BSc Applied Computing

Programme Specification Page 1
Date of approval of amendments:
Academic Partnerships Version 1 (2013-14)
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title: BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Level 6 Top Up)
Partner Institution: Bridgwater College.
Start Date: Sept 2014.
First Date of Award: July 2015 Full Time Route, July 2016 Part Time Route.
Date(s) of Revision(s) to this Document:
Contents
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION ..................................................................................................... 2
PS1. Programme Details............................................................................................................. 2
PS2. Brief Description of the Programme ................................................................................... 2
PS3. Details of Accreditation by a Professional/Statutory Body (if appropriate) ......................... 3
PS4. Exceptions to Plymouth University Regulations ................................................................. 3
PS5. Programme Aims................................................................................................................ 3
PS6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) ................................................................ 3
PS7. Distinctive Features ............................................................................................................ 4
PS8. Student Numbers................................................................................................................ 4
PS9. Progression Route(s).......................................................................................................... 5
PS10. Admissions Criteria............................................................................................................. 5
PS11. Academic Standards and Quality Enhancement ................................................................ 6
PS12. Programme Structure ......................................................................................................... 7
PS13. Exposition and Mapping of Learning Outcomes, Teaching & Learning and Assessment .. 8
PS14. Work Based/Related Learning.......................................................................................... 12

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PS1. Programme Details
Awarding Institution: Plymouth University
Teaching Institution: Bridgwater College
Accrediting Body: N/A
Language of Study: English
Mode of Study: Full-time, Part-time
Final Award: BSc (Hons) Applied Computing
Intermediate Award: None
Programme Title: BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Level 6 Top Up)
UCAS Code: G410
JACS Code: I100
Benchmarks: QAA Subject benchmark statement: Computing – 2008
The framework for higher education qualifications in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) – 2007
Date of Programme Approval: 20th February 2014
PS2. Brief Description of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Level 6 Top Up) programme enables students who
have completed a QCF HND in Computing and Systems Development at Bridgwater College
to progress to a full BSc Honours Degree. It provides students with the knowledge to
appreciate on-going developments in computing, and to offer them an opportunity to
maximise their career prospects. The focus is on practical research and project-related skills,
as well as the examination of new and developing technologies and applications in
computing.
Following a structured course of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials; and coupled
with independent research students will be able to consider and develop their own practice
with a view of progressing into the computing industry.
The BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Level 6 Top Up) programme focuses on developing
skills relevant to the modern computing industry and environment, as it aims to produce
graduates that have a portfolio of competencies both technical and professional. There is a
mixture of theory and practice across a wide range of topics including programming

languages, e-commerce, data analysis, and professional conduct making this a rewarding
and relevant course as it supports the career aspirations of its learners and serves the
identified needs of potential employers. The programme aims to embed and promote an
ethos of continuous professional development and one that graduates take with them and
pursue in their future, be that employment or further participation in lifelong learning.
PS3. Details of Accreditation by a Professional/Statutory
Body (if appropriate)
Not applicable.
PS4. Exceptions to Plymouth University Regulations
(Note: Plymouth University’s Academic Regulations are available internally on the intranet:
https://staff.plymouth.ac.uk//extexam/academicregs/intranet.htm )
None.
PS5. Programme Aims
The programme will deliver:
1. The development of software systems, combining this core competence with skills
development in understanding the advance of technology and market forces ensuring
these systems can be implemented offering societies and economies graduates that
can contribute to any enterprise by designing, creating, enhancing and maintaining
relevant systems.
2. A progression to Honours level for level 5 learners able to demonstrate a capability
and potential to achieve this. Achieved through development of competence in
software development and development of the awareness of the leading edge of the
field following critical appraisal.
3. An understanding of the depth and breadth of the sector and an ability to operate
across these domains coping with the high-level demands of very complex projects.
4. An ability to operate in the broadest sense but also operate in very narrow specialist
areas at considerable depth is embedded in the learners skill set.
PS6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

By the end of this programme the student will be able to:5
1. Work to professional standards both independently and as a team, to make critical
judgement and solve complex, unstructured problems.
2. Apply personal, professional and interpersonal skills to the IT environment and
critically reflect on own performance and that of others to identify strategies to
improve.
3. Critically analyse and apply the processes, practises and technologies associated
with E-Commerce deployment; whilst considering the impact of legal, ethical and
social issues.
4. Employ skills, technologies, and data analysis practices to plan and implement
business intelligence systems in support of decision-making.
5. Use problem solving skills to design, implement and document solutions in a range of
programming paradigms to solve a given problem.
PS7. Distinctive Features
 A progression route to honours level study for Higher National Diploma or Foundation
Degree graduates, with the social and economic benefits of studying locally.
 Delivered at an outstanding institution, externally recognised for the quality of
teaching, learning and assessment.
 Effective working relationships with employers who provide live, industrial strength
projects which aids awareness of industry developments.
 Supportive and thorough professional and academic development with a low staff to
student ratio meaning smaller groups allowing for more one to one contact and
support.
 Diverse assessment methods provide learners the opportunity to demonstrate their
abilities and reach their full potential, in different environments and the low staff-to-
student ratio means smaller groups, allowing for more one-to-one contact and
support.
PS8. Student Numbers
The following provides information that should act as a guide to assure the quality of the
student experience, progression opportunities, and staff and resource planning:
Approximate minimum student numbers per stage = 10
Target student numbers per stage = 15
Approximate maximum student numbers per stage = 20

