About Information Management and Computing, BSc (Hons) - at Department of Information Science, Loughborough University
This programme, administered by the department in conjunction with the Department of Computer Science, meets the rapidly expanding demand for graduates with interdisciplinary skills for application across the whole range of computer and information based industries. It offers an integrated approach to all aspects of information handling and processing with an emphasis on information representation, communication and management. Students may opt to take a salaried year out in industry between Years 2 and 3 (the sandwich option) in order to gain professional experience working on defined tasks in an information rich environment, which leads to the additional qualification of the Diploma in Professional Studies.
A range of teaching, learning and assessment methods are employed. A feature of Year 1 is the Management Problem-Solving module, which provides an opportunity for students to learn to work in a small group or team.
Year 1The first year provides an introduction to information and computing together with their interactions with society. Students will become proficient in the use of the Internet to retrieve on-line information, and will become proficient in the more advanced aspects of web page design. In addition a relevant programming language will be studied to allow development of information representation in its electronic form, and students will be introduced to the components of computers and the concept of system analysis.
Modules include:
Informatics and the Study of Information
Human Computer Interaction
Programming
Computer Architecture
Web Design Authoring.
Years 2Management of information media is a theme that runs throughout Year 2, with an emphasis on database design, structure, implementation and evaluation.
These studies are complemented by management of the computing technologies responsible for their dissemination. Optional modules such as Informatics and Systems, and Programming for Financial Applications are offered in both the Information Science and Computer Science departments.
Years 3/4Compulsory Core modules include Software Project Management and Legal and Professional Issues in Computing. Students build upon the information production, processing and management dealt with in previous years of study, by having the chance to specialise in their choice of optional modules.
Examples of optional modules include:
Human Information Processing
Hypermedia
Information and Knowledge Management
Consumer Health Information
The final year project gives you the opportunity to study a topic of your choice in depth with a supervisor.
Professional TrainingIf you take the four year sandwich option you will undertake paid professional training for twelve months during Year 3, leading to the further award of a Diploma in Professional Studies. A tutor will visit you and your employer during the year and provide guidance with your assessed work. Some students have obtained sponsorship from their employers for their final year at University. Recent placements have included: IBM, Unisys, Microsoft UK, Burmah Castrol, Vauxhall Motors, Speedo International, Deloitte and Touche, Rolls Royce and GEC.
The Department provides guidance and help in arranging a suitable placement. The placement is assessed by employer and student reports, and by a project which you undertake for your employer. At the end of Year 1 you can transfer between the three year and the four year programme.
Professional RecognitionThe 4-year programme in Information Management and Computing is accredited by The British Computer Society and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Careers and Further StudyThe Department, in conjunction with the University’s Careers Service, offers practical help with job applications and interviews. All students in our last cohort of graduates obtained employment within six months of graduating.
Recent first career destinations include: Business Analyst, ICOM Solutions; Computer Systems Administrator, NHS Executive HQ; Software Engineer, Generic Engineering, Cambridge; Programmer, Leicestershire County Council; Graduate IT Trainee, Norwich Union; IT Projects Specialist, Arthur Andersen; Campus Network Implementor, IBM (UK); Trainee Software Systems Engineer, National Air Traffic Services; Systems Analyst, Harrods Ltd; Information Systems Support Officer, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford; IT Consultant, Capital Markets. Example of companies with whom graduates gained employment are: IBM, Hursley IT Specialists, Soft Link Hong Kong Technical Support Specialist.
AssessmentEmphasis is placed on encouraging your independence, study skills and your ability to contribute to group activity. Assessment varies between modules in the weighting of the coursework and examinations.
Some modules are assessed by 100% coursework.
Coursework assessment methods include practical projects, reports, essays, structured exercises, group presentations and work with computer systems and databases. To achieve satisfactory progress on some modules, students are expected to undertake preparation for classes and non-assessed exercises from time to time. Year 1 (Part A) 100 credits are required to proceed to Part B. Year 2 (Part B) and Year 3/4 (Part C) contribute to the final degree classification in the ratio 25:75.
