Information Systems (Top-up) (Online Distance Learning) BSc Honours
Gain skills the IT industry is looking for with our top-up degree, tailored for international students wishing to add to an existing HND or foundation degree
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Viewing course details for 2025 year of entry
- Code
- I30D
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Start
- September 2025
- Fees
- £6,600 (INT)
- Duration
- 1 year full-time
- Course Leader
- Stylianos Kapetanakis
- Study mode
- Online
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 240 Credits (120 at level 4 and 120 at level 5) or equivalent taken within 5 years
- Placement year
- Yes
Why choose
Top-up your degree from anywhere in the world.
Why choose an Information Systems (Online Distance Learning Top-up) BSc Honours with Middlesex?
The demand for IT specialists is rising, so a top-up information systems course could be exactly what you need to succeed in your chosen career.
This one-year course is ideal for students who can work remotely but are looking to gain an excellent understanding of information systems alongside the skills required to succeed in the design, analysis, development, and management of IT.
You’ll be taught through distance learning by experts who also carry out research and industrial collaboration in their specialist areas.
Our information systems degree will provide you with key training in all the latest IT skills and concepts. This includes software development, design for end users, and design for multiple platforms like web and computing. Your existing technical skills will be complemented by new learning, including communication, organisation, teamwork, application, and many more.
What you will gain
You will develop competencies for specifying, designing and constructing effective implementation strategies for computer-based systems consistent with a range of business needs. You will also develop the ability to form effective dialogue with various stakeholders (a range of audiences) in electronic as well as written and oral forms for effective dialogue with various stakeholders.
You will be trained in identifying and managing resources necessary for all stages of projects – analysis, planning, estimation, execution and improvement – of individual systems development to ensure technical, financial and quality targets are met.
Your numerate and computational skills will be honed and advanced through practical exercises. The modules also support the development of generic computational skills such as processing and representing data, and internet communication
The course will help develop key academic writing skills, notably through report writing and documentation of practical coursework.
Our multidisciplinary programme gives you the chance to top up your currently existing qualifications to a full BSc degree. You’ll also have the opportunity to continue to postgraduate research once you finish the course.
We have 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers.
What you will learn
The information systems course includes a range of practical and development exercises to give you confidence in applying what you’ve learned. You’ll work on projects like learning and data analytics, using data collected as part of the department’s various projects. You’ll get the chance to attend workshops by Information La and learn about data visualisation with Tableau.
Some of the projects you’ll be part of will focus on how individuals with different personalities learn, the visualisation of stress and emotion during presentations and even investigations of educational technologies.
Our industry links mean you’ll be taught the latest industrial practices, maximising the chances of employment once you graduate. The course will prepare you for a range of different roles like systems designer or developer, IT project manager, user experience architect, and many more.
You’ll work with a supervisor who has specialist knowledge of their field to choose and pursue a theme that suits your interests and career goals. It’ll give you the chance to problem-solve, just like you would in a place of work.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
The course teaches decision making and strategic planning skills for effective use of information technology, and the appropriate use of key implementation strategies for computer-based systems consistent with a range of business needs. It also includes a range practical design and development exercises. These include the design and implementation of prototype solutions and their iterative development combined with practical user research and the deployment of formative evaluation techniques. Theoretical concepts will be introduced which can be applied to method selection, strategic planning problem-solving in IT domains. This includes learning how key theories from various core disciplines relevant to design and development, and an understanding of how they can be applied.
The module aims to introduce the theories and methods associated with user-centred design, providing theories and models of the way users think and work that have impact on user interface design. The module provides an understanding of the underlying processes of human perception, information processing, and collaborative, socially organised action. You will learn how to construct interface designs that match users' needs.
This module aims to introduce the major Software Engineering Methodologies that underpin Information System Development (ISD) and to examine critically issues related to their application in commercial and organisational contexts.
This module aims to provide you with knowledge and skills relevant to the management and planning of Information Systems within modern organisations in Industry. You will learn techniques for planning and controlling IT projects, managing risk and quality and dealing with various organisational aspects.
This module investigates three modern technological enablers of BIS: Web Services, Mobile Applications and Cloud Computing. These mechanisms power global e-Commerce. The module will first look at Web technology starting with Web protocols, languages and Web standards. It then moves on to issues of design, accessibility, usability and security of Web Services. The Mobile Computing component of this module is focused around building applications. It first explores the use of Software Development Kits (SDKs) such as the Android SDK and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Android Studio and ECLIPSE. The module then investigates how applications are managed and deployed and then proceeds on to memory and storage management as well as performance issues. Cloud Computing is the last segment of the module and will start with examining the uses of the cloud for computing, database, storage and networking. Types of Cloud paradigms such as IaaS, PaaS and SaaS are then explored. The implementations of Cloud Computing Environments such as OpenStack, AWS and Microsoft Azure are then investigated. Finally, issue of deployment, monitoring, automation and security of Cloud operations and facilities are discussed.
To find out more about this course, please download BSc Information Systems. (Top up) (PDF)
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Teaching
This course is an online distance learning programme, so all teaching and learning is done online. Your lectures will be pre-recorded for asynchronous online delivery. Your seminars, labs and workshops will be delivered online synchronously. Each module syllabus is divided into topics and a schedule of weekly learning tasks covering those topics broadly in order. The learning tasks comprise a combination of tuition events and learning activities. Work is divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.
You will gain knowledge, understanding ands skills through:
On-campus seminars, workshops and computer lab-based sessions. A variety of interactive practice-based activities are used to develop in-depth and practice-based knowledge and understanding and stimulate an exchange of ideas and development of critical thinking skills, including Q&A sessions, polls, quizzes, games, simulations, use of software, role plays, guest speakers and case studies.
You'll further develop resilience in qualitative and quantitative analysis, problem solving and decision-making skills, via key concept videos and other curated online material via the My Learning facility.
Guided reading of textbooks, academic journals, case studies and company and industry documents will introduce and examine key concepts and theories and how they relate to real world scenarios.
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
- 3-4 hours of large interactive teaching sessions
- 5-6 hours of seminars/workshops/computer laboratory sessions
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams. Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Year 1
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 22% | 264 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 78% | 936 | Independent learning |
Year 2
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 21% | 252 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 79% | 948 | Independent learning |
Year 3
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 21% | 252 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 79% | 948 | Independent learning |
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. Through most of the term, you will only need to be on-campus for classes 3 days per week but as you get closer to assessments, you will put in more time for rehearsals and performances.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.
This course is based on 100% coursework.
You will be assessed through a variety of methods including written assessments, essays, reports, practical sessions, presentations and group assessments. You will be given regular feedback on your work. You will develop IT skills and the ability to interpret numerical data.
We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.
The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.
There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.
Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
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Student support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
Careers
How can the Information Technology and Business Information Systems (Distance Learning Top-up) BSc support your career?
Our degree prepares you for a wide range of varied careers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. There is also the potential to work as a self-employed director of your own business. This course will appeal to students considering careers as IT consultants, application developers, Internet and web designers, or in computer support.
Graduate job roles
- IT project manager
This role will allow you to manage the development and implementation of plans to meet business needs. - Systems designer
In this role, you will be developing and implementing information systems in various sectors, including hardware, software, installation and maintenance - User Experience (UX) architect
The UX architect ensures that system designs serve the needs of end users through user research, prototyping and evaluation. - Systems developer
You will test systems, diagnose and fix faults, write diagnostic programs and design and write code for operating systems and software. - IT systems/business analyst
If you choose this role, you will design new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity, analysing the business needs of your clients and stakeholders to help identify business problems and propose solutions. - Information systems manager
In this role, you will be installing computer systems, providing the ICT technology infrastructures for an organisation, and contributing to organisational policy and strategic planning.
Graduate Employers
Graduates can progress into careers in organisations such as:
- RS2
- Citadel Insurance
- VT
- KPMG
- Ingenyx
- CCBill
- ANT 1TV
- Dreamwork Healthcare
- NHS
- Dragonwind
- Bank of Valetta
- Malta Environment & Planning
- Brighthouse
- 5FK
- OPTA
- Multinational School
- Ictek
- ITP Publishing
- Leapfrog
Transferable skills
In addition to the specific technical skills that are required for each job role, IT graduates who take this top-up also develop a number of transferable skills that are valuable in any workplace. These skills include:
- Teamwork and leadership
- Business analysis
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Systems analysis and design
- Information systems development
- Project management
- Analytical and bug-fixing practice
- Communication skills
MDXworks
Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:
The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023
MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support
Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.
Global network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.
We welcome students from all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with flexible online learning
- Work placements and networking with top London and international employers
- Career support to get you where you want to go after university
- Global alumni network and connections.
Qualifications
If you have previously studied a relevant higher national diploma (HND) in Computer Science (or similar subject) you may be eligible for this course. International students are encouraged to apply directly via our Online Application Portal.
For entry onto this Level 6 (year 3) course, we consider the following qualifications:
- 240 Credits (120 at level 4 and 120 at level 5) or equivalent taken within 5 years
- 120 ECTS credits
- FdA and FdSc
- HND
- DipHE.
We'll accept T Levels for entry onto our undergraduate degree courses (including our extended courses with a foundation year) with standard application of science requirements and GCSEs in line with UCAS tariff calculation.
We accept a wide range of international qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate we accept a wide range of international qualifications.
You can find out more on your country's support page. If you need help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.
Academic credit
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
English language
You'll need good English language skills to study with us. That's usually an IELTS 6.0 qualification (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections). And, if you need help, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.
We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.
International students are encouraged to apply directly using our Online Application Portal.
Alternatively, if you wish, you may apply via UCAS using the UCAS code I30D.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
Fees & Funding
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
All students1
Full-time students: £6,600
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free access to everything on your reading list
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:
Computer and reliable internet connection.
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
Fees disclaimers
Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.