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, three or four years as shown in this table. 

Aims and Objectives

More detail

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 

MScIT is targeted on skills currently required by employers (Analysis and Design, C++, Java, HTML, SQL, Oracle etc.) 
 

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 and Object Oriented Programming, 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. 

Entry Requirements

More detail

Standard Entry

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) 

Non -Standard Entry
 

Course Structure

You can study the course over 12 months full-time or over 2, 3 or 4 years part-time. Both modes commence in mid September. Several modes of Part-time attendance are available. 

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 during the Summer vacation. Each taught module has an average of 3 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 Module is provided in the second Semester to teach the transferable skills necessary for the successful completion of the project. 
 

Course Content Full-time

Module Overview

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.

Semester One

Computer Systems

Reviews the hardware aspects of Information Technology. Includes a comparison of the capabilities of the different processor and system types and their operating systems. 

Develops skills in the specification and construction of software using the programming language C++. This module also provides a foundation for the Object-Oriented Programming and Design module in Semester 2. 

Considers network low-level architecture, transmission media, protocols and local and wide area networks.  An introduction to Java programming is included. 

Establishes skills in data modelling and the use of the state of the art relational database management systems and 4GLs. Includes distributed database concepts and architecture.

Semester Two

Advanced Interactive Systems

Considers Human-Computer interaction, prototyping and user interface design, including human capabilities and limitations. Includes multimedia environments, CD and CD-i and the design of multimedia interfaces. Provides an overview of artificial intelligence and its application to distributed systems. 

Examines the principles of Object-Oriented (OO) software and its design, including classes and objects, inheritance, polymorphism and dynamic binding. 

Covers network design, performance and management at a high level. Includes internetworking and integrated services digital networks (ISDNs). Also covers the information superhighway, intelligent networks, wireless LANs and personal communications networks.

Considers the design issues for distributed systems including the client server model, remote proceedure call, group communications and message passing. Includes distributed operating systems and file systems.

Summer Period

MScIT Projects - online

Project

The project is an important element of the course with a practical and vocational emphasis. Often, it involves the design, construction and evaluation of a practical system. Wherever possible the project will be undertaken in association with an external organisation, e.g. industry, commerce or the public sector. The new contacts and skills arising from the project provide enhanced employment opportunities. 

A report is to be written, describing the work undertaken on the project and students are also required to give a presentation. Assessment is continuous throughout the project timescale. 

Relational and Object Oriented DBMS

Visual Database Programming

 Human Factors in Systems Design

Strategic Evaluation of Commercial Applications
 

Further Information

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. 

For contact details, see foot of page.