BSc (Hons) Information Technology

We have a range of enticing modules to tailor your studies by, including Software Engineering, User-centred Design, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence.

Year 1

• Fundamentals of computer science
  This module aims to give a comprehensive introduction to Computer Science, its theoretical basis and practical implementation in both hardware and software. The history of computing, the role and the science of algorithms, abstraction, the binary numbering system and its representations, Boolean logic and gates, fundamentals of computer hardware, building computer circuits, the von Neumann model, introduction to hardware, data, and software, the nature of data and its operation.
• Professional practice
  As a new entrant to the university, this module prepares you for developing an understanding of - and skills for - academic study and the world of work, and the professional and personal skills you'll need. You'll be introduced to all aspects of university study and being an IT professional, allowing your ideas to be explored and developed throughout your time at LSBU and beyond. The topics studied will be used to develop the skills that both a graduate and an IT professional will require, and will give you ample opportunities to develop your intellectual skills as well as your practical ones. In addition to these topics on professionalism, the module will introduce you to a range of topics relating to computer-based information systems, e-business and how business organisations work. The module is largely based on some existing model syllabi as devised by professional bodies such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), but this has been adapted for the particular needs of LSBU’s new entrants. 
• Discrete mathematics
  This module will introduce you to the logical and discrete mathematical structures and models, which are commonly used in the field of Computer Science and which underpin any study of this discipline. The module will emphasise the formulation of problems into mathematical forms, the interpretation of solutions and the identification of problem characteristics to help suggest modelling approaches. Provisions will be made (typically one hour per week) to allow us to bring you, if necessary, to a level of confidence and expertise in those areas of essential basic mathematics that should have been covered at earlier levels. 
• Requirements Analysis and UCD
  This module provides the practical tools and techniques required to design, develop and evaluate effective interactive systems in an ever-changing digital age. User-centred design and usability are recognised as major contributing factors in the success of business and mass market information systems. The rise over the last 2 decades of the internet/web along with graphical user interfaces (GUIs), multimedia and ubiquitous mobile devices has led to an almost universal uptake of highly sophisticated interactive systems. User-centred design processes are now a fundamental part of enterprise customer relationship management and consumer media content distribution through apps, online information services and social networking sites.
  Given the mutability of the field, the module intends to keep pace with current developments as far as practically possible. 
• Fundamentals of Software Development
  This module teaches the fundamentals of computer programming covering variables, datatypes, arrays, algorithms, conditional and iterative code and the use of functions. Students will learn to write simple programs making use of a contemporary programming language and development environment. To provide students with fundamental programming skills.
  To give students an understanding of the fundamental concepts of software development such as source code and the compilation and execution of programs. To enable students to become familiar with development tools and environments.  
• Software Development
  This module helps you to understand, develop a vocabulary and acquire some simple programming skills using a programming language. It is using the programming skills/knowledge gained during the first semester to extend the complexity of the coding. It will provide a familiarity with Objects and Classes and some experience in simple GUIs.  Good development principles and the kind of support an IDE will provide will also be looked at including all important aspects of the application development process in whatever environment or programming language you may use in the future.

Year 2

• Analysis and Design
  This module explores the techniques for systems analysis and design, divided mainly into four areas: traditional methodologies & techniques, agile methodologies & techniques, professional and ethical practice and standards,  finally professionally recognised project management techniques.This module provides a theoretical understanding of, and practical competence in, the techniques of information systems analysis and design.
• Big Data and Database Systems
  This module covers the concepts and practice of Database Systems Management as well as the fundamentals of Big Data processing. The subject of the database field is concerned with how to use computers to store and manage data, usually large quantities of data, that is accessible locally and remotely via the web, the cloud etc...The study of databases is typically a core area in undergraduate information technology and systems courses. This module will aim to provide you with an understanding of various database issues such as database management, data modelling, relational database theory, data integrity and security, and the database query language SQL (Structured Query Language). In addition, the module will also introduce you to some of the intermediate aspects of databases such as triggers, procedures Web databases, Big Data and Data Warehousing. 
• Information Systems
  The module will explore the use of information systems within different types of organisations and business area. This takes into account the difference in requirements and operational needs. It will provide an introduction to organisational processes and information requirements, technological innovation, change management, ethics and the law.  The module will also foster your ability to propose a solution and evaluate information system and its business value. The module aims to help the students to identify computer-based systems that make business processes efficient and more transparent. The main focus of the module is on how we understand the potential of IS to support organisational activities and hence how we design these technologies to achieve these goals.
• System Administration
  This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills to analyse, design and manage the users, data and hardware which are required for the efficient operation of IT systems.  You will also study wider issues such as effective planning of IT operations to minimise business risk due to large-scale technical or environmental problems. You will have the opportunity to gain the technical knowledge and skills required to study for the professional certification often required by employers.
• Application Development
  This module aims to provide an understanding of programming languages and their uses in different application areas. It is using the programming skills/knowledge gained during the first year and explores what kind of applications can be built and for what purpose. Building on the programming from the first year, the aim of this module is to extend the programming skills through practical work. The module also aims to raise the awareness of different application areas and to give practical experience of developing different applications and providing solutions to different problems.
• Web Technologies
  In this module you will learn about the technologies used to build web applications. You will learn how dynamic client interfaces to applications held on remote servers are built and how dynamic processes on servers use databases and other files to both provide and interact with those client interfaces. As well as experimenting with the fundamental mechanisms involved you will explore how these are used in a range of complex real world business applications. This module aims to achieve a clear understanding of how distributed applications are built and how the various components that they consist of interact. This represents the fundamental architecture underlying virtually all web applications, mobile apps, and their ultimate synthesis in the cloud computing paradigm. In addition, the module aims to provide understanding of how these essential building blocks can be combined into powerful and complex applications such as content management systems or mobile and web applications for email, maps or cloud storage.

