The aim of this module is to give each student the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality; to apply where appropriate and go beyond where necessary, the knowledge and skills taught throughout the degree programme, to enhance investigative, problem-solving and other transferable skills, and to demonstrate the ability to undertake a substantial information systems/computing/information assurance project.

1. Undertake a non-trivial computing/information systems project and communicate the result clearly in the dissertation.
2. Understand the elements of a successful computing/information systems/information assurance project.
3. Show an appreciation of best practice in solving computing/information systems/information assurance problems.
4. Exhibit a sound knowledge in the subject area related to the project.
5. Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the technology used in the project.
6. Clearly define project aims and objectives.
7. Analyse existing and background work relevant to the project.
8. Select appropriate experimental techniques and validation methods in developing solutions.
9. Critically evaluate solutions and findings resulting from the project against the stated objectives.
10. Plan, select, organise and implement tasks within time constraints.
11. Work independently under the project supervisor's guidance.
12. Report, present and document the findings and the deliverables resulting from the project.
13. Select and apply appropriate software/hardware theory and technology to solving specific computing/information systems/information assurance problems.

Students agree a project with a staff member (who becomes the supervisor) towards the end of the taught part of the MSc programme.

Each student is guided by the supervisor for the duration of the project.

The student is expected to establish with the supervisor an appropriate pattern of supervision.

The student submits the dissertation and presents their work at the end of the project.

Students are expected to undertake at least 600 hours of work for this module.

Please see Learning Outcomes.

At the end of the project the student submits a dissertation, along with appropriate code and any other artefacts such as user manuals, etc. where appropriate, and presents the work developed from the project to a member of staff (usually the supervisor).

The project is assessed by the supervisor and the moderator (another member of staff), using a project assessment form (available in the dissertation handbook) to mark the project according to a number of performance indicators, including achievement, methodology, evaluation, documentation and explanation of the project.

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

Background study to become aware of current developments in the area of activity related to the project.

Development of some tangible piece of software, hardware, system design or theoretical result. 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.

Summary of project findings and achievement in the form of a dissertation.