About the course

This course is designed for non-computing graduates who need to apply information technology to their current career, or want to change career direction. It covers a wide range of topics including programming, databases, security, project management and computer networking, giving you both the underpinning theory and the ability to apply it to complex real-world problems, as well as an awareness of emerging technologies and developments.

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level
• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level

This course is offered via block delivery. There are two entry points (October and November). This allows you to start when it is most suitable.

Why choose this course?

• Study key areas of information technology including applications of web technologies, information systems strategy and emerging technologies
• Explore creative and innovative applications of technology to real-world problems
• Develop your analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills in relation to IT-based solutions
• Gain a thorough understanding of the social and legal aspects of the Information Technology field (e.g. British Computer Society Code of Conduct and Data Protection)
• Benefit from valuable experience of working on projects for real business, opening up new career opportunities in management, supervision or as a practitioner (eg database/IT developer or system designer/analyst) in industries which make substantial use of computers and information technology.

How will I be assessed?

You are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework, group and individual projects, portfolios, essays, presentations or exams. Presentations are usually given and assessed in the context of a group seminar. You will also produce artefacts in the area of your specialism. Constant feedback and advice from a supervisory or unit team will be provided to support you in your work. You will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments, which culminate in your major project - the MSc Project where you will be given freedom to choose your area of work. The feedback on your submitted assessments will be provided within 15 working days. The lecturers are expected to take every effort to provide you the feedback as early as possible before the next assessment if any. If you fail an assessment and need to retake or resit the assessment, you can do so in the next available opportunity, which is normally in the assessment week of the next block. If you fail a unit and need to retake this unit, you can do so when the unit is run again.