PS9. Progression Route(s)
Approved ‘progression route(s)’ are those where successful achievement on a programme
enables a student to progress onto a stage of another Plymouth University programme.
On successfully completion of the programme learners can progress onto post graduate
study, subject to meeting the relevant institution’s entry criteria and a successful approval
process, and other continued lifelong learning.
PS10. Admissions Criteria
Qualification(s) Required for Entry to this
Programme:
Details:
Level 2:
- Key Skills requirement / Higher Level
Diploma:
Numeracy and Literacy
and/or
- GCSEs required at Grade C or above: English and Maths
Level 3: at least one of the following:
- A Levels required to meet
AS/A2/UCAS Points Tariff:
Not Applicable
- Advanced Level Diploma: Not Applicable
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma: Not Applicable
- HNC/D:
QCF HND in Computing & Systems
Development Grade: Merit from Bridgwater
College
- VDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS: Not Applicable
- Access to HE or Year 0 provision: Not Applicable
- International Baccalaureate: Not Applicable
- Irish / Scottish Highers / Advanced
Highers:
Not Applicable
Work Experience: Not Applicable
Other non-standard awards or
experiences:
Successful completion of the Academic
Study Skills bridging module, in the three
weeks prior to enrolling on the programme
This programme is a stand-alone L6 award
and other applicants will be considered on an
individual basis.
APEL / APCL1
possibilities: Any application for APEL/APCL will be
1
Accredited Prior Experiential Learning and Accredited Prior Certificated Learning

considered under Plymouth University
regulations.
Interview / Portfolio requirements:
Interviews MAY be required by the
admissions tutor to assess pre-requisite
knowledge. This will include identifying
experience and qualifications in:
 Professional Development Planning
 Programming
 Web Technologies
 Database Management Systems2
Independent Safeguarding Agency (ISA) /
Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) clearance
required:
As appropriate, for anyone who is required to
undertake work placements where they are
working with children or vulnerable adults
PS11. Academic Standards and Quality Enhancement
The programme will follow Plymouth University’s current annual monitoring process for
partnership programmes to complete evaluation of and planning for maintaining and
improving quality and standards.
Elements of this process include engaging with stakeholders. For this definitive document it
is important to define:
Subject External Examiner(s): all modules are parented by this programme and therefore
covered by this programme's external examiner.3 External Examiners being sought with Dr
Siraj Shaikh, Reader Department of Computing, University of Coventry as preferred EE. .4
Additional stakeholders specific to this programme: Students on programme, graduates
from the programme now in employment and in recent active engagement or communication
with the programme team, employers providing live projects (varies according to current
circumstances).5
2
Enter: “interviews MAY be required by the admissions tutor” or “ALL applicants are to be interviewed”
3
Enter: “all modules are parented by this programme and therefore covered by this programme’s
external examiner” or “the following modules are parented by other programmes, as detailed, and
therefore covered by the respective external examiners [then add details]”
4
Enter: “all modules are parented by this programme and therefore covered by this programme’s
external examiner” or “the following modules are parented by other programmes, as detailed, and
therefore covered by the respective external examiners [then add details]”
5
i.e. students, graduates, employers, academic communities etc

PS12. Programme Structure
The following provides the current structure diagram for this programme. It enables both full time and part time routes to be compared within a
single diagram as well as any optional modules to be clearly indicated.
FHEQ Level: 6 For: BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Level 6 Top Up)
F/T Route Year6
P/T Route
YearError! Bookmark not
defined.
Delivery Core or Option Module7
Credits8
Module9
1 2 All Year Core 40 BRID3301 Individual Project
1 1 All Year Core 20 BRID3302 IT Professional
1 1 All Year Core 20 BRID3303 E-Commerce
1 1 All Year Core 20 BRID3304 Programming Languages
1 2 All Year Core 20 BRID3305 Business Analytics
6
Enter: “1, 2, 3, 4 or No F/T (or P/T) Route”
7
Enter: “Core, Option Any Mix, Option Choice A, Option Choice B, Option Choice C, Option Choice D or Option Choice E (please ensure options are
identified in a linked fashion)”
8
Enter: “10 Autumn, 10 Spring, 20, 30 or 40 (10 credit modules are an exception to Plymouth University regulations)”
9
Enter: the module code and title

