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CSC-40052 - Module Specification
School of Computer Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

CSC-40052 - MComp Project
Coordinator: Mark Turner Room: CR034 Tel: +44 1782 7 33652
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 7
Credits: 60
Study Hours: 600
School Office: 01782 733075

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module enables students to evaluate, integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a programming, research or business problem within the discipline.

Aims
The aims of this module are:
1) To integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to an identified design and implementation need and/or an advanced research problem within the discipline.
2) To acquire and demonstrate transferable skills which enhance employability in the Information technology sector.
3) To develop a research topic and/or software product to an acceptable publishable or marketable standard.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate options for undertaking the work required to meet the goal of the project and integrate these into an effective workplan: 1,2,3,4
integrate academic and practical skills to analyse, design, and deliver either a research project or a systems development: 3,4
evaluate the relevant academic literature, software and hardware technologies in the context of a research or product development project: 1,2,3
assess the benefits and costs of range of relevant technologies in the context of a software development project and plan and deliver the execution of software development project: 3,4
communicate effectively and efficiently, using both visual and written media: 1,2,3,4

Study hours

10 hours lectures
3 hours presentation and demonstration
10 hours supervisor contact
577 hours private study. This is roughly broken down as follows:
50 hours: Background reading, topic preparation and early project work.
53 hours: Preparation of Project Plan and GDPR/Ethics assessment.
53 hours: Preparation of Project Poster assessment, including amendments.
368 hours: Preparation of the project report/dissertation, including literature review, writing drafts and making amendments.
53 hours: Preparation of the project demonstration assessment, including revision and producing demonstration materials.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 10%
Project Plan and GDPR/Ethics documentation
Students produce a Project Plan following a template that is provided and complete a GDPR/Ethics Checklist. This is submitted during the first semester to ensure that projects are completed following proper project management and ethical conduct

2: Poster weighted 10%
A1 poster describing project & progress to date
An A1 project poster created by students which describes the project they are undertaking and their progress to date. The poster submission will be in semester 2, before the submission of the project report.

3: Dissertation weighted 70%
Dissertation
An academic dissertation which demonstrates both the outputs generated by the project and the processes used to achieve them. For both the above elements the report contains an evaluation. The overall length of the dissertation is equivalent to 10,000 words. Report appendices will provide evidence that project planning and adherence to necessary GDPR and ethical practices were given due regard throughout.

4: Presentation weighted 10%
Project Demonstration
A demonstration of the project to accompany the project report. This can be done in person, online, or if agreed by the student and markers via a recorded video presentation. The project demonstration allows students to demonstrate any software working, present the product or outcomes of the project, and provide further details of the process(es) followed.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026