Studying IT at University – Q&A

There’s never been a better time to take an IT degree, thanks to our ever increasing reliance on technology. But before you commit to studying this popular subject, you need to know exactly what’s involved.

Short on time? Then you’ll be glad to know that we’re here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about information technology degrees.

Information technology degree courses focus on the computer systems that create, process, store, manage and send electronic data. As well as learning how to use sophisticated software, applications, databases and operating systems, you’ll gain a range of technical skills such as computer programming. You’ll also explore the ways that computer networks are used in a business context.

Most IT degrees include a similar range of core modules that cover web development, IT infrastructure, programming languages, data management, project management and information security. You’ll also be able to specialise in optional subjects such as UX design, artificial intelligence and cyber security.

The job outlook for IT graduates was excellent even before the coronavirus pandemic occurred. In fact, according to the most recent High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2019 saw a 6% rise in the number of graduates working for The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. Employment remained stable during the early weeks of the pandemic, but by April 2020 the demand for IT workers was soaring again. 

When it comes to how much you could earn as an Information technology graduate, once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree you’ll be able to apply for a place on a graduate scheme, which is likely to pay £30,000- £40,000.

It normally takes three years to complete an Information technology degree. However, some BSc courses include an additional year, so that students can undertake  a 12-month industrial placement. If you opt for a longer course your placement is likely to take place after your second year in higher education.

Cyber security, cloud engineering, app development, machine learning, data science and software development are all among the fastest growing areas in IT. So, when you’re exploring university courses, we recommend checking whether they cover any of these areas.

Studying IT at university is intellectually challenging and time intensive. You’ll learn via practical lab work, coursework, group projects, lectures and individual projects. These could include activities as diverse as designing websites, computer programming and designing information systems.

If you opt for a full-time degree program you should expect to be on campus for around 15 hours a week. But don’t worry If you can’t commit to this, as there are plenty of part-time, blended and online courses available.

Your bachelor’s degree will open the door to a wide range of interesting career paths, from technical roles in programming and software development, to more business-focused roles in finance and management. It will also give you access to jobs with high profile companies such as IBM and Apple, as well as smaller companies and startups.

Being good at maths generally means that you’re able to reason logically, solve problems methodically and handle data with confidence. These skills are essential in many areas of IT, which is why you might need A level maths to access some degree courses. However, most universities also accept related subjects such as physics and computer science.

The number of vacancies for IT professionals looks set to carry on increasing, but there will be particularly high demand for the following roles:

Have we inspired you to take an IT degree?  Whether you want to be a computer systems analyst or an IT support specialist, head over to our website and explore our exciting range of IT courses.