30 credits

This module builds upon foundational computing knowledge to develop technical competencies in networks and operating systems. You will gain understanding of the infrastructure that underpins modern digital environments, cloud services, and enterprise IT operations. The module emphasises both theoretical principles and practical implementation skills essential for professional IT practice.

Building on introductory computing concepts from Level 4, this module is delivered through integrated theoretical instruction and extensive hands-on laboratory work.

You will develop professional-level skills in network design, configuration, and management, alongside comprehensive understanding of operating system architecture, administration, and security hardening.

The module prepares you to address complex real-world challenges in enterprise IT environments and positions you for advanced study in specialised areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and systems engineering.

Teaching and learning

This module adopts a project-centred, active learning approach designed to foster technical problem-solving, critical evaluation of infrastructure solutions, and professional application of networking and systems administration principles. The teaching strategy integrates theoretical seminars with practical workshops, supported by structured independent study and comprehensive formative feedback opportunities.

Seminars introduce networking and operating systems concepts, principles, and industry best practices, whilst workshops provide hands-on experience with network configuration, system administration tasks, security implementation, and troubleshooting exercises.  

Assessment

This module will be assessed by laboratory-based coursework (60%) and a team-based network and systems integration project (40%).

30 credits

This module incorporates concepts of desirability, empathy and affect to arrive at impactful user experience design for both design and games applications. This module blends user interface design with gamification approaches to result in intuitive, immediate user experience approaches for diverse customer bases.

Working with real-time engines, 2D graphic user interfaces and 3D user environments, this module blends usability and interaction design with systems integration, game design and seamless navigation. Applying both node-based, visual programming and creative coding concepts, you will develop your own rule-based systems applications through prototyping.

Creating user personas for prospective clientele, you will consider questions of immediacy, accessibility, signage, and wayfinding, and will start to consider evaluation methods for resulting user experiences. New concepts such as machine learning, visual fidelity and immersion will be introduced.

Teaching and learning

Workshops will cover the core principles of user-experience design and practice through in-class discussions and hands-on work using real world examples.

Specific focus will be given to providing lab space/time for students to individually research and practice their own interests on a key module topic, alongside research in groups and feeding back/forward sessions as a whole class  

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a portfolio comprising of a series of creative and technical briefs completed through the module (100%).

30 credits

This professional practice-focused module gives you the opportunity to use and enhance your programming skills while experiencing how complex software projects are developed and managed in industry.

In this module, you will work in a group throughout the term to create a full-stack web application using industry-standard Agile development methodology and modern project management techniques.

You will use industry-standard tools to create designs, establish shared development environments, design a database, develop, share, test code, and finally deploy and run your applications. In this experience of the entire software development lifecycle, you will need to combine and develop your full range of technical, professional, and teamwork skills.

Each week's class is divided into individual and group work sessions.

In your individual work, you will be introduced to a new skill or technique to develop. These will include introductions to commonly used frontend and backend development frameworks, as well as ‘devOps’ and testing technologies, for example Docker and GitHub Actions, Jest unit testing and Nightwatch browser automation.

In the group session, you will review your weekly tasks and goals and hold a supportive 'standup' meeting with your lecturer to ensure the project progresses efficiently and with equal participation. You may be allocated a specialist role in your group (for example, Project Manager, Frontend Developer, DevOps Engineer, Quality Assurance specialist), but you will also build skills and experience across all these areas.

You will be expected to communicate with your group between the weekly sessions to ensure that planned work is undertaken within the required timeframe.

Groups are encouraged to create a project that serves social and environmental purposes. This requires you to explore user needs, ethical and professional issues, and security. You will establish Personal Learning Journey (PLJ) goals at the beginning of the module and maintain a PLJ journal throughout. This will prepare you for your third year and enable you to start focusing on specialist areas for your Final Year project. A professional Agile coach will conduct a masterclass of best practices in project planning and teamwork.

This module will give you ample opportunity to become familiar with industry practice and build your professional portfolio.  You will be encouraged to reflect on your experiences and understand how these can support your job applications and interviews.

Teaching and learning

You will gather technical skills in lab sessions, that build on your earlier modules and immediately apply these to the group project via carefully planned weekly tasks.

The technical skills are supported by screencasts and lab sheets so that there are easy to use resources available for you to implement the technical features required for their projects.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a group software development project (70%) and an individual reflective practice and mock interview (30%).

