The aim of this programme is to provide students with a balance of Information Technology theory and advanced practical skills that will enable them to develop a sound knowledge and analytical ability allowing them to develop professionally in pursuit of future employment at senior level in the IT sector.

The programme provides specialist technological updating and a broadening of the horizons of participants by considering the use of Information Technology in stimulating and harnessing technological change. For those with little or no previous computer experience, it offers the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the use of IT in a corporate context and the development of key IT skills.

There are opportunities to study the very latest developments from the standpoint of theoretical research or with a view to complex systems construction.

Applicants are normally expected to hold a first degree in Science or Business studies. The applicants should hold a British award classification of no less than a lower second class honours (2:2). Alternatively, a degree qualification of a standard equivalent from a recognised university outside the U.K is expected.

In the case of applicants whose first degree is from overseas, then minimum overall IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 6.0 in writing & speaking and 5.5 in reading & listening or TOEFL 250/600 is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 250/600 is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

The programme is offered in full-time mode and part-time mode, commencing September or February. The full time mode consists of two 15-week semesters plus a 14-week dissertation project. The part time mode consists of four 15-week semesters plus a 28-week dissertation project. A full time student will study two 30-credit modules per semester whereas a part time student will study one 30-credit module per semester. For both modes of study the dissertation project may occur during the summer period. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. However, this may impact on the overall duration of the study period. Students will be required to complete their programme within six years from initial registration.

This programme utilises a mixture of learning methods that focus on and maximises the student learning experience through:

• A series of lectures and seminars that promote student participation
• A number of tutorial and practical sessions that enforce student learning
• A number of problem solving, individual and group, activities that enhance student understanding and skills
• A series of student based activities such as presentations
• A web-based learning system that supports students in various aspects of their studies

To reflect the programme objectives and learning outcomes each taught module is usually assessed through a combination of various assessment techniques. These typically include group and individual work, written reports, examinations, and essays. The project module is assessed in terms of a proposal and the dissertation.

The dissertation gives the student an opportunity to apply the discipline and skills of the programme to an individually selected topic requiring a measure of original development, providing a vehicle for conducting an in-depth research investigation, analysis and critical review of relevant material.

The programme caters for the need of much sought after practical and applicable skills as well as academic knowledge to allow graduates to gain important roles in a variety of industry and business sectors. It benefits from partial accreditation towards membership to the British Computer Society.

The programme provides for a wide range of career paths from specific IT related positions as well as more hybrid management / IT specialist positions. These are needed to fill the growing need for companies to have key IT positions filled with personnel who can understand the challenges of the particular industry but are also able to make best productive use of their IT facilities in supporting their strategic objectives.

Moreover, the programme provides the necessary knowledge for graduates who wish to engage in further study for a PhD degree and possibly follow a career in academia.

UEL and the School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering have in place a number of mechanisms to support you throughout your studies. A personal tutor is allocated to each student at the start of the programme. The personal tutor is available to help you in your academic progress as well as in any general issues that you might face during your studies. An appropriate project supervisor is also allocated to every student who takes the dissertation project to provide support and knowledge throughout the project duration. For each module there is a module leader who can help with any issues around that module. There is also a programme leader to help you with any issues you might have with the programme. Last but not least, counsellors are available for consultation through the student services.

Students attend a research methods seminars / workshops which allow them the opportunity of investigating a variety of contemporary methodological frameworks and research methods so as to prepare them for the individual research dissertation.