PROCESOS

Anglia Ruskin University

On successful completion of the programme you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Computing (Information Management).

Awarding Body Anglia Ruskin University Course Description

The programme is designed to enable you to achieve a full undergraduate honours degree in Computing (Information Management) by undertaking a rigorous study of current theories, techniques and issues and acquiring the practical skills that are essential within the rapidly changing environment so that you can pursue a related career or further relevant academic study.

You will be provided with opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills in computing in a flexible way. Learning materials have been developed to allow you to maximise the time you have available for study and the programme delivery provides additional support through either online or structured tutor lead sessions. The curriculum provides a broad based experience exposing you to a range of relevant aspects of computing in a progressive way.

The focus of the Information Management route is the use of computer technology to provide information that can be used to support the operation of companies and organisations both large and small. Mode

Online distance learning Course Content (Modules)

Level 6

Current Trends in Networking

This module aims to deal with selected, advanced topics in networking and data communications.

The focus is on leading edge commercially available networking technologies and as

such the exact content of the module will change from time to time in order to remain current. The technologies under discussion will be considered against the issues that they try to address and against previous technologies in the same area. A wider view of networking is taken in that topics like digital television and radio may be considered alongside conventional data communications and networks. The impact of new uses of communications technology will be considered, both on the users and society in general and on the networking technology and infrastructure.

You will gain an insight into the leading edge of commercially available and emerging network technology and their application in real world situations to solve communication problems. You will also develop an understanding of the pervasive nature of computer networks and the variety of technologies available to deliver data

communications in differing situations.

Understanding Systems

This module will enable you to understand what a system is and relate this understanding to the development of Information Systems. The aim of the module is to enable you to understand the role of the systems approach in analysing and understanding problem areas, placing the focus on a wider area than just a computer system. The module will show that for any major software development the factors, perspectives and the interconnections need to be identified and understood if the development is to be successful. By going through the process of identifying systems, their components, the perspectives and stakeholders involved you will learn that identifying, analysing and designing systems is a complex process and understanding the complexity involved has a direct relationship to the success of the system development. The module will explore the types of systems that can be identified such as open systems, closed systems, dynamic systems, social systems, human activity systems. The module will enable you to understand that the tools and techniques involved in the systems approach will provide a rich toolkit to analyse complex situations.

Management in IT

This module is designed to provide you with the generic skills, knowledge and

understanding required by a Technology/IT Manager. The module will look at the role of a Technology/IT Manager from two viewpoints. The first viewpoint is the role the Technology/ IT Manager will play in the Management Team of the organisation. The second viewpoint is the role the Technology/IT Manager will play in managing a Technology/IT Department. The module will consider the various ways that the staffing of a Technology/IT Department can be provided. This will cover direct employees, contractors, consultants, outsourcing approaches. The module will consider

recruitment, retention, development of staff

and redundancy.

The module will enable you to understand the relationship of a Technology/IT Department to the rest of the organisation, and will also cover new technology/IT systems, budgeting, and the strategic planning process.

Research Skills

The aim of this module is to equip you with the knowledge and research skills needed to select a research question and design a research proposal for a chosen topic of interest. The meaning of research and the scientific method are covered. Various approaches to research will be discussed including quantitative, qualitative, action research and the use of live projects. The identification of appropriate topics and development of a research proposal is covered. The use of literature, searching, writing literature reviews and applying the current body of knowledge to the topic are covered. The meaning of “research” is considered broadly. At this level of study, the application of current knowledge to a novel and complex situation is considered to be research and the majority of real world computing problems are considered to be complex and novel.

Advanced Database Concepts

This module is designed to build on existing knowledge of relational databases and Structured Query Language (SQL) to provide you with the opportunity to gain an insight into some of the recent practical and theoretical developments in database technology. The main purpose of the course is to introduce you to advanced technologies in object-oriented databases, data warehouse, distributed databases, multimedia databases, and special-purpose databases. You will initially review issues in transaction management

Online distance learning

and the limitations of Relational Databases. You will then explore issues in the design and development of Object-Relational / Object-Orientated databases. You will also examine the main techniques for developing data-warehouses including data warehousing concepts; types of data warehouse; designing a data warehouse; building a data warehouse; using a data warehouse.

Practical Project

The Practical Project gives you the opportunity to plan and execute a substantial piece of independent work. The subject matter is chosen by you, but it must be aligned to at least one of the taught modules studied earlier in the degree programme.

The work takes the form of an experiment, an investigation, a development, the solution of a problem, or some combination of those. The practical work is supported by detailed study of academic literature and technical resources. You are responsible for searching, selecting, and reviewing academic and other source materials. Students who do not wish to create physical IT artefacts such as software may design their project as a literature-based analysis with no hands-on element. You are also encouraged to gather primary data through surveys or interviews.

You are responsible for the full sequence of project tasks, from concept to delivery. A supervisor will guide you along, especially in the critical early stages when the biggest decisions are usually taken. The supervisor reviews and approves the project concept and a short specification document, then reviews each draft chapter of your report. The process also includes an ethics review.

Assessment

You will undertake a range of assessments, including case study and scenario based assignments, examinations, website design, implementation and testing, group assignments as well as a Practical Project.

Duration of Programme

This course is expected to be completed within 1.5 years. However, our online distance learning students have flexibility in setting their own pace of study, which means that the course can be completed in a minimum period of 1 year.

Entry Requirements

• BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing & Systems Development, or equivalent.

• English ability equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.

Given the specialist nature of this route if you have not already studied Strategic Information Systems adequately at level 5, you will be required to take on an extra module in this subject before you progress onto the final level of the degree.

What’s Included

RDI’s virtual learning environment ilearn is used to deliver all resources for this course including:

• Study materials - Access electronic copies of your learning materials and important information, such as assessment instructions, whenever and wherever you are.

• Tutor support - Tutors use live chats and forums to stimulate discussions, request input and highlight external sources.

• External resources - Links to external sources can include key journal articles, your university’s online library, sites of topical interest, etc.

• Discussion with other students - Forums allow students to come together, share thoughts and ideas and you can initiate topics that you want to discuss with your fellow students.

Workload

We recommend an average of 12-15 hours study time per week for this programme.

Exemptions

No exemptions are allowed for this programme.

How to Apply

In addition to a completed application form:

• Copies of your relevant certificates and/or transcripts

• Personal statement (200-300 words)

• One suitable reference. Please note we can only accept academic and/or professional work references.

• Copy of your CV detailing your work history (covering the last five years)

• Proof of English language ability (IELTS), if English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English.

What You Could Study Next

Successful completion of the programme may allow you entry to:

Anglia Ruskin University MSc Information Systems

Anglia Ruskin University MSc Information Systems (Systems Security)

Anglia Ruskin University MSc Information Systems (Mobile Systems)

Visit our website: www.rdi.co.uk/apply Email [email protected]

Contact us today on FREEphone 0800 COURSES / 0800 268 7737

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Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND