are a prospective UK or EU student who will bejoining this integrated Masters degree in academic year2019/20, tuition fees are still to be announced by theGovernment. You are advised to check this page regularlyand once the position has been confirmed we will updatethis information. Tuition fees for international studentsenrolling on the programme in academic year 2019/20are £12,000 per annum.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise intuition fees, in line with Government policy, insubsequent academic years as you progress through thecourse.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students can apply for aTuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the fullcost of tuition fees. UK and EU students may also beeligible to apply for additional funding to help with livingcosts.

For comprehensive information about the financialsupport available to eligible UK and EU students joiningthis programme in academic year 2018/19, together withdetails of how to apply for funding, please view ourMoney Matters 2018/19 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2018.

Financial support arrangements for eligible UK and EU

students joining this programme in academic year 2019/20 are still to be announced by the Government. You areadvised to check this page regularly and once the positionhas been confirmed we will update this information.

Financial support information for international studentscan be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

Scholarships

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with acompetitive application process for prospective full-timeundergraduate students. These scholarships aren't linkedto academic success and celebrate determination, talentand achievement beyond your coursework, for instancein creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport orvolunteering.

Additional scholarships, which you may qualify to receive,reward outstanding grades and are available to eligibleUK and EU students.

To find out more about scholarships, to assess youreligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarshipwinners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out moreabout the application process.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us andformally enrol as a student, you will be subject to theprovisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions andpolicies which apply to our students. These are availableat www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill

University, the best way to gain an insight into studentlife is to discover our stunning campus for yourself byattending an open day. You can view dates and book yourplace at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, youcan find out more about all of our events for prospectivestudents, including monthly campus tours,at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of degrees andintegrated Masters degrees before you apply, you canorder an undergraduate prospectus atwww.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or whatit's like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

• Course Enquiries

• Tel: 01695 657000

• Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk withany queries about overseas study.

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