This is the first programme in the country to offer a unique opportunity to explore both, the practice of Information Technology development and the theoretical relationships of ICTs and society.

The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.

Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 120 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.

We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.

• to develop practical and conceptual skills in the effective application of IT
• to analyse the relationships between the many components of an IT system – the hardware, the software, the application, the user’s skills and the individual, organisational and wider social context in which computers are used
• to develop skills associated with the use of IT systems
• to promote an understanding of theoretical perspectives on the social construction and diffusion of information and communication technologies

Knowledge

• develop skills in operating ICTs and assessing their advantages and disadvantages
• examine the economic, technical, political and social factors which shape or influence the development of technologies ;
• understand ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of ICT professionals
• understand and apply theories of software interface and systems development
• understand the specialist ideas associated with areas of IT such as computer graphics, networks, database systems and the Internet
• understand the relationship between hardware and software
• investigate why and how institutions and organisations have adopted new technologies, and what changes have occurred as a result.
• Be able to independently research information sources

Thinking skills

• use theoretical concepts and perspectives to explain the development of IT systems in institutional and industrial settings
• gather, analyse and comment critically on ideas associated with IT using both traditional and modern sources
• analyse economic, social and technical factors which shape the development and implementation of computer systems and services
• critically evaluate various approaches to systems design
• develop the ability to critically evaluate ethical and professional and cultural issues of ICT

Subject-Based Practical skills

• use commercial / professional computer applications
• discuss the range of ways in which technologies affect and have affected societies, the economy and cultures;
• analyse and offer solutions to commercial and institutional problems associated with IT systems
• design and write computer programmes and scripts
• specify computer systems
• research a variety of technology subjects and write reports and presentations

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• critically evaluate the experience of developing a project report
• understand and utilise different research approaches
• work and research independently
• work in a group and solve problems associated with group activities
• create and deliver presentations
• write technical reports and academic papers
• use computers and application software effectively
• ability to communicate effectively
• Problem solving
• Working within time and resource constraints

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time or five years part-time. 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. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June, but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A typical full-time student will study the equivalent of 120 credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study for one day and one evening per week and will complete 60-80 credits.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Reading and research for assignments and projects

Thinking skills are developed through

• Discussions in seminars and groups and individual tutorials
• Reading and research for assignment and projects
• Application of critical evaluation to variety of issues

Practical skills are developed through

• Workshop activities and exercises
• Continual independent practice and use of technologies
• Assignment work with a practical element
• Individual projects

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Individual and group presentations
• Information Technology workshops
• Researching and writing of essays and projects
• Presentation of written assignment work
• Solving problems through real life scenarios

Knowledge is assessed by

• Interim tests and final examinations
• Essay based coursework
• Technical Report based coursework often associated with a practical element
• Knowledge used in presentation

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Interim tests and final examinations with essay type questions
• Ability to Evaluate of scenarios
• Application of knowledge and theories in essay based coursework
• Analysis of issues in essay based coursework, exams and presentations
• Coursework with critical analysis of practical elements

Practical skills are assessed by

• Assignments demonstrating the ability to use software and hardware to produce an end product (graphics, database, CDROM, computer program, web page etc)
• Assignments demonstration the ability to analyse existing information systems
• Demonstrating a competency in workshops

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Quality of written work in assignments
• Strict assignment deadlines
• Group assignments
• On-line assessment of group collaboration
• Quality, appropriateness and clarity of presentations