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Information systems courses

Businesses, organisations and individuals across a spectrum of sectors and fields rely on complex computer systems to carry out their day-to-day needs and tasks. As these demands become more ambitious, there is a growing need for individuals to interpret these systems, understanding what a business needs and translating these into applicable systems. With a qualification in information systems, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of how to build such large-scale information systems to prepare you for a career where you can transition across multiple areas.

Studying information systems at university

Example course modules

  • Computer systems
  • Business analysis and solution design
  • Introduction to information systems
  • Programming in Java
  • Operating system concepts
  • Software engineering
  • Information strategy and management
  • Core management concepts

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 25%
    Male : 75%
  • Mature : 35%
    School leaver : 65%
  • Full-time : 77%
    Part-time : 23%

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

  • Mathematics
More advice on A-level requirements

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition
More advice on applying to uni

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Personal statement tips and advice

Career prospects

With an expert understanding of information systems, you’ll find that you have a large number of graduate opportunities available to you. A large part of information systems is taking huge amounts of data, and creating and managing software and hardware which interacts with this e.g. gathering, storing, filtering and distributing this. So in the era of “Big Data” where information about individuals is being recorded on a grand level, there is a high demand for individuals who can create systems to manage this. That said the field can be competitive. That’s why it’s important to gain as much additional work experience on top of any you undertake as part of your degree; especially that where you get to interact with individuals in a corporate setting, so you can sharpen your commercial awareness and ability to interpret business needs from those without a technical background, and advise them onwards.
Professional and accrediting bodies:
Sources: HECSU & KIS

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Information technology and telecommunications professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Information systems manager
  • Network administrator
  • Systems analyst

Other real-life job examples

  • Applications developer
  • IT Technical support officer
  • IT Sales professional

What employers like about this subject

Contrary to the popular myth about those who work in IT, solid communications skills are advantageous, especially when explaining complex computing ideas to those without any such background. Those who can act as a bridge between different facets of a business will find many opportunities open up to them. Essentially, you’ll be problem-solving as you analyse technical solutions and apply them to a business’s problems, both highly-desirable skills in the eyes of employers. Additionally, you’ll gain many technical skills such as knowledge of various programming languages. Meanwhile those in information systems manager roles will be charged with managing a team of programmers and analysts; these leadership skills are generally valuable as you progress in your career.