PS13. Exposition and Mapping of Learning Outcomes, Teaching & Learning and Assessment
Developing graduate attributes and skills, at any level of HE, is dependent on the clarity of strategies and methods for identifying the attributes
and skills relevant to the programme and the where and how these are operationalized. The interrelated factors of Teaching, Learning and
Assessment and how these are inclusive in nature are fundamentally significant to these strategies and methods, as are where and how these
are specifically distributed within the programme.
Ordered by graduate attributes and skills, the following table provides a map of the above plus an exposition to describe and explain the ideas
and strategy of each. Therefore, subsequent to the initial completion for approval, maintenance of this table as and when programme structure
changes occur is also important:
Level: 6
Definitions of Graduate Attributes and
Skills Relevant to this Programme
Teaching and Learning
Strategy / Methods
Prog Aims
Prog
intended
Learning
Outcomes
Range of
Assessments
Related
Core
Modules
Knowledge / Understanding:
For this bachelor level programme the following
has been guided by the QAA Honours Degree
Subject Benchmark(s). 10
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationA
ndGuidance/Documents/computing07.pdf.11
By the end of this level of this programme the
students will be able to demonstrate for:
A threshold pass: A basic knowledge and
understanding of the computing industry, its
practices and relevant theories. Sufficient
Primary:
Lecture, tutorials/workshops,
seminars, guided independent
study, reflective practice
Secondary/Supplementary:
1,3 & 4 1,3,4
Coursework
BRID3301 C1
BRID3303 C1
BRID3304 C1
BRID3305 C1
BRID3301
BRID3303
BRID3304
BRID3305
10
Enter: “For this sub-bachelor level programme the following has been informed by the Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark (FDQB), as well as
QAA Subject Benchmark(s)” or “For this bachelor level programme the following has been guided by the QAA Honours Degree Subject Benchmark(s)” or “For
this post-graduate taught level programme the following is guided by the QAA Master’s Degree Level Subject Benchmark(s)”
11
Insert benchmark(s) statement reference

knowledge of computing system development
and professional practice to ensure a competent
realisation of intentions to obtain a Pass grade
of 40% or higher in each module as a
demonstration of this. Additionally, see QAA
Subject Benchmark Statement section 6.3 page
11.
reflective practice, blended
learning Practice
BRID3301 P1
BRID3303 P1
BRID3304 P1
Examinations
An exposition for embedding Knowledge and Understanding through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:
This level of the programme will embed a broad knowledge and understanding through a variety of teaching, learning and assessment approaches as
mentioned above and in module specifications. These will provide a broad knowledge of the computing industry, key critical and contextual enquiry, technical
resources and practical solution development as well as an understanding and development of students’ own professional development and employability.
Talks, and visits from and to employers is promoted to contextualise the knowledge being developed, system demonstrations are undertaken, analysed by
students and discussed with employers which embedded relevance to the knowledge topics.
.
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills:
Subject Benchmark(s).
ndGuidance/Documents/computing07.pdf.
A threshold pass: The application of cognitive
skills to practical coursework to realise a
computing solution or provide a practical
response to a specified computing problem.
Knowledge of the computing industry, both
historic and contemporary through critical and
contextual investigation and investigate
theoretical perspectives. Overall, have
completed all modules with a Pass grade of
40% or higher in each as a demonstration of
this.
Primary:
learning 1, 2, 3 & 4 1, 3, 4 & 5
Coursework
BRID3301 C1
BRID3303 C1
BRID3304 C1
BRID3305 C1
Practice
BRID3302 P1
BRID3304 P1
Examinations
BRID3301
BRID3302
BRID3303
BRID3304
BRID3305
An exposition for embedding Cognitive and Intellectual Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:

Following an induction and introduction to study skills and practices within the first term via induction and the bridging academic study skills perquisite
module, the programme at Level 6 enables students to develop intellectual skills through taught delivery and independent study and research to be able to
investigate topics and realise informed critical coursework delivery. Level 6 enables the preparation of autonomous learning and a questioning approach to
the subject, developed via individual learning and peer discussion. Lectures and seminars enable this to be tested and stretched, but emphasis is on an
increasing development of the student’s own cognitive and intellectual development and application outside the classroom via independent research
facilitated through various media including the College’s VLE. Engagement with employers on a professional level through reviews of employer systems and
discussion of business problems enhances the students conceptual thinking and develops intelligence of modern systems an current issues.
Key Transferable Skills:
A threshold pass: The acquisition of study skills,
team working, communication and
organisational skills whilst undertaking the
various modules, will be evidenced by the
achievement of outcomes and the gaining of at
least a 40% pass grade in each relevant
module..
Primary:
learning
2 & 3 1, 2, 4 & 5
Coursework
BRID3302 C1
Practice
BRID3301 P1
BRID3302 P1
Examinations.
BRID3301
BRID3302
An exposition for embedding Key Transferable Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:
With the programme being a balance between practical and theoretical development involving the delivery of practical solutions to briefs set by both the
lecturers and clients externally, the evidence and growth of transferrable skills during Level 6 is encouraged by taught input, but fully realised through practice
in development and implementation of solutions to computing problems, group work, independent study, and reflection through peer and self assessment.
Employment Related Skills:

