• To provide the opportunity for students to successfully complete a self-directed project culminating in a detailed written dissertation and either an original piece of software or a research contribution derived from the practical application of technology.
• To allow students to reflect on and use tools and techniques acquired from other taught modules within the programme.
• To encourage students to consider and address the legal and ethical issues surrounding their project topic and relate these to the professional standards of the Chartered Institute for IT.
• To enable students to demonstrate technical competency and proficiency with time management, risk assessment, project planning and communication.

(LO1) Conduct background reading, research and user analysis (where appropriate) to develop a set of requirements and give wider context for a complex technical project.

(LO2) Demonstrate competence in project planning, risk assessment, time management, independent study, and adaptability in the event of unexpected problems.

(LO3) Produce a design for an accessible and usable piece of software that meets the needs of its users, or a detailed plan of research activity that uses technology to investigate a hypothesis, using industry standard notation where appropriate.

(LO4) Implement a technically competent piece of software or use technology to conduct an in-depth piece of research, following a recognised method and using contemporary tools and techniques.

(LO5) Evaluate project outcomes with reference to the original objectives, the wider background context, and the expectations of the Chartered Institute for IT.

(LO6) Articulate the legal, social, ethical and professional issues surrounding an extended project, and follow relevant professional codes of practice.

(LO7) Communicate technical information clearly and succinctly to a broad, non-specialist audience via a range of media.

(LO8) Structure and write an extended formal and technical document (dissertation) to a standard expected of a professional in Computer Science.

(S1) Ability to organise workloads to plan and manage a piece of work spanning an extended period of time.

(S2) Ability to use library resources and conduct relevant searches for literature.

(S3) Ability to use information technology (digital fluency).

(S4) Ability to succinctly communicate complex concepts to a wide audience.

(S5) Ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

The capstone project is an independent piece of work following a plan agreed with the supervisor. There is no set syllabus. Lectures include general careers advice and specific guidance on the deliverables required for each assessment.

There is less contact time in this module than other taught modules, although students should have regular meetings with their supervisor. The ethos of the capstone project is to promote independent study, time management skills, and self-reflection. The module is supported by our e-Project System, which allows easy administration and a central point for students to submit work and view feedback. Each student has the opportunity to demonstrate digital fluency and build confidence in communication via a range of activities, culminating in the final written dissertation. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own strengths and abilities, consider the wider context of their project, and apply the practical skills gained throughout the degree programme.

Due to Covid-19, in 2021/22, introductory materials for the project will be delivered online asynchronously and meetings with supervisor will take place online or on-campus in agreement with individual supervisor.