KV3001 - Digital Society Case Study

What will I learn on this module?

The aim of the module is to provide you with a further opportunity to explore the real-world application of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) within the digital society.
You will learn how user experience, technology and systems apply in a range of digital society contexts and will carry out a case study to examine a particular area in depth. This will involve exploring the impact of IT and IS on individuals, organisation, and communities to explore speculative design futures. As part of this module, you will also continue to work within teams, and will further develop research and presentation skills. The module will complement the other modules where you learn the specifics of the technology and systems and within this module you will be able to understand where this fits into the real world.

How will I learn on this module?

The module includes a combination of methods to support learning, the eLP will provide access to your learning materials and your group will be supported in practicals / workshops by tutors from the teaching team. You will then select one digital society area from a given choice and will be supported to investigate the user experience, IS and IT within this area. Seminars will also be delivered to support you in your investigation both in a group and individual capacity. The initial findings from the group investigation will be included in a report accompanied by an Individual Poster Presentation demonstrating a specific design solution in response to the research investigation.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module tutor but more specifically by tutors from the teaching team who will work with you to guide you throughout your investigation and speculative design activities.
You will also have access to support through our Electronic Learning Platform (eLP) and the University Library; you will have access to assignment information and learning materials to support your exploration of the subject and your own learning development.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
On completion of this module you will be able to:

MLO1 Identify the key user experiences, technologies and systems used within a particular area of the digital society.

MLO2 Devise possible design futures for technologies and systems in the digital society taking into account organisation, team, individual, and community user experiences.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
On completion of the module you will be able to
MLO3 Identify the most appropriate sources for research
MLO4 Communicate findings appropriately using written and design-oriented methods

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
On completion of this module you will have developed:
MLO5 A questioning approach to knowledge and awareness of issues regarding research and investigation

How will I be assessed?

Students will be required to conduct an investigation in groups into the user experiences, information technology, and information systems within a particular area of the digital society. Students will then compile your outputs, findings, and conclusions in a report.

The individual poster will require students to identify a specific design solution for their particular area of the digital society and consider the consequences of its adoption.

Students will be required to produce:
Group Report (3000 words) – 50% (MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4, MLO5 – all in part)

Individual Poster Presentation 50% MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4, MLO5 – all in part)

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The module will be focussed on further development of your understanding of a broad range of Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) issues in industry and society as well as continuing to develop your research skills, including learning on techniques and methods used in academic and/or professional research. There will be a particular emphasis on a chosen digital society specialism which will form the basis of your case study and will allow you to explore the issues within this context in more depth, both as a group and as an individual. You will also further develop your understanding of the research process, as well as how to carry out research in an applied context and utilise the outputs for the speculative design of possible futures. This will focus on problems, issues, and opportunities, established via empirical knowledge of user experiences, technology, and systems in the given digital society area, considering individuals, organisations and communities when identifying current practices and speculative possible futures. This will focus on the problems and issues that occur in establishing empirical knowledge in the IT and IS area. A variety of approaches will be used to facilitate learning including the use of e-learning portal, seminars, practicals/workshops, and the support of the teaching team to enhance and develop your critical thinking and reflective approach to learning.

Course info

UCAS Code I200

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)

Department Computer and Information Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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