Information Technology is a rapidly changing and exciting subject. According to e-Skills UK, there are skills shortages in key areas such as Software Engineering, Systems Development and Networking. In particular, skills required by the industry include SQL, C, C#, .NET, Java and JavaScript, many of which you will study on this programme.
The programme is taught within a small department which prides itself on having pleasant, well-equipped laboratories and on the quality of teaching and student support. Excellent teaching quality was recognised in a recent independent review of the Department (2011), which specifically identified approachable staff providing close academic support.
The programme provides a broad introduction to the field of Computer Science with a focus on computer systems, algorithm design and programming. Specific topics will then be studied in more depth, such as database design, website development, computer networks and software engineering. At Level 3, you will study topics such as computer security, advanced web technologies, gaming technologies, mobile technologies, and graphics and modelling.
The programme specifications for this subject can be downloaded below.
Why choose this subject?
Level 1
You will receive a broad introduction to the subject with a focus on computer systems, algorithm design and programming. You will also be given a taste of a wide range of topics such as web development, virtual reality, robotics, physical computing, operating systems and graphics.You will be given well-structured learning activities that lead to more independent project work, which is the best way to develop the fundamental skills that will lay the foundation for successful study at Level 2.
Level 2
You will study specific areas of Information Technology such as website development, database design, computer networks, object-oriented software development and multimedia development.
Level 3
You will carry out a major piece of independent work in the form of a project that will allow you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. You will study topics such as computer security, advanced web technologies, gaming technologies, mobile technologies, graphics and modelling.
Throughout the programme you will gain skills in a wide range of current and cutting-edge technologies that are highly relevant to the industry such as C, C++, Java, C#, .NET, ASP, PHP, Silverlight, Deep Zoom, Windows Phone and Android development, Linux and SQL.
You will be assessed through both examination and coursework. Coursework is mainly project based, as this is the best way to develop the skills required in Information Technology. At Level 1, 35 per cent of the assessment is through examination, decreasing to 12 per cent at Level 3. At Level 2, 30 per cent of the assessment is by examination, with 70 per cent by coursework. At Level 3, assessment is heavily coursework based with 50% of the assessment consisting of a major individual project, which gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in an area that interests you.
The standard offer level is a minimum of 300 UCAS points, including a minimum of two A/A2 levels or equivalent. In addition, applicants must have GCSE Mathematics grade C or above (or equivalent).
Information Technology is a combined honours subject. It can be studied with the following subjects:
| Information Technology and Accounting (BA) | UCAS code NI42 |
| Information Technology and Business Management (BA) | UCAS code NG25 |
| Information Technology and Childhood & Youth (BA) | UCAS code LG55 |
| Information Technology and Education (BA) | UCAS code GX53 |
| Information Technology and Fine Art (BA) | UCAS code WI10 |
| Information Technology and Geography (BSc) | UCAS code GF58 |
| Information Technology and Law (BA) | UCAS code MG15 |
| Information Technology and Marketing (BA) | UCAS code NI00 |
| Information Technology and Media & Communication | UCAS code I123 |
| Information Technology and Psychology (BSc) | UCAS code GC58 |
| Information Technology and Special Educational Needs (BA) | UCAS code GX51 |
It is also available to study with Primary Teaching Honours degree (BA QTS), UCAS code X1GM.
e-skills UK, a publicly-funded sector skills council, published a report in 2011 that found the number of advertised vacancies had risen for the sixth consecutive quarter to over 100,000, outstripping the number of available, suitably qualified graduates. This means that there is a graduate skills gap within the Information Technology industry that looks set to continue. Further, the report found that the most sought after skills were SQL, C, C#, .NET, SQL SVR, ASP, Java, Java Script, HTML and Linux all of which are covered on this programme.
The department has good links with local and national employers in the industry, and graduates have won positions at organisations such as Oracle and Barclays.
Student Recruitment
+44 (0) 151 291 3111
Mark Barrett-Baxendale
+44 (0) 151 291 3111
Department: Mathematics and Computer Science
