Information Technology

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.

Build advanced digital and technology expertise

Information technology underpins modern organisations, where software, data, and intelligent systems work together to support operations and decision-making. From cloud platforms and AI-powered systems to business analytics and software development, organisations need professionals who can design, manage and innovate with digital technologies to solve complex business challenges.

Our MSc Information Technology equips you with the advanced technical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-moving digital economy.

Designed for graduates with a background in computing or a related discipline, this course develops expertise across modern IT systems, application development, business analytics, AI technologies and IT project management.

Apply technology to real-world business challenges

You will explore how organisations use technology to improve decision-making, automate processes and create competitive advantage, while also examining the ethical, legal and governance issues that shape responsible digital innovation.

Studying in our dedicated computing laboratories and supported by research-active academics and industry-informed teaching, you will gain hands-on experience with contemporary tools, technologies and development approaches.

Prepare for leadership in a rapidly evolving sector

The course combines academic depth with real-world relevance, helping you build the technical, analytical and professional capabilities sought by employers.

Whether you want to progress into senior IT roles, specialise in emerging technologies, or continue to doctoral research, this MSc prepares you to become a confident, adaptable and future-focused IT professional.

An ever-evolving field

The digital landscape continues to evolve at pace, driven by advances in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, business analytics and connected technologies. Organisations across every sector increasingly depend on robust and intelligent IT systems to manage operations, support decision-making and deliver innovation.

As technology becomes more integrated into business strategy, employers are looking for graduates who can combine strong technical expertise with problem-solving, critical thinking and an understanding of organisational needs. This course prepares you to work confidently within complex digital environments and adapt to emerging technologies throughout your career.

Industry-relevant learning

This MSc focuses on the practical application of information technology in real organisational contexts. You will learn how to analyse business requirements, develop modern applications, manage technology projects and use data-driven insights to support strategic decisions.

Throughout the course, you will engage with contemporary industry challenges and explore the wider impact of technology, including ethics, sustainability, governance and data privacy. By the end of the programme, you will be able to critically evaluate both the human and technical factors involved in successful IT implementation.

You will complete six core 20-credit modules, and a 60-credit Independent Scholarship project.

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 a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical laboratory sessions, group discussions and independent study. Teaching is designed to support both technical development and critical thinking, helping you apply theory to realistic industry scenarios.

Practical learning is central to the course. You will use dedicated computing laboratories and industry-standard software to develop hands-on skills in application development, analytics, AI technologies and IT systems.

The programme is designed to support students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Each module operates independently, enabling you to engage confidently with the course regardless of your entry point.

You will also benefit from technology-enhanced learning through the University’s virtual learning environment, digital learning resources, Apps Anywhere software access and LinkedIn Learning. Additional support is available through services such as Develop@Derby, the Maths Support Hub and the Library and Learning Resources teams.

Research-informed teaching and industry-relevant case studies are embedded throughout the programme, ensuring your learning reflects current professional practice and emerging developments in the field.

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods are designed to reflect professional practice and enable you to demonstrate both technical knowledge and applied skills through practical outputs as well as written work.

You will be assessed through a range of methods, including:

• Practical coursework
• Technical reports and design documentation
• Case study analysis
• Presentations and video presentations
• Group projects and collaborative work
• Research-based assignments
• Independent project work

Assessments are closely aligned to industry scenarios and encourage you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Formative feedback is provided throughout the course to support your ongoing development and help you build confidence as an independent learner.

The culmination of the programme is the Independent Scholarship project, where you will investigate a significant computing or information technology problem in depth, demonstrating advanced research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Study options

You can study this course full-time or part-time, with entry points in September and January.

Full-time study

September entry: The course is completed over 12 months. You will study two taught semesters from September to May, followed by your Independent Scholarship project over the summer period (May to August).

January entry: The course is completed over 18 months. You will study your first semester from February to May, take a summer break, then complete your second semester in the Autumn, followed by your Independent Scholarship project in the Spring semester.

Part-time study

Part-time on-campus study is available in two modes: Standard and Accelerated. Entry points are the same as full-time study (September and January).

Standard mode: Typically completed in approximately 3- 4 years. You will normally study one module per semester, allowing flexibility to balance your studies with work or other commitments.

Accelerated mode: Typically completed in approximately 2-3 years. You may study one or two modules per semester, depending on module availability and your preferred pace of study.

You may be able to switch between part-time modes during your course (subject to approval).

Please note: Part-time study is not available for students requiring a UK study visa.

Careers and further study

The MSc Information Technology prepares you for a wide range of careers across the digital and technology sectors. Graduates are equipped with advanced technical, analytical and professional skills that are highly valued by employers.

Career opportunities may include:

• IT Consultant
• Business Systems Analyst
• Business Intelligence Specialist
• Information Architect
• Application Developer
• Database Administrator
• Enterprise Systems Specialist
• IT Project Manager
• Technology Solutions Developer

Graduates may work within large international organisations, technology consultancies, public sector bodies, start-ups or in-house IT departments.

The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic study and research, including progression to PhD-level study in computing, data science or related disciplines.

Students are encouraged to engage with professional bodies such as the British Computer Society (BCS) and to take advantage of support from the University’s Careers and Employment Service.

You will normally need:

• An honours degree (at least 2.2) or equivalent qualifications in computing or a related discipline

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 overall.

International qualifications are assessed for equivalency in line with UK ENIC guidance and the University’s international admissions policy.

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.

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

Additional information about your studies

If you join in September, the duration of the course will be one year. If you enrol in January, the course duration will be 18 months.

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.