Sandwich year

• Optional placement year
  The placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year in the work-place, honing your transferable skills and proving your academic learning in the development of real-world systems. The assessment of the placement is designed to support and accredit the experience by formalising personal development outcomes, and by contextualising prior learning. Regular on-line contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year.

Year 3/4

• Honours computer science project
  
  The project is a level 6 double module (i.e. worth 40 credits) for the Honours degree, enabling students to demonstrate the extent of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills which they have gained through prior study and industrial internships if any.
  The project is therefore a very important piece of work. It is intended to demonstrate to the examiners your ability to independently undertake and complete all the parts of a substantial piece of work. The project will usually be studied as a  module taken over both semesters 1 and 2. An intensive single-semester project is also permissible. The project module can be taken over the Summer period June–September by top-up students. Each student will be guided by a supervisor and must submit a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words. Group projects may be larger depending on the complexity of the project being undertaken.
• Systems and cyber security
  This module covers all aspects of the complex field of security in computer systems and networks. It will teach the fundamental principles of computer security and how they impact the many different areas in which computer technology is used. It will explore the diverse range of threats faced by systems and the network infrastructure that connect them together and the measures that can be taken to counter them. 

And an option from:

• ICT Project Management in Practice
  This module provides students with an opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other disciplines on ICT projects. Students will work in teams and will go through the full ICT development lifecycle from requirements elicitation, feasibility study, design and development, testing and deployment. The module involves real clients and users who have genuine expectations that the developed digital solution will address their needs. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam. 
• Innovation and Enterprise
  In the rapidly changing world around us, it is imperative that students are able to think dynamically to create an advantage for themselves (entrepreneurial) and for the businesses they may work for (intrapreneurial). This module encourages students to question what they see and experience around them and in their prospective engineering fields with an aim to enhance their creativity to discover new and improved ways of doing things. It aims to equip them with methods and processes to recognise opportunities and to plan on harnessing commercially viable benefits that may exist from exploiting those opportunities in a sustainable fashion. This might be a product or a service (such as consultancy or contract management). The application of project management principles will help to define the critical path of a proposed business and how the many processes involved are interlinked throughout the initial planning exercise and how they can change over time. Students are expected to reflect on their I&E journey and what they can contribute to a group.

Plus one option from:

• Data Mining and Big Data Analytics
  This module provides a broad introduction to the basic theory, concepts, and techniques of data mining, and its role in business and scientific research. It will cover the main topics in the area. The focus of the practical aspect of this module is to develop hands-on experience and skills in solving real-world data mining problems. SAS^® Enterprise Miner and SAS^® Enterprise Guide will be taught and used throughout module for practical data mining projects. Simple Python scripts for data manipulation will be discussed and used. 
• Content Management and Development Frameworks
  Web applications are interactive rather than repositories of information and have sophisticated features. Most organisations have large amounts of digital content, whether of the nature of static information, dynamic news or digital assets which are products in themselves. To handle the required level of complexity and interactive sophistication this demands powerful content management systems or frameworks. This module will explore what these systems are, what they do and why they might be an appropriate solution.

And a final option from:

• Smart internet technologies
  Smart Internet Technologies comprise set of enablers to deal with the limitation of existing Internet. This includes but not limited All-IP Networking Architectures, evolution towards Cloud Computing and 5G networking architectures, open-based networking technologies, SDN/NFV challenges and IoT technologies and its interworking with Cloud and 5G networks. 
• AR/VR technologies
  This module covers the technologies and the algorithms required to develop and deploy virtual reality and augmented reality applications. The module will cover VR and AR hardware, stereoscopic vision, rendering, AR/VR software development, 3D user interfaces and presence and 360 video.

IT touches every sector, so your career opportunities are unlimited. Our graduates have excellent career prospects in IT roles spanning project management, IT management, IT systems/business analyst and information systems management.

And there are plentiful career opportunities in technical fields such as computer operations, computer systems sales and service, programming, systems analysis, software engineering and technical authorship.

Take a look at some potential careers, including IT consultant / data analyst, on Prospects.

Skills for work

We’re hands on. We take an applied approach. As well as great practical IT skills you’ll develop professional IT skills, such as: identifying the right analytical tool to meet an IT requirement and how to present IT solutions to various stakeholders. These are the skills that will get you noticed.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Our teaching staff are involved in research and consultancy at the forefront of the industry. You'll learn in a modern, well-equipped environment complete with sophisticated technology.

Approach to learning

Taking on both group and individual projects, we assess your work through a mixture of coursework and exams, with project and laboratory work counting towards your final award. You’ll be taught problem solving, project planning and team management to give you the best chance of getting the job you want once you graduate.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate or MEng Engineering student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least twice a semester throughout your course.  You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.

Degree Course

In order to be considered for entry to one of the degree courses applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:

• BBC at A Level (112 UCAS points); or;
• BTEC National Diploma - DMM (112 UCAS points) or;

One of the following T-Levels with a pass of Merit (120 UCAS points):

• Digital Production, Design and Development
• Digital Business Services
• Digital Support Services

or;

• Access to HE qualifications with 10 Distinctions, 30 Merits and 5 Passes;
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

We welcome qualifications from around the world.

English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

Top-up Course

In order to be considered for entry to one of the Top-up courses applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:

• Higher National Diploma with at least 60 credits at merit in second year modules, or;
• Other equivalent Higher Education qualification

We welcome qualifications from around the world.

English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0, Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.