Information Technology
MSc

With information technology at the heart of modern-day business enterprises, this MSc paves the way to an influential career where you can add genuine and lasting value to any organisation. This course will:

• Develop theoretical knowledge and gain practical skills using our dedicated computing laboratories
• Learn how to use IT intelligently to tackle the real-world challenges faced by the industry today
• Build your skills in a wide range of cutting-edge and emerging business technologies, such as cloud computing and data mining
• Draw on the expertise of our research-active teaching team as well as IT experts from industry
• Balance your studies with your other commitments: you can study full-time or part-time, starting in September or January
• Prepare not only for a high-level career in the field of information technology but also for further research leading to a PhD

An ever-evolving field

The world of information technology is advancing at a remarkable pace, with emerging technologies and developments with smartphones, personal navigation systems and widespread access to broadband Internet. It means there are exciting career opportunities ahead for professionals who can harness IT in new ways to create tangible, business advantage.

Vital to industry

Our far-reaching MSc Information Technology prepares you to tackle work-based challenges using IT practically and intelligently. By the end of this programme, you will be able to analyse, synthesise and evaluate both the human and technology factors that are required to apply IT in the industry successfully. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will learn through lectures, seminars, discussion groups, practical sessions, presentations and blended learning. Using our dedicated computing laboratories, you will develop both theoretical and practical skills in applying information technology.

Assessment includes a range of methods such as analytical essays, reports on lab-based problems, assignments using case studies, multi-task practical portfolios and presentations.

Your teaching team

You'll be taught by passionate academics who have an interest in a wide range of areas within the sector. They include:

• Karen O’Shea – Karen is the Programme Leader for MSc Information Technology. Her research interests include artificial intelligence and the development of conversational agents. She also investigates current approaches to the teaching of computer science.
• Dr Bo Yuan – Bo Yuan is a faculty member of the Data Science Research Centre (DSRC). Their research covers artificial intelligence and business-oriented data science with the aim to help companies establish cost-effective IT infrastructures and state-of-the-art AI solutions.
• Dr Ovidiu Bagdasar – Ovidiu, an Associate Professor in Mathematics, has research interests in applied/computational mathematics, number theory and optimisation.
• Richard Self – Richard’s area of expertise covers the broad area of governance and the issues raised by Big Data Analytics. His projects have included location services and the accuracy of GPS on smart devices, including most recently the success of Covid-19 contact tracing apps.
• Professor Fatih Kurugollu – Fatih is a Professor in Cyber Security and is Head of the Cyber Security Research Group (CSRG). His current research interest is around AI-based security analytics, including Big Data in Cyber Security.

• You will need an honours degree (at least 2.2) or equivalent qualifications / experience in a computing discipline.
• If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

2020/21 Fees (August 2020 - July 2021)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

The MSc Information Technology offers excellent employment and earnings potential. You could go on to work for large corporate enterprises, become an IT 'solution' consultant, provide in-house IT support or design IT infrastructure.

There is also a growing demand for professionals who can specialise in the strategic use of IT to capitalise on innovative business opportunities, harnessing technologies such as cloud computing.

Alternatively, you could undertake further research leading to a PhD or gain employment in a research and development environment.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

Full-time: 1 year or 18 months depending on start date

Part-time: 3-4 years depending on start date

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.

Included in your fees

• Specialist computing labs
• Access to software and equipment
• Industry speakers

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Printer consumables, approx. £100 per year
• Portable hard drive/memory card, approx. £120
• Portfolio case, approx. £40
• Core text books, approx. £250

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Personal computer or tablet computer. From £100 upwards depending on specification

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.