Introduction

The MSc IT course at De Montfort University is a taught conversion course with both full-time and part-time students. Full-time, the course lasts for twelve months whilst if taken part-time, the same modules are spread over two years, as shown in the table below. Part-time study requires attendance at the University for one afternoon and one evening per week.

Aims and Objectives

The general aims of the course are to teach students to
• Apply current techniques of Information Technology
• Be aware of the best features of the current state of the art
• Assess and adapt to new developments in the future
The course provides an academic grounding in IT which underpins the relevant practical work. Graduates can therefore offer potential employees not only tangible skills which they can put to work immediately but also, due to the sound theoretical foundations which have been laid down, the ability to adapt well to the rapid rate of change in Information Technology.

What is IT?

Information Technology (IT) is broadly defined as the convergence of computers and communications. The MSc course operated at De Montfort University teaches this with a theme of Networks and Distributed Systems, enabling students to apply established techniques of Information Technology, to be aware of the best features of the current state of the art and to be in a position to assess and adapt to developments.

Typically, graduates find employment as software engineers, network administrators, technical advisors or analyst/programmers in industry and commerce. Alternatively, their new skills may facilitate their development in previously established professional careers.

Who is The Masters Degree For?

The course is aimed at three different groups of people:
• Those who, having recently obtained a degree, feel they need to add IT skills in order to improve their prospects of employment in their chosen career.
• Those who wish to find employment in an IT job possibly because they have chosen not to pursue the career indicated by their first degree.
• Those who are already in employment, probably in an IT related job, who lack the formal qualifications to progress further.
The course is equally suited to both women and men, with or without work experience. Computer Science graduates are not normally eligible for this course. The Equal Opportunities Policy of De Montfort Univeristy will be operated during all aspects of the course, including student application.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

The normal entry requirements are for students who have a first degree in a technology, science or mathematical subject and who have already had some introduction to computing in their first degree course.

Suitable graduates from a variety of other disciplines (not necessarily scientific or technical) will also be eligible if they can demonstrate either an interest in Information Technology, or experience in that or a subject related area.

Students are selected by applications and references in the first instance and then by interview (except for overseas applicants).

The normal minimum entry requirement for the course is a lower second class Honours degree in a technology, science or mathematical subject other than Computer Science / Information Technology.

Non-Standard Entry

Three categories of applicant will be considered for non-standard entry:
1. Non-UK applicants who have a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology from a non-UK institution.
2. Applicants who do not possess the normal entry requirements, but who can demonstrate the ability to absorb technological concepts, for example, by industrial or commercial experience.
3. Applicants with a Computer Science / Information Technology degree or equivalent, obtained several years ago.

Course Structure

You can study the course over 12 months full-time or over 2 years part-time. Both modes commence in mid September. Part-time study requires attendance at the University for one afternoon and evening per week.

The course consists of eight taught modules and a project. In full-time mode, four taught modules are delivered in each 15 week Semester. The project is carried out in the Summer Period. In part-time mode there are 2 modules per Semester. Each taught module has an average of 2½ hours of class contact per week. Teaching is by lectures, classroom tutorials or laboratory work as appropriate to the subject.

A non-assessed Project Skills Unit is provided in the second Semester to teach the transferable skills necessary for the successful completion of the project. All topics are compulsory except the Induction Unit where prior learning may provide exemption.

Semester Module Title	PT Year 1	PT Year 2
Induction Unit	X
Semester 1 Computer Systems Software Engineering Networks Database Systems	X X	X X
Semester 2 Advanced Interactive Systems OO Programming and Design Advanced Networks Distributed Systems	X X	X X
Summer Project	X	X

• Induction Unit
  The first week of the course provides an introduction to computing, operating systems and initial programming concepts. Students with adequate prior experience may be exempt from this unit. The induction unit does not contribute to the final degree.

Assessment
Assessment is by three modes: Coursework, examination and project.

For the award of MSc in Information Technology a student is required to pass the project and all taught modules.

For the award of MSc with Distinction a student must have passed all taught modules and the project with a grade 'A' in the project and grades 'A' or 'B' for the taught modules, of which at least four must be of grade 'A'.

For the award of Postgraduate Diploma a student must have passed either 8 taught modules or the project and at least four taught modules.

Fees and Awards
This course has been approved by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as being suitable for the tenure of their Advanced Course Studentships.

Training and Enterprise (TEC) funding may be available to qualifying candidates. Students are increasingly self-funded or sponsored by industry.

For contact details, see foot of page.

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For further information on any of the postgraduate courses offered by the School of Computing Sciences at De Montfort University, use the On-line Enquiry Form or write to:

Postgraduate Admissions Enquiries
School of Computing Sciences
De Montfort University
The Gateway
Leicester
England
LE1 9BH

Tel: +44 (0)116 257 7699
Fax: +44 (0)116 254 1891
E-mail: cms@dmu.ac.uk