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Programme Specification for Undergraduate Programme
Leading to:
BSc Computer Science
BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
BSc Computer Science (Digital Media and Games)
BSc Computer Science (Network Computing)
BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)
BSc Computer Science with Placement
BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with Placement
BSc Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) with Placement
BSc Computer Science (Network Computing) with Placement
BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) with Placement
Applicable for all undergraduate students starting at FHEQ Level 4 from 2021
Version
No.
Date Notes – QA USE ONLY QA
1.0 30 July 2021 Programme Specification updated for 202 1 /2 2 entrants. JP 1.1 January 2022 Updated to reflect change to Brunel University London Pathway College (BPC) BGS
Undergraduate Programme
- Awarding institution Brunel University London
- Teaching institution(s) Brunel University London
- Home college/department/division College of Engineering Design and Physical Sciences Department of Computer Science
- Contributing college/department/division/ associated institution
Brunel University London Pathway College (BPC) offers the following Validated Programme Element/s which enable progression on to this programme:
- Generic Level 0 Studies (for Gulf-sponsored students)
- University Foundation Studies
- First Year University Studies in Info and Computer Science (Alternative FHEQ Level 4)
- Programme accredited by British Computer Society
- Final award(s) and FHEQ Level of Award BSc (Hons) Computer Science (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Network Computing) (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering) (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Placement (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with Placement (FHEQ level
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) with Placement (FHEQ level 6) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Network Computing) with Placement (FHEQ level
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering) with Placement (FHEQ level 6)
- Programme title BSc Computer Science BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) BSc Computer Science (Network Computing) BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)
- Programme type (Single honours/joint) Single Honours
- Normal length of programme (in months) for each mode of study
36 months FT; 48 months part time
For students commencing their studies at BPC, the normal length stated above will vary as follows:
Generic Level 0 Studies (for Gulf-sponsored students)
- Foundation Year September commencement: + 1 year
- Foundation Year January commencement: + 9 months
University Foundation Studies
- Foundation Year September commencement: + 1 year
- Foundation Year January commencement: + 9 months
First Year University Studies in Info and Computer Science (Alternative FHEQ Level 4)
- FHEQ Level 4 September commencement: no change
- FHEQ Level 4 January commencement: -3 months
- Maximum period of registration for each mode of study
Normal length of programme (as defined above in 9) + 3 years
- Variation(s) to September start None for standard levels
See BPC Validated Programme Element Specifications for intakes for those programmes
- Modes of study Full Time; Thick Sandwich
- Modes of delivery Standard (on campus)
- Intermediate awards and titles and FHEQ Level of Award
CertHE Computing (FHEQ level 4) DipHE Computing (FHEQ level 5) BSc (Ord) Computer Science (FHEQ level 6) DipHE Computing with Placement (FHEQ level 5) BSc (Ord) Computer Science with Placement (FHEQ level 6)
- UCAS Code CS: 3 yr FT (G402), 4 yr SK (G407) CS (Artificial Intelligence): 3 yr FT (G701), 4 yr SK (G700) CS (Digital Media and Games): 3 yr FT (G450), 4 yr SK (G451) CS (Network Computing): 3 yr FT (G424), 4 yr SK (G422) CS (Software Engineering): 3 yr FT (G601), 4 yr SK (G602)
- HECoS Code 100366
- Route Code G400USCMPSC1 Computer Science Computer Science with Placement G400UCSARTIN Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with Placement G400UDIGMEDI Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) with Placement G400UNETWKCM Computer Science (Network Computing) Computer Science (Network Computing) with Placement G400USOFENG1 Computer Science (Software Engineering) Computer Science (Software Engineering) with Placement G400UNVCS BPC for alternative Foundation Level and FHEQ Level 4
- Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme design.
UK Quality Code for Higher Education QAA Subject Benchmark Statement (Computing) Brunel 2030 Brunel Placement Learning Policy, as published under the ‘Placements’ section of the ‘Managing Higher Education Provision with Others’ page.
- Admission Requirements Details of entry requirements are provided on the University’s and College website. Levels of English for non-native speakers are outlined on Brunel International's language requirements pages.
For admission via Brunel University London Pathway College, see the relevant Validated Programme Element Specification
- Further information about the programme is available from the College website.
