This course provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to apply best practice within information systems in organisations.
This course is offered at the Magee campus by the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. If you wish to develop your knowledge of Information Technologies (IT) to an advanced level, this is the course for you. This course will enable you to learn about the underlying principles of information technologies and to acquire skills for the development and maintenance of computer-based systems in modern organisations.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The Information Technologies course aims to deliver graduates that can apply best practice in the application of computing and information systems principles in organisations. There are three broad streams of study within the course:
Programming Principles; Networks/Systems' Security; and Web/Database Systems Development.
During the first two years, you will develop your programming skills and the capabilities necessary to design, build, operate and maintain complex computer and information technology systems. You will also be fully supported in your endeavours to find employment for Year 3.
During the final year, you will get exposed to more advanced topics that will consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the different roles that you can undertake in industry. You will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the planning, development and implementation of an IT System through your Final Year Project and this can be used to showcase your skillset to future employers.
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. The University calls this process 'academic revalidation’. This course will be ‘refreshed’ during the 2017/18 academic year, with changes put in place for students entering in September 2018. For the most up-to-date course/ module information, please contact the Course Director:
Mairin Nicell E: ma.nicell@ulster.ac.uk
Members of the teaching team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy and Members of the industry professional body - the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. Through their research, knowledge transfer and placement activities, teaching staff are also actively engaged with the local software and IT industry, and many modules on the course are directly informed by staff research activities.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Four years, including placement.
Each student must complete 120 credits (usually six modules) in each academic year, with the exception of placement year (60 credits). Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in the University. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented. In Year 3, students undertake a year's work experience.
Lectures are used to present theory and concepts, and are supported through a combination of tutorial discussion and practical, laboratory exercises.
Modules are either assessed by coursework only or by a combination of coursework and formal examinations (January and May). Coursework assessment is carried out using any combination of written assignments, class tests, presentations, and group assignments as appropriate to meet the learning outcomes of each module.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
Today's businesses are driven by the data they store and the information derived from it, using modern information systems, the web and large scale databases.
Using industrial software applications and web development tools, students will learn the state of the art of Business Information Systems (BIS). Through the lectures and practical workshops, students will develop an awareness of BIS strategy and learn the characteristics of modern businesses and information security.
Students will be required to use the Internet as a research tool in a constructive manner to extend and update their knowledge of current trends in business markets, processes, and communications.
This module provides the student with the technical and managerial understanding to develop and manage information systems. The combined abilities of a professional information systems manager who understands the needs of a business from a technical perspective is an extremely employable asset.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students of computing with an initial competence in the development of software through the medium of a modern programming language with facilities for both structured and object-oriented programming
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is a direct follow-on to Software Development I. Students are introduced to more advanced features of both an algorithmic programming language and an object oriented language, and will be expected to acquire a higher level of competence in writing software.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module covers the fundamental principles and theory of database design and provides practical experience in designing and developing database systems using a range of techniques, tools and technologies. It emphasises the important role of databases within an organisation and addresses the use of scalable and secure relational database management systems to facilitate the development of software systems involving large volumes of data and over the web.
Year: 1
Status: C
Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is devoted to the understanding of organisations as systems, the environment in which they operate and the processes they undertake.
It provides the student with knowledge of the tools and techniques of modern systems analysis, essential to the creation of information systems using industrial best practice.
It investigates concepts associated with business analysis, methodologies and modelling techniques in use today. The module also develops project management and communication skills.
The module will develop a student as an IT professional analysing and designing effective systems in industrial and commercial environments.
Students nurture their professional skills and learn how to work collaboratively in teams.
Year: 2
Status: C
Management Information Systems (MIS) are seen as central to the organisation. These systems are important to the gathering and collating both internal and external data and using these sources of information to general evidence-based reports for organisational decision making. Thus, that that is why MIS is often labelled the backbone of the organisation. This module provides the learner with a clear and detailed understanding of MIS and its role within the organisation and make them aware of the value of evidence-based decision making using these systems for global business.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an in-depth study of computer, communications and networks. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of computer networks to guide the installation and maintenance of modern, high quality reliable networks. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test networks, deploy network based software applications and resolve network infrastructural problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in networking, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact networking in the future
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds on programming foundations covered in Year 1 and provides a foundation for the Web development modules in Year 2 and 4. In addition, it offers an appreciation of user factors in application design and provides students with the tools to specify and develop high quality user interfaces across all modules.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module explores the basic principles underlying the creation, deployment and maintenance of cloud based, dynamic, database driven web applications. The module focuses on how to build and maintain real-world, dynamic websites using frameworks and open source languages including PHP and MySQL.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will equip them to mature as software developers specialising in application development for mobile technologies. Students will gain detailed knowledge of the mobile app creation process and of developing software solutions targeted at the Android environment. The knowledge gained and the solid foundation developed will equip the student with the confidence and capability to be able to extend their study to wider environments both existing and yet to emerge.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with the combination of creative and technical skills necessary to implement design concepts using internet technologies. Lectures and tutorials are used to introduce ideas and techniques, and practical skills are developed through group based and individual mini-projects.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and transferable skills needed to secure employment within the Computing and Engineering domain.
