Programme details
Basic programme information: A00000750
Awarding
institution: NTU
School/Campus:
Science and
Technology/Clifton
Final award: Master of
Science
Programme title: Information
Technology
Modes of study: Full-time according to Funding
Council definitions*.
Programme duration: 12 Months FT
UCAS
code:
Overview
The
MSc in Information Technology is an exciting new programme jointly
developed by Nottingham Trent University (Nottingham, UK), 7th
October University (Misurata, Libya) and the Higher Institute of
Industry (Misurata, Libya). Capitalising on the strengths of the
three institutions, the overall aim of the programme is to provide
you with a specialist Masters level education in the theory and
practice of information technology; thus preparing you for a career
in an IT related area either in an academic institution, a research
institute or in the industrial/business sector.
During the
programme you will gain experience in the analysis, design and
development of software solutions relevant to a wide range of IT
applications in industry and business. Through project-based
learning, you will acquire knowledge and skills in the use of
suitable programming languages and their development environments
for the production of effective and efficient software solutions. A
feature of this programme is that it combines the process management
and computing aspects of Information Systems. You will have an
opportunity to learn how to optimize the information flow between
processes and how to critically analyze the impact of deploying
information systems to support organisational and business
processes.
You will have further opportunity to develop
greater subject specialism through case studies and two extended
research projects. This will develop your abilities to plan research
projects, apply effective data analysis skills to your results, and
to communicate your findings in an articulate and professional
manner. The programme also offers you the opportunity to study
applications of the latest IT technology to real problems in the
industrial/business sector.
Overall the programme will equip
you with the necessary research skills to be an independent learner
who can critically analyze the requirements to engineer an
innovative IT solution.
The programme is jointly delivered
by Nottingham Trent University (NTU), 7th October University (7OU)
and the Higher Institute of Industry (HII). It is aimed at Libyan
students wanting an international experience and a joint UK/Libya
qualification. The programme duration is 18 months (including a
summer break) organised into 3 stages; the first stage of the
programme (September ¿ December) is delivered in Misurata, the
second stage (January ¿ June) in Nottingham and the third stage
(October-January) in Misurata.
On joining the programme, you
will initially enrol for a 7OU MSc award and will be subject to 7OU
regulations. Towards the end of the first stage of the programme,
you will be considered for transfer to the joint degree. To qualify
for progression to Stage 2 at NTU, you will need to have achieved a
satisfactory standard in Stage 1 and demonstrate an appropriate
level of English language. You will normally be interviewed by the
NTU representatives who will provide information about studying at
NTU to give you the opportunity to make an informed choice about
transferring to the joint degree.
Once transferred, you will
also enrol for a NTU award from January (i.e. you will now be
enrolled for both 7OU and NTU awards) and will be subject to NTU
regulations from this point onwards. You will be allowed to progress
to Stage 3 on your return to Libya after completing stage 2 at
NTU.
On completion of the programme you will have developed a
degree of self-confidence and technical competence to enable you to
seek employment in a variety of computing and IT related industries.
Alternatively, you would be fully equipped to embark on an IT
related PhD level research degree programme of study.
Programme outcomes
Programme Outcomes describe what
you should know and be able to do by the end of your programme if
you take advantage of the opportunities for learning that we
provide
Knowledge and understanding
P1. Demonstrate advanced
understanding of software implementation principles in a variety of
contexts relevant to the production of industrial/business
systems.
P2. Use knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies to
maximise the transparency of exposing application services to
customers through Internet-based and wireless portals.
P3. Demonstrate an understanding of research methodologies and
apply them to the utilisation of innovative semantic representation
of knowledge and data mining techniques to perform more intelligent
reasoning of the information held in conventional databases.
P4. Be able to study the overheads associated with providing a
high-level interface to heterogeneous Enterprise applications and
with wrapping traditional information systems with intelligent data
mining techniques.
Skills, qualities and attributes
P5. Be innovative in the use of a
broad range of IT tools and techniques as applied in
industrial/entreprise application integration and planning.
P6. Synthesise and critically appraise ideas from a wide variety
of sources.
P7.Generate ideas for new products and develop and evaluate a
range of new solutions.
P8.Communicate ideas, concepts, plans and designs, using a
variety of approaches including writing, oral and computer based
presentations.
P9.Undertake technical roles within a team and exercise
leadership.
P10.Learn independently to expand on the knowledge and
understanding developed during the course.
Teaching and learning methods
In planning the programme, we
have used an outcome based approach, which incorporates the
experience that has been developed at the partner
universities/institute over a number of years based on feedback,
review and reflection. The purpose is to create a student centred
learning environment and teaching and learning methods are selected
to facilitate student engagement in activities that are appropriate
to the outcomes.
Reflecting the relative maturity of
postgraduate students, your teaching and learning is designed to
enable independent learning. The majority of taught modules will be
centred on lectures supported by seminars, workshops and
laboratories to provide a significant knowledge resource. You will
be able to apply this knowledge through case study and project work.
The various teaching methods are:
- lectures to
introduce and develop concepts and to explore the application of
these concepts;
- workshops and laboratories to develop
skills and appreciate concepts;
- seminars to provide
academic support;
- case study and project work to develop a
deeper understanding of concepts and
applications.
Comprehensive teaching material will be
available to support the learning process utilising the World Wide
Web and e-learning where applicable. Nottingham Trent University's
Virtual Learning Portal (VLP), which can be accessed remotely, will
be available to you as a learning resource and for communication
between yourself and staff. The teaching material will typically
comprise of written information, recommended reading, tutorial
questions, self-assessment tests, computer based learning and
teaching instructions.
The two in-depth IT related research
projects will integrate the knowledge base of the taught modules to
enable highly-specialised knowledge and research skills to be
developed. The research projects can be linked or individual
activities.
The first research project is carried out at
Nottingham Trent University during Stage 2 of the programme under
individual supervision of a member of staff. The second research
project is carried out at 7th October University/Higher Institute of
Industry (7OU/HII) during the final stage of the programme. You will
be provided with detailed guidance on how to complete the projects
successfully, the milestones that must be achieved and the
timescales involved.
English language training will be
provided at Stage 1 of the programme by 7OU/HII. English language
support will be provided where appropriate at Stage 2 by Nottingham
Trent University to enhance your learning experience and to improve
your presentation skills. English language support will continue to
be provided where appropriate at Stage 3 by 7OU/HII to improve your
presentation skills.
Assessment methods
The programme uses a
variety of methods of assessment to ensure that you can demonstrate
the range of higher-level learning outcomes. Subject knowledge and
understanding is tested through coursework reports, while the skills
to apply principles and techniques are assessed through assignments
and case studies. These also assess a range of transferable skills
including competence in written communication and oral
presentations. You will receive advice and training on data analysis
and presentation skills throughout the taught
modules.
Simulated problems are used in case studies to
assess problem solving skills and creativity in design solutions.
Laboratory/workshops are used to develop a range of
practical skills and those outcomes associated with hypothesis
testing, data capture and interpretation. Typical assessments
include coursework reports and presentations.
The research
projects will involve the design, implementation and reporting of a
defined research task. Unlike the taught modules, the emphasis is on
developing individual research and technical skills as well as
self-organisational skills. You will communicate your findings in
the form of theses and orally.
You will be assessed in each
module in a manner consistent with the aims, objectives and learning
outcomes of the module. Assessed work will take one or more of the
following forms:
- Research Project thesis
This
tests your ability to design and implement a research programme, and
communicate the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive
thesis, written in an appropriate scientific style.
-
Written assignment
This tests your writing skills. You are
expected to consider the IT problems of the assignment topic and the
way in which they have been resolved; this must be fully referenced
from the current literature.
- Oral presentation
This assesses your oral communication skills. You will be
assessed on your ability to communicate cogently using appropriate
visual aids. You will also be assessed on your ability to answer
questions with knowledge and authority.
- Laboratory
report
This may take the form of a short report (laboratory
file) or a long report (formal report) with extensive data analysis
and interpretation.
The assessment schedule for the programme
is summarised below.
Module/Credit
Points/Location
Software Engineering: * 15 CP,
7OU/HII
Internet Programming: * 15 CP, 7OU/HII
Analysis and
Design of Databases: * 15 CP, 7OU/HII
Data Mining: 15 CP,
7OU/HII
Applied Industrial Process Control: 20 CP,
NTU
Computer Architecture: 20 CP, NTU
Software Engineering
for Application Design: 20 CP, NTU
Enterprise Computing: 20 CP,
NTU
Intelligent Business Systems: 20 CP, NTU
Research Project
1: 30 CP, NTU
Research Project 2: 30 CP, 7OU/HII
*
Accredited Prior Learning (APL) will be applied to these
modules.
Programme structure and curriculum
Initially you will be recruited to
the 7OU MSc in Information Technology starting at the beginning of
the academic year and will enrol for a 7OU MSc award at Stage 1. The
formal start of the joint programme begins at the start of Stage 2
at NTU where you will stay for six months (January - June) studying
modules totalling 90 credits. The third stage (October - January) is
in Libya.
We have chosen the modules so that the programme
outcomes are developed. What we term a 'Curriculum Map' is available
should you wish to see how the programme outcomes and modules
interrelate.
You will follow the programme structure/pattern
of delivery as summarised below.
