Statement of Provision
A brief summary of the Programme, under standard headings, for reporting and quality assurance purposes.
University department and division
The Computing Laboratory, within the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
Course director
The Programme Director for Software Engineering, currently Professor Jim Davies.
Induction arrangements
The modules on the Programme are organised into three themes, each of which has a core, start module. At the beginning of each term, start modules for two different themes are run during the same week, and an induction session—a short seminar, a reception, and a dinner—is run during that week, usually on the Thursday evening.
Most students will begin their studies with one of these modules, and will thus attend an induction session on their first module, without having to travel for Oxford specifically for that purpose. In the special case of a student whose own, approved programme of study does not include a start module for one of the themes, their supervisor will be notified, and will be responsible for ensuring that the student is properly briefed.
Course length and time spent in Oxford
For an MSc: 10 modules studied over a minimum of two years, each requiring one week attendance in Oxford, plus dissertation, requiring also participation in a project week.
Pattern of work
Each module consists of three weeks of preliminary study, followed by an intensive teaching week, and then a six week assignment. The teaching week involves a combination of seminars, classes, and practical exercises: the balance between these components depends upon the subject matter of the module. At MSc level, there are two additional modules associated with the completion of the project and dissertation: here, the emphasis is upon supporting research activity, with one-to-one meetings between student and supervisor.
One-to-one and small group teaching
Depending upon the subject matter and location, class sizes are restricted to 12, 16, or 18 students per module. Students working on their project and dissertation receive one-to-one supervision.
Monitoring
Each student is assigned a supervisor at the start of their period of study. Students and supervisors complete a termly report on progress, which is reviewed by the Director of Studies and by the student's college. The Programme Director has responsibility for student monitoring and report completion.
Workspace and facilities provided
Students have access to the Programme's computing facilities, and to the University's library facilities, during the teaching weeks. Outside these periods, they can access electronic resources, including University email, groupware, and electronic versions of journals, through the University's Virtual Private Network (VPN) facility.
Research opportunities and skills
The Software Engineering group at the University hold graduate seminars every Friday afternoon during term, after the end of the intensive teaching week, and Programme students are invited to attend. Students are generally welcome to attend lunchtime research seminars and talks associated with other groups in the Computing Laboratory, although these will be less relevant to their studies.
Research, study, time management, and project planning skills are addressed in the teaching week for the project module. However, the requirement for these is tempered by the fact that students on the Programme already have professional experience.
Student feedback and response
Students have access to an on-line forum, on which they may share experiences, make suggestions, and raise any issues that they may have. The forum is monitored and moderated by academic staff, who will respond promptly to any concerns expressed. A student representative, elected annually via the forum, serves on the standing committee for the Programme.
Students complete a standard questionnaire after each module, and periodic surveys are undertaken to canvas opinion regarding proposed changes to the Programme, or regarding perceived changes in the operating environment. Most students have significant professional experience and are ready and willing to offer criticism and feedback directly.
Students at MSc level have additional representation through their college: through an annual student questionnaire or survey, and through representation at meetings and on college committees.
Accommodation, meals and social facilities
Students are asked to make their own arrangements for accommodation during the teaching week, but lunch is provided on each day. Refreshments are also provided at morning and afternoon break times. An induction session, combined with a social event, is organised at the start of each term.
The Programme supports an on-line community of staff and students using a dedicated forum or conferencing site. Students may post to this site on topics argably related to their participation in the Programme. Their comments are moderated to ensure compliance with the relevant University policies and regulations.
Each student is a member of an Oxford college, and all students can become members of the University Club. Both will afford the opportunity to take part in social and sporting activities, as far as their geographical situation allows. Both the colleges and the Club may be able to provide accommodation at a reduced rate, and access to additional library and computing facilities.
Pastoral and welfare support
Each student has a supervisor who will offer assistance in selecting courses, monitor progress, and provide advice and direction if and when the student embarks upon their project work. The Director of Studies and the Programme Director are also ready to provide general advice and support.
Students who have reached the MSc stage will be assigned a college advisor, who will connect with the Programme team to ensure a coordinated response where appropriate. These students have access also to the University's Student Counselling Service, which offers assistance with personal, emotional, social, and academic problems:
It is relatively unlikely that MSc students on the Programme would wish to seek advice from the University Careers Service, but they have the opportunity to do so: