IT course are becoming more and more popular each academic year. Information Technology, being a technical field, offers opportunities and jobs at varying levels of IT skills. The programme of B.Sc in IT is provides good jobs opportunities to its graduates. If you are into the world of programming, coding, and information and computing systems, having a B.Sc IT qualification will be a great advantage.
What is a B.Sc Information Technology Course like?
B.Sc in Information Technology is an undergraduate course that focuses on subjects such as software, databases, networking, software development, programming, testing and the like. Usually, you would require to do a 3-year full-time course or a 4-year course with placement. While most of the courses are full-time, there are some programmes which offer part-time studying options as well.
You will be assessed through a wide number of means, such as tests, exams, practical work, project work (including both hardware and software development), reports, essays, logbooks and other written assignments, case studies, presentations and problem-solving exercises.
The tuition fee is usually £9,250 per year. You can apply for student finance and get help in paying your fees, and other studies related expenses.
Advantages of Doing B.Sc Information Technology
A B.Sc Information Technology course allows candidates to understand and learn the fundamentals of IT. The programme also provides practical training on the application of Information Technology. The course involves learning both, theory and practical skills and opens doors to a wide range of job opportunities for its graduates.
Having a B.Sc IT degree would be beneficial for you in your work experience in diverse fields, including operating systems, hardware, software, and you also learn how to manage teams and excel in gaining leadership qualities. This would enhance your portfolio and skillset that will help you achieve higher positions and responsibilities in the future. You would probably have a placement year in your final year of study, which will help you develop and build your practical skills, and also help you grow a strong network of contacts. It will also improve your analytical skills in the real world, through performing and preparing case study assignments.
Certain companies do offer internships in IT and summer placements – you simply need to speak to your university or college Careers Service to help you find vacancies. Starting to work in a corporate environment would help you develop and improve your commercial awareness, and would enable you to explore your abilities. It would also let you enhance your client management and project management skills. A B.Sc IT will also enhance your understanding of the IT sector and its working environment
Some universities offer B.Sc courses accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). After completing such a course, you will be eligible for a BCS membership. It is a Certificate in Information Technology designed for those who are looking towards building their career in the IT, computing and information systems.
What to Do After Completing B.Sc Information Technology?
A graduate with a qualified degree of B.Sc Information Technology is able to get good opportunities in a variety of job roles in numerous sectors, including public, private and non-profit onesYou can also go for higher studies and can enrol for Master’s degree programmes or pursue a PhD later.
Those willing to start their professional career immediately after completing the B.Sc course can easily find jobs in a variety of sectors, especially in the technical field. Some of the roles offered to IT professionals having proper knowledge and understanding of the subject include –
- IT Consultant
- IT Support Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Web Designer
- Software Developer
- Technical Sales Representative
- Systems Analyst
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Applications Analyst
- Software Specialist
- Hardware Specialist
- System Administrator
- Information Architect
- Computer Support Specialist
- Strategic Information Planner
- Information Security Coordinator
You can seek relevant jobs through campus recruitment in your college. Alternatively, you can also look for one yourself in one or more of the above fields. The salaries would depend upon your job role and your knowledge and skills. It would also depend on the marks you have scored during your graduation and during the aptitude test of the candidate at the time of hire.
You can also choose to work as a self-employed CEO or director in your own business. Work placements may help you to improve your market value and grow your interpersonal skills. This will boost your confidence levels and help you make contacts with the industry leaders.
Doing Higher Studies after B.Sc Information Technology
If you wish to continue your studies, there are 3 routes that you can pursue after your B.Sc degree in Information Technology.
- Post Graduation (M.Sc.-IT or MCA): A B.Sc graduate can pursue a Post-graduate course, either applying for an M.Sc. in the same field or choosing an MCA programme. Recruiters prefer candidates with an M.Sc. degree, especially if they seek teaching or training roles or want to do research. MCA, on the other hand, is preferred by those who wish to become programmers. A M.Sc is a two-year course, while studying for the MCA usually takes up to three years.
- Management (MBA): A B.Sc IT graduate can either choose to go for an MBA course right after his or her graduation or even after completing his/her Post-graduate degree.
Entry Requirements for B.Sc Information Technology
The entry requirements may vary, depending on the university, but they usually include the following:
- 112 UCAS points in equivalent Level 3 qualifications
- GCSE English and Mathematics with Grades A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 equivalents
- Grade B, B and C, or above in A Levels
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction
If you have achieved a Foundation Degree or an HND, you can enter in the 2nd or 3rd year depending upon your credits. Also, some universities may award extra academic credits if you have any previous work experience or other relevant qualifications.
