MSc Information Technology

• Data Management: The unit aims to explore modern data management applications and technologies. In particular, the team aims to develop an understanding of data modeling and the design, and implementation of data management solutions, evaluate current trends in data management and give an introduction to data analytics techniques.

• IT Management: Information technology (IT) is essential to all organizations' activities, processes, and components. Effective managers must understand their current technologies and their effect on markets, products, and services. Today, you'll explore issues and options linked with managing information systems (IS) and IT.

• Human-centered Design: Computer-based interactive systems refer to a spectrum of digital products, services, and solutions that interact with human users in business, social and global contexts. The primary success factor in implementing such systems is to involve the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process. You will learn how to design and develop such strategies by applying human-centered design principles and techniques and carrying out relevant activities in the planning and management to satisfy both business needs and user requirements. It will also help you develop an understanding of the interaction design process and best practices through exposure to usability, user experience, and other related fields.

• Research Methods and Professional Issues: This unit will provide an overview of the methods used to address clinical research questions. It will cover aspects of research design and how they apply to the question being asked, whether the approach is quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.

• Individual Masters Project: You will develop an understanding of the characteristics and implications inherent in the solution of a complex, real-world problem within the context of a substantial, independently-conducted piece of work. 

Option units (choose one semester 1)

• Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides a secure system integration, data processing, manipulation, and storage infrastructure. The concept of virtualization will be discussed, including servers, storage, and networks, as well as the cloud structure, services, and deployment models. Locally-based networks, IT resources/services, and their migration to the cloud are elaborated, and strategies for migration to the cloud will be explored.

• Blockchain & Digital Futures: The objective of this unit is to develop your skills and knowledge about Blockchain technology and its usage. The material, lectures, and seminars include defining Blockchain technology, its business aspect, issues, objectives, and challenges, covering Blockchain horizontal and vertical scaling, fundamental basics of cryptography required for understanding the Blockchain technology concepts, and different cryptocurrencies issues, challenges, and networks. The unit also covers several data analysis-based Blockchain technology scenarios and case studies. The aim is to develop related skills and an understanding of critically evaluating the key issues, challenges, and existing solutions.

Option units (choose one semester 2)

• Cyberpsychology: You will examine the impact of digital technology on individuals and groups and the implications for organizations and society. The unit will also explore the psychological factors relevant to cyber security and online behaviors and identify means of promoting safer user behavior.

• Persuasive Technology & Behaviour Change: This unit will focus on the use and design of Persuasive Technology (PT), denoting technology-assisted solutions for influencing the attitude and behavior of individuals and groups. You will cover mainstream psychological theories of persuasion, influence, decision-making, and behavior change, besides their application in various domains, including health, business, and e-learning. We will also discuss persuasion's risks and ethical considerations and the essentials for informed decision-making. Analysis and design methods for persuasive technology solutions will also be studied. Studied case studies include applications for encouraging increased physical activities, digital well-being, anxiety stress management skills, and sleep quality. We will also discuss the use of PT in a business context, such as increasing staff engagement, digital marketing, user retention, and energy consumption reduction.

• Accessibility & Assistive Technology: An introduction to the concepts of accessibility and assistive technology, exploring how technology can be used to support people with temporary, situational, or lifelong disabilities by helping to overcome challenges to their self-care, educational, vocational, and recreational independence. This unit aims to introduce you to understanding diverse user needs, focusing on challenges caused by temporary, situational, or lifelong disabilities. You'll also gather the skills and techniques necessary to conduct foundational, user-orientated research with people with disabilities to inform the design of assistive technology that can help overcome challenges during specific tasks. Finally, you'll be trained in the ability to develop novel prototypes of inclusive assistive technology with an accessibility-first design philosophy combining advances in Human-Computer Interaction, Data, and AI.

Optional Industrial Placement: If you choose to take this opportunity, you will gain experience working within an appropriate professional environment in line with the BU employability strategy.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers to run and may only be available semester-by-semester. They may also change from year to year.