Course summary
The MSc degree programme in Information Technology (IT) is a suitable programme for individuals with, or without a computing science background. This programme is particularly attractive to two types of students. This is suitable for those from an Arts and Social Sciences background, or other branches of the physical sciences, including computing, and want to build on expertise developed elsewhere. This is also a suitable route to make a career change into Information Technology and software development. In either case, this is a degree to start your career in the ever growing IT, computing, and software development field, which always has vacancies to fill. This is a well-established and highly regarded programme which allows you to develop skills in web and applications design, including key aspects of security. Key areas of IT administration and software development are examined. From the administration side we cover database development, enterprise computing, cloud computing, and security and project management. From the software development side we cover programming, human-centred design, testing, and a wide-range of agile development theory and practices. It has consistently evolved to reflect changes in technology and the demands of industry so you can be assured of a current degree programme.
Modules
You will learn the fundamental programming and web development skills needed to build complex and dynamic software systems, both on your own as well as in teams. Develop your awareness and expertise in identifying and exploiting IT opportunities in your chosen area/subject (e.g. Geography, Energy, Business, Marketing, Engineering, Economics, Health, etc.). The programme develops web application design, authoring and administration skills, including human-centred design and evaluation, as well as entrepreneurial skills so that you could start your own business using what you learn on the degree.
Assessment method
Assessment is by course work, by written examination or by a combination of these as prescribed for each course. The project will be assessed by project implementation and by a dissertation. The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to complete the summer project at an appropriate standard, irrespective of their performance in other courses.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Our minimum entry requirement is a UK Honours degree (or an honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth) at 2:2 (lower second) class or above. While no prior computer programming experience is necessary, a basic level of computer literacy is expected. Those with a Computer Science degree from a non-UK university, or other computing background, will be considered on the understanding that you may be repeating some material.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27000 | Year 1 |
| England | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12200 | Year 1 |
| International | £27000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
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