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Information Technology BSc

Learn in a high-tech lab with access to specialist equipment, applying theory and concepts to practical situations.
Code
BSc: G561
Start
October 2023
Duration
BSc: 3 years full-time
4 years with placement
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK) *
£15,100 (EU / INT) *
Course leader
Serengul Smith

Why study information technology with us

Learning about computer-based systems can open a lot of different career doors. Our information technology course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiments to prepare you for the world of work, focusing on skills expected by employers. You’ll have access to a wide range of advanced equipment and software. Our interworking labs come equipped with telecommunication equipment, high-end simulation software, and much more. We even have remote access for the features you will need.

A degree in information technology is a great step to a career in the IT field. You can look forward to securing a key role in the IT support sector, IT project development and anywhere else that database and multimedia skills are needed. Past graduates from this course have gained employment with KPMG, IBM, TalkTalk and other prestigious companies.

How you’ll apply your new skills

You’ll learn to apply your theoretical knowledge with practical experiments in our modern labs or using remote access, component kits and a wide range of software. Teaching is made up of different styles like lab and group work alongside individual projects, which include designing websites and IT systems.

Our course gives you the option to extend your studies by a year to spend the third year doing a paid work placement in an IT-based industry. You’ll enhance your career prospects and practice your knowledge before the final year, possibly leading to a better grade. We’ll help you secure your placement and even cover your tuition fees for the year.

There’ll be lots of career events throughout your time studying so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet and talk with potential employers before you graduate.

Get the support you need

While you’re learning, you’ll be matched with a Personal Tutor directly related to your course. You’ll also get support from our Student Learning and Graduate Academic Assistants, who have experience in your subject area.

Course highlights

  • You’ll combine theoretical knowledge of computer-based systems with practical experiments in modern labs, with access to advanced equipment, component kits and software
  • You’ll develop skills through different learning styles like lab and group work, along with individual projects including web design and IT systems
  • You’ll have the option to extend study in third year with paid placements in the IT industry to apply knowledge and enhance career prospects
  • You'll have lots of options to specialise in selected fields during year 3
  • You will be supplied with a Microcontroller kit for your studies
  • Our staff are engaged in a wide range of research which will benefit your learning greatly
  • You will have many opportunities to get engaged in external events to apply your knowledge practically and boost your employability prospects

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What will you study on the BSc Information Technology?

Core modules such as operating systems and programming are thoroughly covered in this course. You will learn how a modern enterprise system works and how to use a wide range of technologies to support its operation.

What will you gain?

You will have the opportunity to put what you've learned to practical use and make valuable industry contacts, especially if you decide to complete a work experience placement in your second year.

Modules

BSc modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 credits)

      This module provides you with fundamental knowledge and principles of computer hardware and operating systems in order to understand the structure and operation of modern computers.

      The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental behaviour and components (hardware and software) of a typical computer system, and how they collaborate to manage resources and provide services in scales from small embedded devices up to the global internet.

      The module will focus on the understanding of concepts, theory and associated terminology of two core components: ‘Computer Architecture’ and ‘Operating Systems and Networks’. Practical hands-on laboratory experiments will be used to illustrate the application of theory and concepts.

      The lab work ranges between using C code, Batch, Bash and Python. This will allow you to develop a range of programming skills that will support your knowledge and skills not only in this module but in future studies as well.

    • Information in Organisations (30 credits)

      In any modern business environment, data is used to store, preserve, search, retrieve and display information to improve important business processes. It is essential that you have the skills and knowledge to develop information systems. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to database technology, a core IT skill required in many IT disciplines and an extremely good transferable skill.

      The module introduces you to database design, implementation and manipulation knowledge and skills. Once mastered, these skills will provide a firm foundation for higher-level academic study or a rewarding career in many IT related areas such as data analytics.

    • Emerging Technologies in Practice (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and enthusiasm for current technologies that are deployed in modern, creative business settings, taking in current and potential future developments.

      The module will adopt a practical lab based, case study approach to enable you to develop your knowledge of the design and use of technology in real world settings and to be aware of likely future developments in computing and IT and of the possible social impacts of those developments.

      It will draw in current and future computing systems including pervasive, mobile and robotic systems, smart homes, smart cities and will consider both the drivers for technological development and the constraints on that development.

    • Introduction to Programming (30 credits)

      This module introduces computer programming techniques, with an emphasis on concepts that are relevant to a wide range of programming languages. There is a strong focus on practical work and this may require you to work together in pairs and small groups.

      You will learn how to solve problems through the design, enhancement and implementation of computer programs, and you will develop the ability to document, test and debug programs.

      You will also be introduced to fundamental concepts of programming, data structures, algorithms and object oriented programming, and be encouraged to work individually and discuss in groups in a series of highly interactive and progressive activities.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Data Management and Business Intelligence (30 credits)

      This module will provide you with an understanding of the nature of data, its transmission, storage and how this leads to policies in business and strategies for ensuring data integrity and business continuity. In order to develop a real understanding of this area, you will learn how to analyse and use packet sniffing tools and explore how dictionary and brute force attacks are carried out.

      Secondly, we look at the wide range of data that may be available to a business and look at how this can be captured, analysed and used to make decisions. This will involve developing some skills in statistical analysis and use of commonly available tools, in addition to consideration of ethical issues and ensuring that appropriate data is analysed to support business goals.

      The final section of the module explores how machine learning approaches can support users and businesses by analysing data and making recommendations. You will develop skills in using existing toolkits to implement some machine learning algorithms and understand the potential of machine learning in addition to risks.

    • Project Management and Professional Practice (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is for you to gain knowledge of professional project management in the context of your degree and future profession.

      You will use your newly acquired professional project management knowledge to participate in a ‘real world’ group project, relevant to your level of study.

      The module will focus on all aspects of professional practice including project management. In addition, you will study ethical, legal, regulatory, organisational and business issues in order to further your employability within the computer and networking world.

    • Web Applications and Databases (30 credits)

      This module will give you practical experience with the development of dynamic websites using HTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript. You will learn how to store client-side data and get first-hand experience with the server-side storage of data using databases.

      You will also obtain a deeper understanding of the operation of large-scale websites, such as Facebook and Google, and the security, privacy and legal issues that affect web applications.

  • Year 2 - Optional

    • Information Systems Analysis and Design (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide a firm grounding in business systems analysis and design using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to model information systems, and the Unified Process (a disciplined approach to assigning and managing tasks and responsibilities in a development environment).

      The module covers a range of topics including (i) Information Systems modelling and associated development lifecycle issues, (ii) application of Information Systems modelling techniques to real-life scenarios and (iii) Ethical, Professional and Legal issues concerning the design of Information Systems.

    • Operating Systems and Computer Networks (30 credits)

      Part I of this module will provide you with an opportunity to gain practical level experience of Operating System management techniques in a realistic and flexible environment. Access is provided to a 64-bit Linux Enterprise system to promote active learning and reinforce lecture material.

      Part II of this module provides you with the basic skills needed to learn both the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking.

      You will gain an understanding of the “layered” approach to networks by examining the OSI and TCP/IP models in detail as well as an introduction to switching and routing.

  • Placement Year - Optional

    • Industrial Placement (120 credits)

      The module aims to develop your employability skills by achieving the set of agreed learning outcomes using a Three Way Negotiated Learning Agreement. The module develops a range of skills specific to the individual workplace.

      This practical experience module provides the means for you to link academic work with the 'real world', facilitating the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment.

      You will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of your learning, with the opportunity to enhance your self-expression, communication, self-reliance and co-operation.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • UG Individual Project (30 credits)

      This module provides you with the opportunity of choosing and working on a project that reflects your interests and aims and outcomes of your programme. It should constitute a practical problem-solving project relevant to your programme of study.

      The primary aim of the module is to consolidate and deepen your understanding of material taught on your programme, to exercise professional judgement, to undertake individual research and to conduct an investigation and/or develop a product, process or application relevant to the focus of your programme.

      It provides you with the opportunity of engaging in significant system development, the typical output of which represents the solution of a problem akin to those that you as a fledgling professional practitioner are likely to encounter in future employment.

      The module intends that your choice of individual project will provide you with a significant opportunity to reflect on your learning progress and to develop your learning for life-long and career development.

  • Year 3 - Optional

    • Enterprise Networking and Automation (30 credits)

      This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills related to designing, securing, operating, and troubleshooting enterprise networks.

      This module also covers wide area network (WAN) technologies, introduces software-defined networking, virtualisation, and automation concepts that support the digitalisation of networks.

      Extensive labs emphasise hands-on learning and practice to reinforce the skills to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks.

      The module reflects the job skills and responsibilities that are associated with professional-level job roles such as network engineer, systems engineer, network support engineer, network administrator, and network consultant.

    • Artificial Intelligence (30 credits)

      The aim of the module is to introduce you to a range of AI theories and techniques, including the most commonly used. You will also have the opportunity to implement these newly learnt techniques, and to extend your own development skills.

    • Web-Based Mobile App Development (30 credits)

      This module aims to develop a deep understanding of the latest web-based app programming techniques, frameworks, and methodologies used by the industry to develop the next generation software that can be deployed on any mobile devices (both Android and iOS).

      The module will investigate, develop, and deploy latest programming language standards that are fundamental to app development and currently being widely employed in industry.

      Modern programming frameworks will be introduced to provide the essential software architecture for large-scale software development and the ability to target either the Android or iOS platform.

