ObjectivesInformation Technology is, and will remain, central to our technological society. As such, there is a strong demand for IT professionals in all sectors of industry. Graduates of this course are highly employable in a wide range of technical disciplines. The MSc in Information Technology focuses on programming, software engineering and development methodologies – but it also provides a broad-based coverage of relevant subjects including networks and the Internet, databases, artificial intelligence, computer security, multimedia, computer graphics, human factors and user interface design.
Entry requirementsIt is designed for those with a background in science or engineering, but no previous experience with computers and IT is required; however, we provide a route for candidates with a strong background in computing. To maximise flexibility for students moving into a new discipline, the first semester is shared with the MSc in the Management of IT. It is thus usually possible for students registered for the MSc in Information Technology to transfer to the MSc in the Management of IT after the first semester.
Academic titleMSc Information Technology
Course descriptionKey facts
-This is a well established course in Information Technology that has been running successfully for more than twenty years.
-Following a period of recession at the start of the decade, due to the dot-com crash, the sector has now largely recovered and there is a shortage of skilled IT professionals.
-Overseas graduates of this MSc qualify for the UK Government Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) whereby students are allowed to work full-time in the UK for up to one year after their course finishes.
-The School of Computer Science received a Grade 5 in the last Research Assessment Exercise
Course Content
During semester one, you will take a compulsory module in:
-Issues in Human Factors
Students who do not have a strong background in programming must take modules in:
-Introduction to Computer Programming
-Database Systems
-Introduction in to Network Communications
-Unix Environments and Administration
With the approval of the Course Director, students who have a strong programming background may take modules in:
-Quantative Methods for Finance
-Algorithm Design and Operations Research
-Advanced Data Structures
You will then have the option to take one of the following elective modules – however, you may choose not to take any optional modules during semester one:
-Operating Systems
-Computer Security
-Internet and Web Services
During semester two, you will take compulsory modules in:
-Object Orientated Systems
-Software Engineering
-User Interface Design
In addition, you will choose 20 or 30 credits (depending on the number of credits studied during the first semester) from the following optional modules:
-Software Project Management
-New Media Design
-High-Level Languages
-Human-Computer Systems
-Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
-Introduction to Vision and Graphics
-Ubiquitous Computing
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Over the summer period towards the end of the course, you will undertake a research project in Information Technology. This module involves conducting a piece of practical research, and will contain a technical element - usually consisting of a substantial amount of programming. This research will be of some depth, and carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Where appropriate, projects may also be conducted in conjunction with an external organisation.
Course Structure
The MSc in Information Technology is offered on a full-time basis over 1 year or part-time over 2 to 4 years.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits’ worth of compulsory and optional modules and a 60-credit research project.
During the semesters, the course is taught by lectures, practical sessions and various other methods of teaching.
During the summer period, you will conduct an independent research project under the supervision of academic staff.
The first semester of this course is common with the MSc in the Management of IT, allowing for the possibility of transferring on to that degree stream in February if you (and the Course Directors) deem it to be more appropriate.