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Information Technology BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    This course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to help organisations identify their IT needs, and then design, produce, and operate computer-based information systems.

    You could embark on a career in computer-based technologies, integrating communications with computer networks to benefit organisations in the public or private sector.

    Throughout this IT degree, you’ll be supported by our team to develop your creativity and imagination, with our aim being to help you pursue a career within IT. Studying IT doesn't just lead to a career, it's a gateway to improved prospects, increased earning potential, and the ability to shape your own path in the ever-evolving landscape of information technology. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Information Technology courses are Project Coordinator, Security Engineer, System Engineer, IT Support Engineer and Network Engineer.*

    *Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

    Why study Information Technology BSc(Hons) at Huddersfield?

    During your studies you’ll gain a thorough grounding in the principles of IT. You’ll also work with sophisticated software, becoming equipped with the knowledge and skills required to help organisations specify, design, and implement information systems.

    On the course, you’ll explore topics including storing, manipulating, and analysing data, developing web and database-enabled applications, and focus on contemporary theory in modelling and interface design.

    We work closely with the IT industry, helping you jumpstart your career via a placement year, developing your experience and building your contacts, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to put what you have learned to the test. Undertaking a placement in industry in your third year can help you stand out to graduate employers and give you experience and confidence when applying for future roles.

    Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), completion of the course means you’ll have also fulfilled the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

    If you’re interested in information technology – and potentially exploring topics such as computing, computer science, software development, programming, databases – this course could help you step confidently into a rewarding post-university IT career. Previous graduates in this subject area have gone on to work in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, BT, and Amazon UK*.

    *Source: LinkedIn

    Entry requirements

    BBB-BBC at A Level .

    120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

    Merit in T Level .

    DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

    • Access to Higher Education Diploma in a subject that is relevant to the course with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
    • 120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    Entry is also possible from the Engineering Foundation Year. To progress onto this course from the Foundation Year you must pass all modules and achieve an average mark of 40% or above.

    In addition you must have GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. We consider all applications on an individual basis.

    For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Introduction to Procedural Programming

    This module aims to introduce you to the core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals. In addition, you will gain knowledge of variables, operators, and control flow including loops and branches, functions and data types.

    Project 1

    Working as part of a team, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of hardware, software and industry best practices used by businesses. In your teams you’ll be supported in planning, designing and developing a prototype product. This experience has been designed to introduce you to the product development cycle, technology limitations and possible future developments.

    Computer Network Fundamentals

    This module introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking. You will gain knowledge of the theoretical concepts of networking, such as addressing, switching and routing. Furthermore, you will be exposed to key issues, such as network security, along with typical techniques used to address these issues. In addition to the theoretical aspects of networking, you will plan, design and implement practical solutions using live or simulation tools.

    Introduction to Web Programming

    This module is aimed at helping you to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to create basic interactive websites. The technologies covered are typically HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You'll aim to create a portfolio of webpages that demonstrate a range of HTML and CSS features. You'll also aim to develop a JavaScript application in response to a specified problem.

    Requirements Engineering

    Requirements represent the real-world needs of stakeholders affected by a system. Requirements engineering is critical to the success of a software development project as poor execution of this activity within the overall software engineering process is a common cause of project failure. This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts, core principles and practical skills of modern requirement engineering as a key activity within successful software engineering. You will explore the process of constructing requirements, including the elicitation and analysis of stakeholders’ needs and the creation of an appropriate description of desired system behaviour and qualities, along with relevant constraints and assumptions.

    Introduction to Databases

    This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts involved in the design, implementation and use of relational databases. We aim to develop the skills and knowledge needed to model relational databases based on user requirements, and implement and query databases using a suitable relational database management system (RDBMS) and SQL.

    Core modules:

    Management within an I.T. Environment

    In this module you will gain an understanding of organisations, how they function, and how different elements of organisational behavior affect one another while working as an IT specialist. This module considers the organisational context, individuals in the organisation, groups and teams, organisational structure, and management processes, looking at relevant theory and practical examples.

    Applied Data Science

    We are now in an age of the ‘knowledge economy’ and ‘data science’ where new business models based upon the exchange and creation of data are able to deliver considerable value for organisations. A successful IT professional needs to understand the potential of data to enable and enact change within organisations. This module introduces learners to the analytical and robust use of data that is stored remotely in distributed and cloud-based systems.

    Team Project

    Working as a part of a team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and develop a software application, or explore some aspect of information systems. You’ll be encouraged to explore theories and principles of team working and project management through the development of your chosen application. Alongside your team work you will also explore important legal and professional issues for people working in the IT industry.

    Cyber Security

    This module introduces fundamental concepts in computer and network security, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and the selection and implementation of suitable mitigation technologies. Throughout this module you’ll learn about securing data through the use of cryptography, operating system security and multi-user environments, creating secure programs, state-of-the-art methods for identifying potential threats, and legal and ethical issues surrounding computer security. This module teaches a broad range of subjects and you will learn both essential theoretical and practical aspects of computer security. This knowledge is in demand by employees and the module will empower you to start to specialise in security. The module covers issues pertinent to industry such as how to maintain data security through using strong encryption, detecting complex security threats, and also in maintain compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

    Web Development

    This module builds on the Foundation level Introduction to Web Programming module. The Foundation module covers front-end web development and the languages HTML, CSS and JavaScript. This intermediate level module is focused on backend (server-side) web development. You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and build database driven web applications using a suitable server-side web programming language.

