The aim of this module is to give each student the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, to apply where appropriate knowledge and skills taught throughout the degree programme, to practise investigative problem-solving, communication, management and other transferable skills, and to demonstrate the ability to undertake an individual computer science project. The project will be executed independently by the student, under the guidance of a supervisor. It requires to conduct in-depth work on a substantial problem, which includes researching and analysing the problem, and finding and realising a solution. While projects may vary widely in the problem they address, the problem must be related to the students' degree programme.

1. Specify and plan a computer science project.
2. Undertake a substantial computer science project in a professional manner.
3. Understand the elements of a successful computer science project.
4. Show an appreciation of best practice in solving computer science problems.
5. Exhibit a sound knowledge in the subject area related to the project.
6. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the technology and methodology used in the project.

Students agree a project with a staff member (who becomes the supervisor) during autumn term of the third year. Each student is supervised by the supervisor and is moderated by a moderator (another staff member) for the duration of the project.

Management and execution of the project is the responsibility of the student. Nevertheless, the student should seek and take advantage of advice and guidance from the supervisor and may also occasionally consult the moderator. Arrangements for supervision vary between supervisors, projects and student needs, but generally take the form of regular meetings, e.g. shorter weekly or longer fortnightly meetings during the teaching periods. The initial plan must identify one to two review meetings with the supervisor with definite milestones that are expected to be reached by the date of the review meeting.

Meetings and presentations, including the viva, may be conducted remotely via audio/video conferencing platforms or in person. Additional relevant information (typically to introduce the project selection, to provide general guidance on how to execute and present the project, and write the reports) will be provided in various formats (e.g. live streaming, lectures, discussions, videos, web resources, e-books).

Students are expected to undertake about 400 hours of study for this module.

Summarise and evaluate background work and literature relevant to the project.

Use appropriate tools, techniques, experiments and validation methods in developing and evaluating solutions.

Critically evaluate solutions and findings resulting from the project.

Plan, organise and implement tasks within time constraints.

Work independently under the project supervisor’s guidance.

Report, present and document the findings and deliverables resulting from the project.

Apply appropriate theory and technology to solving the specific problem.

Develop solutions rationally using a disciplined approach, and with regard to the social and legal context of the project.

A blend of assessment types which may include coursework and portfolio assessments, class tests, and/or formal examinations

Students will be provided with reassessment opportunities in line with University regulations.

Projects vary widely in the problem they address, but the problem is related to the individual student’s degree programme. Students can suggest their own project or pick a project suggested by supervisors in the autumn term in the third year. The student should seek detailed advice from the supervisor for the specific project. All projects involve the following:

Development of a project plan with a brief description of the problem addressed by the project, details about the aims and objectives of the project, and a time plan. This needs to be agreed between the student and the supervisor. The student is required to submit the project plan at the beginning of the semester.

Background study to become aware of existing work related to the topic of the project and to analyse the problem, formulating an approach of how to address the problem.

Development of software, hardware, system design, data analysis, research or theoretical result, clearly related to the student's degree programme. This need not necessarily be a usable finished product. Instead it could be, for example, an extension to an existing system or a prototype built as part of a feasibility study. Deliverables do not necessarily have to be programs, but could be in non-executable form, for example, a scientific study or some theoretical result.

Evaluation of the solution developed for the project based on clear evidence and also a reflection on the project.

Production of a written final report on the overall project findings and achievements and the complete set of deliverables at the end of the semester.

A project viva to demonstrate and discuss the project after the complete project has been submitted. The format of the viva varies depending on the project, but generally consists of a demonstration or presentation of the deliverables followed by a discussion of various questions from the supervisor and moderator relating to the project. The purpose of the viva is to demonstrate the project, verify that the project has been executed as described in the report by the student and clarify any questions or issues that may arise from the report. Failure to attend the viva will result in failing the module.