Information Technology

Program Overview

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Information Technology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Information technology (IT) is an integral part of our lives. Working with IT involves finding technological solutions to everyday communication needs – if you have a logical mind, enjoy problem solving and prefer working with people and packages (rather than programming) then the IT sector could be an ideal career for you.

Course Details

Full-time and Part-time

• G500 BSc/IT
• Computing & Cyber Security
• Course routes:
  • Degree: 3 years (or 4 with a work placement)
  • Plus foundation year: 4 years (or 5 with a work placement)

Top Reasons to Study This Course at Teesside:

• Graduate Success: 90% of BSc (Hons) Information Technology students go on to work and/or study 15 months after the course (Graduate Outcomes Survey and tees.ac.uk/source).
• Industry links: work on live industry briefs, competitions and hackathons with companies including Cisco, Cubic Transportation Systems, Sage, TUI, Atombank, HMRC and Waterstons.
• British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership: get free BCS membership to accelerate your career path with CV builder tools, e-learning courses, mentorships programmes, jobs boards and volunteering opportunities.
• Career-ready: our ExpoSeries of events allow you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are seeking to recruit new and rising talent.
• Student satisfaction: 100% of information technology students agreed that teaching staff supported their learning (National Student Survey 2024, tees.ac.uk/source).

Course Structure

Year 1 Core Modules

• Business Enterprise
  • Study the circular economy and the business opportunities it presents. Develop your own business idea and create a venture with social impact that's part of the circular economy. Consider the fundamentals of user experience and user interface design, and learn about current, appropriate digital tools to design an app for your business idea.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Rapid Application Development
  • You learn about the concept of rapid development applications. And you get experience in analysing, designing and building web database applications using a tools-driven approach.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Secure Computers and Networks
  • Cover a full range of computer and network security issues. Study systematic approaches to managing security risks, identification and authentication, elementary cryptography, network technology and relevant security issues.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Systems Design and Databases
  • To produce a successful, robust, user-friendly system or application, you need to start by analysing your stakeholders’ requirements and developing a detailed design.
  • Study the concepts and techniques of analysing and designing systems. Then you can break down and simplify complex systems, and represent them visually using industry-standard approaches.
  • This module has a strong emphasis on professional practice and transferrable practical skills, such as communicating design, structuring workflows with process models and gathering requirements - this provides you with some of the essential skills you need in industry.
  • This is a 30-credit module.

Year 2 Core Modules

• AI and Cloud Solutions for Business
  • You take a tools-driven approach to developing business solutions and workflows that incorporate artificial intelligence and cloud technologies.
  • Learn how to manipulate, enhance and customise outputs from these tools to create a bespoke, user-friendly interface with minimal coding. Consider the concepts of cloud computing and get an overview of core cloud technologies and platforms.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Enterprise Project
  • You develop a solution, proposal, product or service in response to an enterprise challenge set by industry partners or business clients.
  • Working in small teams, you determine the project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation. You take a professional approach, informed by innovative industry practice, to deliver a successful project that meets the set challenge.
  • You develop a solution, proposal, product or service, pitching it to academics and industry experts. You reflect on the project process as a whole and review sustainability, diversity, ethical and legal issues, and evaluate team members’ performance.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• IT Systems and Information Security
  • You explore IT systems and computer information security concepts and practices, as well as their risks, and legal and ethical considerations. You learn how to install, manage and secure network servers and their associated applications.
  • You also learn how to monitor and troubleshoot servers, and develop your understanding of essential services, how systems fail and physical security.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Relational and NoSQL Databases
  • Learn how to design and implement database applications to meet business needs using industry-standard database technologies. Use a case study to follow the system development lifecycle, and develop a server database application for a real-world scenario. Explore rational and NoSQL database technologies to design and build solutions.
  • This is a 30-credit module.

Optional Work Placement Year

• Work Placement
  • You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.
  • You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.
  • Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:
    • Improved job prospects
    • Enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
    • A higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
    • A better degree classification
    • A richer CV
    • A year's salary before completing your degree
    • Experience of workplace culture
    • The opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.
  • If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

