Information technology is a subject that draws on a number of disciplines including, computer science, software engineering, sociology and psychology. The need for information technology in the workplace is increasing, as is the need for people educated to graduate level who can make informed decisions about the choice and design of information systems. Studying a graduate information technology course will set a firm foundation for a challenging, fast-moving career that affects the quality of all our lives.

 

What Will I Learn?

By studying a graduate information technology course you will gain an understanding of:

1. The rapidly changing technological infrastructure that underpins our use of information systems;

2. The different approaches that may be adopted towards systems development and acquisition;

3. The role information systems play in a range of application areas.

Information technology courses at graduate level will differ in their focus, some will place more emphasis on the technical aspects, where others will concentrate more on the social or organisational elements of the subject. Graduate information technology programs are both theoretical and practical. Skills acquired in your graduate course such as problem solving through group work, critical thinking and independent research skills are highly valued by employers. Your information technology program should teach you to 'speak the language' of both the hardware and software experts and those more directly concerned with the application of technology in the human context.

How Will The Course Be Structured?

An information technology course at Master’s level usually involves independent research and the development of research skills culminating in the writing of an academic dissertation. This gives you the opportunity to try out research in this area and paves the way for doctoral research should you wish to pursue that option. Your research allows you to develop expertise in a specific area which is relevant to your future employment. Your dissertation could be associated with a work placement undertaken on completion of the taught part of the Master’s course. This is likely to be an excellent opportunity to gain relevant work experience.

An information technology course at graduate level is likely to be structured so that students can specialise in certain themes or pathways. If your interests lie with the business aspect then your chosen course might include consideration of the strategic role information systems play in organisations. It would also look at the way computing and communications technologies influence the way people communicate, carry out transactions and learn in a business context.

If your interest’s lie with software development then your chosen course would not only provide opportunities for the development of obviously technical skills such as programming and database design, but also should facilitate those skills necessary for working effectively in a team. These include the interpersonal skills of clear communication, effective project management and self-awareness.

Other areas to pursue might be more particular such as manufacturing, education or health. If you are already sure that you want your career to follow these pathways then graduate courses with these elements might be best for you. Formalising and extending knowledge gained in the workplace through study can be extremely beneficial, and often leads directly to career advancement.

One of the most important outcomes of studying a graduate course in information technology should be preparation for the international workplace, intercultural and computer mediated communication and working within global teams. A good information technology program should take account of the 'international dimension' where appropriate, and specialist modules might deal with these issues in greater depth.

One thing to bear in mind when choosing to undertake a graduate course in information technology is that the skills you acquire relating to the use of specific systems may well feel out of date and irrelevant in only a few years’ time. Your course should look to the future and explore and evaluate current and emerging technologies, however, your main motivation in pursuing the study of information technology should be how to critically evaluate new technologies and new approaches rather than mastering specific skills. On this approach, your graduate information technology course will continue to be relevant and help you progress and develop in your future career.