Postgraduate Certificate in Computing - Learning Outcomes
Educational aims
The qualification aims to enable you to study computing to the extent and level required by the National Qualifications Framework for Postgraduate Certificates. It also forms a basis for further study leading to a postgraduate diploma or MSc within the Postgraduate Computing programme.
Learning outcomes
The qualification provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Fundamental and advanced concepts, principles and techniques from among the following topic areas, as appropriate to the optional courses studied. No individual contributing module is compulsory. Topics include:
- requirements engineering
- user interface design
- software development for networked applications
- relational database systems
- object-oriented software development
- distributed applications and ecommerce
- software engineering
- computing infrastructures
- multi-service networks
- advanced database technology
- project management
- information security management
- software management
- a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of current problems in their field of study or area of professional practice, appropriate to the optional modules studied.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this qualification you will be able to:
- analyse new problems, sifting the irrelevant from the relevant and expressing the results using standard formalisms and notations
- integrate knowledge and skills from various sources into a coherent whole, making the appropriate abstractions
- critically evaluate, using proven methods, the strengths and weaknesses of a particular technology within a computing system application
- deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, making informed judgements in the absence of complete data.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this qualification you will be able to:
- appraise new developments in computing systems technology and assess applicability to a particular workplace scenario or area of academic or professional interest.
Key skills
On completion of this qualification you will be able to:
- advance your own knowledge and understanding through independent learning
- clearly communicate knowledge, ideas and conclusions about computing systems using appropriate media for specialist and non-specialist audiences
- develop your problem-solving skills and apply them independently to professional or equivalent level tasks/projects/functions.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Teaching and learning is via printed and online module texts, and via tutor support, especially through written feedback on coursework assignments (TMAs).
Assessment is through coursework (TMAs) and examination. Some modules use case study-based assignments where you will choose a project from your personal experience.