KV7009 - Ethical and Responsible Computing

What will I learn on this module?

Computing technologies have a range of effects on society, which will be explored in this module. Drawing on relevant theory and research, key issues will be introduced and critically evaluated. Seminars provide the opportunity to critically reflect, and develop skills in verbal communication, around the role of computing professionals in the development and application of technology within society. This module considers topics such as the commercial contexts and drivers which shape computing products, the types of harms and exclusion which arise in an increasingly digital society, the use of technology by governments to provide civic services, and debates around the effects of technology on children and young people. The presentation, potential moral panic and hyperbole around emergent technologies such as AI, and the social media landscape will also be contextualised theoretically. This module presents a holistic view of ethical and responsible computing which not only identifies harms, but also a diverse range of opportunities to create new economic markets, empower individuals, and provide a forum for the sharing of information to challenge existing power structures, e.g. the Panama papers, whistleblowing and ethical hacking. You learn how to identify and use evidence to construct argument, and identify the possible risks, exclusions and harms your work as a computing professional may potentially give rise too, and how to mitigate these.

How will I learn on this module?

This module proves blend of lectures, seminars, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theory and contemporary research to introduce and contextualise the ethical and social issues arising from ubiquitous computing. These will be further discussed and debated in seminars, which provide an opportunity to work both individually, but also with others to develop your thinking, analytical skillset, producing reflective commentary, and practice presenting points in both written and verbal formats. Formative feedback will be given as part of these diverse activities by module staff. This working with source material is a valuable skillset in both employability and academic contexts.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by tutors during the lectures and seminars who will provide subject expertise and academic guidance, and formative feedback on your work. In addition, the university library offers support for all students through the provision of electronic resources and a detailed reading list for the module.

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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

What will I be expected to achieve?
(SRS 0005)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1 – Demonstrate awareness of key contemporary concerns around the impact of computing technology on society
• MLO2 - Demonstrate an understanding of the commercial contexts and considerations which shape the development of technology

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3 – Critically evaluate high-quality evidence to identify positions within a debate, and justify your own standpoint
• MLO4 - Discuss technological developments in relevant areas of computing and exhibit an understanding of their professional, ethical, legal, and societal implications


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5 - Be able to identify where computing professionals can contribute towards responsible computing agendas

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed? (SRS 0006)
There will be one summative assessment in this module worth 100% of the available marks.

This assessment will require students to produce a 3000-word case study, with supporting evidence contained within appendices. This case study will identify and discuss a range of ethical, social, legal and commercial factors as relevant to their chosen exemplar. Case studies topics are selected from a provided list or generated by students, with staff approval.

Formative feedback is provided in workshop sessions by staff, as part of a range of activities.

This assessment addresses Module Learning Outcomes: ML01, MLO2, ML03, ML04, MLO5


Programme (Level) Learning Outcomes that this module contributes to:
[Please insert PLO number as listed on the programme specification]

This Level 7 Module addresses the following PLOs as listed in the relevant programme specifications:

K&U: 2
IPSA: 1, 2
PVA: 1, 2

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will introduce you to a range of ethical, social and legal issues which the development and deployment of technology has on wider society, and individuals. As a research rich module, you will engage with contemporary literature which explores issues such as data as a commodity, social media use, attitudes towards technology, digitally facilitated criminality, and ownership models such as streaming services. Lectures will provide foundational knowledge, with key contemporary issues debated, explored and critically interrogated in related seminar sessions. You will critically assess both the diverse benefits and challenges that computing presents to differing demographics and domains societally, to develop your ability to identify where and how CS professionals can play a role in this. You will apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills in a research-driven assessment as a case study focusing on a contemporary issue, and it’s associated ethical issues arising from technology use.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

School Computer Science

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2026

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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