Name of Programme
Graduate Diploma Computing
Final Award
GDip
Location
mini´«Ã½
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of mini´«Ã½
Teaching Institution
University Of mini´«Ã½
School of Study
School of Computing
Programme Code(s)
PDIF1PCO / Full Time / 1 Year
Professional Body Accreditation
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
QAA SBS: Computing (2022)
Admission Criteria
First Degree with a Second Class Upper Division (2i) IELTS 6.5
Applicable Cohort(s)
January 2024
FHEQ Level
6
UCAS Code
Summary of Programme
This programme of study is intended primarily for graduates from any non-computing background to obtain fundamental knowledge and understanding, and gain practical skills on a range of core subjects in Computing.
Educational Aims of the Programme
Digital and technology solutions lie at the heart of modern societies and industries of the future. They include hardware, software, data networks, tools, frameworks, and standards that provide the technological ecosystem on which the delivery of information services is based. Multinational corporations, small to large businesses, charities and public sector organisations are using data and digital technologies to transform the products and services they offer, and to optimise their internal business processes.

Software is now considered to be a complex engineering product that requires a professional, systematic, collaborative and an interdisciplinary approach to design and develop. Thus, knowledge and understanding of software development processes, tools and techniques, as well as practical skills to implement such products are much sought-after within many sectors of the economy.

This programme is designed to equip graduates from a non-computing background who wish to pursue a career in IT. Successful graduates may use this qualification to enhance their careers in their own areas of speciality with the added benefit of understanding, awareness and skills of IT and Computing. The programme can also serve as a pre-requisite for advanced master programmes in Computing at mini´«Ã½.
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme students should be able to gain knowledge and understanding in:
1. Roles of computer-based systems and digital solutions in the wider historical, social, economic, political and environmental context
2. Essential fundamental facts, concepts, theories, principles and methodologies of computing
3. Problem solving and computer programming together with relevant techniques, algorithms, mathematical structures and concepts
4. Use of the theoretical knowledge, software development processes, methods and tools in analysing, modelling, designing, implementing, testing, and deploying usable, secure, inclusive and sustainable digital and technology solutions to meet specific requirements
5. Use of appropriate management techniques and tools for the successful development of software products within agreed time, budget and quality requirements
6. Ethical, professional, social, legal, commercial, security, safety and sustainability issues in developing and exploiting computing technology in practice
7. Techniques and frameworks for developing web applications
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Teaching/Learning Strategy

The principle of progressive disclosure is adopted for classroom-based teaching. Reading, comprehension and practice are general ways for learning. For particular ILOs, the following strategies are to be used:
1. Seminars and presentations
2. Practical exercises
3. Lectures, tutorials, course projects, practical exercises
4. Seminars, invited talks, course projects, group projects, research activities
5. Project

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Assessment Strategy

All skills are assessed by the following means:

Coursework
 Practical examinations
 Project reports
 Individual Project

According to the assessment results, students are considered as:
 failed to possess the skills,
 partially possess the skills
 competently skilled
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

1. Gather and evaluate information on new technologies from primary sources
2. Identify problems and specify requirements for new solutions
3. Evaluate solutions (technical and non-technical)
4. Deploy appropriate methods and tools
5. Model and design computer-based systems
5. Communicate knowledge to technical & non-technical audience

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Teaching/Learning Strategy

The skills are achieved through various forms of practical exercises. In particular,
 After-lecture revisions (all)
 Exercises in tutorials, practical classes and coursework (all)
 Research type course projects (all)
 Individual Project (all)
 Journals and articles

The skills are obtained through successes and failures in the practical exercises. Feedbacks from tutors assist obtaining and improving the skills.

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Assessment Strategy

All skills are assessed by the following means:

Coursework
 Practical examinations
 Project reports
 Individual Project

According to the assessment results, students are considered as:
 failed to possess the skills,
 partially possess the skills
 competently skilled
Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to gain 3 or 4 of the following key skills depending on modules taken:

1. Computing and web application skills
2. Web design skills
3. Programming and problem-solving skills
4. Database and software development skills
5. Skills for developing usable GUIs
6. Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both managerial and technical
7. Operate effectively both as an individual and as a member of a team in the development of computer systems
8. Project Management skills
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Teaching/Learning Strategy

All key skills are obtained through practical classes, tutorials, discussion groups, course projects, and individual projects. The skills are obtained through practice in:

 Coursework and course projects
 Oral presentations
 Individual projects and group course projects
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Assessment Strategy

All skills are assessed by means of the following:

 Coursework
 Practical/written examinations
 Presentations
 Course project reports
 Individual Project

The individual project plays a critical role in obtaining the key skills. The importance of the individual project is reflected by a special examination convention for the programme, which states that a pass is needed to gain the diploma. The skills are assessed by means of:

 Written assignments and reports
 Oral presentations
 Software demonstration
 Individual project viva and group project demonstrations

External Reference Points
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ();
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) ();
• Other (list)
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical 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 of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the mini´«Ã½ and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
September 2018
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Last Revision Date: January 2024
Date approved by School Board of Study
Last Revision Date: January 2024
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Last Revision Date: January 2024
Date of Annual Review
In line with the University annual monitoring review process

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

Graduate Diploma Computing

PDIF1PCO / Full Time / January Entry
Term 1
Winter
Introduction to Computer Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITCS)
Problem Solving and Programming 1 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP1)
Term 2
Spring
Web Applications Development [L6/15U] (SUFWAD6)
Problem Solving and Programming 2 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP4)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
Term 3
Summer
One of:
Object Oriented Programming [L5/15U]
Principles of Database Systems [L5/15U]
User Experience (UX) Design [L5/15U] (FCLP12)
Software Project Management [L6/15U] (SUFSWPM)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
(Continued)
Term 4
Autumn
Software Engineering [L6/15U] (SUFSENG)
Project [L6/45U] (SUFPRJT) *
(Continued)

* The project runs over 3 terms. Please note there are Special Regulations governing this programme, which can be reviewed in the mini´«Ã½â€™s regulations Handbook: /about/handbooks/regulations-handbook

Candidates who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma are eligible for entry on to a Master’s programme in Computing.