Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology

• Learn independently and recognise the importance of continued learning
• Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem-solving
• Show evidence of advanced knowledge about specialist areas of ICT
• Work effectively in teams and take on leadership roles
• Recognise, evaluate and address ICT-related ethical issues
• Apply acquired knowledge and skills in practical situations
• Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing
• Demonstrate knowledge of the research process
• Analyse and critique ICT research literature
• Undertake masters study

Compulsory papers:

IT801 Managing ICT Projects and Systems
Students will develop knowledge and skills in managing ICT projects and systems. They will also research into established frameworks that are relevant to current industry trends.

IT802 Researching ICT Issues and Trends
Students will critique and undertake research, assessing social impacts of ICT and analysing ethical issues in ICT practice.

Elective Option One
Students must take level 8 papers worth at least 45 credits from the following list (each worth 15 credits, except for 819):

IT811 Business Analysis
Students will analyse the structure and function of organisations in order to improve efficiency and productivity using ICT.

IT812 Business Intelligence
Students will analyse the strategic use of data warehousing, data mining and data analysis in order to obtain business intelligence.

IT813 ICT Infrastructure
Students will develop knowledge about various aspects of ICT infrastructure, including emerging digital technologies.

IT814 ICT Quality
Students will learn to apply methods and techniques used in ICT quality assurance and testing.

IT815 ICT Security
Students will investigate the impact of security on an ICT infrastructure, research into the ethical and legal implications of ICT security and cybercrime, and identify appropriate investigation strategies in the light of emerging digital technologies.

IT816 Mobile Application Development
Students will develop knowledge and skills required to create, market and deploy a mobile application.

IT817 Web Application Development
Students will learn the skills required to develop web services and applications

IT818 Special Topic
Students will critically examine current developments and emerging issues in a specified topic area.

IT819 Applied Project (30 credits)

Elective Option Two
Students may take no more than three level 7 papers from the following list (each worth 15 credits):

IT702 Software Development
Students will develop expertise in a particular computer language(s), enhance their knowledge of problem solving strategies and further develop their problem solving skills.

IT703 Database Design and Implementation
Students gain practical experience in the implementation of designed database models. They will design and develop database-driven applications, implementing good database designs to produce systems with useful outputs.  Enables students to extend their experience of Fourth Generation Languages (4GLs).

IT705 Human Computer Interaction
Introduces the principles of Human-Computer Interaction in relation to design and implementation of components and systems. Students will experience different application development tools in the design, implementation, and documentation of reusable components in graphical and physical user interfaces.

IT707 Systems Administration
Students will extend their knowledge of security practices and use industry tools to provide good system administration to the infrastructure. Gives students experience in troubleshooting security incidents.

IT708 Information Systems in Management
Students will gain an understanding of how information systems provide solutions to organisational problems and challenges, and understand the importance of plans and strategies relating to the management of the IS function. This paper enables learners to understand the nature and role of management support systems as aids in management decision-making, with particular emphasis given to decision support systems.

IT709 Web Applications
Prepares students for web based application development, giving them knowledge of industry application software and familiarity with industry standards for web design.

IT711 Advanced Networking
Students will develop the skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators and network engineers. This paper aims to provide a theoretically-rich, hands-on approach to networking, preparing students for industry-recognised certification.

IT712 Professional Skills for Information Technology
Provide students with IT Service Operations Management knowledge concentrating on skills and practices to for delivering quality IT services. Topics include service strategy, design, transition and operations; continual service improvement; workplace and professional ethics; communication skills and interview techniques; stakeholder negotiations and conflict resolution.