Information and Communication Technology (Conversion)

Program Overview

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Introduction

Our conversion course is perfect if you have an undergraduate degree and want to explore a career in computing, or simply want to learn more about IT.

Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.

Why Information and Communication Technology at ARU?

• Study in the Silicon Fen, known for its tech market and range of jobs in computer science industry – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.
• Master high-level object-oriented programming languages widely used by industry to develop efficient software solutions.
• Dive deep into computer systems and networking, obtaining hands-on experience in Linux system administration and online lab environment (NETLAB).
• Equip yourself with the skills to strategically address and mitigate IT security risks for business.
• Enhance your research skills and showcase your skills to potential employers by completing a Major Project.

If you’re looking for a career change and want to gain the skills for a rewarding career in the IT sector, this course is your stepping stone into computing.

With IT professionals in high demand across the UK and worldwide, studying this postgraduate course will put you in a position to take on the modern technology-driven world. You'll explore everything from software development to cyber security, networking to web development.

Our Masters degree is designed for those who don’t already have a degree in computing. If you have studied computer science or a related subject to degree level, you may wish to consider our MSc Computer Science or MSc Cyber Security.

Course Options

• 12 months full-time
• 15 months full-time
• 28 months part-time
• 33 months part-time

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 12 months full-time
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Cambridge
• FEE (UK AND EU STUDENTS):
  • £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

12 months full-time (September start)

• Whole course

Whole course

The modules on this MSc Information and Communication Technology provide the foundation to equip you for a future career in the IT sector.

You’ll learn to program in a high-level object-oriented language as we cover software development from specification through implementation, documentation and testing.

We’ll also look at computer systems and networks. You’ll get a hands-on practical understanding of installing, administering and configuring a networked operating system at both client and server level.

A module on secure systems will raise your awareness of the IT security issues for business that have followed the growth of high bandwidth internet, eCommerce, eBusiness and Virtual Private Networks. We’ll help you develop the necessary understanding to fulfil management responsibilities in information security strategies.

We’ll also support you to gain the research skills needed for your Major Project. This is your opportunity to explore in depth a topic of particular interest and in which you can develop a significant level of expertise.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

A wide variety of assessment methods include written coursework on an individual and group basis, along with presentations, exams and a major project.

Core modules

• Developing Web Applications (30 credits)
• Software Implementation (30 credits)
• Computer Systems and Servers (30 credits)
• Secure Systems (15 credits)
• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements

• A First Degree, with Honours in a non-computer science related discipline and at a minimum final classification of Lower Second (2:2). Some basic computer literacy is expected.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Additional information for EU and international students

• See international and EU entry requirements
• See information about application deadlines

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26)

• £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount.

Tuition fees for international students (2025/26)

• £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Facilities

• Hands-on learning
  • computer labs and skills spaces to support your learning
  • specialist hardware and online resources (e.g. Cisco-accredited routing and switching equipment, Intel's AI Academy data processing resources)
  • Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching
  • VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools.
• Outstanding student support
  • benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
  • learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
  • receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Lecturers

• Vanessa Sin-Chun Ng
  • Senior Lecturer
• Man-Fai Leung
  • Lecturer
• Cristina Luca
  • Associate Professor
• Erika Sanchez-Velazquez
  • Deputy Head of School
• Jin Zhang
  • Deputy Head of School

Careers

Completing our MSc Information and Communication Technology gives you the opportunity to choose between a wide variety of IT-related careers.

These include software development and project management, software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network management and technical support.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Computer Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

While you’re studying here and after you graduate, you can access support through our dedicated Employability Service.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Information and Communication Technology (Conversion) program at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is designed to equip individuals with no prior computing background with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the IT sector. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in software development, computer systems and networks, secure systems, research methods, and a major project. Upon successful completion, graduates will be well-positioned for a variety of IT-related roles, including software development, project management, software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network management, and technical support.

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Outline:

The MSc Information and Communication Technology (Conversion) program at ARU is a 12-month full-time program that consists of the following modules:

• Developing Web Applications
• Software Implementation
• Computer Systems and Servers
• Secure Systems
• Research Methods
• Major Project

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Assessment:

A variety of assessment methods are used in the MSc Information and Communication Technology (Conversion) program, including:

• Written coursework
• Group projects
• Presentations
• Exams
• Major project

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Teaching:

The MSc Information and Communication Technology (Conversion) program at ARU is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with the highest quality of instruction. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Group work
• Individual research

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSc Information and Communication Technology (Conversion) program at ARU are well-positioned for a variety of IT-related careers, including:

• Software development
• Project management
• Software engineering
• Systems analysis
• Database administration
• Network management
• Technical support

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Tuition fees for UK students (2023/24)

£8,800 UK students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.

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Tuition fees for international students (2023/24)

£15,800 International students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.

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Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)

£9,300 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount. Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.

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Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)

£17,700 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.