Overview
This programme is aimed at those who wish to partake in the current Information Technology revolution. It will equip you in understanding how various IT technologies can impact and be applied to a wide variety of problems.
If you are interested in how to develop IT solutions in databases, networks or Internet technologies, this could be the course for you!
It covers contemporary topics such as Web Programming, Object Oriented programming and Cyberlaw.
Modules are delivered via the World Wide Web and CDROM. Course content, software required for accessing the content and software for completing the coursework will be made available on CDROM for easy and inexpensive offline access. Additional learning resources, particularly interactive resources and updates to notes, are provided through an Online Learning Environment. It is envisioned that email and discussion fora will be used extensively by the student for interaction with staff and peer to peer communication and collaboration.
The course is an attempt to leverage technology so as to be as inclusive as possible - thus it is possible to take this course:
- if you have a full-time job and treat the course as an intensive part-time study.
- if you are not in Cape Town all year round or have an erratic work schedule so can make it to exams but not lectures.
- as a full-time student, based at the university, participating in all departmental activities (e.g., seminars).
In every instance, however, you will be assessed in the same manner as any UCT student and will be considered a full student of UCT, with the full privileges and access to resources (e.g., library) that this affords.
What can I do with this degree?
This programme is aimed at students who:
This programme is not suitable for students who:
- want to work in the IT field and want a broad overview of current technology rather than hone in on one area.
- already work in the IT field and would like to fill in gaps in their knowledge, update their knowledge and/or obtain a formal qualification in IT.
- work in a non-IT field but would like to learn more about IT in order to apply this knowledge to their work.
- want to do computer science or programming-intensive research.
- want to progress to a PhD in Computer Science.
Basic Structure
The course is made up of approximately one year of coursework and one year of research. The coursework covers fundamental topics in Computer Science and the research is at a Masters level, applying the techniques and skills acquired in the modules.
Research Supervision
MIT does not require applicants to form a relationship with a supervisor prior to joining the programme. Accepted students need to have a supervisor by the beginning of their final year (i.e. by the time they register for the thesis part of the programme.)
Entry Requirements
A non-IT honours degree, or equivalent, is the minimum requirement for entry into the MIT course. MIT is not for students whose previous academic training is in IT. For these students, for example holders of a Computer Science Honours degree, the Department offers an M.Sc. (Computer Science). Please visit the Department's website for more information on this and other options.
Degree Designation
If you possess a B.Sc. (Hons) degree, you will be awarded an M.Sc. (Information Technology); if you have a B.A. (Hons) you will be awarded an M.Phil. (Information Technology).