Postgraduate Diploma in Scienc - College of the

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing enhances IT professionals' knowledge and skills in programming, computer architecture, blockchain, databases, and embedded systems. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in IT, with a focus on continuous professional development and the ability to progress to a Master's capstone project. The program utilizes authentic assessment and teaching methods to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing programme is designed for IT graduates or IT professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in computing. The programme assumes prior learning in core computing subjects and builds upon this with 60 ECTS of taught modules addressing subject matter pertinent to the current computing landscape, including programming, computer architecture and networking, blockchain, databases, and embedded systems. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be qualified to progress to the Masters capstone project module (subject to returning the PGDip award) and will also be equipped to secure employment opportunities in a range of IT roles, including leadership positions, and will have a firm appreciation of the need to maintain currency in their discipline and commit to continuous professional development.

Outline:

Computer Interaction and Communication (UX/UI) – 10 ECTS

This module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles and practices in the context of computing systems. With an emphasis on usability, accessibility, and aesthetics, the module will analyze, design, and evaluate interactive systems. Creating wireframes, mock-ups, prototypes, user testing, and feedback gathering will give students practical experience in iterative design processes. Students will leave this module with a solid foundation in UX/UI design principles and methods they can use on various computing systems. For those interested in careers in user research, web design, or software development, this knowledge and experience will be beneficial. Moreover, the module will also cover the latest trends and technologies in the UX/UI design field, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how to create engaging and effective user experiences.

Programming Paradigms – 5 ECTS

This module aims to equip the learner with the necessary knowledge of programming paradigms to facilitate the evaluation of different approaches to developing software and develop the skills to successfully implement them.

Operating Systems and Architecture – 5 ECTS

The module aims and objectives are to explore how operating systems and hardware work. This knowledge will help better understand the performance of software systems and create more efficient solutions. Multiple operating systems will be reviewed, and practical examples will be discussed. The student will be exposed to different computational architectures and required through research and experimentation to choose specific architectures and OS systems to solve real-world problems.

Software Process Management – 10 ECTS

This module aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and appreciation of software development management to enable them to apply this in making research-based recommendations best suited to specific contexts. The module will explore software process models and software development models and metrics as well as considering the different approaches to working with people and teams in software process management.

Advanced Networking and Security – 10 ECTS

This module reviews the basic concepts, technologies, architectures, and standards involved in computer networks, together with methods for their design and implementation. This will include discussion of data transmission protocols, TCP/IP, LANs and WANs, communication mechanisms, and synchronization issues. Having a solid foundation of conventional Networking Technologies will provide a foundation for exploring state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. A range of state-of-the-art networking technologies will be studied, including Internet of Things (IoT), IoT Network structures, Software Defined Networking (SDN), Open Flow SDN Network Architecture, and the role of Virtual Machines in Cloud-based networks.

Blockchain and Distributed Storage – 10 ECTS

The purpose of the module is to provide students with an understanding of blockchain applications in industry and financial services. The students will comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of blockchain technologies and differentiate permissionless (public) and permissioned (private) blockchains. The module will provide an introduction to the cryptographic concept and its use in forming a blockchain, as well as the concept of mining and decentralized cryptocurrencies, bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies. Real-world case studies will be included for students to learn specifics about blockchain characteristics, tokenization, GDPR, the concept of smart contracts and their applications, as well as regulatory environment and challenges as well as regulatory environment and challenges.

Embedded Systems – 5 ECTS

The aims of this module are to enhance students’ ability to analyze complex problems and develop solutions using computing concepts and techniques. This involves developing critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The module aims to provide students with the expertise and knowledge of different Embedded systems and the ability to assess, research, and implement embedded solutions tailored for a specific domain. It also aims to develop students’ ability to design and implement computing systems. Students will apply software engineering principles and methodologies to create software systems that meet user requirements and are scalable, secure, and maintainable. The module will provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills through authentic assessment and learning activities, drawing from real-world scenarios.

Research and Professional Ethics – 5 ECTS

The objective of this module is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to recognize the research gap in the project’s chosen area of research and to identify a research idea that incorporates an innovative component. The students will perform a critical analysis of the literature, select an appropriate framework for methodology, and write a thorough research report to support and illustrate their research ideas.

Assessment:

The programme utilizes a combination of continuous assessment, examination, and research project assessment methodologies.

Teaching:

The programme engages an authentic assessment approach to provide learners with insight into real-world tasks, scenarios, and challenges. Opportunities for integrated assessment are maximized to better reflect the authentic work-based problems and scenarios.

Careers:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing programme has been designed to produce graduates with the attributes required of computing today and the ability to continue to develop knowledge, skill, and competence to remain competitive and employable in an ever-advancing discipline. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be qualified to progress to the Masters capstone project module (subject to returning the PGDip award) and will also be equipped to secure employment opportunities in a range of IT roles, including leadership positions, and will have a firm appreciation of the need to maintain currency in their discipline and commit to continuous professional development.