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.
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.
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.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
Our degrees can lead to a wide variety of career choices. To ensure that our degrees make you as employable as possible we work closely with seven major partner employers in our engineering and computing consortium.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read how Matt secured a job at IBM.
Useful links
UWE - careers in information technology
Prospects - careers in IT and information services
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
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