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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants with less than the required level of academic qualification may be considered if they have significant relevant experience in IT/management.

Applicants who hold either a first degree in computing or have five years of IT experience are strongly recommended to follow the Information Systems Management (ISM) pathway of this programme as the general IT programme may be of low relevance for such applicants. If not interested in the ISM pathway, you are advised to apply for MSc Advanced Computing Technologies.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Our MSc Information Technology covers practical aspects of information systems development, modern management topics and professionalism in IT. If you already have experience of working in the IT industry, the programme provides opportunities for broadening and deepening your knowledge and skills; if you do not have previous experience, it provides a platform for a career in the IT industry.

You will reach an advanced level of understanding of computers, computing, software development, and how to design and implement software systems. The programme also covers the use of information systems in organisations, and the management of IT and information systems, and you will gain skills and knowledge in problem analysis, evaluation of technology options, systems development, technology-driven organisational change and technology-based innovation.

Highlights

You will have 24-hour access to several laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software. We are connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.
The Birkbeck Knowledge Lab draws on multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies from across the sciences, social sciences and the arts, to investigate how digital technologies and digital information are transforming our culture and how we learn and work.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), more than 75% of our research outputs in Computer Science were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent.
Recognised by the British Computer Society: CITP (partial fulfilment) .
Possibility to continue with a specialist MSc or, in exceptional circumstances, an MRes.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification