LOUGHBOROUGHUNIVERSITY

Programme Specification

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND COMPUTING

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in Module Specifications and other programme documentation and online at

The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Awarding body/institution: / LoughboroughUniversity
Teaching institution (if different):
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body: / Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Name of the final award: / BSc (Honours); also DPS if the four-year version is taken.
Programme title: / Information Management and Computing
UCAS code: / G462 (three years) or G563 (four years)
Date at which the programme specification was written or revised: / May 2008
  1. Aims of the programme:

Information management and computing are two separate disciplines that are becoming increasing linked. The discipline of information management encompasses the accumulation, recording, storage, organisation and retrieval of information. The discipline of computing helps solve the practical problems raised by these issues. Organisations require graduates with an understanding of information management and associated computerised processes to enable the effective management of the vast quantities of information on which modern business is based. The Information Management and Computing programme combines these two disciplines and provides students with an appreciation of the importance of information to both individuals and organisations in today’s society, and an understanding of the computer-based tools and techniques used to manage this information. The learning outcomes outlined below are derived from the QAA subject benchmark statements for both ‘Librarianship and Information Management’ and ‘Computing’.

This is a three or four-year programme, depending on whether students opt to complete a DPS year in industry. It is taught by the Departments of Information Science and Computer Science. The programme aims to produce graduates who have acquired:

  • an understanding of the managerial and information dimensions of work in the information management, knowledge management and informatics field;
  • a sound knowledge and understanding of core information management principles, including the generation, storage, organisation, retrieval and dissemination of information;
  • an awareness of the different information and computing needs of individuals and organisations and an understanding of the systems and technologies by which information is handled;
  • an understanding of the concepts, ideas and skills in the academic disciplines of information management and computer science and the ability to integrate and apply them in business and industrial contexts;
  • the practical skills to evaluate and design computer and information systems;
  • an awareness of legal, ethical and professional issues as they relate to the computer and information industry;
  • the ability to conduct independent research using appropriate methodologies and to present the results appropriately.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Librarianship and Information Management
  • QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Computing
  • LoughboroughUniversity, A Strategy for Teaching and Learning in the New Millennium
  • Loughborough University Department of Information Science, Aims and Objectives
  • Loughborough University Department of Information Science, Learning and Teaching Strategy (revised February 2002)
  • Loughborough University Department of Information Science, Self Assessment Document, October 2000
  • Loughborough University Department of Information Science, Periodic Programme Review, May 2005
  • Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

3. Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

The programme covers a range of information and computer related topics, and on successful completion of this programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • the basics of information science theory, and the role of systems within organisations;
  • the needs of users of information services, and requisite knowledge and understanding of human-computer interaction; (derived from the Librarianship and Information Management (LIM) benchmark statement and the Computing benchmark statement)
  • the human resources and general management principles and methods as applied in the computing industry and the information sector – see, for example, Human Resource Management; (LIM and Computing)
  • the concepts and principles underlying the storage, retrieval and use of information held in both printed and electronic forms; (LIM)
  • the essential features and techniques of structured programming and programming of applications – see, for example, Programming; (Computing)
  • the roles of information, information technology and information products in the 21st century. (LIM)

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

The programme content is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, guided independent reading, practical computer laboratory classes and individual supervision. Students are required to work individually and also in independent small groups.

Students are assessed by a variety of: coursework assignments (essays and reports); group work; computer-based practical assignments; oral presentations; examinations; and an individual project. Group work requires students to work in small groups on well-structured assignments, which may involve interviewing the 'customer'. Each group of students is given the opportunity to submit evidence of the relative work per group member. The final year project tests each student’s ability to bring the various skills and knowledge together into a small but comprehensive investigation of a specialised topic of the student’s own choosing.

Skills and other attributes:

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • critically evaluate and analyse applications and developments in the information/computing industry; (LIM and Computing)
  • discuss the principles of management as applied to the information/computer industries in a variety of environments and institutional contexts; (LIM)
  • analyse data and synthesise information into value-added formats; (LIM)
  • evaluate users’ needs in a variety of contexts and in relation to a range of printed and electronic information services and systems; (LIM and Conputing)
  • plan effective strategies for searching and handling information (in both printed and electronic formats); (LIM)
  • model and design computer-based systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of trade-offs; (Computing)
  • recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific computer-based problems, and plan strategies for their solution; (Computing)
  • analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development; (Computing)
  • deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems; (Computing)
  • present succinctly to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned arguments that address a given information handling problem or opportunity; (LIM and Computing)
  • recognise the professional, moral and ethical issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. (Computing)

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Discussion and understanding of principles, developments and concepts is stimulated through lectures, small group teaching in tutorials and seminars and guided independent reading which is often further explored in a classroom setting. Workshops and practical laboratory-based sessions are also used to demonstrate key concepts and theories.

