Information Technology* MSc

You gain experience in application development utilising an agile development approach. You also take responsibility for determining project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation.

By learning agile principles and applying a specific agile approach (eg SCRUM) in a live simulation of the methodology, the module will help you to prepare for contemporary practice in industry, developing both knowledge and skills in the application of agile principles.

You develop your ability to design and implement database, big data and analytics applications to meet business needs. A case study is used to follow the system development lifecycle. You develop a plausible application from inception to implementation for a real-world scenario.

You investigate the issues and technologies associated with implementing and supporting large-scale databases and the services that are needed to maintain and access a repository of data. Investigations are undertaken in a number of areas, including big data, data warehouses, integrating legacy data, data management and approaches that support the modelling and visualisation of data for a range of use views.

You gain a deep understanding of the architectures and technologies that underpin modern cloud environments. You explore various cloud service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), while examining the virtualisation technologies that enable efficient resource management.

Throughout the module, you develop the skills to design scalable infrastructure tailored to the needs of modern enterprise IT environments. You analyse the benefits and challenges of public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions, focusing on performance, cost-efficiency, and security. By engaging with an industry-leading platform, you acquire the practical knowledge required to implement and manage robust cloud-based systems that support organisational agility and growth.

You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your course. Projects are often based on real commercial, industrial or research problems. You research and investigate aspects of your area of study and then produce a substantial piece of work, such as a software application, tool, design, website or research study. You also critically evaluate your major deliverable, including obtaining a third-party evaluation where appropriate.

Project outcomes are presented through a poster display and via a product demonstration or a conference-type presentation of the research and findings. The research, project process and evaluation are documented in a report written in the style of an academic conference or journal paper. Assessment is based on the written report, the project outcome and the final presentation.

You gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental and applied principles required to secure digital environments. You explore the evolving landscape of cyber threats, including malware, social engineering, and advanced persistent threats, while developing the technical proficiency to implement robust defensive techniques.

Throughout the module, you examine the critical role of risk management and security architectures in protecting organisational assets. You learn to apply industry-standard frameworks and principles for secure systems and networks. By engaging with practical scenarios, you acquire the skills to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate potential risks, and ensure the resilience of information systems against modern cyber attacks.

Digital transformation is a comprehensive change process driven by an IT strategy that enables businesses and society to achieve critical goals such as improving the accessibility and quality of digital services and increasing income generation through innovation. While the adoption of emerging technologies is fundamental to business survival, you learn why IT strategy and digital transformation are about far more than just technology.

A core strand of the module focuses on IT strategy and its critical role in enabling and sustaining digital transformation. This strand explores how organisations align IT strategy with business goals and digital transformation. It shows how technology investment supports strategic priorities rather than operating in isolation.

You examine the links between strategy, technology capability and organisational change, and how these work together to support digital transformation.

You develop the ability to evaluate and design coherent digital and IT strategies that support innovation, resilience, and sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly digital economy.

This module explores the relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence (AI). You examine AI as both a driver of innovation and a potential professional risk.

You analyse how AI is used in your subject area, from technical systems and algorithms to creative work. You also consider how AI can support professional practice, while exploring the challenges it raises for human judgement, responsibility and accountability.

The module emphasises the ethical, legal, and social frameworks of AI, empowering you to lead responsible integration within your professional fields. Through collaborative applied activities and critical reflection, you master the skills required to deploy AI in a way that is technically robust, ethically grounded, and transparently managed.