      The module will cover the three most important components of a complete mobile app: front end, back end, and system administration.

    • Business Intelligence (30 credits)

      This module aims to develop your understanding of the techniques and approaches used to capture, store and analyse data generated by organisations for purposes of business intelligence. In a digital age it is important for businesses to make use of data captured about its entities.  You will learn about information retrieval, data presentation, pattern recognition techniques and data models that can be used in business intelligence applications.  Descriptive data models can be used to gain a better understanding of overall organisation and predictive data models inform the decision making in all aspects of the business.

    • Novel Interaction Technologies (30 credits)

      Interactive technologies are developing continually, and new devices that offer novel ways of interacting with computer-based systems are constantly finding their way into our homes, workplaces and lives. In this module, you will encounter and study a range of innovative and emerging interaction technologies.

      The module affords an opportunity to become familiar with the technologies and devices themselves as well as ways of analysing their applicability for particular uses and situations, and approaches evaluating their use.

      By understanding how computing devices and products are used and studying the ways that usage changes over time, you will gain a critical awareness of the processes by which interactive products gain in popularity and become successful.

      After completing the module, you will therefore be better equipped to anticipate and select the successful interaction technologies of the future, analyse situations of use and potential users, design using the latest interaction technology, and evaluate novel and innovative designs.

    • Digital Media Technology (30 credits)

      This module aims to equip you with the underlying concepts and theory in interactive media manipulation. In doing this, you will develop skills in synthesis and modification of media, hardware controllers, data visualisation and sonification.

      By understanding the relationship between cognitive psychology and our mathematical treatment of media data, you will develop a strong theoretical foundation with which to explore this area.

      You will be programming using a wide range of languages and explore a wide range of paradigms for completing various media-based tasks including the design and development of interactive artefacts.

      As we are dealing with media and its presentation, there are strong links to the digital arts and you are expected to explore their creative side in addition to the computing skills required.

      Background reading will provide you with a historical and philosophical context for reflecting on their own practice and that of their peers.

    • Strategic Information Systems (Enterprise Project) Management (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with the ability to apply key skills in information systems to the business management domain. The module also aims to enable you to obtain important aptitudes towards using information technology solutions such as business intelligence (e.g. data analytics), digital technology solutions (e.g. smart environments) and modern forms of communication (e.g. social networks) to improve business processes. You will  acquire knowledge in a number of topics aligned to the following key areas: (i) information systems and business intelligence (in particular the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations, (ii) communications (in particular the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools) and (iii) digital business (in particular the development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology has reshaped traditional revenue and business models).

    • UX Design (30 credits)

      During this module, you will gain understanding of underpinning concepts and practical techniques relevant when considering humans, both in the organisation of design and design processes, and as a way of incorporating a user perspective in the design of products and services.

      The module also includes analysis of user experience, the characteristics of users and their tasks, and the technical, organisational and physical environment in which products or systems may operate.

    • Advanced Web Development with Big Data (30 credits)

      Many modern websites store and process large amounts of data. Typical examples are property search websites, price comparison websites and financial websites.

      This module aims to give you the ability to download, store and process large quantities of data and build websites based on this data using advanced JavaScript frameworks.

      At the end of the module, you will have gained advanced skills with Java, JavaScript, web development and big data, which are highly sought after skills.

    • Teaching Computing in the Secondary School (30 credits)

      The module will focus on the teaching of computer science within the secondary school (age 11-16) setting. You will observe, analyse and prepare materials for teaching practice. You will then start to apply your knowledge of computing to teaching practice.

      During this module, you will develop an understanding of the Teachers’ standards, therefore supporting your preparation for application of initial teacher training courses. You will complete reading on education pedagogy to critically analyse practice.

      The module will also support your development of public speaking.

More information about this course

See the course specification for more information about typical course content.

Course specification

  1. Overview
  2. Teaching and learning
  3. Assessment and feedback
  1. Standard entry requirements
  2. International (inc. EU)
  3. How to apply
  1. UK
  2. EU / International
  3. Additional costs

How can the BSc Information Technology support your career?

Our degree prepares you for a wide range of varied careers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. There is also the potential to work as a self employed director of your own business. Careers include key roles in the IT support sector, in the wider area of IT project development and wherever practical web, database and multimedia skills are required.

Graduates have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles: Network Engineer, Software Engineer, ICT Manager, and Applications Developer.

Work placements

Work placements increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. You can further develop your interpersonal skills, build your confidence, and make contact with industry leaders. By making a good impression during your placement year, you greatly increase your chances of securing a job with the company after graduation. Research shows that 70% of placements result in a graduate job offer.

Professional accreditation

We are seeking BCS (British Computer Society) accreditation for this course and you will be eligible for BCS membership retrospectively when it is awarded.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Computer Science BSc

Start: October 2023

Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years with placement

Code: G404

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