Study informatics abroad

Informatics is the study of the structure, behavior, and interactions of information and its processes. As an informatics student, you’ll look at the communication of information in natural and engineered systems, focussing on computational, cognitive, and social aspects.

It shares similarities to other subjects like computer science, and IT, but it looks at the transformation of information beyond computers. Informatics is a relatively new discipline, and it considers the interactions between humans and information, often with a focus on the social impacts of information technology.

You can study informatics in several countries around the world. In some countries, like France, it is often used as another name for computer science, so it’s worth checking the program details carefully when you apply. Studying informatics abroad is not only a great way to broaden your personal horizons, but could allow you to access the best programs and technologies.

Informatics is available at bachelor’s and master’s level. It is not widely offered in some countries like the UK, but some universities offer programs in specifics areas like heath informatics or geo-informatics.

If you study in the US, you can major in informatics and earn a BSc after four years of study. In many other countries, a bachelor’s program in informatics will take three years to complete, but some include an extra year for studying abroad or working on placement.

Informatics is more commonly offered as an MSc at master’s level. These programs are available to those who already hold a bachelor’s level degree in informatics or a related program like computer science. They usually take one or two years to complete and can combine taught modules and research.

At doctorate level, you can gain a PhD in informatics after four or five years of research. You will spend your time working on your own unique research and putting together a doctoral dissertation.

You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops, with practical sessions in labs. The program structure and content will be unique to each program, and you can usually tailor your course by choosing elective modules that interest you. Some of the core informatics modules most programs cover include:

• Introduction to informatics
• Mathematics for informatics
• Programming
• Computer systems
• Software engineering
• Data structures
• Information management systems
• Applied statistics

You’ll have fantastic career prospects as an informatics graduate, with a range of skills like problem-solving, analysis, and communication that all employers value.

Skilled IT professionals are always in high demand, and your skills and knowledge will make you an ideal candidate for a range of positions, including:

• Business analyst
• IT manager
• Information architect
• Web engineer
• Software developer
• Management consultant
• User experience analyst
• Quality assurance lead

With so many options, there’s no need to rush into a decision if you’re not sure what career path to take. Talking to your university’s career services is a good first step to working out what option might be right for you after graduation.