Undergraduate Handbook - School of Computing and Informatics ...

7.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
7.1 Introduction
The Department of Information Technology strives for the best through its mission:
1. Teach academic Programmes that relate to the dynamic and changing needs of graduates in an information
society
2. Advancement of IT knowledge and application through state of the art research
3. Support IT-based advancements in both the industry and society
Established in 2005 as one of the four departments within the Faculty of Computing and Informatics Technology,
the department of Information Technology is helping Makerere University to gain national height in the area of
Information Technology. This department has been in existence for four (4) years now. In the four years so far, we
have tried to work towards exceeding all our expectations and accomplishments. Particularly, the students’
achievements, the rising reputation of our department and the faculty at large as well as the thrilling partnerships we
have made with the international academia, government and industry friends makes our pride.
In the years that follow, and in relation to the Makerere University strategic plan (2008/09 – 2018/19), our
department seeks to shift to the next level by focusing on our ability to make IT a fundamental part of the learning
enterprise on the Makerere University campus. More so, we are collaborating with various academic and business
world partners to effectively incorporate IT into diverse disciplines. To this end, we need your involvement in order
to achieve our aims. As a department, our goal is to continuously build on our past four years’ achievements, at the
same time continuously expand our high-quality Programme that not only includes outstanding department staff, a
highly-developed curriculum, exceptional facilities, growing and recognized research, but also challenging students
at different levels.
The department offers three degree Programmes and two diploma (ordinary and graduate) Programmes,
respectively. These are: Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT), Masters in Information Technology (MIT) and
a PhD in Information Technology (PhD. IT), Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) and a Post Graduate
Diploma in Information Technology (PGDIT). The department undertakes research in e-learning, multimedia
technologies, and ICT for development in striving to expand our national reputation. The IT department represents
the joint efforts of the Makerere University, the private industry and Uganda as a nation to address the growing
worldwide needs for knowledgeable professionals in the area of Information Technology.
7.2 Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Degree Programme
7.2.1 Overview
The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) is a three year full-time degree programme open to all prospective
students. This programme was first launched in August 2004. The programme offers flexibility while providing the
level of knowledge and skills required by industry and professional bodies. The current curriculum was designed
with emphasis on having the student acquire the business, media, computing and communication skills necessary for
employment and career opportunities in today’s ICT industries and business organizations. Students on the BIT
Degree Programme develop conceptual and practical IT skills in integrating financial, organisational, marketing and
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Dr. Josephine Nabukenya
Head of Department