秘密研究所

Semester 1

Communication Skills

You will develop communication skills and understanding of different methods and styles of communication. You will consider appropriate methods of communication in both formal and informal environments. You will develop your understanding of social media and how to use it effectively. By looking back at previous activities and considering the choices you made and how you may do things differently in the future, you will enhance your skills on reflection.

Digital and Research Skills

You will learn how to navigate responsibly around the internet using different search engines and resources, including AI, and will develop your understanding of how to stay safe online and create an appropriate online presence. Learn about interpreting information you find; how relevant and accurate it is and how to present it. Discover a variety of learning resources and understand the importance of academic integrity. 

Sustainability and Society

You will explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how sustainability has a wider impact on society. A problem-solving approach to global sustainability will be adopted and you will be encouraged to think about the role you and others play in addressing sustainability issues and an understanding of who is accountable. Also looking at both the broad concepts of sustainability and the aspects which are relevant to your chosen discipline.

Semester 2

Foundation Year Project

Develop your research skills by learning how to choose, plan and carry out an investigation into a chosen topic. Discover the importance of ethics when conducting research and practice presenting research. This module helps prepare you for entry onto Level 4 of the degree programme through the formative e-portfolio containing a log of activities, your 2000 word written project and your video presentation.

Shaping Skills for Success

This module will enable you to develop wider skills that are needed to succeed during your studies and beyond. You will be introduced to different types of skills and how to track and reflect on your skills development. You will develop your skills by participating in sessions focused on specific skills and hearing from a variety of guest speakers. You will take part in a group challenge designed to develop your teamwork and communication skills and reflect on the skills you develop during this module as part of your Foundation Year Project.       

Core Concepts of Computer Science

Introducing you to some of the concepts of computing, including how computers work, how you can use computers to perform tasks and move on to review the concept of programming computers and understanding how computers can communicate with each other through networks. Finally, we will cover the topic of keeping yourself safe and practicing good cyber hygiene.

Choose one*:

• Core Concepts of Law
• Core Concepts of Business
• Core Concepts of Criminology
• Core Concepts of Psychology

*Options available are indicative and available subject to numbers and the campus chosen. Students will also complete the Shaping Skills for Success programme.

Semester 1

Introduction to Programming (20 credits)

This module introduces the fundamental principles of computer programming, bridging the gap between hardware architecture and high level software development using Python. You will explore core concepts including variables, control flow, and data structures like dictionaries and sets, while mastering essential debugging techniques through try and except blocks. This module equips you with the industry standard tools and techniques necessary to implement, test, and communicate robust software designs, directly supporting the programme’s focus on the software development pipeline.

Data Structures, Data Modelling and Computer Systems (20 credits)

This module explores the theoretical foundations of computation, focusing on the interplay between mathematical logic, data structures, and physical hardware. By mastering propositional calculus, Boolean circuits, and number systems, you will understand the fundamental architecture of secure and efficient systems. Through the study of computational complexity and strategic data modelling, you will gain the expertise to navigate technical trade-offs and align information system architectures with complex business requirements and industry standard measurements.

AI Literacy for the Future Professional (20 credits)

Businesses and professions are increasingly making use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop more effective working practices. AI can also be used to support learning and academic study. It is therefore essential that, as a future professional, you understand the benefits of AI and also the risks it poses. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to use AI responsibly as part of your academic studies and on into your future career.

Semester 2

Databases (20 credits)

This module examines the critical role of data management within the software development pipeline, focusing on relational modelling and advanced schema design. You will master Structured Query Language (SQL) for complex data manipulation while exploring modern alternatives like NoSQL, JSON, and graph databases. Through sector specific case studies in healthcare and law, you will apply relational algebra and indexing techniques to evaluate system performance and procurement needs. Collaborative group challenges integrate project management fundamentals, ensuring you can communicate technical solutions to stakeholders while upholding the professional, ethical, and legal standards required.

Object-Oriented Programming (20 credits)

This module introduces advanced software development through the Java programming language, focusing on the core pillars of inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. You will master the implementation phase of the development pipeline by creating robust applications featuring Graphical User Interfaces and integrated database connectivity via JDBC. By solving weekly programming challenges, you will apply industry standard testing and exception handling techniques to ensure system reliability.

Academic and Career Success (20 credits)

This module is essential to get you thinking about your future career aspirations alongside developing the skills you will need for academic study and the workplace. It underpins all of the modules you will study as part of your degree and will give you a head start in achieving your career ambitions.

Semester 1 

Software Engineering in Practice (20 credits)

This module focuses on the practical application of Agile methodologies, specifically Extreme Programming and Scrum, to manage the software development pipeline. You will master iterative planning, refactoring, and automated testing to ensure code quality and system reliability. By utilising UML diagrams for requirement modelling, you will develop the ability to communicate technical solutions concisely to stakeholders while managing organisational change through Sprint cycles. The module encourages critical reflection, ensuring you can evaluate information systems for business sustainability.

Advanced Programming (20 credits)

This module explores high level algorithmic strategies and their role in developing efficient software solutions. You will master computational complexity by evaluating the efficiency of sorting, searching, and graph based algorithms, including applications in artificial intelligence. By investigating alternative approaches such as nature inspired and randomised algorithms, you will learn to tackle complex computational problems like the Travelling Salesman Problem. Through intensive group based hackathons, you will apply industry standard techniques to design and test code independently and as a team.

Networks and Operating Systems (20 credits)

This module provides a comprehensive technical foundation in modern operating systems and network architectures, focusing on processes, memory management, and file systems. You will explore virtualisation and multi-processor systems, gaining the ability to adapt emerging technologies to unfamiliar contexts. By analysing network protocols and security frameworks across LANs and WANs, you will develop the skills to critique system requirements and communicate robust technical solutions to stakeholders.

Semester 2

You will choose 60 credits of study from these optional modules:

• Study board (60 credits) - an opportunity to travel to one of our partner institutions and undertake study on an aligned programme. At the end you will create a reflective portfolio of experience, drawing upon what you did, how you benefitted from the experience and how it has informed your future ambitions

OR 

Application Development and Management (20 credits)

This module explores the strategic management of the software development life cycle, contrasting traditional Waterfall and Spiral models with modern Agile and prototyping approaches. You will master the deployment of web and mobile applications while utilising industry standard tools like GitHub for version control and collaborative development. By applying rigorous unit and application testing, you will justify technical solutions and ensure robust software releases. This prepares you to lead team based projects and document complex requirements clearly for stakeholders while reflecting on the effectiveness of various system development methodologies.

Research Methods and Project Management for Computing and Information Technology (20 credits)

This module integrates rigorous research methodologies with strategic project management to support evidence based decision making in computing. You will master data collection techniques, including surveys and interviews, while applying statistical analysis such as ANOVA and significance testing to critique user requirements and system performance. By exploring the project management triple constraint of time, quality, and scope, you will learn to manage risk, resource allocation, and cost estimation for sustainable software solutions.

User Interface Design (20 credits)

This module explores the core principles of User Experience (UX) design, focusing on the PACT framework to create accessible, human centric interfaces. You will master envisionment and visual design across diverse platforms, including mobile, wearable, and ubiquitous computing environments. By engaging in prototype challenges and multi-modal design, you will develop the ability to critique user feedback and adapt new technologies to unfamiliar contexts.

Take your studies global. Our undergraduates can now spend a semester abroad at one of our international partner institutions. It's a unique chance to experience a new culture, expand your horizons, and learn in an exciting new environment.*

*Subject to approval.

Dissertation (Final Project) (40 credits)

This final module is where everything you have learned comes together. your technical expertise to deliver a significant, independent software or information systems project. You will manage the entire development pipeline, from proposal and requirement elicitation to implementation and final write-up. Working closely with a supervisor, you will apply strategic planning and project management principles to balance time, quality, and scope while justifying technical trade-offs.

Database Management and Administration (20 credits)

This module moves beyond basic data entry to focus on the high level management and security of database servers. You will learn how to deploy and maintain SQL Server environments, both on-site and in the cloud, while mastering performance tuning to ensure systems run efficiently. By exploring Big Data through NoSQL and JSON, you will gain the skills to handle large scale information across sectors like healthcare and law. You will also learn to align database administration with professional ethics and business sustainability.

Optional modules (choose 3, 20 credits each)*:

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

This module introduces the foundations and state-of-the-art applications of Artificial Intelligence, from intelligent agents to automated planning and reasoning. You will master problem-solving techniques and searching in complex environments, applying these concepts practically through a robot building competition. By exploring case studies in healthcare, law, and business, you will learn to adapt AI tools to unfamiliar contexts while critically evaluating their risks and benefits. You will examine the ethical and legal implications of deploying AI, learning how to justify your technical decisions and communicate them clearly to stakeholders, ensuring you maintain high professional standards within the global industry.

