Programme syllabus for Bachelor's Programme in Information Systems - Uppsala University

Bachelor's Programme in Information Systems

180 credits

Programme syllabus, SSY1K

Code
SSY1K
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Social Sciences, 24 April 2025
Registration number
SAMFAK 2025/121
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Responsible department
Department of Informatics and Media

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Mathematics Further level 1b or level 1c, Social Studies level 1b or level 1a2, English level 2, or Mathematics 3b or 3c/Mathematics C, Social Studies 1b or 1a2, English 6

Aims

Information systems are about developing and applying information technology (IT) to solve problems and to identify and create new opportunities for people, organisations, and society. During the programme, the student will acquire knowledge of IT-based information systems. This means identifying the needs of people and organisations, designing and developing IT solutions to meet those needs, and implementing such solutions in different types of surroundings. Students are prepared to contribute to the development of the complex structure of systems and the information that is essential for modern society. Through broad basic knowledge, the student will become well-equipped to participate in the development of the information society.

The Bachelor's program in Information Systems offers three specializations: System Development (offered in Uppsala), Software Engineering (offered in Visby), and Game Design (offered in Visby).

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After completing the programme the student will have acquired

  • understanding of the key concepts in the area of information systems, including knowledge of IT, business development, software engineering, program development, databases, human-computer interaction as well as of the Internet and social media,
  • knowledge of the scientific basis for information systems, relevant methods within the area, as well as awareness of current research issues
  • understanding of how information technology can be used to create value for people, organisations and society,
  • knowledge and familiarity with the theories and methods used in the development of information systems,
  • understanding of how different perspectives on IT is reflected in development projects and
  • understanding of information systems and software engineering in a larger organisational and technical context.

Skills and abilities

After completing the programme the student will have acquired

  • the ability to search, collect, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information to a problem and to critically discuss IT-related phenomena, issues and situations;
  • ability to identify, formulate and solve problems and to perform tasks in a timely manner,
  • the ability to verbally and in writing present and discuss information, problems and solutions in dialogue with different groups,
  • the ability to develop and apply IT to solve problems and capitalise on the potential of people, organisations and society,
  • familiarity with the applicable methods for the development of information systems in different contexts,
  • proficiency to analyse and specify requirements for information systems in collaboration with users and other stakeholders,
  • proficiency in designing and constructing of software, user interfaces and databases, taking into account existing systems and infrastructure, and
  • ability to work in project teams.

Judgement and approach

After completing the programme the student will have acquired

  • the ability to make judgements with respect to scientific, social and ethical aspects within the main field of information systems;
  • understanding the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility for how it is used and
  • the ability to identify the need of further knowledge and development of their skills.

Layout of the programme

PROGRAMME CONTENT

The main field of Information Systems includes information technology, business and systems development, databases and software development, human-computer interaction, the Internet, and social media. The program's specializations provide broad knowledge within the field, a progressive deepening of structured problem-solving, and principles and approaches for business and systems development. Given this common foundation, the System Development specialization emphasizes business understanding as a starting point for system development. The Software Engineering specialization focuses on technical possibilities and data analysis and visualization as starting points for developing value-creating IT applications. The Game Design specialization focuses on user experience by combining system development and programming with game design.

Specialization in System Development

The System Development specialization provides knowledge of theories and methods for designing and constructing information systems for business development. This includes understanding how information systems interact to create the infrastructure that forms the foundation of the modern information society.

Specialization in Software Engineering

The Software Engineering specialization focuses on theories and methods for developing and ensuring the quality of applications for web and mobile devices. It is structured around three interconnected themes: software development, research and innovation, and data analysis and visualization.

Specialization in Game Design

The Game Design specialization combines system development and programming with game design. System development and programming are central to all activities within complex IT systems, such as computer games. This specialization provides a fundamental understanding of game design and development methods.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The Bachelor's Program in Information Systems comprises 180 credits (ECTS) over three years. It offers a structured selection of courses within the main field of Information Systems and other relevant subjects. The courses within the main field of Information Systems and supporting subjects vary between the three specializations. For detailed information about the courses offered each semester, please refer to the study plan for each specialization.

All three specializations include one semester of elective courses, providing excellent opportunities for broadening studies and participating in exchange programs. Each specialization includes at least 90 credits of progressively advanced studies in the main field of Information Systems, including an independent degree project (thesis) worth 15 credits.

Instruction

The program's courses incorporate various teaching methods, including lectures, lessons, laboratory work, and seminars. Theory is interwoven with practical exercises and skills training. Students progressively take greater responsibility for their learning throughout their studies, fostering increasing independence.

Throughout the program, students receive systematic and progressive skills training in professional methods, oral and written communication techniques, and an independent, scientifically grounded approach to work.

Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills through various forms of assessment. In the final degree project, students show that they have achieved the goal of independently integrating their knowledge.

The majority of the course literature is in English. Teaching is generally conducted in Swedish, but courses may be offered in English.

Degree

The programme leads to a 180-credit Bachelor's Degree, with 90 credits in the main field of study (Information Systems), an independent project (degree project) worth 15 credits, and 30 credits in another field.

For the specialization in software engineering, students who wish to do so can, after completing two years of studies, obtain a Higher Education Diploma with a specialization in Software Engineering.

Other regulations

The Bachelor's program in Information Systems provides eligibility to apply for, for example, the two-year Master's programs in Information Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Management, Communication, and IT at Uppsala University.

Transitional provisions

This syllabus is valid for students accepted to the programme from autumn 2026.

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