PhD in Applied Information Technology

The PhD in Applied Information Technology is interdisciplinary, and spanning across three pillars consisting of computer science, software engineering and information systems.

The area of Information Systems aims to bridge the technical capabilities of information technology with business and organisational needs. Computer Science spans a range of issues and topics from theoretical studies of algorithms and computation to the practical issues of implementing computing systems and software architectures. Software Engineering is the systematic application of scientific and technological knowledge, methods, and experience to the design, implementation, testing, and documentation of software. These three areas have been collectively referred to as applied information technology and the PhD programme is investigating information technology, how it is applied to, and impacts the world from these three perspectives.

The PhD programme in applied information technology at Kristiania University College is aimed at candidates with ambitions to conduct applied IT research and develop research-based knowledge in the IT field, both in the private and public sector, as well as in academia. The candidates from PhD in Applied Information Technology will be in the forefront of research on business and organisational implications of digital technology, evolving applied computer science, engineering new solutions, and understand and design new user interaction paradigms through information systems research and human-computer interaction studies.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and the general competence that the candidate is expected to have achieved upon completion of the study programme, as a result of the learning acquired throughout the course.

Knowledge

The candidate...

• is in the forefront of knowledge within applied IT and master the state-of-the art transformation strategies, technologies, techniques and methods
• can evaluate the theoretical soundness and application of different digital transformation solutions, technologies, techniques, methods and processes in applied IT research and development projects
• can contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, techniques, methods, frameworks, technologies, interpretations and forms of documentation in the candidates’ chosen area of specialisation. 

Skills

The candidate...

• can formulate problems, plan and independently carry out applied research and research-informed development work in industry, private and public sector
• can independently carry out original applied research of a high international standard
• can handle advanced academic issues and critically reflect on established knowledge and practice related to applied problems and theoretical development

General competence

The candidate...

• can identify new relevant ethical issues and carry out applied IT research with scholarly integrity with special emphasis on privacy, sustainability and intellectual property
• can manage and critically reflect upon complex applied interdisciplinary assignments and research projects in industry, private and public sector, as well as society in general
• can communicate and debate applied IT research and development work through recognised international scientific conferences and journals, as well as through media targeting the general population
• can assess the need for, initiate and practice the transformation of organisations and markets, and opportunities for new business and organisational innovation