Tutors :	Dr.S.Pahirathan BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD 
		A.Arasaratnam BSc (Hons), PgDip (Comp)     
		Dr.V.Mohan BvSc, PhD

Aims and Objectives   

Recent information systems used in industry, business and commerce will exploit distributed computing 
technology such as the Internet and the World Wide Web. Web-based electronic commerce, groupware, 
on-line transaction processing, and advanced multimedia entertainment systems are a few of the 
applications are now possible thanks to this technology. The Postgraduate Diploma in Distributed 
Information Systems  is aimed at promoting and providing students with the understanding and experience
of the technologies, tools and techniques that are vital to the realisation of these distributed 
applications. The course is intended primarily for those who have a good honours degree and are 
motivated to develop their understanding of this complex and topical area. A first degree in computing 
or related scientific or technologicaldiscipline with significant relevant computing component 
including some experience of high level programming. Relevant work experience may be an appropriate 
substitute for candidates without a first degree. The PG Diploma  has three main objectives:  
•	to understand relevant information technologies and software development techniques for 
        distributed information systems;  
•	to critically discuss the implications of emerging technologies with regard to distributed 
        information systems;  
•	to critically appraise the potential and contribution of distributed information systems 
        to business, commerce, and industry.  

Distributed information systems development 

The primary objective of the course is to familiarise students with the key issues of distributed 
information systems. This will be achieved by the development of relevant programming skills in 
distributed and mobile computation in conjunction with distributed systems theory and practice. 
Students will be given practical experience in developing significant distributed software systems 
using .NET based WebForms & XML  WebServices with C# programming language. This will be supported 
by a study of relevant software development techniques. Software project management will also be 
studied to provide a real-world context to the resource and business constraints that are encountered 
during the design and implementation of any large software project such as that engendered by 
distributed information systems. Emerging technologies and distributed information systems 

The rapid introduction of new technologies to a distributed information system is often critical to 
the future success of a distributed information system. Students will be exposed to the latest 
developments in the area with the aim of critically assessing the impact of each new technology 
to a range of distributed applications. In addition to specialist courses in distributed systems 
and program development, student will have the opportunity to study latest developments in intranet
technology, database systems, multimedia systems, middleware, and networked organisations. Students 
will also have the opportunity to study a range of these advances in particular depth during the 
dissertation element of the course.  

Distributed information systems and business, commerce, and industry.

The potential of distributed information systems to business, commerce, and industry is a key 
motivating factor in this course. The focus  of this is a study of networked organisations that 
explores the ways in which organisations are using advances in information technology to enhance 
their business. These primarily focus on networking distributed systems to allow organisations to 
work in different ways and to  offer different kinds of products and services to their customers 
(Electronic Commerce). Through this organisations can establish competitive  advantage over their 
competitors, for example by differentiation or by strategic partnership, both of this can be technology 
related.  

Teaching Methods 

A variety of teaching methods will be used, including conventional lectures, seminars, and discussions. 
Students will also gain practical experience through an application workshop and relevant real-world 
context based on case study material. Students successfully completing the taught component of the 
course will undertake a dissertation. This will involve an in-depth study of a particular area of 
interest in the field of Distributed Information Systems. The submission of a satisfactory dissertation 
will result in the award of a Postgraduate Diploma.  

Mode of Study 

The course can be taken only as a full-time over one year. The course starts at the beginning of the 
Autumn semester and finishes in late September the following year. Taught courses span two semesters. 
Dissertation work begins in the second semester and is completed during the summer for submission in 
September.  

Course Structure 

The course is structured around a common core of eight modules associated with the development and 
appreciation of Distributed Information Systems, and a dissertation.  

•	Distributed Systems  
•	Distributed and Mobile Computation  
•	Database Systems  
•	Software Development Methodology  
•	Advanced Database Systems  
•	.NET Architecture & Platform
•	Object Oriented Programming with C# 
•	Server Side Programming 
•	Components and Remoting
•	XML WebServices and SOAP Applications
•	e-Commerce Security & Firewall Management
•	Deployment and Management 
•	Multimedia Systems 
•	Systems Project Management  
•	Networked Organisations and Electronic Commerce  
•	Dissertation  


Students on the course take ten core modules and a dissertation. Examination of this material is at the 
end of each semester. Specific module offered within this PG Diploma may change to reflect developments 
in the rapidly changing area of Distributed Information Systems.   

Dissertation 

Provided that course members have reached an acceptable standard in the assessments and examinations they 
may undertake a dissertation. Work on a dissertation for a PG Diploma will usually involve an in-depth 
study in the area of Distributed Information Systems. This may include a state-of-the-art review together 
with any appropriate software development.  

Awards 

A PG Diploma awarded to students who achieve a high standard in the taught part of the course and submit 
a satisfactory dissertation. Students who do not achieve the required standard in the assessments and 
examinations may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate if eligible.  

Entry Requirements 

Applicants should normally have a good honours degree (or foreign equivalent qualification) and be motivated 
to develop their understanding of the theory and practice of this complex and exciting area. 
A computing-related background may be advantageous, but is not a strict requirement. Any undergraduate 
qualification in a related discipline for candidates wishing to embark on this new direction or relevant 
industrial experience may be an appropriate substitute for candidates without a first degree.   

 
Application Deadline 

Complete application forms should reach the Admission Secretary no later than early August for the academic 
session starting late September of that year. Overseas applications are advised to apply early in the 
academic year and to provide the telephone number and fax numbers of two academic referees. Late applications 
(in July or August for the following September) should be faxed to the Admissions Secretary in addition to 
a postal appliation to ensure that they are considered as quickly as possible.