Information Technology Dr Gordon FletcherIT Admissions TutorSalford Business School

• Focus on systems rather than hardware• Development of broader range of ‘higher

level’ skills– Critical thinking– Problem solving– Collaboration– Managing people and time

• Greater level of ‘exploration’• Practical contexts through projects

and placements

Studying Information Technology at University

• Previous study of IT is often not actually a requirement. Why?

– broader focus– ‘common base’ approach– no prior assumed

knowledge– not Computer Science– it is not ‘all about’

programming– small learning groups– peer support

• …but it can help

Studying Information Technology at University

What are Information Systems?

• Information Systems are used worldwide in…gathering, checking, storing, using and presenting information in government, manufacturers, banks, NHS, schools, supermarkets, small shops and elsewhere

• Information Systems also include the Web, mobile phones, multimedia, entertainment, etc.

• Information Systems are all around us (not just desktop PCs).

• Information Systems and the IT industry are here to stay!

Prospects?

• Higher level knowledge of Information Systems (i.e. degree level) is required by most medium to large sized organisations

• IT graduates don’t just get ‘programming’ jobs

• IT graduates tend to fulfil ‘hybrid manager’ roles - in other words a person who knows about technology and is capable of managing both the technology and people

• The image of the ‘geek’ IT graduate is a myth

• The image of the isolated individual working until 3am is also a myth (largely) (read about “Extreme Programming”)

Prospects?

• There is a shortage of people with appropriate skills, qualifications and experience

• IT Jobs are regularly advertised within all sectors: commercial, industrial government, voluntary

• Some example employers… AstraZeneca, Accenture, Banking Industry, City Council, MoD, Hewlett Packard, Universities, Orange, Shell or consulting?

• Some roles… Business Analyst, Project Manager, Systems Developer, Technical Consultant

• See www.targetcareers.co.uk/it

Information Technology

• Examples – Google the world’s most popular Web search engine…– The popularity of TXT messaging from mobiles…– Ebay auctions– Patient records maintained by the NHS– “Chip and pin”, eBanking and mBanking– New and emerging technologies - convergence and spimes– Business, educational and game-based online communities– these systems also need to be understood in a variety of ways

not just the software and hardware requirements

Focus of study and research

• Focus is not just upon the technology

• Concerned with the technology and how it is used– strategic business issues– ethical issues– how IT affects people’s working

and home lives– and other issues

Why choose Information Technology at Salford?

• long relationship with employers – degrees awarded in this field since 1986

• our courses are designed in conjunction with employersregularly reviewed

• sense of community - lots of support

• One of top rated research groups in the field in the UK!6* Research Assessment Exercise rating (2001)25% Internationally Leading with a further 50% Internationally Excellent or Recognised (2008)

Our course

BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology (G5N1)

• Emphasis on team and group work (very attractive to employers)

• Common first year – choose your focus at the end of the first year

• Common (core) modules in all years• Options offered in the second and

final years• An opportunity to take one year’s work placement

Why study BIT?

• The UK is still desperately short of technical skills …other countries are also experiencing a similar shortage - potential for international employment opportunities

• Knowledge of when and why to use a technology is more valued than just knowing how to use it

• Business knowledge combined with technical understanding is critical to most jobs - not just “IT” jobs

• Develop the capacity to be the hybrid manager of the future

Optional professional placement year

• All students have the opportunity to take a year out in paid employment

• Placement year is after the second year of study but before the final year

• People on placement are still a student of the University• You get paid- this is a requirement• You pay no uni fees in this year• Can lead to a final year sponsorship (or later employment)• Placement is an individual choice

– placement prolongs your studies– but it enhances your job prospects on graduation

Study / Work / Fun Balance

• Full time study takes up approximately 40 hours per week

• Some of this time is class contact time, other time is spent in independent study

• Heavier time committment in the final year• Many students also work part time in a variety

of roles• Time to meet people and make new friends• Manchester is the 24 hour party city• Need to create a balance between all three!

Entry requirements

• Advanced GCE level typically BCC (240-260 points), all subjects considered

• Vocational A level at grade BB, all appropriate subjects considered

• BTEC ND or NC: high standard in a relevant area• Kite-marked Access course pass• Mature students may not need formal qualifications• Grade C GCSE in Mathematics and English

• We always make individually-tailored offers

Summary

• Excellent employment prospects• Exciting and friendly environment• Other opportunities from being in the university • Chance for real business experience before your graduate

• talk to us! We are not an ivory tower!

• any questions…?

http://www.business.salford.ac.ukhttp://www.business.salford.ac.uk