Computer Science PgCert (Distance Learning)

Teaching and Assessment

Contact time and independent study percentages

For undergraduate study, we recommend dedicating a minimum of 10 hours study per 20 credit module or 30 hours per week (full-time) or, on average, 15 hours per week (part time). This will cover all aspects of guided independent study, including seminars, interaction with discussion forums, as well as assignments, reading and revision.

For postgraduate courses, we recommend dedicating approximately 10-16 hours study, per 20 credit module, per week. This may include guided independent study such as discussion boards, group discussions and live sessions, as well as independent study including asynchronous learning activities and recorded videos. Contact time with tutors is typically in small groups with peers and/or on a 1:1 basis. You’ll be supported throughout your studies by your module tutors and personal academic tutors.

Course-specific information: Find out more about contact time with your tutors, independent study and how you will be taught and assessed by searching our Course and Module catalogue.

Teaching

Our Distance Learning courses have a range of start dates throughout the academic year, with examinations and assessments based on these. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available.

Our Distance Learning courses are taught online and the content is normally offered on demand, so you have the flexibility to choose when and how you study. Where timetabled face-to-face sessions are offered online as part of the package, this will be stated in the module description. Unless it says otherwise in a module description, teaching on this course will be 100% online.

Feedback

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks - unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Progression

You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

Technology and System Requirements

As a Distance Learning student, you must provide and have access to the following IT equipment and facilities to access your Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and to fully participate on your course.

• Personal computer. Courses are designed for personal computers. Some content may not be fully accessible via mobile devices including but not limited to assessments and where there is a need install supplementary software on your personal computer.
• Internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to allow video streaming (4Mps minimum).
• Microphone and webcam.

Browser

Your course can be accessed using the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Full functionality cannot be guaranteed in older or less commonly used browsers. JavaScript must be enabled in your preferred browser.

Minimum Specifications

Your personal computer and webcam will require the following minimum specifications to access your course and study materials:

Hardware

• Headphones, soundcard and speakers, microphone, and webcam. (If you are uncertain if your system meets the requirements, please check with the manufacturer or at the place of purchase).
• Minimum Intel Core i5 (Minimum Dual Core 2 GHz) or AMD A10 or equivalent, 4GB of RAM (recommended 8 GB for better overall experience), with a screen resolution of at least 1280x800px.

Operating systems

• Windows: Windows 10 or later. Mac: OS X 10.13 or later.
• Linux: 64-bit Linux distribution of Ubuntu 16.04+LTS, Fedora 30+ Workstation, RHEL 8+ Workstation or CentOS 8+.
• Android: OS 10, 11 or 12.
• iOS: iOS13 or iOS14.

Internet connection

Our distance learning courses can be studied from any location, however we recommend a broadband/high speed connection of 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed. (If you are unsure if your internet connection speeds meet requirements, please speak with your internet service provider for clarification).

Other software requirements

• Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud and Office 365. Access to these applications will be provided to you as a University of Huddersfield student. Please note that some software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, will need to be downloaded and installed. You may be required to have full administrator rights to do this, which could be restricted if using an employer’s computer or shared device.
• Please see the requirements for Microsoft Teams (Hardware requirements for Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn)

Mobile App

The University’s VLE, Brightspace, has a mobile Pulse app that can help students stay connected and on track with their course in Brightspace.The Pulse app only works with some core features of Brightspace. The Pulse app may not work on all Brightspace features. Third-party tools may not work as well. Mobile devices are not suitable for all courses, or some coursework. Users may need to complete some tasks on other non-mobile devices meeting the system requirements.

Costs

The costs of IT equipment and internet access are not included in the tuition fees and are your sole responsibility. For more information visit What’s included in your tuition fee? - University of Huddersfield.