Introduction
Drawing on the University's expertise in both Information Technology and Cybersecurity, this conversion programme is aimed at preparing graduates from a non-computing science background for a career as a software developer or IT professional with enhanced knowledge of network and information security.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 15 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
This conversion programme is designed for students from an Arts & Humanities, Social Science, Business, or Science background, who wish to enter a new career in the IT and software development sector.
The curriculum includes a broad range of topics, from programming, developing online tools, the security concerns within modern software design and how people interact with software. You will explore critical areas of IT administration and software development – skills that are in high demand across almost every industry sector, from energy, finance, technology and marketing to manufacturing, engineering, health, and retail. You will also receive a comprehensive introduction to techniques used to protect against identity theft, data breaches, fraudulent scams and other online threats users and organisations face today.
The Department of Computing Science provides multiple opportunities for you to develop your skills and expertise beyond the classroom through a range of activities taking place on campus and in the city, including monthly meetups, quarterly co-design hack events, and other activities where you can collaborate with professional developers and designers.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Information Technology with Cybersecurity
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £27,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year UK £12,200 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Database Systems and Big Data (CS5097)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications. You will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts, such as modelling techniques used in the design, administration and security of database systems. You will also learn core theoretical concepts such as relational algebra, file organisation and indexing. At the end of this course you will be able to design and build Web and cloud-based databases and have a critical understanding of how database-driven applications operate.
- Introduction to Programming (CS5076)
-
15 Credit Points
Students will be exposed to the basic principles of computer programming, e.g. fundamental programming techniques, concepts, algorithms, data structures, and object orientated programming. The course contains lectures where the principles are systematically developed. As the course does not presuppose knowledge of these principles, we start from basic intuitions so that students know the basics of programming as the foundation for their future study.
- Human Computer Interaction (CS5075)
-
15 Credit Points
This course looks at why a computer system that interacts with human beings needs to be usable. It covers a set of techniques that allow usability to be taken into account when a system is designed and implemented, and also a set of techniques to assess whether usability has been achieved. Weekly practical sessions allow students to practice these techniques. The assessed coursework (which is normally carried out by groups of students) gives an opportunity to go through the design process for a concrete computer system, with a particular focus on ensuring usability.
- Information Security (CS5099)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to techniques for engineering secure information systems. Identity theft and fraudulent scams are some examples where computer systems have been utilised and compromised, and information exploited in ways not intended or authorized. In addition to developing critical knowledge of the theories, principles and concepts associated with information security and systems, this course will enhance your understanding of core topics such as access control, usability and psychology, security policy, ethical hacking, and cryptography. Students study how users and organisations must become better prepared to best exploit emerging technologies and issues arising.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Fundamentals of Software Project Management (CS551A)
-
15 Credit Points
Software Project Management skills are fundamental in current software-centric industrial development projects, whether these focus on purchasing and customising an off-the-shelf application or on developing a complete system from scratch. However, computer science courses and programmes typically teach specific technical skills that tend to leave out SWPM principles and the practice. This course thus addresses such shortcomings, providing students with much project management skills for the software sector that are highly sought in the job market for CS graduates and post-grads.
- Web Development (CS551S)
-
15 Credit Points
Students will learn to develop modern web applications using a variety of languages and frameworks as part of their degree. A key focus will be on the integration of HTML with CSS and JavaScript with the support of the NODE.js runtime environment to develop dynamic web applications. The course focuses on building basic software programming skills required to become full stack developers.
- Advanced Programming (CS551P)
-
15 Credit Points
Students will learn the context of software development and engineering so that they know they are building the application needed by the client, and that it is being built well. This course is about the design of the software, and the software development life-cycle. We focus on moving from the idea of the software to its deployment and use by someone through the delivery of small working solutions that grow in features based on regular feedback, which helps improve the working solution.
- Secure Software Design and Development (CS552H)
-
15 Credit Points
Software bugs and vulnerabilities are the main source of threats to security. This course introduces students to design, development, testing and evaluating secure and dependable software. This course develops students both theoretical and practical skills to define, implement, examine, and manage secure software lifecycle. The course provides necessary skills needed for security professionals ranging from software architects, developers to penetration testers and IT Managers.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Project in Information Technology (CS5942)
-
60 Credit Points
The Project in Information Technology is a group project where you will work with a number of fellow students to build an application for an external client. In order to do this successfully you will follow practices that produce successful projects, which will be introduced to you during the first week of the project, and continued during the rest of the summer.
Past teams have worked with Survival International, Grampian Fire and Rescue, the Small Isles, local volunteer groups, and an Edinburgh film company.
MSc 15 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £27,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year UK £12,200 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Why Study Information Technology with Cybersecurity?
- Take your career in a new direction with this conversion programme designed for students with no IT background.
- Learn the fundamental programming and web development skills needed to build complex and dynamic software systems, as well as the critical network and information security measures needed by modern applications.
- Programming is introduced using the object-oriented scripting language Python and web frameworks; you learn how to create effective user interfaces by building large-scale database-driven web applications using open data.
- You will be prepared in the use and development of current and emerging digital technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, Internet of Things, and open data to improve organisations' competitive advantage with the entrepreneurial application of these ideas.
- You will be taught how to continually identify and revise clients' software requirements by applying agile development practices such as scrum, pair programming, test and behaviour-driven development, mob programming, and sprints and task boards.
- We provide a thriving environment with many opportunities to develop your skills and expertise beyond the classroom with a range of regular activities taking place on campus, and in the city including monthly meetups, quarterly co-design hack events, and other activities where you can collaborate with professional developers and designers.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Our minimum entry requirement is a UK Ordinary or Honours degree (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth) at 2:2 (lower second) class or above.
While no prior computer programming experience is necessary, a basic level of computer literacy is expected. Those with a Computer Science degree from a non-UK university, or other computing background, will be considered on the understanding that you may be repeating some material.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
There are a number of careers to progress into following graduation from this degree, including software developer, business analyst, IT consultant, data scientist positions with IT companies and IT departments within local, regional and global businesses, as well as software development companies, charities, local councils and other public organisations.
The focus on cybersecurity also means graduates are well-prepared to work in cybersecurity companies, general software consultancy companies, specialised software development businesses and the IT departments of large institutions (financial, telecommunications, and public sector).
Cybersecurity jobs remain in high demand in the UK and that number is only set to grow, with the skills gap still very much a reality for employers according to the careers website Indeed.com.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Bruce Scharlau
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX