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Capstone Project (PACS): Advanced Computer Science (PGT) - COM00194M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25 to Summer Semester 2024-25

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • allow students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Computer Science.
  • provide a culmination of taught material, in a substantial CPM.
  • support synthesis and application of material from the taught degree course.
  • demonstrate an appreciation of engineering and/or scientific methods and techniques, through coverage, as appropriate, of requirements, specification, design, implementation and evaluation (an engineering "lifecycle") for an implementation-oriented project, or a scientific lifecycle (hypothesis generation, experimental design, implementation and evaluation etc.) for a more experimentally-oriented project, or other appropriate systematic and rigorous approach depending on the problem.

Module learning outcomes

P401 Acquire specialisation in a particular part of the subject area, including enhanced or new technical skills that buildon taught theory. Examined in the overall project report.

P402 Conduct an investigation in an area that involves some element of novelty or originality, and critically evaluate the results of the work. Examined in the development and evaluation sections of the project report.

P403 Carry out research, critically engaging with research literature, and identify a clearly articulated line of enquiry. Examined in the literature review and evaluation sections of the project report.

P404 Contribute to an established area of research or development, demonstrating understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge. Examined in the overall project report.

P405 Recognise alternative approaches, selecting and justifying the approach taken at each point in the report, identifying parts of the project area that are feasible within the time constraints of the project. Analyse limitations of work undertaken, and identify potential directions for future study.

P406 Prepare a written report on the work done, according to the defined criteria (supplied separately), aiming for a standard that would be acceptable for wider publication.

P407 Account for and reflect on appropriate legal, ethical, social, professional and commercial issues involved in the project. Document this in the project report.

P408 Express questions for investigation in the field of Computer Science in a clear and concise way, providing information about the key motivations for investigating those questions.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Additional assessment information

Please note, as per University of York assessment regulations (see the Rules for progression and award), it is only possible to resit PGT Capstone Project Modules (CPMs) under certain conditions. In the case of a marginal fail of the CPM (marks that fall within 40-49), reassessment is permitted. Students are given the opportunity to make amendments to enable them to reach a pass threshold, within a specified time frame. The mark for the resubmitted CPM will be capped at the pass mark (50). There will only be one such reassessment.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback on written draft (where draft provided to supervisor in a timely manner).
Written feedback after concise paper submitted

Indicative reading

1. Dawson, C. W. (2015) Projects in Computing and Information Systems. 3rd edn. Addison-Wesley

2. Gowers, E. (2015) Plain Words. Penguin

3. Kopka, H. and Daly, P.W. (1999) A guide to LaTeX: Document Preparation for Beginners and Advanced Users, 3rd edn. Addison-Wesley

4. Zobel, J. (2015) Writing for Computer Science, 3rd edn. Springer


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.