Information Technology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Study the fundamental concepts of problem-solving, algorithms and data structure, and how they can be integrated to create solutions to complex computational tasks.

You use classic puzzles and recreational games to demonstrate the fundamental building blocks of algorithms. Develop your knowledge of design principles and your proficiency in creating algorithmic procedures by learning to think computationally when solving puzzles, and creating routines for playing simple computer-enabled games.

This is a 30-credit module.

Working in small teams, you design, develop and demonstrate a software solution that relates to an agreed specification following an agile development methodology.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn the tools, techniques and methods you need to develop information systems such as gathering requirements, requirements modelling, designing data models and implementing a solution.

This is a 30-credit module.

Gain an introduction to programming if you have little or no experience of it. You use tools that are easily available, easy to use and familiar to anyone who's used a computer. Learn how programming language constructs are applied to increasing complex problems.

This is a 30-credit module.

Study the circular economy and the business opportunities it presents. Develop your own business idea and create a venture with social impact that's part of the circular economy. Consider the fundamentals of user experience and user interface design, and learn about current, appropriate digital tools to design an app for your business idea.

This is a 30-credit module.

You learn about the concept of rapid development applications. And you get experience in analysing, designing and building web database applications using a tools-driven approach.

This is a 30-credit module.

Cover a full range of computer and network security issues. Study systematic approaches to managing security risks, identification and authentication, elementary cryptography, network technology and relevant security issues. Learn about the basic network technology including deploying routers, switches, firewalls, cabling and servers as well as communication protocols and topologies. And understand how they're used and how they function in the real world.

This is a 30-credit module.

To produce a successful, robust, user-friendly system or application, you need to start by analysing your stakeholders’ requirements and developing a detailed design.

Study the concepts and techniques of analysing and designing systems. Then you can break down and simplify complex systems, and represent them visually using industry-standard approaches. In industry, these visual models are used to communicate designs to developers and stakeholders before implementation.

You study other techniques to design and implement relational databases as part of an information system. Using data-modelling techniques, you learn to define how the system stores data and interacts with it.

This module has a strong emphasis on professional practice and transferrable practical skills, such as communicating design, structuring workflows with process models and gathering requirements - this provides you with some of the essential skills you need in industry.

This is a 30-credit module.

You take a tools-driven approach to developing business solutions and workflows that incorporate artificial intelligence and cloud technologies.

Learn how to manipulate, enhance and customise outputs from these tools to create a bespoke, user-friendly interface with minimal coding. Consider the concepts of cloud computing and get an overview of core cloud technologies and platforms.

This is a 30-credit module.

You develop a solution, proposal, product or service in response to an enterprise challenge set by industry partners or business clients.

Working in small teams, you determine the project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation. You take a professional approach, informed by innovative industry practice, to deliver a successful project that meets the set challenge.

You develop a solution, proposal, product or service, pitching it to academics and industry experts. You reflect on the project process as a whole and review sustainability, diversity, ethical and legal issues, and evaluate team members’ performance.

This is a 30-credit module.

You explore IT systems and computer information security concepts and practices, as well as their risks, and legal and ethical considerations. You learn how to install, manage and secure network servers and their associated applications.

You also learn how to monitor and troubleshoot servers, and develop your understanding of essential services, how systems fail and physical security.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn how to design and implement database applications to meet business needs using industry-standard database technologies. Use a case study to follow the system development lifecycle, and develop a server database application for a real-world scenario. Explore rational and NoSQL database technologies to design and build solutions.

This is a 30-credit module.

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.

Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:

· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.

If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

With vast quantities of data generated every day, businesses are increasingly looking for new ways to get data insights to improve their performance and gain a competitive advantage.

Develop your ability to visualise data and implement business intelligence solutions to support business needs. Investigate the strategies and technologies used by enterprises to perform business data analysis, get insights and make informed decisions.

Once you've completed this module, you'll be able to design and implement big data analytics and data visualisation applications to meet business needs and present data insights.

This is a 30-credit module.

Consultancy is widely used within industry. A client’s organisation needs to collaborate closely with the consultant to design and implement digital transformation strategies in line with business objectives.

You work in close collaboration with your client(s) by taking on the role of an IT consultant as part of a team. You go through the full consultancy cycle, consider information governance and propose a technology road map for digital transformation. You design and deliver part of it using industry-standard tools and methodologies.

You research industry-standard tools and technologies to advise and influence your client on the most suitable approaches for their digital transformation. Client relationships are key - you will be heavily involved in client-facing activities to collect data and present findings.

You widen your experience of team working and grow your understanding of the theories underpinning effective teamwork. You need a professional attitude and behaviours to maintain a high delivery standard and manage your client account well.

This is a 30-credit module.

Produce a substantial artefact related to the computing field, and write a report and commented walk-through video, with supervision from our academic staff.

You are guided to develop your work-discipline and your professional outlook. Taking full responsibility for your project, carry out an in-depth exploration of a chosen subject area that demonstrates your ability to scope the project, plan, research, analyse, synthesise, and creatively apply and execute what you've already studied. Consider its risks, security and sustainability as well as the legal, social, ethical, equality, diversity and inclusion issues.

You develop your professional skills in time management, communication, problem solving and critical thinking.

This is a 60-credit module.