Bachelor of Information Technology with Honours

This programme applicable for Credit Award (APEL.C). More Info: https://apel.oum.edu.my/apel-c-credit-award/

1. What is Information Technology?

Information technology (IT) is a fast expanding-field that offers good positions for individuals
with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field.  No matter the role, a member of
an IT department works with others to solve technology problems, both big and small. Simply
put, the work of most organizations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems.

What is Information Technology (IT) then? Information Technology (IT) is a technology
involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and
networks for the processing and distribution of data

It is the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for
storing, retrieving, and sending information. A simplified definition of information
technology is that it is the application of technology to solve business or organisational
problems on a broad scale.

2. Why should I pursue a bachelor degree in Information Technology?

You may choose to pursue a degree in Information Technology, namely Bachelor of
Information Technology (BIT), if you are in one of the following categories:

1. i) you have yet to earn a first degree and want to acquire a firm foundation in the discipline.
2. ii) you have completed your *diploma and are probably at crossroads wondering whether
   you should continue your study with a bachelor degree or enter the workforce, then BIT
   programme might be the right fit for you.

*For diploma holders with IT backgrounds namely Diploma in Computer Science or
Software Engineering or Information Technology or Information System or its equivalent.

For more on the standard entry requirements, visit:

https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/undergraduate/bachelor-of-information-technology-with-honours/)

3. Can I pursue a bachelor degree in Information Technology by leveraging on my prior learning experience?

At OUM, you can!

You may apply to join Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) via the APEL.A route which takes into account your previous work and learning experience.

To know more about APEL entry requirement, visit: https://apel.oum.edu.my/apel-a-access-purpose/

4. Is BIT offered in full time or part time mode?

All OUM degrees programmes offered in Malaysia are run in part-time mode, making them particularly suitable for working adults seeking to upgrade their qualifications, knowledge and skills without having to give up their jobs or compromise on their life responsibilities.

5. Why study BIT at OUM?

• BIT is one of the pioneer bachelor degree programmes at OUM. The BIT programme started way back in the 2001 academic session, with an initial intake of 279 students.
• BIT received full accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) in 2004 and it is recognised by JPA (Public Service Department)
• BIT programme is both locally and internationally recognized. The programme is among the most sought-after OUM Programs by OUM International Collaborations Partners since 2008 (Eg. Maldives, Vietnam, Ghana, Somalia etc). OUM
• Award recipient of Excellence for Open and Distance Education Materials (Category A) by Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in 2016 and 2019 for the Course: Object Oriented Programming (one of the core courses in BIT programme)
• BIT programme structure gives the balance between both the theories and applications of IT and the skills and knowledge gained in BIT are transferable across industries

6. What does BIT at OUM offer me?

• The BIT Programme has been designed to meet the country’s growing need of IT Professional It gives the balance between both the theories and applications of IT and the skills and knowledge gained in BIT are transferable across industries
• The BIT programme at OUM are delivered by qualified and experienced subject-matter experts and tutors with degrees from reputable universities.
• All core learning materials are provided or made available via myINSPIRE and library. We have learning materials from BIT courses that have garnered accolades and awards Learners may also use OUM’s physical and digital libraries to access a wide range of learning materials.
• The BIT programme produces graduates with strong knowledge in information technology so as to prepare them for careers in IT-related field such as software programmers, system analysts and mobile application developers.
• The BIT programme offers three areas of specialisation, which are IT Management, Network Computing and Business Analytics. Learners choose only ONE specialisation area based on their field of interest.

7. What are the courses offered under BIT?

In brief, BIT comprises of the following course breakdown:

     Note: The courses in the programme are subject to change without prior notice

8. What are the three specialisations offered under the BIT programme?

The three specialisations offered are IT Management, Network Computing and Business Analytics.

IT Management focuses on planning, leading, and governing IT to improve organisational performance. It is suitable for learners interested in IT leadership, IT governance, project management, compliance and managerial roles.

Network Computing focuses on building, securing, and managing computer networks and connected systems. It is suitable for learners interested in technical networking, infrastructure, network administration and security operations.

Business Analytics focuses on using data to generate insights that support business decisions and improve organisational performance. It is suitable for learners interested in data analysis, business intelligence, data management and decision support.

9. How do I choose the right specialisation?

You may choose the right specialisation based on your career goals, personal interests, strengths, and preferred type of work. Each specialisation offers a different focus area within the field of Information Technology.