Computer Science programmes
23. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
The aim of all undergraduate programmes offered by Department of Computer Science is primarily to equip our graduates with appropriate knowledge and skills required for their mainly commercial careers, making them highly employable. The general skills our graduates will develop are: Problem solving skills (individually and in groups) that involve model building and analysis, applying both theoretical and empirical knowledge to make choices and find solutions. Ability to make compromises to deliver appropriate solutions within the constraints imposed by the context and resources. Good communication skills that would enable them to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with clients, managers and technical colleagues. Mastery of commonly used notations and methods to reason and communicate clearly about requirements, specifications, designs and solutions. Ability to research and to critically evaluate relevant topics, ideas and issues. Capability to learn and adapt quickly to the specific techniques or approaches that an organisation uses. Responsibility for setting appropriate standards in their own work and ensuring that they have, or acquire, the relevant knowledge and skills to complete assigned tasks. Professional etiquette in their work so that they display appropriate respect for the work of others by acknowledging their contributions appropriately and respecting intellectual property rights. Specific skills for Computer Science graduates relate to the development of non-trivial software solutions to identified business problems. Therefore, our graduates should be able to: Specify, design, code, modify and test a range of non-trivial software artefacts in a contemporary programming paradigm and language using an appropriate commercial grade development environment and associated database tools. Implement useful software systems – that is satisfy the needs of their key stakeholders.
The specialised programmes aim to engender the following skills in addition to those above.
Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) programme graduates will be able to:
- Understand the nature, diversity and limitations of software artefacts (or programs) that display apparently intelligent behaviour, to understand a range of machine learning paradigms and to be able to apply them to the production of innovative and useful artefacts.
Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) programme graduates will be able to:
- Understand the nature diversity and limitations of software artefacts targeted at the entertainment market and apply their development and implementation skills to the production of such artefacts.
Computer Science (Network Computing) programme graduates will be able to:
- Display an in-depth knowledge of the challenges and ways distributed information systems work and apply their development and implementation skills to the production of such artefacts.
Computer Science (Software Engineering) programme graduates will be able to:
- Display an in-depth knowledge of the management, organisation and execution of large-scale software design and development activities including reuse and integration. Typically such activities would address a range of business needs (multiple projects), or cross organisational boundaries, or support major enterprises such as banks or the NHS or be safety or mission critical.
24. PROGRAMME AND INTERMEDIATE LEARNING OUTCOMES
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding (K) cognitive (thinking) skills (C) and other skills and attributes (S) in the following areas:
FHEQ
Level
Category (K = knowledge and understanding, C = cognitive (thinking) skills, S = other skills and attributes)
Learning Outcome Associated Assessment Blocks Code(s)
Associated Study Blocks Code(s)
Associated Modular Blocks Code(s)
K The basic properties of software artefacts: information, algorithms, programs, and common commercial system and network architectures.
CS1809_CB
CS1810_CB
CS1811_CB
CS1805_CN
CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
CS1703_SB
CS1004_CN
CS1005_CN
K System development approaches, requirements capture; design methods, models, tools and techniques; implementing and testing systems; software maintenance.
CS1809_CB
CS1810_CB
CS1811_CB
CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
CS1703_SB
CS1004_CN
CS1005_CN
K Basic appreciation of project management issues arising from team based software development.
CS1803_CB CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
K Understanding the importance of demonstrating professional and ethical behaviour.
CS1803_CB CS1701_SB
C To be able to learn and adapt quickly to the specific techniques or approaches that an organisation uses.
CS1004_CN
C To code and test a simple software artefact.
CS1809_CB
CS1810_CB
CS1811_CB
CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
CS1703_SB
CS1005_CN
S To communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with clients, managers and technical colleagues.
CS1809_CB
CS1810_CB
CS1803_CB
CS1811_CB
CS1805_CN
CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
CS1703_SB
CS1004_CN
CS1005_CN
S To work effectively as a member of a team recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.
CS1809_CB
CS1810_CB
CS1803_CB
CS1811_CB
CS1805_CN
CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
CS1703_SB
CS1004_CN
CS1005_CN
S To work independently and be able to reflect on their work.
CS1809_CB
CS1810_CB
CS1803_CB
CS1811_CB
CS1805_CN
CS1701_SB
CS1702_SB
CS1703_SB
CS1004_CN
CS1005_CN
K An in depth knowledge of computer science, algorithms, design, programming and testing techniques.
