BSc Information Technology

Learning about computer-based systems can open a lot of different career doors. Our information technology course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiments to prepare you for the world of work, focusing on skills expected by employers. You’ll have access to a wide range of advanced equipment and software. Our interworking labs come equipped with telecommunication equipment, high-end simulation software, and much more. We even have remote access for the features you will need.

A degree in information technology is a great step to a career in the IT field. You can look forward to securing a key role in the IT support sector, IT project development and anywhere else that database and multimedia skills are needed. Past graduates from this course have gained employment with KPMG, IBM, TalkTalk and other prestigious companies.

You’ll learn to apply your theoretical knowledge with practical experiments in our modern labs or using remote access, component kits and a wide range of software. Teaching is made up of different styles like lab and group work alongside individual projects, which include designing websites and IT systems.

Our course gives you the option to extend your studies by a year to spend the third year doing a paid work placement in an IT-based industry. You’ll enhance your career prospects and practice your knowledge before the final year, possibly leading to a better grade. We’ll help you secure your placement and even cover your tuition fees for the year.

There’ll be lots of career events throughout your time studying so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet and talk with potential employers before you graduate.

We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we have learnt during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.

We aim to model a wide range of teaching strategies and approaches on the course which you can adapt to your own setting.

You will be taught through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, practical workshops, demonstrations, fieldwork and external visits. Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller seminar groups and practical lab sessions usually made up of 18-25 students. Seminar work might include discussion, student presentations and problem solving exercises. Some topics are taught only in lab sessions, as they involve practical work and discussion to assist with understanding. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module leader. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning. This includes access to core textbooks and pointers to online resources, such as videos, lecture slides and external material. The material is being updated and enhanced to provide additional support if you are studying from home. The University also has writing and numeracy workshops and individual sessions that may be booked throughout your course.

During your first year (level 4), your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

For example; (include applicable activities)

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below). We run weekly 2-hr drop-in session to help with independent study, particularly for the programming module.

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course;

Level 4

24% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

Level 5

24% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

Level 6

21% of your time is spent in timetabled Teaching and learning - typical structure activity:

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas:

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building.

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. Assessment methods could include written take-home examinations, a range of coursework including essays, reports, portfolios, your main final year project, and practical sessions including performance, presentations or online multiple choice exams. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below: