Teaching Methods
Our aim is for students to develop a strong combination of understanding the underlying principles of Computer Science, developing practical computing skills, and acquiring the appropriate learning, communication and team working skills that are essential for future development.
Our undergraduate programmes, in addition to being accredited to both the BCS and IET, were rated "excellent" (the highest possible grade) in the most recent HEFCE teaching assessment exercise.
At Manchester we aim to provide a unique experience. Studying Computer Science with us will give you the chance to follow your academic curiosity and explore a fascinating subject. A significant amount of your work will be project-based team work, tackling real problems. You will see how computer science is directly applicable to solving problems, across a broad range of areas.
The emphasis throughout is on independent learning, supported by regular meetings in small groups with personal tutors. You receive practical help and support from experienced staff and postgraduates, with leading experts guiding your learning and stimulating your interest. This approach is supported by conventional lectures and comprehensive on-line learning resources. We also provide excellent facilities, including specialist laboratories to support areas such as engineering.
Unseen examinations account for about 60% of your assessment. These assess your abilities in the selection and application of knowledge, problem solving, and in design and evaluation of software or hardware.
Other assessment is mainly through laboratory-based coursework that provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of computer science by tackling specific problems on a more realistic scale, both individually and in groups. The remaining assessment is through presentations and essays where, in particular, you demonstrate the transferable skills that you have developed. In the third and final years, the non-examination assessment is mainly associated with the practical project.
As part of the weekly tutorials with your personal tutor you undertake activities, as part of our Personal Development Programme (PDP), to help you become more effective and independent learners and prepare you for future, independent study and learning.
Your studies are also helped through Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). These involve a second or third-year student acting as mentor to a group of first-year students. The student tutor assists new students with any course problems and helps them adjust to university life. This enhances the quality, quantity and diversity of student learning, but also provides an extra supportive environment outside of a tutor group where academic issues can be addressed. Evaluations have shown this scheme to make a real difference to the performance and confidence of the first-year students involved. Meanwhile, PASS leaders found that they too had improved confidence and transferable skills to enhance their CV.
All our programmes develop high-level practical and theoretical skills which can be acquired over a broad range of computer science subjects, or more focused in a particular area either by choosing a specialist degree, or a pathway within the Computer Science programme. You will gain good knowledge and practical experience of currently available technologies, and a thorough grounding in the principles of the subject.
In addition to these technical skills our programmes develop communication and team working skills which are increasingly in demand in the workplace.
Career Management Skills are also a key part of the transferable skills taught. These will assist you with developing the assets needed to secure employment either during your 'with industrial experience' year or after graduation; for example, finding possible employers, writing CVs, and preparing effectively for interviews and other selection processes.
