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
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
Information Technology is an exciting and constantly evolving subject, with organisations increasingly dependent on it to perform essential business functions. With the rapid growth of mobile devices and online services, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can design effective systems and develop usable software applications.
This Information Technology degree equips you with the skills to meet the needs of modern organisations, with a focus on developing a wide range of technologies. The Information Technology course places particular emphasis on web and mobile technologies, which play a vital role in everyday life. Throughout your studies, you will also build computational thinking and apply a systems approach to analysing and solving complex problems.
Taught by expert staff with diverse research interests, the Information Technology degree is intellectually challenging and designed to give you a rich learning experience. You will explore multiple approaches to tackling technological challenges while considering the wider social and ethical implications of Information Technology in today’s world.
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:
- Introduction to Programming: This module explores the foundational concepts of programming and data structures, focusing on Java and Python, and examines how skills in structured coding, object-oriented programming, and core algorithms support the design of efficient, maintainable solutions to computational problems.
- Data Fundamentals: The Data Fundamentals module introduces the concept of data and its collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation, while exploring storage systems such as relational databases and the end-to-end lifecycle of data in real-world contexts.
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:
- 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.
- Introduction to Software Engineering: Master the principles of software development, from requirement analysis to deployment. This topic covers best practices, design patterns, and methodologies that ensure the creation of robust, scalable, and maintainable software systems.
- Web 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.
- Human-computer Interaction: Discover the science behind user-friendly interfaces and impactful user experiences. This topic focuses on design principles, user testing, and the psychology of user interactions, ensuring that software meets the needs and expectations of its users.
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: With a focus on advanced aspects of Javascript. You'll work with client-side applications using current libraries and explore server-side technologies like Node.JS and React.
- Business Analytics: You will develop an understanding of cloud computing principles and their significance in modern computing ecosystems including addressing needs such as scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness through setting up and managing virtual machines.
Entry requirements
There may be some flexibility for mature students offering non-tariff qualifications and students meeting particular widening participation criteria.
Careers
According to recent reports, 82% of job descriptions in the UK require digital or technology skills, and 27% of UK workers report a lack of sufficient digital skills needed for their roles (Oxford College). This emphasises the increasing demand for IT professionals with expertise in areas such as web technologies, programming and human-computer interaction.
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 2026/27 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 2026/27 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: