Postgraduate Prospectus

“When I was investigating the various courses on offer, a friend recommended that I take a look at The University of Nottingham. I liked what I saw and the course suited my needs perfectly – there are a lot of opportunities here. 

I work as an Information Officer for the National Root Crop Institute in Umudike, Nigeria. My background is in linguistics, rather than IT management. Although I had no problems coping with my job, I always felt that I could do things differently – more efficiently and effectively.

My employer was very positive about my decision to improve my skills and knowledge, offering me a gap-year to complete the course. I was also successful in securing a Developing Solutions Scholarship from the University’s International Office. So, here I am.

I live and study at the Jubilee Campus. The buildings on Campus are accessible to me – ramps and automatic doors really help. In fact, I’ve found the University to be flexible and supportive in a number of ways that make life easier and more convenient – something that I haven’t always encountered.

Academic Support adapted my accommodation, making necessary reasonable adjustments so that it suits my needs. They also arranged a number of other services to support me in my studies, including note-takers and a Library Browser who collects my reserved books and does my photocopying. The School of Computer Science’s Lab Assistants offer support to everyone with their practical work.

The course is everything I hoped it would be, and the tutors are very encouraging and helpful. I have certainly learnt a lot so far and have particularly enjoyed the modules that deal with the human aspects of IT – making systems work for the user. I now have a lot of effective planning and management tools to apply in the workplace.

I’ve also gained a lot of experience, improved academically and made so many good friends. It was my friends who paid for my motorised wheelchair by organising a
fund-raising concert.

When I finish the course, I’d love to find work and stay in Nottingham. I like the city and have so many friends here. I really feel that I can make the most of the opportunities on offer.”

Top tip:
“Whatever you want to achieve, work towards it. It may take time, but it’s worth it – irrespective of the challenges you encounter.”

 “The course has certainly lived up to its title and my expectations, helping me to improve my management skills whilst developing my technical expertise.

Before starting the course, I was working as an IT Administrator to the Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria. After three years in this role I wanted to upgrade my skills and knowledge to support the delivery of the state’s ICT policy. I chose Nottingham because of its reputation as a world-leading university and because the course was exactly what I was looking for.

Because it is modular, the course has allowed me to choose a balance of computing and management classes that relate directly to my job. I have thoroughly enjoyed the module on database systems — it involves a lot of independent research work and has really challenged me. I have also enjoyed the group work required by a number of my modules —  it has been a good way to promote leadership skills and team working. The dissertation has really given me the chance to explore scalable websites and services—an area that I'd like to develop in my career.

I am very impressed with the teaching and facilities here. The numerous computer labs are accessible and have a good working atmosphere with everything you need to support your studies.

When I return to work, I look forward to introducing the technologies and management practices I have mastered this year. The course has really given me the confidence to meet a new set of challenges.”

Top tip:

“Be prepared to meet the challenge, an MSc is demanding but rewarding.”

“As an undergraduate I studied computer science at one of the top universities in Nigeria and decided that I wanted to pursue my postgraduate studies at an equally well regarded institution. I chose Nottingham because it has an excellent reputation and the course really stood out from the rest.

My work as an Account Officer with the GTBank plc in Nigeria draws on my computing background and requires a sound knowledge of business practices. So this course is perfect – combining business with a high percentage of IT modules.

The staff here have been really supportive. They are always on hand to help and provide you with the information you need to succeed.

As well as developing my business and IT expertise, I have improved my communication and presentation skills – valuable transferable skills which I believe are among the most important in industry today.

When I complete the course, I am particularly keen to put into practice my growing knowledge of user interface design. I hope to find work as a business analyst, a role I am confident my course has prepared me for. “

Top tip:

“Be clear about your career path so that you can choose modules that best suit your needs and equip you for the future.”

“Having completed an undergraduate degree in ancient history and archaeology here at Nottingham, I’m not perhaps the first person you would expect to meet on a postgraduate IT course. However, it’s the perfect conversion if you want to pursue a career in IT management and have no prior computing experience or qualifications.

Because the course can be tailored for people like me who don’t have an IT background as well as those who have computer science degrees, you can choose modules pitched at your level which suit your needs. In the first semester, I followed a programme that introduced me to technical computing concepts and in the second, concentrated on management training.

The School really has an international environment and I’ve enjoyed working with people from all over the world. The facilities are good: there is a dedicated postgraduate computer lab equipped with everything you need, and plenty of handy places to do your group project work.

Since my undergraduate days, I’ve been a member of the Ladies’ Cricket Club. It’s always good to unwind after a busy day and it’s a great way to meet people.

As well as improving my expertise in IT and management, I have also developed a flair for team work and presentations – transferable skills that will be useful throughout my career. I have been offered a place on an IT graduate scheme with Atos Origin, an international information technology services company. I’m in no doubt that this course was invaluable in securing my place.”

Top tip:

“Getting involved in some of the Student Unions’ hundreds of clubs and societies is a really good way to meet people on other courses and try something new.”

“I work as a computer analyst at the Central Bank of Tanzania. I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge and decided to return to university.

When looking at the postgraduate courses on offer, I found that Nottingham was among the top universities in the UK and offered a masters programme that suited my needs perfectly.

By carefully choosing my modules I have been able to create a course that covers the range of subjects I need to develop my career – the application and management of IT in business, networking and UNIX. My studies have also helped me to improve my writing, presentation and management skills.

I have been really impressed by the facilities on offer within the School and University. I have everything I need to support my studies. The School itself is a very supportive environment and my lecturers are always very helpful.

When I finish the course, I plan to return to Tanzania and take up my old job. However, I will definitely be putting my new qualification to good use – looking for higher posts within other government organisations.”

Top tip:

“Choose Nottingham! It has all the facilities you need, and the lecturers are friendly and always happy to help.”