A threshold pass: The completion a live
employer project in the framework expected
according within the IT Professional module to
contribute to positive impact for an organisation.
The competent use of professional practices to
realise practical outcomes in media and achieve
a 40% Pass grade in each module. .
Primary:
learning
2, 3 & 4 1, 2 & 5
Practice
BRID3301 P1
BRID3302 P1
Examinations
BRID3301
BRID3302
An exposition for embedding Employment Related Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:
To provide a truly vocational experience and to enable the students to effectively understand the industry; engagement with employers and communities is
undertaken early in the year to aid identification and development of employability skills on an individualised basis. Lecturers liaise with industry and students
have seminars and workshops facilitated by a number of local organisations but often through independently working with their project sponsor. Tours of
employer premises and reviews of current systems allows for relationships to be developed between the students and the employer, which confirms for the
student the relevance and value of the modules being undertaken and allows the employer to confirm the talent pool available during and on completion of
the programme, an example being the part-time employment secured by a current BSc student as a result of an employer talk, visit to premises and a review
of the systems and associated issues. The development of employability skills relates to the model outlines in the UCLAN Employability paper as key
elements of the CareerEDGE model are reflected in the exposure to employers through professional conversations relating to projects and the IT Professional
and Project modules that support reflection and the use of a PDP to further career aspirations.
Practical Skills:
A threshold pass: Competent usage of a range
of computing technologies to realise positive
impact on solutions to a basic level to achieve a
Pass grade..
Primary:
learning
1 & 4 1,3,4 & 5
Coursework
BRID3301 C1
BRID3305 C1
Practice
BRID3303 P1
BRID3301
BRID3303
BRID3304
BRID3305

BRID3304 P1
Examinations
An exposition for embedding Practical Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:
The programme seeks to ensure students can enter employment with a skill set and competence level that will have students making positive contributions to
the development of the organisation that they enter. Therefore, the intention with teaching and learning is to provide a broad skills base early on that focusses
on developing practical problem solving skills with a customer focussed approach. A degree of autonomy is promoted enabling them to effective problem
solve and further enhancing their ability to work in a professional capacity supporting continued professional development and participation in lifelong learning
PS14. Work Based/Related Learning
There should be an employability focus for all HE programmes, through at least Work Related Learning. Therefore, the following section is
applicable to all programmes:
Level: 6
WBL/WRL Activity: Logistics Prog Aim Prog Intended LO
Range of
Assessments
Related Core
Module(s)
Industrial project
Students work closely
with project
supervisor and
employer project
sponsor to develop
an industrial strength
software
development project.
1-4 1, 2
Project
documentation and
presentation
BRID3301
Industry standard
research paper and
presentation
BCS Code of
Conduct and Code of
Good Practice
delivered to students,
1-4 1, 2
Research Paper and
presentation
BRID3302

who work in groups to
produce professional
research papers and
presentation
Industry standard e-
commerce proposal
and prototype
E-commerce
processes and
practices delivered to
students, who
develop an industry
standard proposal,
once approved an
industry standard
prototype.
1-4 1, 2, 3
E-commerce
proposal and
prototype
BRID3303
An exposition to explain this map:
This mapping of work-related learning into and across Level 6 is an integral element of both the practical module deliverables and the students’ own
development. Work-related learning happens from the immediate start with expectation of students to acquire a project sponsor although if securing a suitable
sponsor proves difficult a vocational scenario of suitable complexity would be agreed to ensure all learners develop the required work-related competencies.
The development of a project proposal at this stage, sets out the scope of the software development activity and student awareness of the range of
complexity required to deliver a solution at this level. The process of acquiring work-related learning is taken in conjunction with teaching staff, though onus is
initially on the student to find a relevant and stretching project from a suitable employer sponsor. The expectation is that students start to develop
professional conversations with employers and engage in developing solutions that meet specific requirements, all of which can be achieved through a
vocational scenario although added value is derived from employer sponsors. Throughout the programme the students learn to work as a team, a common
requirement in the computing industry and accumulation of this is the submission of the research paper and delivery of the professional standard
presentation.

PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY MODULE RECORD

BSc Applied Computing

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