    User Experience Design

    One of the key determinants of a computer system’s success is whether or not humans are able and willing to use it. This module aims to provide you with the skills necessary for designing, prototyping and evaluating usable user interfaces. The module explores the subjects of interaction design, information systems, user experience, social media and how computer-based products fit into organisations, societies and culture. As a part of the work on this module you’re expected to develop user requirements for an interactive device, then write up your user testing results, reflecting on what you have learnt from the module.

    This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    Core modules:

    Systems Strategy

    In increasingly complex systems it is important to have tools that help make sense of this complexity. Systems’ thinking takes a holistic approach to understanding how systems influence one another. This module aims to introduce the key concepts of the subject area to help you understand problems. It covers a specialised language, methods, and set of techniques that can be used to address highly complex problems that can help in the design of enduring solutions in any system. This module aims to help you make sense of the complexity within systems and how to assess the impact of decisions made beyond the immediate environment.

    Information Architecture

    This module focuses on the way digital information can be organised to make the content more accessible and more easily understood by users. The module provides you with an introduction to the ways in which information can be organised and structured; for example using metadata, controlled vocabularies, ontologies and classification schemes primarily (but not exclusively) for the Web. Your studies focus on the way these technologies can support formal models of information seeking behaviour.

    Individual Project

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    Option modules:

    Choose two from a list which may include-

    Software Architecture

    Modern societies are highly dependent on complex, large-scale, software-intensive systems that increasingly operate within an environment of continuous availability, which are challenging to maintain, and evolve in response to changes in stakeholder requirements. The continual increase in the size and complexity of software systems has made software systems some of the most complex human-made systems ever created. As a result, a structured and systematic approach to design is essential for the success of software-based systems. Software architectures are fundamental to the development of technically sustainable, i.e., long-living, software systems, as they are the primary carrier of architecturally significant requirements (ASRs), such as performance, extensibility, maintainability, and influence how developers are able to understand, analyse, test, and evolve a software system. This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts, core principles and practical skills of modern software architectures as a key activity within successful software engineering.

    Advanced Web Programming

    The module covers some of the more advanced approaches to developing web applications, examining both client and server-side technologies. You will explore and compare structured approaches to web development and multiple modern web frameworks, together with a range of contemporary development tools. As your understanding of the technologies and approaches develops, you will aim to critically evaluate them and assess the benefits and risks of using a given approach or framework for a given task.

    Digital Campaigns and Communications

    This module is designed to develop and integrate your knowledge of the concepts, theories and practices associated with digital marketing. It keeps you at the forefront of modern practices bridging the gap between theory and its practical application into developing a strategic campaign and communications plan. You’ll learn how to manage and control a digital marketing campaign, to critically evaluate your own or others’ professional practice as campaign managers, and you’ll be introduced to the concepts project management, resource administration and cost control.

    Advanced Front-End Web Development

    This module looks deeper into the use of front-end web technologies, HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and their use in building modern-day web applications. The module considers design patterns and architectural issues for complex front-end web development. It also explores applications of web technologies. For example, to build location aware systems, develop mobile applications, and to visualise data. You'll be expected to build a web application and then reflect on the tools, techniques and approaches used in development.

    Advanced Analytics

    Modern enterprises often derive significant business insight from applying advanced analytical techniques to massive volumes of data. In this module you will critically evaluate the technologies, techniques, and issues involved in the development and delivery of advanced business intelligence and data analytics systems, particularly those designed to achieve business intelligence and insight using “Big Data”, i.e., a wide variety of data that is high volume and/or high speed. You will be provided with one or more technical environments in which to develop your skills in the design and development of suitable business intelligence tools, and offered a wide range of large, complex and/or dynamic data sets which help illustrate the key technical challenges of dealing with advanced analytics. Learners will be provided with one or more technical environments in which to develop their skills in the design and development of suitable business intelligence tools, and they will be offered a wide range of large, complex and/or dynamic data sets which help illustrate the key technical challenges of dealing with advanced analytics.

    This course has modules making up 360 credits over the 4 * years, with each credit being 10 hours of study (3600 hours in total). An average approximately ** 19% (617 hours) of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors face to face or online in lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and workshops. The remainder of the time will be spent on independent study. Assessment is varied and includes assignments, exams and project work, with a focus on practical work. There are opportunities for group working, in addition to individual assessments.

    *Subject to mode of study.

    **Based on current core and compulsory modules.

    Calculated using data from the academic year 2024/25, as of November 2024.

    Teaching

    The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Students who choose to study a full-time course on a part-time basis will generally attend modules at the same time as our full-time students. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

    Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

    Feedback

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Progression

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Our teaching staff rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications, as well as being top five for those holding doctorates (HESA 2025). So you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    Read more about academic staff at the University of Huddersfield

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

    The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

    The Placement team support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly. They are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Boohoo, Kirklees Council and Thornton and Ross, as well as smaller companies from the local economy and further afield. You can find more information on placements here.

    I was fortunate to get a placement at Leeds council as a web developer where I worked on a number of complex applications used by the public. My placement taught me a range of skills which furthered my understanding on fundamental programming concepts learnt in my 1st and 2nd years of my course.

    Lukas Hutton

    Lukas Hutton, Information Technology BSc(Hons), Web Developer at Leeds City Council

    Computing

    A tour of our Department of Computing facilities

    Ever wondered how you will use our facilities as part of your course? Follow Isobel on a tour who explains all.

    Sparck Jones building and canal
    Group work
    Female at PC
    Computer lab with 24 hour access

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    Important information

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    Changes to option modules:

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes:

    We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment, or pandemics.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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