The module prepares students for professional work by developing knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations of employees, employers and clients as determined by codes of professional conduct. Students will have the opportunity to practise the presentation of themselves in, for example, application forms, curriculum vitae, interview, elevator pitches and aptitude tests.
The module provides an underpinning foundation of research concepts, methods and techniques necessary for project development and delivery. The students employ research skills developed during the module to gather research from a variety of sources and critically review this literature. Embedded in all these activities is the reinforcement of the need for adhering to recognised ethical standards and taking a professional approach to employability.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides an in-depth study of secure computer systems. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of secure systems. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test application and network security, deploy secure network based software applications, configure cloud systems and resolve security problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in security, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact secure systems in the future.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides the student with a sound understanding of Knowledge Management and the Learning Organisation. Particular attention is awarded to technological development within these fields. The opportunity to construct a simple knowledge-oriented computerised system is provided.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module combines an in-depth study of the key theoretical concepts of Cloud Computing and modern Networked Operating systems, with practical hands-on industry focused techniques to enable the student to understand the relationship between this theory and the practical implementation of Cloud Computing and modern Operating Systems
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the practical issues arising during the design and implementation of highly interactive web developments. Students are introduced to a wide variety of programming tools used in highly interactive systems and discover how these can be applied in the development of professional, user-centred and highly interactive web based solutions to real life problems.
Year: 4
Status: C
Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The module offers students an opportunity to develop a realistic and meaningful piece of work during their final year. This module allows a chosen subject area to be researched in depth and a solution developed as a consequence. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply the learning achieved from other modules in the course. The module runs during both semesters and allows students to develop a comprehensive approach to all aspects of working on a large project. The project encourages innovation and creative thinking in the development of the solution. It also develops the entrepreneurial mindset, which can influence the challenges undertaken and final decisions made.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades BBC. All subjects are considered.
Reduced offer: Grades CCC
Onesubjectfrom Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomai / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD
OR
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (2016 suite)
Award profile of DMM
The following qualifications are acceptable in particular combinations and/or with A-Level(s) -
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate,
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma,
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence
Please contact Admissions (contact details below) for further information about acceptable combinations for entry to this course.
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades BBCCC. All subject areas are acceptable.
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grades CCD. All subject areas are acceptable.
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3
Minimum of 25 points (12 at Higher Level)
Higher or Subsidiary Level in Mathematics and English Language required at Grade 4 or above.
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course); to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall profile of 15 credits at distinction and 30credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course); to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
For this course, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
NB Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills -Application of Number is NOT acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
The University accepts a range of alternative combination of qualifications including OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals.
HNC
Overall Distinction (with distinctions in 75 Level 4 credits) for year 1 entry only
HND
Overall Merit (with distinctions in 45 Level 5 credits)
HND applications may be considered for Year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of the Ulster University full - time Year 1 course.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass with overall 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry).
For further information regarding all of the above qualifications please contact Admissions -see contact details below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.
Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment may be possible on the basis of academic performance and availability of places.
Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL).
The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Graduates with computing skills have many career opportunities available to them, for example in developing new software, in project management, in systems analysis, in planning and technical management, or in information and database management environments.
Opportunities for postgraduate study in computing or a related area are broad.
All students normally spend one year on placement (Year 3) working in some aspect of the software industry for a minimum period of 25 weeks. On satisfactory completion of the placement period the student is eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP). Students who complete their industrial placement abroad receive the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (International).
Alternatively, students may apply to complete a year of study abroad in another academic institution. Satisfactory completion leads to the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
£4,710.00
£9,250.00
£15,840.00
Faculty Prizes can be viewed at: Ulster University Student Prizes.
Follow the links to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
