Though often grouped together (as we have done here) and often used as interchangeable terms for courses that are about computers, these two subjects are actually very different.

Information technology takes the computer as its start point and looks at all the things that can be done with it, particularly in a business setting. Many IT degrees focus on this, and are designed to give students an understanding of the principles and techniques involved in the analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of computer systems within a business environment.

‘Information technology’ originally dealt with the use of computers and software to convert, store, protect, process and transmit information, but the term is now used generically to talk about many aspects of computing and technology. You will therefore also find information technology degrees that offer specialisations in non-traditional areas including games design and development, human-computer interaction; cyber forensics, information security and management; and digital media.