Project and dissertation

Module specification

There is no specific syllabus for this module as the project is an individual piece of work, exploring an idea from conception through to realisation. Nonetheless, elements of the project process are covered in a short lecture series at the start of the academic year. The lectures will normally be delivered by the module leader or their nominee. They will cover topics such as:

• Choosing a project
• Researching the project idea
• Making use of your module leader/supervisor
• Moving from research to requirements
• Writing up the project

In parallel with the lecture series, apprentices will identify (or be allocated) a project supervisor. They will then agree the subject of the project with the supervisor, the Module Leader, and the Employer. Suitable topics must be related to the workplace and must lend itself to research followed by a solution development process based on the research. The research component will include the identification of a suitable topic and subsequent investigation from books, papers and other sources. Requirements should be derived from the research. The solution development will include the identification of suitable tools and methodologies to use. Whatever the subject, the apprentice will be expected to treat material critically and to demonstrate their understanding of the relevance of material both to their award and to the project topic. They will also be expected to reflect on the tools and methodologies used and, at the project completion, comment on their suitability.

Each apprentice will be assigned a supervisor who will meet them regularly to discuss progress and to give guidance on planning and managing the work. It is the apprentice's responsibility to research material and techniques appropriate to the subject of the project.

Wherever possible apprentices will be assigned a supervisor with an interest in the project topic but this cannot be guaranteed. The responsibilities of the tutor are primarily to provide guidance on the management of the project, the standard of work required, what can realistically be done in the available time and to give feedback on work done (including the writing of the report).

In the initial stages of the project the apprentice and their tutor will discuss objectives which must be achieved if the project is to receive a pass grade. Criteria which must be met for a higher grade will also be identified. (Projects develop unpredictably, the objectives are only intended as a guide to the level expected and details may change).

At the beginning of the year in which the project is undertaken, a short series of lectures will provide the apprentice with the context in which the project is to be undertaken.

The full assignment brief will be placed here when it is issued

There are three elements to the assessment of the project. The major piece of assessed work is the project report. This will be between 3,000 words plus supporting material in the form of software where appropriate and documentation. The report is submitted upon completion of the project and carries 75% of the available marks. The report will typically be assessed on the following criteria:

• Extent, level and relevance of research
• Requirements analysis (which may include defining the scope of a development project and/or an analysis of research information)
• Identification and application of solution developmental, scientific or design methodology
• Choice and application of technology to implementation, if appropriate
• Evidence of self-management and critical reflection on the project content and process
• Clarity of exposition within the report
• Demonstration of:
  • business disciplines, ethics and courtesies,
  • timeliness and focus when faced with distractions and the ability to complete tasks to a deadline with high quality
  • a flexible attitude and ability to perform under pressure
  • a thorough approach to work in the cyber security role

In addition, at approximately the middle of the project period, apprentices are required to attend a project-in-progress day. The project-in-progress day is organised as a poster event and apprentices are expected to prepare a poster that describes their project idea and progress to date. The day is attended by academics from across the department and the employer and is an opportunity for apprentices, staff and the employer to discuss and exchange ideas about their work. 5% of the overall available marks are devoted to the material produced for the project in progress day. Finally, after submission of the project report, apprentices are required to present and demonstrate their solution to their supervisor and optionally their employer.

To be added

To be added

All questions about this module, after the course commences, should be initially directed to the module leader. Prior to that contact Bob Higgie bob.higgie@gloscol.ac.uk

Please contact via email, which is monitored continuously

To be added