30 credits

In this module, you will explore how to transform complex data into meaningful and engaging narratives. You will develop the skills to interpret, visualise, and communicate data effectively using storytelling principles and data visualisation techniques.

You will learn how to apply key visual communication principles to enhance the impact of data-driven messages. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on practice, you will create your own data visualisations and infographics, tailoring them to specific audiences. You will gain experience in selecting, organising, and analysing real-world datasets to uncover insights and present them through compelling visual stories.

As you progress, you will work with industry-standard tools such as Tableau, Excel, and Adobe Illustrator, learning best practices in infographic design, interactive storytelling, and ethical data representation. You will also explore the role of generative AI in data visualisation, considering its applications, limitations, and ethical implications.

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered through a structured combination of lectures, workshops, and online learning activities to support you in developing your theoretical and practical skills in data storytelling.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a portfolio of practical tasks (30%) and an individual data storytelling project (70%).

30 credits

This module challenges you to explore how graphic design can address urgent societal issues. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, this module encourages you to use you design skills to communicate, influence, and drive positive transformation across social, environmental, political, and cultural contexts. The module also examines design evolution within historical contexts, sustainable materials, and future-proofing strategies.

You will be introduced to design thinking approaches that prioritise empathy, human-centered design, and ethical practice. You will examine systems design, and develop innovative design solutions for specific challenges, while learning the power of effective communication strategy will help them inform, persuade, and mobilise communities for social good.

This module supports you in becoming agents of change, empowering you to engage with stakeholders (clients, partners, and publics) to address issues and overcome obstacles. Social Design is framed as an ethically guided philosophy focused on enhancing the wellbeing of people, communities, and the environment. It emphasises co-design and sustainability, to identify, investigate, and solve design problems.

Teaching and learning

Lecture content deployed as appropriate will cover design theory and practice through in-class discussions via real world examples and theoretical texts.

Seminars will consist of lab-based practical work, group critical reviews, field trips and technical workshops.  

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a pitch presentation (50%) and a portfolio (50%).

30 credits

This module is designed to develop the professional skills and mindset needed to succeed in technology-related careers, alongside enhancing your research and academic skills.

Taking key emerging technologies and current professional issues within your chosen pathway as a starting point, you will define and develop your own area for enquiry. You will be supported to systematically find and analyse academic and industry research publications and review existing technical solutions relevant to your area.

You will return to key topics in professional practice, including project lifecycle management, professional frameworks, agile and traditional methodologies, technical communication, ethical and legal considerations with deeper understanding, and apply these to your own project.  You’ll also engage with global perspectives and inclusive practices relevant to your discipline.

Teaching and learning

Your learning will be active and applied. In class, you’ll participate in seminars, lab-based workshops, and project supervision sessions. Outside the classroom, you’ll conduct independent research, collaborate with peers, and use industry-standard tools such as Git, Trello, and JIRA to manage your work.  

Each week includes a four-hour teaching session, structured as:

• Interactive keynote discussion - introducing key concepts, frameworks, and professional contexts.
• Guided workshop activities - hands-on practice with tools, methods, and scenarios; individual and collaborative problem-solving.

You will begin to engage with outside stakeholders relevant to your project and apply your knowledge and skills in user research and requirements gathering.

Assessment

This module will be assessed through coursework, where you will prepare a literature review on a chosen topic (50%) and poster project proposal with a Q&A session (50%).

30 credits

This module focuses on the development and realisation of research briefs and creative challenges, with the aim of honing technical skills, showcasing and exhibiting your work across platforms, and preparing a professional portfolio. 

You explore and refine your individual creative identities while responding to briefs that align with professional practice. Through a combination of research, experimentation, and practical application, you will produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates technical expertise, conceptual depth, and creative problem-solving. The module will be supported by guest lecturers from industry professionals and visits to places of work within the creative industries.

You will engage in exercises and workshops aimed at improving the visual and narrative presentation of your work. They will refine your design projects, develop self-branding techniques, and learn how to tailor your portfolios to specific industries or design specializations.

In addition, you will learn how to communicate your design thinking and processes effectively through written and verbal communication. This module provides a supportive environment for pushing boundaries in visual storytelling, dynamic media, and communication design, ensuring you leave with a compelling portfolio that showcases your distinctive approach to specialisms such as animation, digital design, and graphic design.  

Teaching and learning

Sessions will cover the core skills and knowledge necessary to work in creative industries. This will include research and practice through in-class discussions and hands-on work using real world examples, guest speakers from industry and site visits. You will engage in collaborative and independent projects, utilising discipline-specific tools, and techniques.  

