Postgraduate
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MSc

Information and Communication Technology (Conversion)

Launch your career in IT with an ICT conversion Master's at ARU in Cambridge, gaining the practical skills and industry knowledge employers value.

Start date
September 2026 January 2027
Location
Cambridge
Award
MSc
Duration
1 year full-time

Course durations vary slightly: 12 months (September starts), or 15 months (January and May starts). The part-time option takes 28 months (September starts), or 33 months (January starts).

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.

1st

in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026

If you want to build a career in IT but your first degree isn't in computing, this conversion Master's is for you.

You’ll develop practical skills in programming, software development, networking, cyber security and web development while studying in Cambridge's Silicon Fen, one of Europe's leading technology hubs, and graduate with a wide range of skills ready to tackle a new career in the fast-moving tech sector.

Why ARU?

  • Move into the ICT sector with our one-year conversion course, whatever your academic background

  • Study in Cambridge’s ‘Silicon Fen’, a thriving tech hub boasting leading employers

  • Master high-level object-oriented programming languages to develop efficient software solutions

  • Gain hands-on experience in Linux system administration and online lab environment (NETLAB)

  • Build the skills to strategically address and mitigate IT security risks

  • Explore an area of interest and enhance your research skills with your Major Project

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

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

ARU helped me transform my product from a research idea into an innovative testing platform with real-world impact and entrepreneurial potential.

Yusuf Kose, MSc Information and Communication Technology (Conversion) graduate

Pivot to a career in IT with the skills to succeed across the technology sector.

As a graduate from this course, you’ll be well prepared for roles in software development, software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network management, technical support and IT project management, opening opportunities across a wide range of industries.

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

Helping students transform knowledge into impactful projects and published research is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.

Dr Vanessa Sin-Chun Ng, Senior Lecturer

Equip yourself with the technical and practical skills needed for a career in IT.

You’ll learn to program in a high-level object-oriented language as we explore software development from specification through implementation, documentation and testing. You’ll gain hands-on 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 *.

Year 1
  • 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)
Module details

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.

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.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Information and Communication Technology (Conversion)

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