Machine Learning and Data Science

Providing the mathematical and programming engine behind modern intelligent software. As data is the primary currency of business, this module moves you from simply writing code to building systems that can think, predict, and evolve. By mastering the R language, neural networks, and statistical probability, you gain the tools to solve complex global challenges in sectors ranging from life sciences to fintech. You will also evaluate the ethical and legal implications of AI, learning to communicate data-driven insights clearly to stakeholders while maintaining the professional standards required to deploy sustainable solutions in the global industry.

Evolutionary Algorithms

This module transforms you into an algorithmic innovator, mastering Evolutionary Algorithms and Genetic Programming where software evolves to find optimal solutions. By mastering Multi-objective and Pareto Optimisation, you gain the tools to solve complex real-world problems characterised by competing trade-offs rather than single answers. You will develop the technical rigour to define objective functions and navigate the full development pipeline.

Information and Content Management Systems

This module bridges the gap between technical engineering and business strategy. Digital presence is the primary storefront for every global brand, this module focuses on the management and deployment of information. You will move beyond writing isolated code to architecting complex, interconnected systems like eCommerce B2C models and Content Management Systems (CMS) that drive competitive advantage.

Mobile Development

This module prepares you for the app-first economy by mastering cross-platform development and modern cloud integration. By learning Flutter, Firebase, and RESTful architecture, you move beyond simple coding to building fluid, data-driven experiences for smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. You will develop a strategic vision for interaction design, focusing on simplicity and user feedback. The curriculum emphasises the entire development pipeline, from initial requirement gathering to final deployment, ensuring you can communicate professional solutions to stakeholders and work effectively within a team to deliver ethically grounded, high-performance mobile applications.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

This module is where psychology meets engineering, shifting focus from how code functions to how humans process it. By exploring cognitive and emotional interaction, you will design, prototype, and evaluate technologies that are accessible, intuitive, and inclusive. You will master the full development pipeline from requirement elicitation to usability testing across diverse sectors like healthcare and business. This develops your ability to critique user feedback and justify design decisions to stakeholders, ensuring your technical solutions are ethically grounded and professionally communicated.

Computer Security

This module provides the technical and strategic shield for modern digital infrastructure. Unlike general programming, it focuses on the adversarial side of computing understanding how systems fail, how they are exploited, and how to build resilient architectures using cryptographic tools, intrusion detection, and risk management. You will explore the critical legal and ethical standards of data privacy, learning to conduct security audits and communicate risks effectively to stakeholders.

Cyber Security

This module provides a high-stakes, hands on foundation in protecting the digital infrastructure of modern society. By combining deep theoretical frameworks like the McCumber Cube with high intensity Red Team vs. Blue Team exercises, you are prepared for a field where technical skill must be matched by strategic thinking. You will learn to evaluate the economic impact of cyber breaches and align security measures with business goals, ensuring you can communicate risk professionally to stakeholders and uphold the ethical standards required to defend critical global industries.

Cyber Forensics

This module transforms you into a technical investigator capable of uncovering the truth behind security breaches. You will master the forensic mindset required to reconstruct events, recover data, and maintain the integrity of evidence across networks and mobile platforms. Using professional tools like Autopsy and Kali Linux, you will navigate the complex legal and ethical standards of digital discovery. This develops your ability to communicate forensic evaluations clearly to technical and legal stakeholders, ensuring your investigations are professionally documented and ready to support the corporate and legal sectors in the fight against global cybercrime.

Computer Graphics

This module provides the mathematical framework for visual computing, teaching you how to build the tools that create digital worlds. By mastering programmable shaders, surface detection, and the logic of graphics, you move from being a technology user to an architect of the pixels themselves. You will master 2D and 3D modelling and learn to adapt new rendering techniques to unfamiliar contexts. This develops your ability to document technical designs clearly for stakeholders and work independently to justify and test your solutions.

Computer Animation and Visual Effects

This module provides a robust technical and creative foundation, blending the logic of physics and geometry with the artistry of lighting and motion. You will move beyond surface level design to master the production pipeline, implementing complex algorithms for motion capture, rendering, and sound. By working through real-world case studies, you will learn to adapt new technologies to unfamiliar creative briefs and justify your technical decisions to stakeholders.

Games and Interactive Systems

This module drives the transition from a player to a creator, merging the psychology of design with the rigour of C# programming and Agile project management. Using the Layered Tetrad framework and Unity, you will master the full development pipeline, from paper prototyping to digital implementation. You will develop the analytical skills to balance game mathematics and critique user feedback, ensuring solutions are technically sound and engaging. By leading team-based projects, you will learn to justify design goals to stakeholders and uphold the professional and ethical standards required.

*All options are indicative and subject to availability.