Session 5 - Strand 2 (Online)

Abstract:

This session presents a practice-based case study in collaborative postgraduate curriculum design, examining how two senior lecturers at the University of Portsmouth London co-designed new 30-credit modules as core provision within both a revised MSc Information Systems and a new MSc Computer Science programme. Working within the University’s Connected Curriculum Framework, the session reflects on designing modules to serve two distinct student cohorts: those from an information systems background and those from a computer science route, each with different prior knowledge, career aspirations, and disciplinary identities. Two modules, Cyber Security and Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business, were designed as shared provision across both programmes. Further modules were developed collaboratively within an agreed design framework, including Managing Information Systems and Data Environments and Data Science by Sam Wattuhewa, Web Application Development and User Experience by Wale Odunsi, and HCI and Human–AI Interaction, ensuring coherent journeys across both structures. We examine the practical decisions involved: aligning learning outcomes at course and module level, developing assessment strategies consistent with the Connected Curriculum Framework’s cognitive load policy, and ensuring all modules met QAA Level 7 and subject benchmark standards. We also discuss how institutional processes, including course specifications, mapping documents, and the Moodle templating initiative, supported a consistent and navigable student experience. The session will be interactive, with structured group discussion inviting colleagues to reflect on their own cross-programme collaboration experiences. We offer a replicable model that others may adapt when designing shared provision across related disciplines.