About this course
Introduction
The BSc(Hons) Information Technology is a top-up programme to degree level for holders of HND or equivalent qualifications in the areas of Computing, Information Systems and Information Technology. The programme builds on the solid foundation of a work-oriented HND and equivalent programmes, while maintaining the flexibility necessary to account for varying preparatory backgrounds. It aims to provide a theoretical as well as practical experience building on the predominantly practical material covered in the HND programme.
It also aims to introduce you to some new topics not touched upon in your previous studies and to extend other areas of understanding. The main objective is to produce graduates who are able to cope with future developments and changes in the IT sector.
Structure
Content
Only one core module must be taken by all students - Professional, Ethical and Policy Issues. The remainder of the course is made up of option modules, allowing you to choose the flavour of the course and subjects you wish to study. Options include Web Games Programming, e-Business Special Interest Groups, Advanced Distributed Systems, Digital Stories, Object-oriented Databases, Multimedia Systems: Contexts and Applications, Intelligent Systems, Requirements Engineering, and Computing and Law.
The programme is structured in this way to allow individual programmes to be built up that may specialise in specific topic areas such as Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Management or Computer Science. Alternatively, you may elect to choose a broad-based programme of study which might be more suited to your requirements.
In addition to the taught part of the programme, all students will select an individual project and you are able to choose between a Computing project or an Information Systems dissertation.
Programme structure diagram for the Information Technology programme.
The programme structures change from year to year. Therefore you might find some variation between that shown here and the final version of your course.
Teaching and learning
The majority of the taught material is presented in two semesters. Some modules are shorter modules and are therefore taught over one semester. You may find yourself studying more in one semester than the other, depending on the choice of modules that you have made. You will be taught alongside final year students from other degree programmes for many of your modules.
Teaching on most modules consists of a mixture of formal lectures, small group tutorials or practical sessions in laboratories. You will be expected to prepare for classes by undertaking specified reading and practical work. Some modules require extensive collaborative working with fellow students in project groups.
Assessment
Assessment on most modules is a combination of coursework assignments and end-of-year examinations. The coursework can vary from practical programming to written reports. Assessment of the individual project is based upon the project report and usually a viva voce examination.
Special Features
Study facilities
The Department of Computer Science and Creative Technology hosts its own servers to provide Windows, Linux and Unix based operating systems. There are over 500 available workstations in our teaching laboratories, as well as a large open-access laboratory, providing PC and Unix based machines. The Department has its own IT Helpdesk, staffed by students from within the Department, and available for both students and staff to use. There are also 24 hour computer labs on campus available for student use.
You can find out more about our computing programmes and our facilities.
Careers/further study
On graduation you will be able to take up positions in a wide variety of IT occupations. The precise nature of possible jobs will, of course, depend on the flavour of the programme you choose. Possibilities include Systems Analysts, Database Analysts, Programmers, Software Engineers, Network Administrators, Web Administration, involvement in e-commerce and so on.
If you choose a more broad based programme of study, you will be well-prepared to embark upon careers in other business-oriented roles such as management consultancy and training. Recent graduates have been employed as Software Developers, Technical Specialists, Systems/IT Support Engineers, IT Consultants, and Database Administrators.
Meet Our Partners
Our degrees can lead to a wide variety of career choices. To ensure that our degrees make you as employable as possible, the UWE Department of Computer Science and Creative Technologies works closely with seven major partner employers.
Partner Employers
Entry
Typical offers
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants normally hold a HND or Foundation Degree in Computer Studies, Information Systems or Information Technology (or similar), with an average of two thirds merits in the final year.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011