BITS Admissions Information

Note to students applying from overseas:

The United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) have announced changes to the immigration system due to be implemented in Spring 2009. Details have not yet been finalised, but information on this can be found at the following website: www.strath.ac.uk/igo/thepointsbasedimmigrationsystem

Some of the changes will have additional financial implications and a deposit to secure your place along with evidence of sufficient maintenance funds may be required to assist you in gaining a visa.

The MSc BITS is a specialist degree designed for those who want to sharpen their skills and knowledge in the relation between technology and business.

The Application Process

We would like to hear from high-calibre candidates from all backgrounds who can demonstrate their intellectual capabilities and strong interpersonal skills. Completed application forms are considered as they are received, and you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

In addition to completing the application form, we ask that you submit a 500-word summary detailing your motivation for joining the BITS programme, highlighting your career aspirations and why you feel you are a suitable candidate for the programme.

The Admissions Committee meets on a regular basis and, providing you have supplied all the necessary information, you should normally receive a decision within three to four weeks of application.

Academic requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A degree or other qualification considered by the University Senate to be equivalent to a first or second class honours degree from a UK university
• If you studied for your undergraduate degree at a non-UK institution we will require an official translation

We will also actively consider applications from people who may not hold formal qualification but who have some depth of experience in IT-related areas and can demonstrate their academic potential.

Admissions testing

Although not a standard requirement of our admission process, strong verbal reasoning and numerical abilities are critical for the course and we may ask you to undertake a test such as the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Competence in English

The BITS programme is highly interactive and therefore requires a high level of competence in English speaking, writing, reading and listening. For those applicants whose first language is not English a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS or 100 (IBT) in TOEFL, is required.

Applicants who fall slightly below these standards will be considered if they undertake and successfully complete the University’s pre-sessional study programme.

Computer competence

In order to undertake BITS you will need to be competent in word processing, the use of spreadsheets and in report writing.

Formal interview

As our primary concern is to build a class of high-potential individuals that will work well together, we may ask you to undertake a formal interview to discuss your achievements and aspirations.