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a portfolio (30%) and a reflect report (70%).

30 credits

The Capstone Project provides you with the essential opportunity to deeply explore a subject of high personal interest, situated within the context of your overall programme of study.

You are expected to apply and synthesise your professional practice and research capabilities throughout this project. By bringing these skills together, you will conduct a substantial investigation that extends and demonstrates your practical and academic knowledge. Upon completion, you will produce a significant technical artifact alongside a detailed report.

Building on the Professional Practice in Technology module, you will be able to critically engage with current literature and established research methodologies. Using the knowledge and feedback gained from this module, you will be equipped to develop your research question or problem statement. This work will lead you to systematically evaluate relevant sources, creating a strong foundation for your investigation.

Implementing knowledge gained from the earlier module will enable you to strengthen your methodological approach and demonstrate advanced research and problem-solving skills in your capstone project. You will be able to design and implement an evidence-based solution that addresses your research question and stated objectives. The project culminates in a critical evaluation and reflection on the impact of your solution in relation to your original research goals.

You will be assigned a named individual supervisor who will provide expert guidance throughout your project. While your supervisor is key, you are strongly encouraged to access the full range of academic and research support systems available across the university to enhance your work.

Collaboration is often a feature of the Capstone Project: you may either work with external stakeholders who provide a real-world project brief, or you may have the chance to work alongside an academic, contributing directly to their ongoing research. This project is not undertaken in isolation; peer support is fundamental, and your Capstone Project is developed within a strong, supportive learning community of both staff and fellow students.

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered via three modes of study:

• On-campus sessions that help you conform to the necessary timeline and project requirements
• One-to-one feedback from a named supervisor
• Independent study

The on-campus sessions provide practical activities which directly contribute to the students’ project deliverables.

Peer support via on-campus session activities and group supervisory meetings is strongly encouraged and rewarded via digital badges in Moodle.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a feedback-feedforward and Q&A session (30%) and a report and artefact (70%).

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will be taught about how the use of computing software impacts the environment from day-to-day activity through use of business and everyday jobs. This is through the excessive use of computing software as well as the changing way that society operates. You will be encouraged to engage in debates and discussions regarding energy consumption in the use of computing software, in terms of the amount of use as well as the type of materials utilised. You will be encouraged to look at responsible innovation and software impact and the long-term effects this may have.

You will look at how the increased use of IT and computing has contributed to the significant development of globalisation in the interconnectivity and internationalisation of the job market. Discussions on how globalisation has contributed to the international development of education, technology development and the emerging market economies through operating systems and internet operations. This is also linked to their assignment in the international platform of Linked In in developing their e-portfolio.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour lab session each week with pair and group work.

There will also be a 30-minute weekly virtual task and multiple-choice quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a multiple-choice test and online portfolio.

40% - multiple choice test, which will take place online during a class.

60% - online portfolio, in this written task you will create a blog post, which reports on an individual data research and processing project. You will also create a LinkedIn profile and subject weekly learning journal entries.

30 credits

This module focuses on how to solve problems via program development. The module initially builds your understanding of logic, before teaching you how to develop algorithms. The latter half of the module focuses on programming using a Visual Programming Language (VPL) such as Android App Inventor or Google’s Blockly. The module ends with a discussion on the limits of computation, including data representation and physical limitations.

You will be taught about how the use of computing software impacts the environment from day-to-day activity through use of business and everyday jobs. This is through the excessive use of computing software as well as the changing way that society operates. You will be encouraged to engage in debates and discussions regarding energy consumption in the use of computing software, in terms of amount of use as well as type of materials utilised. You will look at responsible innovation and software impact and the long-term effects this may have.

The module explores how advancements in computing and IT have accelerated globalisation by enhancing interconnectivity, transforming industries, and expanding access to information. You will examine the role of computational thinking and problem-solving in a global context, including the impact of software development, and automation on international markets. Discussions will focus on how programming and algorithm design contribute to technological advancements, remote collaboration, and the evolving global job market. Additionally, you will be able to engage with international computing standards and digital platforms, such as LinkedIn, to develop your profile and understand the significance of global networking in the technology sector.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour lab session each week with pair and group work.

There will also be a 30-minute weekly virtual task and multiple-choice quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using programming coursework and a class test.

60% - coursework, you will design a simple algorithm to solve a problem using flowcharts and pseudocode.

40% - class test, you will construct a program to solve using a Visual Programming Language.