Stage 1
7OU
Award
Location: 7OU/HII
Total: 45 credits
September -
December
(15 weeks)
- Software Engineering - (15 cp, core)
- Internet Programming - (15 cp, core)
- Analysis and Design
of databases - (15 cp, core)
- English Language Training
(supplementary)
Stage 2
Joint 7OU/NTU award
Location:
NTU
Total: 90 Credits
January - June
(23 weeks)
Choose 3
from 5
- Applied Industrial Process Control - (20 cp, optional)
- Computer Architecture - (20 cp, optional)
- Software
Engineering for Application design - (20 cp, optional)
-
Enterprise Computing - (20 cp, optional)
- Intelligent Business
systems - (20 cp, optional)
- Research Project 1 - (30 cp,
core)
Stage 3
Joint 7OU/NTU award
Location
7OU/HII
Total 45 credits
October - January
(15
weeks)
- Data Mining - (15 cp, core)
- Research Project 2
- (30 cp, core)
Admission to the programme
Jointly developed by
Nottingham Trent University, 7th October University and the Higher
Institute of Industry, the MSc in Information Technology intends to
attract highly motivated and committed Libyan students who are
seeking to gain advanced IT skills, an international experience and
a joint UK/Libya qualification. You will need to have a good
academic qualification and a good command of spoken and written
English to join the programme.
You will only be admitted to
this programme after achieving a satisfactory standard in Stage 1.
To qualify for transfer to Stage 2 of the programme, you must
satisfy two conditions (a) and (b) listed below.
Condition
(a)
You should hold
- a good Libyan bachelor degree
(minimum 4 year duration) in an IT related
discipline;
or
- a good UK bachelor degree with
honours or equivalent in an IT related discipline.
Condition
(b)
You will need to have an English language qualification,
normally IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
This requirement can be
waived if you can demonstrate (supported by evidence) that you have
sufficient written and oral language skills to succeed on the
course. Likely forms of evidence are:
- Your assessed written
work from Stage One (or an equivalent course taught and assessed in
the English language at University level).
- A report from
your English language teacher, together with any previous passes in
English language.
- An interview with one or more authorised
NTU representatives.
Selection is by application form,
supported by documentary evidence of academic qualifications and
references. You will also be interviewed by a NTU
representative.
An important consideration is the extent to
which you will succeed on the programme and benefit from
it.
Support for learning
You will receive considerable
support throughout this programme from administrative staff, the
academics on the teaching team and the Programme Leaders at both 7th
October University/Higher Institute of Industry and Nottingham
Trent. You will have Project Supervisors who will give you guidance
on all aspects of your research projects. The universities/institute
also have many support mechanisms to deal with non-academic
problems.
When you enrol on the programme, you will receive
a programme handbook that provides all the essential information
about the programme and the support we provide for your learning.
Detailed guidance is also provided for each module.
The
Programme Leaders, who are responsible for the day-to-day operation
of the programme, oversee all students enrolled on the programme.
Additionally, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at each partner
university/institute who is accessible on an individual basis
throughout your time on the programme.
The library and other
learning resources (equipment/IT) are continually updated to ensure
they are fit for purpose.
NTU central student Support
Services offers a range of general, specialist and professional
support services for students.
Graduate destinations/employability
There is a wide
range of career opportunities within information technology in
Libya. At the completion of the programme, you will have developed,
in addition to technical skills, many transferable skills that will
make you more attractive to potential employers. The Research
Projects will give you the skills you need to follow a career in
research and development.
Some graduates choose to venture
into other sectors - such as management or financial forecasting -
where they are likely to be equally successful in gaining employment
because of the transferable skills gained on the programme. Other
graduates go on to study for a PhD.
NTU Careers Service
offers sessions on CV writing, presentation and interview techniques
to all students.
Programme standards and quality
The Programme Teams at 7OU/HII and
NTU assume day-to-day responsibility for managing the programme. All
aspects of the design and delivery of the programme are under the
direction of the Programme Committees. You will be represented on
this committee by a student representative, elected by the students.
You may wish to stand for election. Student feedback is collected on
each module and discussed in an annual Module Leader's Report. These
reports are discussed at the annual Programme Monitoring Committee
and used in the preparation of the Programme Standards and Quality
Report. This is prepared annually, and concerns the overall quality
of your experience on the programme. It is considered by the partner
universities/institute and any issues arising are actioned and
responses reported back. In the case of NTU, the report will be
considered by the School Academic Standards and Quality
Committee.
Other methods for ensuring the standards and
quality of the course include:
-The External Examiner report
on the standards and quality of the programme, submitted
annually.
-The incorporation of the QAA descriptors for a
qualification at Masters (M) level in the fomulation of the
programme learning outcomes.
-NTU was the subject of a
successful institutional audit by the Quality Assurance Agency in
May 2004.
-NTU was also the subject of a successful audit of
its collaborative provision by the Quality Assurance Agency in March
2006.
An important measure of quality is the feedback you
receive on your work. The Programme Teams will ensure that you
receive appropriate feedback on all your
assignments.
Assessment regulations
This programme is subject to the
University's Common Assessment Regulations (located in it's Academic
Standards and Quality Handbook). Any programme-specific assessment
features are described below:
This
programme is subject to the Nottingham Trent University's Common
Assessment Regulations (located in its Academic Standards and
Quality Handbook).
The pass mark for each module is
50%.
If you achieve an overall aggregate mark
of:
50-59%, you will be awarded the MSc;
60-69%, you
will be awarded the MSc with Commendation;
70% or above, you
will awarded the MSc with Distinction.
Additional information
