KV6014 - Computing Group Project

What will I learn on this module?

In this Module you will work in a small group of your peers to undertake a significant project related to your chosen degree programme in computing. Each Project will involve the specification, design, implementation, documentation and demonstration of a technical artefact, showing your ability to synthesise information, ideas and practices to provide a quality solution together with an evaluation of that solution. This module is intended to bring together many of the concepts and skills learned in other modules prior to this point in your studies. Each project title and scope may be self-proposed or may be selected from a list of staff-defined project proposals.

Collaboration and teamwork, the capability to work with other people, from a range of cultures, to achieve common goals, for example through group work, group projects and group presentations is a key set of understanding and skills that are highly valued by employers. This Module seeks to equip you with these very skills as well as deepen an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. Moreover, the Module will encourage networking with peers and horizon scanning to identify opportunities to advance digital capabilities and create computing solutions that seek to create a better society. In particular the module will revisit how computing products and services increasingly impact on sustainability issues.

How will I learn on this module?

With the guidance of an academic tutor, your team will be responsible for managing, scoping, designing, implementing, and documenting an appropriate solution to a computing problem, building on – and extending - skills learned in other modules. You will apply project management skills and techniques to ensure your team can complete the work on schedule and you will consider relevant professional, legal, social and ethical issues in the development of the product. Additionally, you will enhance your communication, leadership, and negotiation skills through the completion of this project. Following a demonstration of your product you will critically evaluate the product, project, and wider sustainability implications related to the potential exploitation of your solution.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

This module will combine a range of methods which are designed to support your learning. There will be an intensive start-up phase of the module to help you initiate your Project where groups are created, and each group is assigned a Tutor. There will be subsequent lectures to guide you through the key module requirements. You will meet your tutor on a regular basis, who will offer advice and feedback throughout. Additional technical support sessions are available to assist you in the development of your application if required. Tutors will be available during these sessions to offer help and advice as well as to provide feedback on work completed. However, your group will also be encouraged to take control over your project and to work independently of the tutors much of the time to achieve the project you have designed – this helps you to learn from each other, as well, as your tutors, as you help and support each other to complete the project.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
ML01 - demonstrate an understanding of technical topics in depth (e.g., use of a language, dev tool, design or analysis method, architecture or math technique) beyond that obtainable from the rest of the programme.
ML02 - demonstrate an enhanced knowledge (gained from practical experience) of a collaborative project life cycle including specification, design, implementation, demonstration, sustainability evaluation and documentation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
ML03 - specify, design, implement a, document and demonstrate a computer-based solution that meets a real need.
MLO4 - compare, contrast and justify available approaches, methods, and technologies – some of which are at the forefront of computing.

Personal Values Attributes
ML05 – Appreciate the dynamics of working in a group including recognising equality and diversity, consensus-based decision making, multi-cultural and environmental issues.

How will I be assessed?

There are two assessed components:
1) Group component (50%): A collaborative 10,000-word report and demonstration. The report should document the specification, design, implementation, documentation, and demonstration of the group’s technical artefact. The demonstration will be delivered at a department-wide event in Week 12 of the Semester. This assessment addresses MLOs1-4.
2) Individual component (50%): A 2,000-word reflective report evidencing your own contribution to the product and the group’s management and process. This assessment addresses MLO2 + 5.
On an on-going basis you will also receive formative feedback on your group’s progress.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This Module allows you to work in a small group of your peers to undertake a project related to your chosen degree programme in computing. You will apply and extend your extensive knowledge and skillsets that have been acquired up until this point in your studies. The emphasis will be on the professional, collaborative, team-based delivery of a computing solution to a real-world problem. You will practise at least one substantial team role and be able to recognise the attributes and behaviours of other roles within a team. Your Team, as a whole, will demonstrate the ability to produce appropriate deliverables from the development lifecycle that reflect the application of knowledge and understanding of your chosen degree programme and reflecting the ethos of the programme; for example, this could be a software artefact or application, a systems design, a data processing strategy or similar. You will also be taught and assessed on your ability to work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and ways of organising teams and asked to reflect upon the sustainable impact of your deliverable.

Course info

UCAS Code G416

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Computer and Information Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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