Information Technology PgCert | PgDip | MSc |

Program Overview

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The MSc Information Technology degree provides an opportunity for candidates wishing to formalise their existing IT experience with a qualification, and for graduates of non-computing disciplines to develop the specialist skills suitable to transition into an exciting career in computing and software development.

The course will provide you with the core knowledge and skills required to work within the IT industry, using software development tools and techniques to extend and enhance the knowledge and skills of non-computing graduates.

Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work undertaken in state-of-the-art facilities, using tools and techniques to allow you to match software solutions to the needs of businesses. This practical element will increase your theoretical understanding by developing real-world problem-solving skills, enhancing your employability as a graduate.

Program Outline

Part time September start students

Part time September start students who would like to work on their project during the summer start their project in May of their second year and complete in December of their third year.

(Approximately 28 months)

Part time September start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer start their project in September of their third year and complete in May that year.

(Approximately 33 months)

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Part time January start students

Part time January start students who would like to work on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year complete their project in August that year.

(Approximately 32 months)

Part time January start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year, have a break during the summer term and continue their project September-December that year.

(Approximately 36 months)

The core technical content of the course is directed towards the study of state-of-the-art tools and techniques in the fields of software development, database systems and web programming. Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work, allowing you to support your theoretical understanding by developing real-world problem solving skills and gaining practical experience.

You will develop skills in software development, database systems, and web programming in our purpose-built facilities. Your practical application of these skills will be tested as you undertake a sustained piece of software project work, and develop your research and development skills.

You will learn to use modern software tools and environments, allowing you to match these to the needs of commerce and industry using appropriate development methodology to provide high quality software solutions.

*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

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Modules

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our

course and module disclaimer

for more information.

Detailed module information

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Learning Methods

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, labs and external speakers, supported through our online virtual learning environment affording access to a wide variety of resources and support materials.

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Activity Summary

Lectures

- 25 students per group, 13 hours per year

Project Supervision

- 1 student per group, 1 hour per year

Practical class or workshop

- 25 students per group, 19 hours per year

Independent Study - 1 students per group, 87 hours per year

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How long is an Information Technology course?

The MSc Information Technology course can successfully be completed in:

12 - 17 months (full time)*

28 - 36 months (part time)

*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

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Independent Study

A significant portion of this courses is underpinned by independent learning, and you will be expected to be responsible for managing your coursework, reading and other learning activities appropriately.

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Staff Delivering on this Course

Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.

Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.

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Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

5 written exams, typically for 3 hours

1 written assignment, including essay

2 reports

2 dissertations

2 project outputs

2 oral assessment

7 practical skills assessments

1 group critique

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Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

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Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

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Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

CampusMoodle

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Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing

Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)

Maths and statistics

English language

Information technology support

Study Skills Support

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Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

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Placements

Students have the option to seek a short placement. However, permission to undertake a placement is at the discretion of the School and is not guaranteed.

For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.

PLACEMENT OFFICE

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Job Prospects

As a graduate of this course you could go on to work in a wide variety of IT careers, for example, a Software Engineer, Applications Developer, Business Analyst, Database Developer, Web Developer, Network Manager and Administrator. You could also go on to pursue a career in research or academia.

CAREERS