Introduction to programming using an object-oriented approach, assuming little or no previous experience in programming.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of object-oriented programming
2. Implement a software application using the Java programming language utilising core object-oriented programming concepts, and develop problem solving skills as part of this process
3. Design an object-oriented software application.

4. Test and debug an object-oriented software application
5. Understand the universality of the object-oriented paradigm and its applicability to different programming languages.

An introduction to the internal workings, structure, architecture and organisation of modern computer architectures.

1. Describe the components in a modern computer architecture.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the layers of a computer systemand the necessity for functional abstraction.

3. Understand how digital data is structured and manipulated

4. Understand the increasingly convergent nature of systems, data, media and functionality.

5. Use virtualised computing resources

This module introduces the student to modern web application and network application development using frameworks in high-level programming and scripting languages. The focus is on building light-weight network services, particularly web-based services, and integrating those services with modern front-end frameworks.

1. Describe the common architectures of web applications.
2. Create scalable web services using modern architectural patterns.
3. Create a web application using a server-side framework.
4. Manage the development of a web application.

This module is designed as an introduction to Database Design and Development techniques.

1. Design a relational database schema for a software application
2. Devise a set of relational tables and develop a relational database.
3. Query a relational database using SQL
4. Design an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) and map itto a relational schema.

5. Evaluate the use of non-relational data storage technologies

Explores the key principles and technologies behind computer networks and the Internet. Provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to build and troubleshoot enterprise networks and develop network applications.

1. Describe the structure of the Internet and the layered organisation of networking technologies.

2. Identify and analyse key network protocols.

3. Build an enterprise local area network based on open (TCP/IP) standards.

4. Design and implement a client-server networked application in a modern programming language.

5. Evaluate strategies for securing networks.

6. Recognise emerging trends in networking.

This module covers advanced object-oriented concepts such as threads, abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism. In addition, common data structures, algorithms and their space and time complexity are studied. The assessment of this 10-credit module includes a capstone project worth 50% of the total credits.

This project is unique in that it provides a pedagogic scaffold for learners through its time-tabled and lecture supported delivery, whilst still providing significant and necessary self-directed learning opportunities through the appropriately weighted capstone project.

The project aims to encompass and embrace the totality of the modules in the programme, with specific emphasis on software design and software engineering, underpinned by core cloud computing, networking and database paradigms.

1. Implement advanced OO features in software applications
2. Design and implement concurrency control in a software application.

3. Use well-known algorithms and data structures in a software solution
4. Implement algorithms and data structures in aprogramming language

5. Implement a capstone project which demonstrates the integration of many or all of the constituent components (where appropriate) of the programme with specific emphasis on software design and engineering and underpinned by core cloud computing, networking and database paradigms.

This module provides a general introduction to mobile application development using modern frameworks.

1. Demonstrate an appreciation and understandingof the various mobile platforms currently available and a knowledgeof their limitations andapplicability.

2. Understand and utilisethe basic building blocks of a mobile application development framework.

3. Design, develop and deploy a mobile application using a modern framework.

4. Understand and work within the programming constraints that apply when developing applications for mobile devices.

This module is part of a conversion course for qualified level 8 graduates or equivalent to immerse them in the fundamentals of operating systems and Cloud Computing (with a specific focus on virtualisation as a fundamental enabling technology for the Cloud).

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the internal process management used in modern operating systems.

2. Explain operating system problems such as deadlock, memory management and interrupt handling and the different approaches taken to resolving these issues.

3. Install, configure and optimise a range of modern operating systems.

4. Demonstrate a competency in the role and application of virtualisation technologies in cloud computing.

5. Critically evaluate the design and configuration aspects of local, host-based and network operating systems

A comprehensive grounding in solving computational problems and designing algorithms.

1. Apply structured methodologies to problem solving in computing.
2. Design algorithms to solve computational problems.
3. Critically evaluate and assess the performance of algorithms.
4. Translate real-world problems into computational problems.

This is part of a conversion course for qualified level eight graduates (or equivalent) to immerse them in agile development methodologies and project control

1. Understand the agile philosophy and its place in modern software development.
2. Develop software using an agile software development lifecycle.
3. Use an automated testing framework

4. Use refactoring techniques to evolve application design
5. Analyse the quality of source code using industry standard code and coverage metrics

The work-placement/ internship component is an integral part of the academic programme of the Higher Diploma in Computing. The aims of the component are to: Offer the student the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course in a relevant work-place setting; Facilitate the student in developing the practical competencies and communication skills necessary to function as an effective team member in the work environment.

In the event of a work placement not being available to a student, the student will be required to undertake a Software Development project. The project will provide the learner the opportunity to gain experience at working on a project similar to one encountered in the software industry,

The project will be on a topic selected from a list, or alternatively one proposed by the student subject to suitability. The project must deal with a task or problem deemed to be of sufficient technical challenge and depth as agreed by an academic supervisor.

1. The graduate should be able to join a team working in a professional IT environment as an effective and efficient team member.
2. The graduate should be able to contribute as an individual contributor and as a full team member.
3. The graduate should show an understanding of the main business strategy of the employer and show an understanding of the role of the team and its work in the overall business strategy of the company.