LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

Programme Specification

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND WEB DEVELOPMENT

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: / Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different):
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body: / Programme will be submitted for accreditation to both the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the British Computer Society (BCS)
Name of the final award: / BSc (Honours); also Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) if the four-year version is taken
Programme title: / Information Management and Web Development
UCAS code: / GG54 (3-year); GG45 (4-year)
Date at which the programme specification was written or revised: / October 2010
  1. Programme Aims

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

  • Encourage students to engage with the underlying concepts of information management and computer science and develop an appreciation of how these can be applied to Web Development.
  • Provide an environment in which students are encouraged to think independently and analytically.
  • Build capability in the use of independent research techniques and appropriate methodologies.
  • Equip students with a balance of theoretical, practical and transferable skills that will enable them to meet the demands of future employment. This will include:
  • An appreciation of the role of networked information systems in influencing the business and social aspects of society
  • A disciplined and systematic approach to the development of web-based information services
  • An understanding of the managerial and information dimensions of information management and informaticsas applied to web-based information
  • An awareness of the different information and computing needs of individuals and organisations and an understanding of the systems and technologies underpinning the world-wide web
  • Soundtheoretical and practical skills in the academic disciplines of information management and computer science and the ability to integrate these skills and apply them to web-based information systems in business and social contexts
  • The practical skills to analyse, design and evaluate web-based information systems
  • An awareness of legal, ethical and professional issues as they relate to the computer and information industries
  • The ability to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research in the discipline
  • The ability to conduct independent research using appropriate methodologies and to present the results appropriately.

The programme has a common first two years with the Information Management and Computing programme, enabling students to change the focus of their studies until the end of the second year if they so choose.

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

  • QAA: Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
  • QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Librarianship and Information Management (2007) (LIM)
  • QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Computing (2007) (Computing)
  • QAA booklet - Academic Credit in Higher Education in England (2006)
  • Loughborough University, Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Loughborough University Department of Information Science, Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Annual and Periodic Programme Reviews from related programmes
  • External Examiners' reports and discussion by the departmental external advisory board

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:

K1.different types of organisations that produce, disseminate and store information and their place in the information chain (LIM)

K2.the cultural, ethical, political and social issues surrounding the use of information at an organisational level and within society and the external environment (LIM)

K3.human information behaviour, information seeking processes and information retrieval systems (LIM)

K4.the changing needs of users of existing and potential information services in a global technology rich environment (LIM)

K5.professional, legal, moral and ethical considerations in the computing and information industries including issues such as data protection, the valuation of intellectual property, freedom of information etc. (LIM and Computing)

K6.the design, development and delivery of information products, systems and services to match customer requirements (LIM and Computing)

K7.the essential principles and features and techniques of structured programming and programming of web-based applications (Computing)

K8.a variety of sources of information through a range of physical and virtual channels, media and formats (LIM)

K9.appropriate frameworks standards and systems for the description, classification and indexing of information and knowledge containers and content (LIM)

K10.policies and procedures that apply to the creation, capture, storage, dissemination, retrieval and destruction of information to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (LIM)

K11.the principles and capacities of information and communication technologies and their application in professional practice (Computing)

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 both individually and in independent groups.

Theoretical knowledge and critical ability are tested and developed in a range of modules throughout the degree programme. Students are assessed by a variety of: coursework assignments (essays and reports); group work; computer-based practical assignments; oral presentations; examinations; an individual project. Group work requires students to work in groups on well-structured assignments, which may involve research, requirements analysis and/or development work. 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 in a comprehensive investigation of a specialised web-related topic of the student’s choosing.

Skills and other attributes

Subject-specific cognitive skills

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

C1.model and design web-based systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of trade-offs (Computing)

C2.analyse the extent to which a web-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future use in terms of quality attributes and possible trade-offs (Computing)

C3.plan effective strategies for searching and handling information, in both printed and electronic formats

C4.apply subject knowledge and understanding critically and effectively to real world situations (LIM)

C5.recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific web-based problems, and plan strategies for their solution (Computing)

C6.demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills together with techniques specific to business and management such as critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, including the ability to relate and marshal facts, ideas and theories in a well-structured argument (LIM)

C7.self reflect critically, demonstrating self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues; acquire the skills of learning to learn and developing a continuing appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning (LIM)

C8.apply qualitative and quantitative research methods and their application in practice (LIM)

C9.analyse the extent to which a web-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development (Computing)

C10.deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of web-based systems (Computing).