Cognitive skills such as analytical ability, argument and reasoning, are assessed through coursework and examinations. Examinations enable students to demonstrate their mastery of subject knowledge and their ability to apply that to a particular problem or question under time constraints. Coursework assignments such as essays and reports allow the students to explore a topic in more depth and apply the full range of cognitive skills. Students in their final year are also required to demonstrate their ability to undertake an extended piece of research in either the discipline of computer science or the discipline of information science.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate IT competence with a range of computer applications and tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications; (Computing)
  • evaluate computer systems to meet the needs of an organisation; (LIM and Computing)
  • specify, design and construct information services and computer-based systems according to users’ needs; (LIM and Computing)
  • work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams; (LIM and Computing)
  • apply legal and ethical procedures within the information/computing industries. (LIM and Computing)

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Computer-laboratory practical classes in several modules teach the use of computer systems. Many modules in Computer Science make use of the department’s Intranet, and in Information Science much learning and teaching material is made available to the students through use of the University’s Learn server. Practical work using various specialised software packages develops students’ subject-specific IT skills.

Theoretical knowledge and critical ability are tested and developed in a range of core and optional modules throughout the degree programme, and assessed by means of a variety of coursework assignments including essays, presentations and reports, as well as by examination. Group work and oral presentations are an integral part of assessment in all three years.

Assessment of practical skills is primarily through coursework assignments with some assessment of practical knowledge in examinations.

c. Key/transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • retrieve information efficiently and effectively using a variety of information sources (including browsers, search engines and databases); (LIM)
  • plan and undertake independent research for projects in defined topic areas; (LIM)
  • manage a range of data and present them effectively in a suitable format; (LIM)
  • communicate effectively the results of their studies and research in writing (reports and essays) and by means of oral presentation; (LIM and Computing)
  • utilise time management skills in planning work; (LIM and Computing)
  • work effectively in teams; (LIM and Computing)
  • use a variety of IT packages and applications confidently;
  • appreciate the need for continuing professional development and the need for lifelong learning. (LIM and Computing)

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Many of the key transferable skills are developed through group teaching and practical laboratory-based teaching. Individual project supervision also helps to build competence in key areas. Practical coursework using various packages tests acquisition of IT skills; interpersonal skills are developed by case studies and group projects; other coursework exercises test skills in oral presentation and the preparation and use of visual aids. Assignment feedback from tutors enables students to improve their written communication and data presentation skills.

Assessment of key skills is embedded in module assessment; communication skills and team work skills are often explicitly listed in the marking criteria of assignments.

4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards:

The programme lasts three years full-time; in addition students may take an optional professional placement between the second and third years. The programme is divided into units of study called modules, which may be rated as 10 (single), 20 (double) or 30 (project). Students take modules amounting to 120 credits in each of the three years of the programme, normally with 60 credits in each of the two semesters. Each of the two 15-week semesters consists of 11 weeks of teaching, followed by revision time and examinations.

In Year 1 (Part A) students take 120 credits of compulsory modules, which are split equally between the Departments of Information Science and Computer Science. These provide a foundation on which the second and third years build.

Year 2 (Part B) further develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in specialist and other core areas and provides the opportunity to choose 20 credits of optional modules in the information science or computer science areas.

Students are encouraged to spend an optional year on professional placement between the second and final year. Apart from an additional award, students gain real work experience, are often placed in positions of responsibility and can be offered sponsorship and/or future employment. The year in industry can also bring a more professional attitude to the remaining year of study, particularly the final year project. During the placement year students are supported by an academic supervisor in addition to their employment supervisor/manager; successful completion of the placement and the programme leads to the award of the Diploma in Professional Studies in addition to the degree.

The final year (Part C) includes 60 credits of compulsory modules in more advanced areas of information management and computing, and provides a range of optional modules from both departments from which students can choose to follow their particular interests. The 30-credit final year project provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their research, analysis and presentation skills in a subject area of their own choice.

Full details can be found in the Programme Regulations at:

5. Criteria for admission to the programme:

A typical offer might be:

A level qualifications: 280 points from two subjects at A level plus a third subject at A level, or two subjects at AS level (General Studies is an acceptable A level)

Other qualifications: Vocational Certificate in Education: 280 points from a minimum of 18 units (any combination of VCE units/A level units/AS level units). Additional requirements: GCSE Mathematics grade C.

6. Information about assessment:

In each year of the programme students must pass modules totalling a minimum of 100 credits; in addition they must achieve a minimum of 30% in all Information Science modules and 20% in all Computer Science modules. Modules are assessed by coursework, examination, or (most commonly) a combination of both. Any student who fails to meet these requirements has the automatic right of reassessment on one occasion only in any module or modules which are causing them to fail. Students in Parts A or B may choose to be reassessed either in the University’s Special Assessment Period or during the following year. Results from all modules undertaken in the second and final years count towards the final degree grade, in the ratio 25% : 75%. Further detail can be found in the full programme regulations.

7. What makes the programme distinctive:

The Information Management and Computing programme equips students with a thorough understanding of a range of computing applications and techniques for managing information within organisations and provides an appreciation of a holistic approach to information management. The programme is structured so that students acquire key skills in Part A and build on these in Parts B and C. The range of options that are available in Part C, together with the ability to choose either an Information Science or a Computer Science based project, provides students with the ability to have an input into the direction of their studies at the later stages of the programme. Throughout the programme, personal and transferable skills are developed and students are given the opportunity to extend their presentation, teamwork and research skills. These skills add to the employability of students graduating from the programme. The sandwich year placement option allows students to apply their knowledge and develop their technical skills within an organisational setting.

8. Particular support for learning:

Information on learning support is held at

9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning:

The University’s formal quality management and reporting procedures are laid out in its Academic Quality Procedures Handbook, available online at:

May 2008

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