Information and Communication Technology (Conversion)
Develop the skills you need for a rewarding career in the IT sector with a Master’s at ARU in Cambridge.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 28 months (September starts) or 33 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
If you want to explore a career in IT, and your first degree isn’t in computing, this course is for you. Focussing on programming, networking, hardware, and analysis, you’ll add several strings to your bow that are applicable to a range of careers.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of software development, cyber security, networking, and web development, levelling up your skills and discovering which areas of computing particularly interest you.
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Make the move into the ICT sector with our one-year conversion course
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Study in Cambridge’s ‘Silicon Fen’, a thriving tech hub boasting leading employers
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Master high-level object-oriented programming languages to develop efficient software solutions
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Get hands-on experience in Linux system administration and online lab environment (NETLAB)
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Gain the skills to strategically address and mitigate IT security risks
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Explore an area of interest and enhance your research skills with your Major Project
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Pivot to a career in IT.
As a graduate, you’ll be able to choose from a range of IT-related careers, such as software development and project management, software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network management, and technical support.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Equip yourself for a career in the IT sector.
You’ll learn to program in a high-level object-oriented language as we cover software development from specification through implementation, documentation and testing. You’ll gain practical experience in installing, administering and configuring a networked operating system at both client and server level.
You’ll also learn about IT security issues faced by businesses today, and how to implement information security strategies.
You’ll complete your Master’s with a Postgraduate Major Project – a substantial research project focussed on a relevant topic that interests you.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Developing Web Applications (30 credits)
- Software Implementation (30 credits)
- Computer Systems and Servers (30 credits)
- Secure Systems (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project (60 credits)
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Vanessa Sin-Chun NgSenior Lecturer
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Dr Man-Fai LeungSenior Lecturer
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Dr Cristina LucaAssociate Professor
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Dr Erika Sanchez-VelazquezDeputy Head of School
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Dr Jin ZhangDeputy Head of School
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
In our dedicated computer labs and skills spaces, you'll have access to specialist hardware and online resources (e.g. Cisco-accredited routing and switching equipment, Intel's AI Academy data processing resources), Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching, and VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools.
You'll have extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.