CS2004_CN
K A detailed knowledge of common system and network architectures.
CS2005_CN
K System development approaches, requirements capture; design methods, models, tools and techniques; implementing and testing systems; software maintenance.
CS2001_CB
CS2002_CN
K A reflective approach to project management issues arising from team based software development.
CS2001_CB
K Understanding the importance of demonstrating professional and ethical behaviour
CS2001_CB
K Recognising the needs of users when developing effective software solutions
CS2001_CB
CS2002_CN
CS2003_CN
C To reason and communicate clearly about requirements, specifications, designs and solutions via commonly used notations such as UML.
CS2001_CB
CS2002_CN
C To develop the ability to critique information gathered.
CS2001_CB
CS2003_CN
S To communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with clients, managers and technical colleagues.
CS2001_CB
CS2002_CN
CS2003_CN
CS2004_CN
CS2005_CN
S To work effectively as a member of a team recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.
CS2001_CB
CS2002_CN
CS2003_CN
CS2004_CN
CS2005_CN
S To work independently and be able to reflect on their work.
CS2001_CB
CS2002_CN
CS2003_CN
CS2004_CN
CS2005_CN
Placement Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structures, processes and business environment
CS2554_SB CS2555_CB
CS3005_CB
CS3002_CN
CS3003_CN
CS3004_CN
CS3005_CN
CS3009_CN
CS3072_CB
S To work independently and be able to reflect on their work.
CS3100_CN
CS3001_C
CS3609_CN
Learning/teaching strategies and methods to enable learning outcomes to be achieved, including formative assessments
Opportunities designed to aid learners in their task include a mix of lectures, small-group seminars and computer laboratory sessions across modules that comprise the degree. Throughout, learners are encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being formally taught in the classroom and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Our Departmental support on u-link provides a highly effective means of disseminating information about a range of issues relating to study. The mandatory study guide for each module expands on the module outline and offers learners not only details on the content of the module, but also guidance on issues related to assessment and time management.
A particular feature of the programme is the group projects, which provide a spine for FHEQ Levels 4 and 5. We expect groups to comprise 3-5 students supported by regular contact with a member of academic staff in traditional style tutorials. The typical project task will include requirements gathering, software development, context, communication, team working, and project management. This will integrate much of the other material in the level and deliver a synoptic view of the discipline. Thus, the group projects as will counteract the fragmentation of topics introduced by the modular nature of the degree programmes.
At FHEQ level 6 the 40-credit final year project is problem-focused, and provides learners with the opportunity to bring together the various strands of their skills, abilities and capabilities in the discipline. Formal and informal feedback on their learning and progress is provided to students creating a further opportunity for learning.
The programme level learning outcomes - to display a critical approach and to research and critically evaluate issues - get particular support from the advanced topics teaching (CS3001). This is based around a series of student researched and lead seminars on current questions and issues within the discipline.
Laboratory sessions (including those in the group project) serve both to demonstrate key tools and techniques and to provide an opportunity for learners to practise what has been learned both by way of teacher-led sessions and also by way of private study outside of these. The Department supports locally-provided and resourced computer laboratories by way of a team of computer specialists employed by the Department; computers and computer laboratories are key.
Summative assessment strategies and methods to enable learning outcomes to be demonstrated
The learning outcomes of the assessment blocks, which comprise the degree, are assessed by way of a mix of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework. In FHEQ levels 4 and 5 a significant element of the course work is associated with the group projects.
Both the examinations and the coursework test the attainment and application of knowledge; however, the coursework also serves to test the ability of learners to put theory into practice and their ability to develop particular areas of interest in greater depth. Coursework is a mixture of written reports, essays, oral presentations, and the writing/designing of computer programs.
The final year project provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their skills, abilities and capabilities across the range of discipline-specific (and other, transferable) skills.
If a student fails to engage in the advanced topics seminars (CS3001) they have not even made an effort to achieve the relevant programme level learning outcome. The assessment block, therefore, includes 0 credit Pass-Fail elements as core assessments to reflect the significance attached to appropriate engagement in the learning activities.
The Computer Science specific skills are combined cognitive and practical skills which demand that the cognitive ability is reflected in its practical application. The final year project (CS3072) is the critical assessment block for ensuring that individual learning has been drawn together in this holistic way. The specific requirement for theory (cognitive skills above) to translate into practical design and implementation skills may be assessed using in class tests based in the laboratory.
