Course overview
Throughout your studies, you gain knowledge and practical skills in key areas including cyber security, cloud computing, ethical and responsible artificial intelligence, big data and business intelligence, and digital transformation.
This course brings together strategic thinking, technical expertise, data-informed decision-making and professional capabilities reflecting current industry expectations and the evolving digital landscape.
You build the knowledge and leadership skills needed to connect technology with organisational priorities and lead digital innovation and change effectively. Your major master’s project allows you to investigate a real-world challenge or research topic and apply your learning in practice.
The MSc Information Technology (Online) is open to students with or without an academic background in computing.
If you are new to the subject, the course provides structured support to build knowledge progressively. Core modules introduce fundamental principles in computing, digital systems, and information technologies before advancing to more complex and applied topics. This helps you develop a strong technical foundation and the analytical skills needed for postgraduate study and careers in IT.
If you already have a degree in computing or a related subject, the course refreshes key knowledge before progressing to more advanced and industry-focused topics. This enables you to deepen your expertise, extend your technical capability, and engage critically with emerging technologies and strategic digital challenges.
This approach means all students develop the knowledge and skills expected at master’s level, while receiving the right level of support and challenge throughout the course.
As a Teesside University online student, you can gain Microsoft and Adobe certifications alongside your studies, providing a solid foundation for success.
* Subject to University approval
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
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.
Big Data and Business Intelligence
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.
Cloud Computing and Virtualisation
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.
Cyber Security Principles and Practice
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.
IT Strategy and Digital Transformation
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.
Responsible AI for Professional Practice
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.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Your learning is supported through our online learning environment, where our experienced staff can provide advice and guidance. Opportunities to network with staff and other students enable you to work collaboratively, developing your technical skills and knowledge in a professional and supportive space.
You learn through keynote lectures and tutorials using case studies and examples. Critical reflection is key to successful problem-solving and essential to the creative process.
You engage with real-world case studies, applied problem-solving activities, and project-based learning. Independent study is supported by digital learning resources and academic supervision, particularly during the master’s project.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods include coursework assignments, practical tasks, presentations, reports and, where appropriate, examinations/test.
The master’s project is assessed through a written dissertation and/or technical artefact and presentation.
Entry requirements
You normally need to have a first degree (at least a 2.2), relevant experience or equivalent qualifications.
Relevant professional experience in an IT or digital role may also be considered.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
We welcome applications from international students. If you are applying from outside the UK, you can find detailed guidance on the qualifications we accept, entry requirements for your country, and how to apply on our international country pages.
Employability
Career opportunities
You can consider roles such as IT consultant, cyber security analyst, cloud engineer, data analyst, digital transformation manager, IT project manager and AI or technology specialist. The course also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study or research-oriented careers.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
