Courses at Newman are constantly evolving to reflect changes in the field of study. Therefore, modules listed here are indicative, and may be subject to change for each academic year. Some modules are mandatory and some are optional. Not all modules will be available on all routes through the programme you choose, and modules studied will depend on whether you choose minor, joint, major or single honours routes.

Year 1

Computer Systems 1
By the end of this module students will be able to identify computer hardware and have a thorough understanding of the CPU, providing the student with a sound foundation for future study. The main aim of this module is to enable students to engage with the internal components of a PC and be able to carry out repairs and upgrades.

Systems Analysis, Development and Programming
This module will endeavour to give students an overview of systems analysis and design, in terms of the methods available and processes employed. This module will also provide an introduction to programming, teaching the essentials of programming in a Graphical User Interface environment using a visual programming language (i.e. Scratch, Visual Basic Express, Java). It covers the basics of algorithms, testing & debugging, Human Computer Interaction issues, data types & storage, arrays, algorithms & sequence, selection, looping and an in-depth look at many of the common controls used in Windows programs.

Introduction to IT and Internet in Society
This module will provide the students with an ability to use the key features of a specified range of software, and use this software in a variety of contexts. Students will develop their own information handling skills and research strategies in analysing, processing and presenting information. The module will outline Internet legislation and cultural and ethical issues, including data protection and copyright, and students will assess of the impact of the Internet and the World Wide Web on society.

Year 2

Database Systems Design and Development
The module will give students practical experience of problem analysis, especially for design and specification of database systems. Students will be exposed to the techniques and concepts that underpin relational databases, especially the concepts of entities and relationships, tables, queries and schema. The practical knowledge of students will be enhanced via the use of an appropriate database system.

Computer Networks
The emphasis in this module will be placed on concepts and principles of computer networks. Students will gain experience in the setting up and administration of a local area network using the TCP/IP protocol. They will know sufficient networking techniques to be able to contribute to the management of networking infrastructure within a small organisation. By the end of this module students will be familiar with the major elements of networking terminology and be able to employ methods of connecting a local area network to a wide-area network such as the Internet.

E-Commerce
This module explores the costs, benefits and strategies associated with implementing web technologies and the role of commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in providing secure hosting. It covers organisational, legal and secure payment issues linked to trading processes, and incorporates a range of technical skills essential for successful e-Commerce web site design and deployment. Students will gain experience in the design and implementation of an e-Commerce enabled website using commercially available software sufficient for it to be commercially deployable. By the end of this module students will be familiar with the major features to be considered when designing an e-Commerce site to be hosted within the UK/EU and associated trading laws.

Computer Systems 2
This module aims to teach students a range of topics regarding operating systems and develop understanding in computer networks, including TCP/IP and OSI networking standards, Network Operating System components, network design and topology, media types and effectiveness, internet connection, network services including remote access and directory services, NIC and IP address configuration, NOS installation planning, Windows 2000 installation and troubleshooting, Linux installation and troubleshooting and network security plan development.

Usability and Website Design
By the end of this module students will be familiar with tools and techniques that can be used to create web pages and associated multimedia content. They will know sufficient web design and management techniques to be able to design or contribute to websites within a school or small organisation. Students will also learn principles of good HCI design, the methods by which interfaces can be evaluated and HCI implementation and conceptual design techniques.

Year 3

Network Configuration
Aligned to proprietary vendor qualifications, this module will increase the networking capability of students. The student will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of various routing protocols on a network and discuss the merits of the various protocols available. This module will greatly enhance the student’s ability to change the network capability for optimal performance. By the end of this module students will be able to research and design an appropriate network infrastructure for a client’s requirements and justify their design choice.

Learning and Teaching Online
Students will examine different perspectives on effectively designing and delivering online learning activities to ensure that they are pedagogically sound, learner focused and accessible. They will be able to critically assess the characteristics of learning and teaching materials, taking into account the task and audience. Ongoing throughout this module is an individual e-learning project, which will form a large part of the assessment.

Strategic IT Solutions in Educational Settings
The aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to integrate a range of multimedia assets, such as graphic images, sounds, text and video into an effective and appropriate stand-alone multimedia application. Students will be able to apply knowledge of current theories regarding ICT and teaching and will develop an understanding of hardware and software commonly used in educational environments. They will learn about approaches and strategies regarding the use of ICT in the classroom.

Dissertation
The project will be a major individual study at Honours level. Students will be able to focus on a particular area of interest. They will identify a problem and pose a solution involving the application of IT (this may require the creation, trial and evaluation of their own computer based package or the use of generic software packages customised to suit the context). They will develop skills of critical analysis, be able to research their area of study, be able to communicate their findings and be able to reflect on how their research has informed their own professional development.

Information Resource Management
The module introduces concepts of organisational information strategy, management and leadership. Vertical relationships between organisational strategy, information strategy and IT strategy are explored and critical management and leadership roles are identified. The ability to manage these complex issues is tested in a final case study situation.

"I decided to study for my degree at Newman because of the variety of modules the course had to offer, covering a wide range of themes in my chosen subjects, which was ideal for me. The small group sizes for lectures mean students can easily ask questions for guidance and tutors can offer more individual help to each student when needed. The highlights of my course include a large amount of practical work in IT labs, a successful work placement and being part of some fascinating field trips in my minor subject."

Ryan Reeson
IT student