Final-Year Core Modules

• Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation
  • With vast quantities of data generated every day, businesses are increasingly looking for new ways to get data insights to improve their performance and gain a competitive advantage.
  • Develop your ability to visualise data and implement business intelligence solutions to support business needs. Investigate the strategies and technologies used by enterprises to perform business data analysis, get insights and make informed decisions.
  • Once you've completed this module, you'll be able to design and implement big data analytics and data visualisation applications to meet business needs and present data insights.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Client-focused Digital Transformation
  • Consultancy is widely used within industry. A client’s organisation needs to collaborate closely with the consultant to design and implement digital transformation strategies in line with business objectives.
  • You work in close collaboration with your client(s) by taking on the role of an IT consultant as part of a team. You go through the full consultancy cycle, consider information governance and propose a technology road map for digital transformation. You design and deliver part of it using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
  • You research industry-standard tools and technologies to advise and influence your client on the most suitable approaches for their digital transformation. Client relationships are key - you will be heavily involved in client-facing activities to collect data and present findings.
  • You widen your experience of team working and grow your understanding of the theories underpinning effective teamwork. You need a professional attitude and behaviours to maintain a high delivery standard and manage your client account well.
  • This is a 30-credit module.
• Computing Project
  • Produce a substantial artefact related to the computing field, and write a report and commented walk-through video, with supervision from our academic staff.
  • You are guided to develop your work-discipline and your professional outlook. Taking full responsibility for your project, carry out an in-depth exploration of a chosen subject area that demonstrates your ability to scope the project, plan, research, analyse, synthesise, and creatively apply and execute what you've already studied. Consider its risks, security and sustainability as well as the legal, social, ethical, equality, diversity and inclusion issues.
  • You develop your professional skills in time management, communication, problem solving and critical thinking.
  • This is a 60-credit module.

How You Learn

• You are taught by a combination of lectures and practical sessions per module. Lectures concentrate on teaching the principles while practical sessions allow you to put these principles into practice.

How You Are Assessed

• Assessment is a mixture of examinations and in-course assessments, using case studies and technical exercises.

Entry Requirements

• Entry Requirements
  • 96-112 points plus maths GCSE grade 4, Level 2 Key Skills (Application of Number) or Level 2 Functional Skills.
  • If you have Level 4 credits in a related subject from previous study, then credit transfer towards your new course may be possible.
  • Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator. If your qualifications are not listed, contact our admissions team as we may accept alternatives.
  • We may also be able to help you meet the entry requirements through our Summer and Winter University modules.

Employability

• Career Opportunities
  • The combination of academic study and intensive practical work will prepare you for a variety of specialist roles in user support, systems analysis and systems development. Selected option paths could also lead to careers in network support or web design.

Information for International Applicants

• Qualifications
  • International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

Professional Accreditation

• This degree is accredited by British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised internationally.

Other Course Routes

• Foundation Year
  • Study this course with a foundation year if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1.
  • BSc (Hons) Information Technology (with Foundation Year)
• Work Placement
  • Study this course with an optional work placement year, at no extra cost. Alongside this, you can gain valuable experience and engagement with the sector through our shorter work placements, internships and work experience opportunities.
  • Work placements

Full-time

• Entry to Academic Year
  • Fee for UK Applicants
    • £9,535 a year
  • Fee for International Applicants
    • £17,000 a year
  • Length
    • 3 years (4 with work placement)
  • UCAS Code
    • G500 BSc/IT
  • Start Date
    • September
  • Semester Dates
    • [Insert semester dates]
  • Typical Offer
    • 96-112 points
  • Overview of Entry Requirements
    • [Insert overview of entry requirements]

Part-time

• Entry
  • Fee for UK Applicants
    • £4,635 (120 credits)
  • Length
    • Up to 6 years
  • Attendance
    • 1-3 days
  • Start Date
    • September
  • Semester Dates
    • [Insert semester dates]

Program Outline

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Extracted Program Information for

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Information Technology BSc (Hons) at Teesside University

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Degree Overview:

• The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to find technological solutions for everyday communication needs.
• It focuses on developing skills in project management, problem solving, working collaboratively, and understanding professional ethics and legal issues related to IT.
• Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for roles in user support, systems analysis, and systems development.

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Outline:

• The program has a three-year structure (four years with a work placement option).
• A foundation year is available for those requiring further preparation or not meeting entry requirements.
• It follows a semester system.
• Modules covered include:
• Business Enterprise
• Rapid Application Development
• Secure Computers and Networks
• Systems Design and Databases
• AI and Cloud Solutions for Business
• Enterprise Project
• IT Systems and Information Security
• Relational and NoSQL Databases
• Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation
• Client-focused Digital Transformation
• Computing Project

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Assessment:

• Assessment varies across modules and typically consists of a mix of examinations and coursework.
• Coursework often involves case studies and technical exercises.

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Teaching:

• Teaching combines lectures and practical sessions for each module.
• Lectures focus on teaching principles, while practical sessions provide opportunities to apply these principles.
• Instructors are academic staff, with the possibility of guest lecturers from industry.

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Careers:

• Graduates are qualified for various specialist roles in user support, systems analysis, and systems development.
• Completing the program with specific module choices can open doors to careers in network support or web design.
• The program prepares graduates for professional membership with the British Computer Society (BCS).

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Other:

• The program offers the opportunity to complete a one-year work placement in industry.
• Graduates have achieved a 90% success rate in gaining employment or further study within 15 months of completing the program.
• The program includes industry collaborations with companies like Cisco, Cubic Transportation Systems, and HMRC.
• Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art computing labs and specialized software.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Full-time

• Fee for UK applicants: £9,250 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year

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Part-time

• Fee for UK applicants: £4,500 (120 credits)