Postgraduate studies represent a significant investment of time and resources. You will want to make sure that you choose a degree that suits you and is good for your future. We investigated some of the reasons for studying a master’s degree in computer science, especially a master’s degree in information technology.
There are many reasons why you may decide to study a master’s degree. You may be really interested in a topic and want to research it further. Perhaps a master’s degree is necessary to qualify you professionally. There is also the added element of improving your career prospects and developing essential knowledge that can help you. As a constantly developing, evolving and growing field, information technology is a popular choice among international students.
We explain why studying a master’s degree in computer science can be a good option and what you can expect from it.
Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Information Technology
Studying a master’s degree in information technology offers you the opportunity to grow personally, academically and professionally. One of the main advantages of studying computer science at postgraduate level is that it improves your technical skills and complements them with management skills. This is good for your career development and could even help you get a promotion or a raise.
Other advantages of studying a master’s degree in information technologies are:
- Better understanding of business processes and IT strategy
- Greater technical competence in the implementation and management of systems
- Ability to develop and implement policies throughout an organization
- Business management knowledge
- Advanced problem-solving and analysis capabilities
- High-level negotiation and communication skills
Another additional element that makes this degree attractive is the possibility of doing internships in companies. This will allow you to learn about professional practice, processes and technology. You never know, this may even open up career opportunities for you.
What will you study in a master’s degree in information technology?
When pursuing a master’s degree in information technology, you must cover a series of basic units and modules. Although curriculum structures differ slightly between universities, the key areas you will become familiar with include:
- Data management
- Network architecture
- Cloud Computing
- Blockchain Technology
- Accessible technology
- Strategy and governance
- Security of the information
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Many master’s degrees are structured into basic and compulsory modules. There is then a selection of elective modules that will interest you most. Some of the optional modules you may have the opportunity to study are:
- Information display
- Language and computing
- Human-computer interaction
- Interaction design
- Predictive analysis
- Knowledge management
Don’t forget that you will need to complete a research report, dissertation or project to obtain your qualification.
What are the entry requirements?
In order to study a master’s degree in information technology in the United States, you must meet a series of important requirements. These include:
- A university degree with good academic performance. Normally, a minimum result of 2:2 (minimum average grade of 3.0).
- Your college degree doesn’t always have to be in a related subject, but it helps.
- You will need academic references
- You will need proof of English language proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0 (i.e. a TOEFL score of 79-93).
Don’t forget that you also have the option of exploring premaster courses, pathway programs and pre-sessional English programs if you don’t meet some of the entry requirements.
Are there postgraduate specializations in information technologies?
It is possible to specialize in an area of IT that interests you. This can be done by taking optional modules or studying a specific master’s degree focused on specialization. Some of the specializations you can study are:
- Cybersecurity
- Analysis of data
- Digital forensics
- Network administration
- System analysis
- Software development
If you are going to choose a specialization, do some research into what it entails. If you are studying for a postgraduate degree to improve your career prospects, investigate the demand for a specific specialization.
What are my career options?
Studying a master’s degree in information technology can help you develop your career or open up opportunities to take on a new position. It will provide you with new knowledge and skills that potential employers are looking for. Some of your possible functions and jobs could be:
- Database Designer
- Software developer
- Usability engineer
- Systems analyst
- Network administrator
- Systems architect
- Investigator
Although you may think that with this qualification you will only be able to work in a limited number of sectors, you will be glad to know that this is not the case. With the need for IT professionals in most industries, you could work in a variety of fields, from healthcare and engineering to finance and the public sector.
