Our BSc (Hons.) Information Technology is structured in ways that map explicitly on to modern technology, and includes systems design, application development in a modern industrial strength programming language, network design and management, web-application development including both server and client-side programming. Students will be taught by experts in the field in a high-tech lab and have access to specialist equipment.
Students will study core modules such as Web Development, Information Systems Foundations and IT Infrastructure and various optional IT modules. They will learn how a modern enterprise works and how to use a wide range of technologies to support its operation. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to put what you have learned to practical use and make valuable industry contacts.
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and enthusiasm for current and future technologies that are and can be deployed in the modern, creative business setting, taking in current and future developments. This module will adopt a practical lab-based case study approach to enable you to develop your knowledge of the design and use of technology in real world settings and to be aware of likely future developments in computing and IT, and of the possible social impacts of those developments. It will draw in current and future computing systems including pervasive, mobile and robotic systems, smart homes, smart cities and will consider both the drivers for technological development and the constraints on that development.
This module provides you with fundamental knowledge and principles of computer hardware and operating systems in order to understand the structure and operation of modern computers.
The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental behaviour and components (hardware and software) of a typical computer system, and how they collaborate to manage resources and provide services in scales from small embedded devices up to the global internet.
The module will focus on the understanding of concepts, theory and associated terminology of two core components: ‘Computer Architecture’ and ‘Operating Systems and Networks’. Practical hands-on laboratory experiments will be used to illustrate the application of theory and concepts.
The lab work ranges between using C code, Batch, Bash and Python. This will allow you to develop a range of programming skills that will support your knowledge and skills not only in this module but in future studies as well.
This module will provide you with knowledge to be able to differentiate between data, information and knowledge in an organisation. You will investigate efficient ways of storing, preserving, searching, retrieving and displaying information in an organisation, and you will be able to visualise and conceptualise information in organisations through knowledge of modelling techniques. You will gain the skills to design and implement a database system, to utilise a mark-up language, and to reflect the information in an organisation. You will also be proficient in SQL in an Oracle 11g environment in particular be able to complete the Oracle Database 11g SQL Fundamentals exam necessary to pass Oracle Database PL/SQL Certified Associate ODCA.
This module introduces computer programming techniques, with an emphasis on concepts that are relevant to a wide range of programming languages. There is a strong focus on practical work and you will be working together in pairs and small groups. You will learn how to solve problems by the design, enhancement and implementation of computer programs. You will develop the ability to document, test and debug your programs. You will also be introduced to fundamental concepts of programming, data structures and algorithms, and will be encouraged to work individually and in groups in a series of highly interactive and progressive activities.
The aim of this module is to enable the students to gain knowledge of professional project management in the context of their degree and likely future profession. It will enable them to use this knowledge by participating in a ‘real world’ group project which is relevant for their level of study. It will focus on all aspects of professional practice including project management. In addition, the students will study ethical, legal, regulatory, organizational and business issues in order to further the student’s employability within the computer and networking fields.
This module provides an understanding of the nature of data, its transmission, storage and how this leads to policies in business and strategies for ensuring data integrity and business continuity. In order to develop a real understanding of this area, you will learn how to analyse and use packet sniffing tools and explore how dictionary and brute force attacks are carried out. Secondly, we look at the wide range of data that may be available to a business and look at how this can be captured, analysed and used to make decisions. The final section of the module explores how machine learning approaches can support users and businesses by analysing data and making recommendations. You will develop skills in using existing toolkits to implement some machine learning algorithms and understand the potential of machine learning in addition to risks.
This module will give you practical experience with the development of dynamic websites using HTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript. You will learn how to store client-side data and get first-hand experience with the server-side storage of data using databases.
You will also obtain a deeper understanding of the operation of large-scale websites, such as Facebook and Google, and the security, privacy and legal issues that affect web applications.
This module aims to provide a firm grounding in business systems analysis and design using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to model information systems, and the Unified Process (a disciplined approach to assigning and managing tasks and responsibilities in a development environment). On satisfactory completion of the module, students will have an understanding of information systems modelling and associated development lifecycle issues, and the skills to apply these techniques to real-life scenarios.
This module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge and practical skills achieved whilst studying by undertaking a substantial piece of individual project work culminating in a report and a software artefact or other appropriate agreed deliverable. You will be able to exhibit your competencies and abilities to solve a practical real problem, meeting a real need in an industrial or research context, as Information Technology practitioners.
The aim of the module is to introduce students to a range of AI theories and techniques, including the most commonly used. This will extend to the ability to implement these techniques, and the students will extend their own development skills.
Interactive technologies are developing continually, and new devices that offer novel ways of interacting with computer-based systems are constantly finding their way into our homes, workplaces and lives. Students on this module will encounter and study a range of innovative and emerging interaction technologies. The module affords an opportunity to become familiar with the technologies and devices themselves as well as ways of analysing their applicability for particular uses and situations, and approaches evaluating their use.
This module aims to develop your understanding of the techniques and approaches used to capture, store and analyse data generated by organisations for purposes of business intelligence. In a digital age it is important for businesses to make use of data captured about its entities. You will learn about information retrieval, data presentation, pattern recognition techniques and data models that can be used in business intelligence applications. Descriptive data models can be used to gain a better understanding of overall organisation and predictive data models inform the decision making in all aspects of the business.
During this module, you will gain understanding of underpinning concepts and practical techniques relevant when considering humans, both in the organisation of design and design processes, and as a way of incorporating a user perspective in the design of products and services.
The module also includes analysis of user experience, the characteristics of users and their tasks, and the technical, organisational and physical environment in which products or systems may operate.
Many modern websites store and process large amounts of data. Typical examples are property search websites, price comparison websites and financial websites.
This module aims to give you the ability to download, store and process large quantities of data and build websites based on this data using advanced JavaScript frameworks.
At the end of the module, you will have gained advanced skills with Java, JavaScript, web development and big data, which are highly sought after skills.
You will gain the opportunity to put what you've learned to practical use and make valuable industry contacts. During the course, you will also get the opportunity to work on industry projects as part of final year projects and coursework and to engage with high profile professionals at invited guest talks and field trips.
Our new campus demonstrates what can be achieved when all stakeholders share a clear vision. The concept was developed by a London architect, Graham Wilson, who also is credited for developing many of Middlesex buildings in Hendon.
Course fees are subject to annual inflation. An international Admin Fee is also applicable for international students. For more details, see link to respective fees and payment plans below.
You will be taught through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, practical workshops, demonstrations, fieldwork and external visits. Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller seminar groups and practical lab sessions usually made up of 18-25 students. Seminar work might include discussion, student presentations and problem-solving exercises. Some topics are taught only in lab sessions, as they involve practical work and discussion to assist with understanding. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module coordinator. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning. This includes access to core textbooks and pointers to online resources, such as videos, lecture slides and external material. The University also has writing and numeracy workshops and individual sessions that may be booked throughout your course.
During your first year (level 4), your weekly timetable will typically consist of (for example):
When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below). We run weekly 2-hr drop-in session to help with independent study, particularly for the programming module.
Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course;
Level 4 - 28% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:
Level 5 - 25% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:
Level 6 - 21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:
The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.
There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. Assessment methods could include written examinations, a range of coursework including essays, reports, portfolios, your main final year project, and practical sessions including performance, presentations or lab based exams. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.
The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:
Level 4 | 57.5% coursework | 7.5% written exams | 35% practical exams |
Level 5 | 75% coursework | 12.5% written exams | 12.5% practical exams |
Level 6 | 69% coursework | 31% practical exams |
You will receive feedback on the formative assessment and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module coordinator. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor. We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.
Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.
You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas:
These services can be accessed through the Student Office.
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team who have expertise, knowledge and experience that is closely aligned to the content of the modules on offer. The team includes academics, professional practitioners, and technical staff. Graduate Teaching Assistants or trained postgraduate research students may also have input into your teaching under the supervision of the module coordinator.
Our degree prepares you for a wide range of varied careers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. There is also the potential to work as a self-employed director of your own business. Careers include key roles in the IT support sector, the wider area of IT project development and wherever practical web, database and multimedia skills are required.
Links with the employment market is established through visiting speakers from relevant sections of the industry. The industry partners offer internships, deliver visiting lectures, assist with field trips and recruit at the Middlesex University Career Fair each year.
Work placements increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. You can further develop your interpersonal skills, build your confidence, and make contact with industry leaders. By making a good impression during your placement year, you greatly increase your chances of securing a job with the company after graduation. Research shows that 70% of placements result in a graduate job offer.
I found myself growing with Middlesex extracurricular activities and as part of the Middlesex family. Middlesex has been a place of home and allowed me to pursue my career in IT. The excellent teaching staff on the IT programme ensured I was well prepared for the right jobs in relation to my field of study.