The ability to work effectively as a member of a team is developed as part of the FHEQ level 4 and 5 group projects (CS1803, CS1809 and CS1810 and CS2001). If students fail to engage in these activities there is no evidence that they have even made an effort to achieve this programme level learning outcome. Each of the relevant assessment blocks, therefore, includes 0 credit Pass- Fail elements as core assessments to reflect the significance attached to appropriate team and collegiate behaviour.
25. Programme Structure, progression and award requirements
Programme structures and features: levels, assessment blocks, credit and progression and award requirements
- Compulsory block: one which all students registered for the award are required to take as part of their programme of study. These will be listed in the left-hand column;
- Optional block: one which students choose from an ‘option range’. These will be listed in the right-hand column ;
- A core assessment is an assessment identified within an assessment block or modular block (either compulsory or optional) which must be passed (at grade D- or better) in order to be eligible to progress and to be eligible for the final award. All core assessments must be specified on the programme specification next to the appropriate assessment or modular block:
Where students are expected to pass the block at D- or better, but not necessarily all elements, then the block itself is core. e.g. AB3000 Project (40) Core: Block
Where only some elements of assessments are required to be passed at D- or better, these will be identified by listing each element that is core e.g. ABXXX1 Title (XX credits) Core: 1 & 4
Where students are expected to pass all assessments in a block then this will be identified. By setting the assessment this way, students are also required to pass the block by default. This will be identified thus: e.g. ABXXXX Title (XX credits) Core: All, Block
- A non-core assessment does not have to be passed at grade D- or better, but must be better than a grade F, in order to progress and to be eligible for the final award.
Foundation Level
Foundation Year structures are specified in the relevant Validated Programme Element Specifications. These documents also specify the progression requirements to FHEQ Level 4.
FHEQ Level 4 Compulsory assessment block codes, titles and credit
CS1809_CB Software Design (10) Core: Block
CS1810_CB Software Implementation Event (20) Core: 2, Block
CS1803_CB FHEQ Level 4 Group Project Reflection (10) Core: 2, Block
CS1811_CB Fundamental Programming Assessment (20) Core: Block
CS1805_CN Data and Information Assessment (20)
Optional assessment block codes, titles and credits
None
Compulsory study block codes, titles and credit volume
CS1701_SB FHEQ Level 4 Group Project Lectures & Tutorials (40)
CS1702_SB Introductory Programming (20)
CS1703_SB Data and Information (20)
Optional Study block codes, titles and credit volume
None
Compulsory modular block codes, titles and credits
CS1004_CN Information Systems and Organisations (20)
CS1005_CN Logic and Computation (20)
Optional modular block codes, titles and credits
None
Foundation Level 6 Compulsory assessment block codes, titles and credits
None
Optional assessment block codes, titles and credits
None
Compulsory study block codes, titles and credit volume
None
Optional study block codes, titles and credit volume
None
Compulsory modular block codes, titles and credits
CS3072_CB Computer Science Project (40) Core: Block
CS3001_C1 Advanced Topics in Computer Science (20) Core: 1
This assessment block is only part of the BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) programme. CS3002_CB Artificial intelligence (20) Core: Block
This assessment block is only part of the BSc Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) programme. CS3005_CB Digital Media and Games (20) Core: Block
This assessment block is only part of the BSc Computer Science (Network Computing) programme. CS3004_CB Network Computing (20) Core: Block
This assessment block is only part of the BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) programme. CS3003_CB Software Engineering (20) Core: Block
Optional modular block codes, titles and credits
Choose from these options to make up 120 credits:
CS3002_CN Artificial Intelligence (20)
CS3005_CN Digital Media and Games (20)
CS3004_CN Network Computing (20)
CS3003_CN Software Engineering (20)
CS3009_CN Human-Computer Interaction (20)
CS3100_CN Software Project Management (20)
CS3609_CN Cybersecurity (20)
FHEQ Level 6 Progression and Award Requirements
As per Senate Regulation 2
For BSc Computer Science with Placement, CS2555 will contribute one third of the FHEQ Level 5 profile and approximately 11% of the overall degree calculation
Please note: this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods can be found in the modular block, assessment and study block outlines and other programme and block information. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University from time to time and whenever a modification occurs.
