What can I do with a degree in Information Systems?
Information systems (IS) are a major part of many organisations and impact our lives on a day-to-day basis. IS is the point where business studies and computer science meet and it deals with:
- Development, support and delivery of information, information systems, and information technology
- Effective use of information technology to help individuals, organisations and society better attain their goals, and
- Management of information systems, personnel and projects.
Information Systems draws together computer science, management science, accountancy, business administration and organisational behaviour.
Through their Information Systems degree, graduates build transferable skills such as:
- Practical application of computing knowledge to business
- Programming and design
- Logical and quantitative thinking
- Interpretive and analytical thinking
- Problem solving skills
- Commercial and business awareness.
Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available through work-integrated learning (eg, internships) and international study tours. These experiences deepen your skillset, working knowledge and employability.
Graduates start their careers in a wide range of sectors, be it commercial, public or not-for-profit.
Recent Information Systems graduates have found work in a number of diverse destinations such as:
- Banking
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Information technology services
- Telecommunications
- Software companies
- Healthcare
- Materials sector
- Retail
- Enterprise and innovation
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Advisory services
- Sport and leisure
- Tourism and hospitality
Information Systems graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs — see some examples below.
Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.
Information systems analyst
- Develops computer and information system strategies that align with business requirements
- Provides technical and analytical services for a range of business departments
- Trains any computer users within the business
Project manager
- Manages an information system project plan, budget and schedule
- Supervises project progress and manages risks
- Liaises with project staff, contractors, clients
Systems architect
- Analyses how IT can be and is being used by an organisation
- Researches new computing applications including costs and benefits
- Devises structural plans for new applications
- Tests computing solutions and fixes issues
- Delivers training on how to use the application
Programmer, software developer
- Determines specifications and writes code
- Builds prototypes of software programs
- Tests and fixes computer programs/systems
- Maintains and upgrades programs and systems
- May develop and integrate technical aspects of websites/mobile apps along with other workers
Computer / IT / systems consultant
- Maintains and monitors an organisation’s computer functions and ICT systems
- Recommends programs and systems to use
- Designs computer networks
Software engineer
- Analyses customer needs, evaluates computer software and researches new technologies
- Develops software programs for new products
- Manages software development projects
Software tester, test analyst, quality assurance
- Designs and creates testing tools
- Carries out software compatibility testing with hardware and operating systems
- Sets quality
Advisory consultant
- Works with leaders to reduce, manage, and mitigate risk
- Helps clients to improve processes and procedures in anything from cyber security to technology
- Solves big, far-reaching challenges
Web developer
- Develops website functionality and security
- Designs interfaces and back-end web structuressuch as servers
- Maintains and updates the website as required
Business intelligence consultant
- Provides advice, expertise and specialist skills in data insight
- Shares knowledge of Business Intelligence concepts and technology benefits to clients
- Helps grow an organisation’s data warehousing
Data analyst
- Analyses data and modelling to solve problems
- Gains insight across differing domains and functions
Database administrator
- Monitors and plans capacity
- Controls access and privileges
- Ensures storage, archiving, back-up and recovery measures are functioning effectively
Entrepreneur, Director and CEO
- Develops an idea to form their own business
- Gets involved in a start-up
- Offers their services as a freelancer/consultant
Get started with Entrepreneurship here
As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others in the same community.
Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.
Learn from our students' experiences
For more information
see the Information Systems subject page