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

Understanding of principles and concepts is stimulated through lectures and associated tutorial and/or lab based sessions. Seminar/small group discussion is also used alongside guided independent reading to enable students to engage in depth with the subject.

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.

The programme requires students to understand how theoretical principles are applied in practical and real world scenarios. Practical laboratory-based sessions are used in many modules to enable students to relate the theories and key concepts provided in lectures with associated practical skills.

Subject-specific practical skills

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

P1.demonstrate effective use of information and communication technologies and their application in the management of information and the development of web-based systems(LIM)

P2.specify, design and construct web-based information services and computer-based systems according to users’ needs including identifying, formulating and solving business problems (LIM)

P3.work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams; (Computing)

P4.deploy appropriate theory, practice and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based applications and systems (Computing)

P5.use a range of electronic information resources and systems such as databases, search engines and portals (LIM and Computing)

P6.demonstrate effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills (LIM)

P7.apply the concepts, principles and techniques of strategic management in real world situations (LIM).

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 and make use of specific computer applications. Many modules make use of both the Computer Science and Information Science Departments’ virtual learning environments. Practical work introduces students to various specialised industry-leading software packages in both web development and web designand develops students’ subject-specific IT skills.

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

Generic skills

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

T1.make effective use of communication and information technology, for example create and manipulate documents and databases using appropriate software (LIM and Computing)

T2.employ numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation and present information in numerical and statistical form using appropriate software (LIM)

T3.apply critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, evaluation and manage and reflect on their own learning (LIM and Computing)

T4.show interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation and communicate effectively orally and in writing using a range of media for different purposes and audiences (LIM and Computing)

T5.demonstrate effective self-management in terms of time, planning and behaviour (LIM and Computing)

T6.achieve effective performance, within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills in various contexts (LIM and Computing)

T7.appreciate the need for continuing professional development and manage their own lifelong learning (LIM and Computing).

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

Group work and oral presentations are an integral part of assessment in all three years. Many of the key transferable skills are developed through practical laboratory-based teaching and group teaching. Individual final year project supervision also helps to build competence in key areas.

Groupwork is a recurring theme but is most notably addressed in the 20-credit second year module ‘Team Projects’; in this module students are required to work together, focussing on each individual’s strengths to solve complex problems that are often encountered in a real world development environment.

Throughout the programme, practical coursework using various packages tests acquisition of IT skills; interpersonal skills are developed by working on case studies and group projects. Oral presentation skills need to be developed for assessed presentations in a number of modules. 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 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 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) includes 120 credits of compulsory modules from Information Science and Computer Science which further develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in specialist and other core areas and prepare students for the final year.

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 90 credits of compulsory modules in more advanced areas of web development and design, 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, which can be taken in either Information Science or Computer Science, 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

See the online prospectus at

6. Information about the programme assessment strategy

In each year of the programme students must register for modules with a total weight of 120 credits, and must pass modules totalling a minimum of 100 credits to progress to the next year and to graduate at the end of the final year. In each year students must achieve a minimum of 30% in all IS-coded modules and 30% in all CO-coded modules (this reflects the minimum performance level of the two departments). Modules are assessed by coursework, examination, or a combination of both, as indicated in individual module specifications. Any student who fails to meet these requirements has the automatic right of reassessment on one occasion only in modules in which they fail to gain credit. Students 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%.

7. What makes the programme distinctive?

The programme has a common first two years with the Information Management and Computing programme, giving students a thorough appreciation of the importance of Information Management and a detailed introduction to the computer-based tools through which this information is acquired, managed and disseminated. The final year of the programme focuses predominantly on Web-based information and enables students to specialise in the discipline of web-development.

Web-based information portals are an increasingly important part of any organisation and the skills to design and develop these resources effectively are in demand. These skills are not only required to develop public facing web sites and e-commerce sites, but many inter-organisational extranet sites and intra-organisational intranet sites are built on web-based technology. The web is a rapidly developing entity, with collaborative Web 2.0 applications such as blogs and wikis as well as multi-user web environments having a major impact on the business and social interactions of individuals and organisations. Understanding the underlying information infrastructure of the web is important to organisations developing web-based systems. This requires graduates with a detailed understanding of the way information is stored, retrieved and presented in web-based environments; much of this is based on information classification, taxonomies, database theory, ontologies and semantic web approaches.