Introduction to the Masters in Information Technology Program

The Masters in Information Technology (MIT) program is a two-year conversion program aimed at students without a degree in computer science or information technology/systems. It is designed to provide a strong background and qualification in Information Technology.

Program Overview

The MIT degree is by coursework and research, using mainly self-study materials for the coursework with no lectures. It can be done part-time over three years. A non-IT honors degree, or equivalent, is the minimum requirement for entry into the MIT course.

Entry Requirements

• The Masters in Information Technology by Coursework and Dissertation is a conversion course designed for those with a degree in a non-IT field to attain a strong background and a qualification in Information Technology.
• Admissions are competitive and all admissions decisions are at the discretion of the university.
• A non-IT honors degree, or equivalent, is the minimum requirement for entry into the MIT course.
• The Science Faculty at the University of Cape Town does not consider a PGDip (Postgraduate Diploma) as an equivalent to an Honours degree.
• In certain cases, applicants with only a 3-year degree at SAQA level 7 (but this excludes a BTech) can apply via the Recognition of Prior Learning (ROPL) route.

Progression

• Students should pass a minimum of three courses each year.
• Should a student fail any course on the second attempt, they will not be allowed to continue with their studies.
• Students are eligible to register for CSC5004W once they have passed 7 of the 8 courses.

Curriculum

The MIT programme comprises two components:

• The first is coursework (courses with assignments and exams), which can be done in a single year but is best done over two years (four modules per year) if you are a part-time student.
• The second component is a minor dissertation, done in the final year.
• Students do not need to be resident in Cape Town for this degree, as the coursework is online and all work is submitted online.
• However, students are expected to come to UCT for exams at the end of each semester.

Past Minor Dissertation Topics

• Breytenbach, Jeremy (2024) Exploring the Impact of Novelty and Objective-directed Evolution in Company with MAP-Elites and HyperNEAT.
• Coetzee, Leon (2023) Evolution of Sun-Shades Outside Building Facades.
• Chigudu, Kumbirai (2018) Design of a prototype mobile application interface for efficient accessing of electronic laboratory results by health clinicians.
• Govender, Devandran (2018) Investigating audio classification to automate the trimming of recorded lectures.
• Chang, Genevieve (2015) Designing an effective user interface for the Android tablet environment.
• du Toit, Nicola (2014) Designing an interface to provide new functionality for the post-processing of web-based annotations.
• Gordon, Marc (2014) Force Field Comparison through Computational Analysis of Capsular Polysaccharides of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotypes 19A and F.
• Potgieter, Andrew (2014) A Parallel Multidimensional Weighted Histogram Analysis Method.

Fees

• Fees for individual courses are listed in the fees handbook, published each year.
• Relevant courses include CSC5010Z - CSC5017Z (coursework), and CSC5004W (dissertation).
• Annual fee increases, international fees, and registration fees will also apply.

Funding

• UCT has information on funding for postgraduate students.
• Please download the latest funding booklet for more information.
• MIT students have in the past qualified for scholarships during their dissertation year.

Application Process

• Applications open each year in April and close in September for admission in the following year.
• Intakes are only done once a year, and late applications are NOT accepted.
• To apply, submit the following documents:
  • Letter of motivation for pursuing a conversion Masters in IT
  • CV (especially if you have experience in the IT field)
  • Supporting documents about content (syllabi of any IT-related coursework) or accreditation of previous degrees, if available
  • Research proposal is NOT required until coursework is complete, but you may indicate your areas of research interest.

FAQs

• You do not need to have IT work experience to register for the Conversion Masters in Information Technology.
• Assignment submission is not a problem if you are outside Cape Town, as long as you have Internet access.
• If you have a degree in Informatics or Information Systems and have already done the subjects covered by the coursework, you are not eligible for the degree as it is a Conversion masters.
• If your previous degree is a BSc or a BSc Hons or a BSc Eng, then you will obtain an MSc(IT) on successfully completing the degree. Otherwise, you will obtain an MPhil(IT).
• MIT students do not need to submit a research proposal as they must first complete the coursework before they can move on to the minor dissertation.
• This is a non-resident course. International students living in South Africa should ensure that they have a visa that permits study in South Africa as well as medical aid from a South African scheme.

University of Cape Town: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

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Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

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Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.