Information Technology (with Foundation Year)
 Information Technology (major).jpg)
UCAS Code: Combined Honours only – see combinations tab|Duration: 4 years|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Accredited|Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
Information Technology is a rapidly changing and exciting subject. Organisations are increasingly relying on information technology to carry out key business functions. There is an explosion in the use of mobile devices to shop online and there is a high demand for skilled professionals who are able to effectively manage information systems. Well-designed software applications that are effective and usable is a crucial requirement for employers.
Our Information Technology degree prepares you to meet the needs of a wide range of organisations, emphasising the development of a variety of technologies, especially web and mobile technologies that are increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives. During your studies, you will have opportunities to develop computational thinking and a systems approach to formulating, analysing and solving complex problems.
The degree is intellectually challenging and is taught by staff with a varied background and a diverse range of interests. Your student experience is enhanced by a rich curriculum that exposes you to multiple approaches to technological problems. Information Technology has a wide-reaching social impact, posing many ethical questions, and these issues are explored at various points during the degree.
Course structure
Teaching on this degree is structured into lectures, where all students are taught together, seminars of smaller groups of around 15-20 students, and tutorials which typically have no more than 10 students.
For the Information Technology part of your Combined Honours degree, there are approximately 6 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 5 teaching hours in your second and third years. On top of teaching hours, you are also expected to spend a number of hours studying independently each week, as well as studying in groups to prepare for any group assessments you may have.
Assessment and feedback
Throughout your studies, you will have a variety of assessments, including written exams, portfolios of tasks and activities, and practical coursework. Coursework is mainly project based, as this is the best way to develop the skills required in Information Technology. In your final year, you undertake a major research project that gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in an area that interests you.
You will be given written feedback on your assessments, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with your tutor in more detail.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.
Year One
In your first year, you will develop the theoretical knowledge, problem solving and practical skills that underpin Information Technology. You study:
- Computing Principles & Professional Development: Professional Development prepares you for learning and study in an IT discipline and also introduces the fundamental practices, values and expectations of an IT professional. Computing principles introduces the fundamental aspects of computer systems.
- Programming Principles: This block of study introduces the principles of algorithm design and programming, including an introduction to web development (HTML, CSS and Javascript).
- Database Technology: You will not only learn how to properly implement databases using SQL, but how to design them from first principles, from conceptual through logical, then normalisation and physical design. You will also learn the basics of newer database technologies, such as NoSQL.
Year Two
In your second year, you will deepen your understanding of both the theoretical and practical facets of Information Technology, encompassing a range of specialised areas within the discipline. The topic you will study include:
- Object-oriented Programming with C++: Dive into the intricacies of the C++ programming language, using it not just as a tool, but as a medium to master the overarching principles of object-oriented coding and design. The Unified Modelling Language (UML) will be a component, aiding in the design and management of large-scale industry projects.
- Professional Skills: This topic equips you with a diverse set of skills essential for the professional realm. From communication to problem-solving, you'll be prepared to navigate the challenges of industry.
- Software Engineering: While Java is the language of choice here, this course is about more than just coding. It emphasizes teamwork, diverse project management approaches, and acquaints you with the cutting-edge technologies prevalent in the industry.
- Website Development: Building on your software engineering foundation, this topic looks into client- to server-side coding. You'll learn to integrate databases with websites, creating robust registration, login, and logout systems. Dynamic server interactions using AJAX and enhancing user experiences will also be key components.
- Algorithm Analysis and Design: Understand the heart of computational problem-solving. This course will introduce you to the design, analysis, and implementation of algorithms, ensuring you can develop efficient and effective solutions to complex problems.
- Networks: Dive into the world of computer network infrastructure and protocols. From understanding the roles of clients and servers to exploring physical media and the various types of networks, you'll gain insights into how data seamlessly travels across the digital realm.
- Human-computer Interaction: This course will immerse you in the study of how users interact with computer systems. You'll explore design principles, user experience, and the psychological aspects of user interfaces, ensuring the systems you design are both functional and user-friendly.
- Graphics with C++: Unlock the potential of visual computing. Using C++, you'll explore the principles of computer graphics, from basic rendering to animations, ensuring your applications are not only functional but visually captivating
Year Three
In your final year of your degree, the curriculum strongly reflects staff expertise and research interests, and you will develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of information technology. You study topics such as:
- Web Innovations: Go beyond the basics and immerse yourself in the latest web technologies. Learn about modern frameworks, tools, and best practices that drive today's most dynamic and responsive websites.
- IoT and Mobile development: You will study the internet of things, gaining practical experience using Lua and then look at mobile development for Android devices using Java.
- Advanced database: We look at the disconnect between the object-oriented style of software development and the structure of relational databases. We’ll look at how systems interact with databases using simple SQL connectivity, object relational models and alternatives to relational databases such as document oriented systems and in memory data-grids.
- Managing software deployment: How is software deployed at scale. We’ll look at Linux server basics, and get practical experience of virtualization, enterprise containers, containerization, software orchestration and continuous integration and deployment using the school’s teaching cluster.
- Software Management: We look at the management of software projects from the business case to the final deployment.
- Software Architecture: ‘Don’t reinvent the wheel’ we’ll look at reusable software patterns, and then look at modern software architectures, component based engineering, distributed engineering, service oriented engineering, systems engineering, and embedded systems.
- Cloud Computing: You’ll look at cloud computing and associated technologies such as Hadoop and Map Reduce.
Entry requirements
There may be some flexibility for mature students offering non-tariff qualifications and students meeting particular widening participation criteria.
Careers
Information Technology graduates enter roles that involve specifying, implementing or managing the information technology infrastructure of an organisation, or supporting users of the technology. Some past graduates have gone on to have careers at Airbus, Barclays and Oracle.
The department has links with both regional and national employers and opportunities often arise to gain work experience. Many of our graduates also go on to further study. There are opportunities to study taught Masters as well as Doctoral-based qualifications at Liverpool Hope, working with staff on cutting-edge research projects.
Enhancement opportunities
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £9,535* for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,535*.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
*subject to Council approval.
Additional costs
As well as your tuition fees, you will also need approximately £500 to purchase essentials such as textbooks, hardware, software and general computer accessories such as USB Flash Drives and printing.
You will also need to consider the cost of your accommodation each year whilst you study at university. Visit our accommodation pages for further details about our Halls of Residence.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2025/26 are £14,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is only available with Foundation Year as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects: