Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2023/24)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2023/24)

UCAS points

112-120 (September 2023 entry)

UCAS code

I201

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Derby Campus

If you do not achieve the typical entry points required, you may want to consider studying this course with foundation year.

View with foundation year optionView with foundation year option

Course description

Our BSc (Hons) Information Technology will appeal to highly motivated students who have a strong interest in data analysis and the management of IT systems.

As organisations become ever more dependent on information technology to operate efficiently and effectively, our BSc (Hons) Information Technology primes you for exciting career opportunities in any sector, anywhere in the world.

A student working with the network cabinet
A student sat at a computer with programming code on their face

Meeting employers’ needs – for today and tomorrow

The BSc (Hons) Information Technology covers two key themes:

These themes are supported and enhanced as you study a range of closely related computing and business topics.

The course captures how our modern global society and the developing world are increasingly reliant on IT products and services. Mass-market consumer products, such as smart and mobile devices, are harnessing the almost seamless integration of small, portable, easy-to-use IoT devices with access to the World Wide Web and wireless communication technology. This ensures access to vast quantities of information almost anywhere – and the ‘Big Data’ generated by the use of such products can be exploited to help make sound business decisions and to contribute to wider public benefit. 

Emily Noble, BSc (Hons) Information Technology graduate

Placement year a key stepping stone for Emily

Emily is creating apps that are used around the world in the construction, engineering and nuclear industries. And she says her placement year as a web developer was a key stepping stone to landing her job after graduation.

Read Emily's storyRead Emily's story
A female student working on a tablet

Makerspace

Open to all students at the University of Derby the Makerspace is a student-led workshop based at our Markeaton Street site. There is a large range of tools in the Makerspace that you are able to use in your own time to design and develop projects.

Find out more about MakerspaceFind out more about Makerspace

Build your skills and knowledge

The first year of the BSc (Hons) Information Technology is very much about learning the key tools, techniques and methods as a foundation for your studies in later years. You will be introduced to data analysis tools such as SAS as well as to the principles of User Centred Systems Design, designing for the mobile web and using UX design tools such as Balsamiq and Axur. In addition, you will learn the fundamentals of computer science and gain a sound understanding of the building blocks of modern IT products and services such as HTML, CSS and programming principles. 

A key aim of the second year is to equip you with skills and expertise valued by employers so that you are well prepared if you choose to undertake an optional placement year. Building on what you have learned in the first year, you will gain more advanced business intelligence and database skills using SAS and UX Design which you will then hone on more substantial IT projects. 

A particularly important module here is the IT Team Project, where you will be working in design and development teams to deliver an IT product or service that addresses a real problem for a real client. Typically, these clients are local charities who need your IT skills to help them tackle a key business challenge. 

You can then spend an optional year in industry on placement or progress to the final stage of the course. In your final year, you will develop your skills further so that you can critically evaluate and challenge concepts and ideas. You will also extend your expertise with modern leading analysis tools such as R, Python, Watson Analytics, SAS JMP and Tableau. In addition, you will conduct a major piece of research on a theme of your own choosing for your Independent Study.

Huge benefits of a placement year

Our students often say that the industrial placement is the most rewarding part of their course. During your placement, you will apply everything that you have learned so far to a business environment and will see how the wider social environment affects the way an organisation uses information technology. 

More and more employers now expect their new recruits to have some work experience – so a placement on your CV will help you stand out when you are applying for your first job after graduating.  

A portrait of Richard Self

Academic named as one of the UK’s most influential technology figures

Richard, who was recently named as the country’s second most influential academic in the Tyto Tech 500 Power List, argues that the models used for analysing Covid-19 data caused delays in action taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Find out moreFind out more
A student looking through data

Data Science Research Centre

Data is all around us. And our Data Science Research Centre is exploring pioneering ways to manage, process, analyse and obtain intelligence from this data for maximum impact.

Read moreRead more

What you will study

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.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

Modules are delivered through a mixture of debates, group and individual work, guided reading, lectures, practical sessions in computer labs, tutorials, seminars and presentations by lecturers and guest lecturers.

A key feature of the course is that you will gain valuable experience of designing IT products and services that address ‘real world’ business problems. For example, many in-class exercises and more formal assessments are based around real world case studies and projects.

You will study in our state-of-the-art facilities including our dedicated computing labs. In addition, you will develop expertise in tools that are widely used in industry, such as SAS, R, SAS JMP, Watson Analytics, Python and Tableau for data analysis.

If you choose to take an industrial placement year, you will work as a full-time employee on live projects alongside more experienced employees. Working with industry professionals will enhance your career prospects and give you a distinct advantage in the job market. Most of our students who take advantage of a placement opportunity go on to secure jobs with that employer after graduating.

How you are assessed

A wide range of feedback and assessment methods is used throughout this course, from short exercises in computer labs to writing a dissertation for your Final Year Independent Studies project.

You will also submit short research papers, take computer-based tests, produce presentations of your work and provide portfolios documenting the design and implementation of IT products and services, such as web design projects.

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Entry requirements

2023 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112-120
A LevelBBB-BBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDDM-DMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112-120
A LevelBBB-BBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2023/24

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS
International students

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Apply through UCASApply directly to the University

Careers

As a BSc (Hons) Information Technology graduate, you will find career opportunities in virtually any area of computing and information technology, particularly data analysis and business intelligence. You could progress to become a data analyst, an IT trainer, a reporting specialist, a project manager or even advance to IT director roles.

Alternatively, you could start a business venture developing and managing your own IT products and services, or you could go on to study at postgraduate level with our MSc Big Data Analytics or MSc Information Technology.

A turtle swimming in the sea surrounded by plastic.

Environment and Sustainability News

We're in the fortunate position of having a wealth of expertise and knowledge to help tackle some of the world's greatest challenges. Take a look at examples of how we are responding to the climate emergency.

Read our news storiesRead our news stories

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.

Contact us Contact us

† Additional information about your studies

4 years with a placement year

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 provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

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.

Discover Uni

Other courses you might like