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Studies & Degrees in Information & Communication Technology

Information and communications technology (ICT) is the field that deals with producing, storing, processing and transmitting information by electronic means. It joins two areas that used to be taught apart: computing (hardware, software, databases) and telecommunications (networks, the internet, mobile systems). An ICT student learns how to build software and also how to connect, secure and run the systems that carry it.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes the people who work in this field as workers who create or support computer applications, systems and networks. In Europe "ICT" is the usual name for the whole sector, and several countries use it as the name of a degree.

What students learn

Most programmes start with a common base of programming, databases, operating systems, networks and web technology, and then let the student specialise. The Bachelor of ICT of Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, for example, is a four-year programme in which students specialise in artificial intelligence, cyber security, software development or one of 10 other specialisations. Much of the work is done in projects: Fontys says students work with one or more of its 120 partner companies in the region.

Vocational programmes are more hands-on. The Spanish higher-level cycle in network systems administration teaches students to administer server operating systems and network services such as web, e-mail and file transfer, according to TodoFP, the vocational training portal of the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degree. In the Netherlands, the Fontys Bachelor of ICT takes four years, is taught in English and starts in February and September. In Spain the field is covered by official bachelor's degrees (grados) of 240 ECTS credits, usually in computer engineering or telecommunications engineering. In Argentina, the degree list of the Universidad Nacional de La Plata includes an Analista en Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación.
  • Master's degree. Official master's degrees in Spain have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.
  • Vocational training (FP) in Spain. The professional family of computing and communications (Informática y Comunicaciones) includes the intermediate title Técnico en Sistemas Microinformáticos y Redes and three higher-level titles: Administración de Sistemas Informáticos en Red, Desarrollo de Aplicaciones Multiplataforma and Desarrollo de Aplicaciones Web. The network administration and multiplatform development cycles have 2,000 hours each. Holders of a higher-level title can add a specialisation course, for example in cybersecurity in information technology environments.
  • Short courses and vendor certificates. Private training centres prepare students for the certificates of network and software vendors, and some colleges teach qualifications awarded by an external body. Ask the school who awards the qualification and what recognition it has.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 14 active schools for information and communications technology. The United States, India and Spain have two each; the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Russia and Italy have one each.

The list includes Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, VIA University College in Horsens, the University of Sunderland, the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Florida State University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The International Hellenic University has a Department of Information and Electronic Engineering in Thessaloniki and a Department of Computer, Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering in Serres. In Spain the list includes ERAM in Salt (Girona) and the Fundación Universitaria Iberoamericana (FUNIBER) in Barcelona. Europa Networking in Bergamo is a training centre for network courses.

The language of instruction depends on the country and the programme. Some programmes outside English-speaking countries are taught in English, such as the Fontys bachelor's degree; in Spain and Argentina teaching is mainly in Spanish. Check the language and the entry requirements of each programme before applying.

Careers

ICT graduates work as software developers, systems and network administrators, support and communications technicians, security specialists, data analysts and IT consultants, in technology companies and in the IT departments of every other kind of organisation. TodoFP lists systems administration technician, head of IT and communications services technician among the jobs for holders of the Spanish network administration title.

The BLS projects overall employment in computer and information technology occupations in the United States to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. It expects about 280,000 openings each year, on average, from growth and from the need to replace workers who leave.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ICT and IT?

The terms overlap. IT (information technology) usually refers to computing systems and software; ICT adds the communications side: networks, the internet and telecommunications. Many schools use the two names for similar programmes.

Can I study ICT in English outside an English-speaking country?

Yes. The Bachelor of ICT at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, for example, is taught in English, takes four years and starts in February and September.

Is there a vocational route into ICT in Spain?

Yes. The professional family of computing and communications has an intermediate title in microcomputer systems and networks and higher-level titles in network systems administration and in multiplatform and web application development. The higher-level cycles in network administration and multiplatform development have 2,000 hours.

How many credits does a university degree in this field have in Spain?

An official bachelor's degree has 240 ECTS credits. An official master's degree adds 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.