Information Technology (IT) HNC/HND/BSc (Hons) Degree

Information Technology Practitioner HNC (year 1)

• IT in Business
• Information Systems
• Managing Networks
• Introduction to Software Design

On successful completion of this course you should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The Fundamentals of Information Technology – at this level you will be introduced to the approaches to IT taken by organisations. This includes understanding the needs of business to strengthen their competitive position using IT
• Designing and Developing Databases – you will develop an understanding of database planning including formal theories such as normalisation and entity-relationships. You will also understand how system analysts engage with clients in understanding the needs of the business
• Network Development and Maintenance – you will be introduced to theories relating to network design and maintenance. You will examine how networks are built and maintain through practical experiences and theoretical research
• Software Design and Development – you will have a gentle introduction to programming concepts including the range of development tools. You will then gain an understanding of programming life cycles and approaches

Information Technology Practitioner HND (year 2)

• Designing and Using Databases
• Web Design and Project Management
• Software Development
• IT Security

On successful completion of this course you should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The Fundamentals of Information Technology – you will critically examine the development life cycle, systems analysis and IT applications, including the object oriented programming. You will also examine the approaches taken by organisations to protect their IT and information assets
• Designing and Developing Databases – you will critically examine the principles of database modelling, relational database design and manipulation with SQL, database processing with transactions and procedures, object and distributed databases, data exchange and interoperability and emerging data models
• Network Development and Maintenance – you will critically examine the function and role of IT Security in the context of project management including essential management skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and evaluate the complete Systems Security Policy for a networked IT infrastructure
• Software Design and Development – you will explore concepts and theories related to programming which provide solutions to a wide variety of business problems with the emphasis being laid on the whole of the software development process

Information Technology Practitioner BSc (Hons) Degree (year 3)

• Business Computing
• Server Development and Maintenance
• Advanced Information Systems
• Implementing E-commerce Solutions

On successful completion of this course you should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The Fundamentals of Information Technology – including information systems, networks and software, their importance, and how they function. You will develop a critical appreciation of organisations’ strategies in relation to the use of IT to enhance their competitive position. You will appraise the impact of emerging technologies on how organizations engage with their client base
• Designing and Developing Databases – including development and manipulation of databases for existing business needs, maintaining and solving issues relating to databases, adapt and improvise Structured Query Language (SQL). You will critically appraise database design practice in management information systems including cloud based technologies
• Software Design and Development – identifying the most appropriate software to undertake tasks within a business, including developing, designing and manipulating software to meet a specific aim
• Server Development and Resource Management – at this level you will critically evaluate tools for more advanced server management, such as development, testing, and general maintenance. You will also examine the range of servers needed for differing business needs including, small business through to large businesses, websites and file storage, and mapping of systems. You will also understand the role of server administrator and the allocation of server based resources
• E-Commerce, Social Media and Social Networks – you will look at the internet, Information Systems (IS) and their e-commerce applications and management and secure systems for ecommerce and online marketing. At this level you will also critically examine the theories and concepts relating to organisations’ use of e-commerce to transact business. You will also assess the impact of social media to promote messages using social networks. You will appraise the structural changes following the emergence of e-commerce in the areas of logistics, supply and demand and the environment (PEST)