Choose IT Management if you are interested in managing IT projects, leading IT teams, improving business processes through technology, handling IT governance and supporting organisational change. This specialisation is suitable if you aim to move into supervisory, administrative, project management or IT leadership roles.

Choose Network Computing if you enjoy technical and hands-on work involving computer networks, infrastructure, cybersecurity, routing, switching, SDN and IoT. This specialisation is suitable if you are interested in becoming a network administrator, network engineer, infrastructure support specialist or security operations personnel.

Choose Business Analytics if you are interested in working with data to identify patterns, generate insights, support decision-making and improve business performance. This specialisation is suitable if you aim to pursue roles related to data analysis, business intelligence, data management, reporting or decision support.

10. Where does an OUM IT degree lead you?

Information technology is a fast expanding- field that offers good positions for individuals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field.  No matter the role, a member of an IT department works with others to solve technology problems, both big and small. Simply put, the work of most organisations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems.

IT graduates have thrived in diverse careers. This is because they possess not only subject
knowledge and subject specific skills, but also such transferable graduate skills as advanced literacy and communication skills, critical reasoning, and the capacity to critically analyse diverse forms of discourse.

Interesting and diverse career paths await IT graduates, some positions in this field include system analysts, software programmers, network and database administrators, mobile application developer, computer support specialists etc.

Alternatively, you may also continue your study in the field of IT at OUM at the Master and PhD levels respectively.

11. How soon can I complete my BIT programme?

BIT is a 120 credit-hour programme, which means that it can typically be completed in 14
semesters. That is approximately 4 years and 8 months if the programme is completed without any credit transfer and if learners take the standard 3 courses per semester path.

12. I have been accepted to BIT programme (yeay!) and would like to find out ways to shorten the duration of my study.  How do I go about doing it?

Once you have been ACCEPTED to the programme, there are ways to shorten the
duration of your study – by applying your credits. With these credits, learners are given
exceptions from sitting certain courses which will help them to complete their studies faster.

This includes:

i) Credit transfer from previous study (Eg. similar courses taken at Diploma level)

ii) Recognition of prior learning (APEL C)

Through APEL C, experiential learning gained through informal or non-formal means are
assessed to determine the extent to which individual has achieved the specified course
learning outcomes etc for learners to obtain APEL credits.

Note: OUM has a policy on credit (including recognition of prior learning) and procedures
for credit transfer. Kindly download OUM Undergraduate Learners Handbook to know
more. For APEL C, a visit to the following website at http://apel.oum.edu.my/  is highly
recommended

13. How is BIT delivered?

BIT is a taught course program (Part-time for 4 years 2 semesters) where you are encouraged to attend the e-tutorial sessions conducted using video conferencing via Google Meet (8 sessions@8 hours per course) by E-Tutors.

You will also be supported with the forum discussion under the learning platform (MyInspire) assisted by the E-Tutor. Assignment and modules will be uploaded in your MyInspire course. You are recommended to register for 3 courses per semester.

You are required to submit assignments through online and sit for the take home final examination through online submission. Some of the courses will be fully coursework.

14. When can I join BIT?

BIT programme has intakes in the January, May and September semesters.

15. How will I be assessed should I enroll for BIT?

For BIT assessment methods vary from course to course. Most courses have assignments
and final exams. For a more detailed and latest info, you have to refer to the respective
course page at myINSPIRE.

16. Can I apply for a PTPTN loan if I want to pursue BIT?

The PTPTN loan is only available to Malaysian citizens enrolled in a recognised
undergraduate programme. You can only apply for a PTPTN loan after you have applied,
been accepted and registered in the programme.

For more information on PTPTN loan, visit http://www.ptptn.gov.my/

17. I’ve decided I want to pursue BIT at OUM. How do I apply?

Apply online at https://cms-portal.oum.edu.my/login

Alternatively, visit any of OUM’s Learning Centres (LCs) located throughout the country for guidance. For info on the LCs, go to https://www.oum.edu.my/learning-centres/

18. What career opportunities are available for BIT graduates?

BIT graduates can explore career opportunities in various IT-related fields, including IT management, network computing, business analytics, software and systems development, cybersecurity, database and information systems, IT support and operations, and digital business or technology consulting. The table below provides examples of possible career fields and related job opportunities for graduates.