Masters Degrees (Information System)

About he course

Aberystwyth University’s MA/Diploma in Information and Library Studies will equip you with the highly desirable skills employers need to manage their most valuable assets in our global ‘information economy’. You will be able to identify, organise, retrieve and make accessible information across paper, electronic and multimedia formats. This MA or Diploma will equip you to fulfil the essential role that companies and professional bodies need to compete effectively in a fast-moving national and international business environment. This course features a range of optional modules which allow you to direct your studies into areas which particularly fascinate you.

The MA and Diploma are accredited by both CILIP and the Institute of Information Scientists making it one of the best courses for professional practice.

The Department of Information Studies at Aberystwyth has an impressive track record. In the department’s forty years of teaching, we have produced some of the UK's, and indeed the world's, leading librarians and information professionals. Our alumni include two national librarians (Scotland and former Wales), the first black national librarian in South Africa, and the Director of the Bureau for Library and Information Services at the United Nations.

You can tailor your learning towards a wide range of career paths, such as children and schools work (with the Focus on the Child: Children's Literature and Schools Libraries and Learning Resources modules) and business services (including the modules on Business Information Services, and Management Information Systems).

This highly practical course is built around a variety of reports, essays, presentations, and case studies which will enable you to relate theoretical knowledge to the workplace. These challenges will also encourage you to improve your ICT, personal management and interpersonal skills, making you into a well-rounded, competent and highly employable individual.

This degree will suit you:

• If you wish to obtain a Masters degree or Diploma from one of the UK’s leading departments;
• If you wish to gain the knowledge and skills for professional work within Information and Library fields;
• If you wish to work in various types of information and library services or gain transferable skills for the pursuit of related careers such as media management and book publishing;
• If you wish to continue your studies to a more advanced level through undertaking further postgraduate level research.

Course structure and content

The course curriculum will focus on both theory and practice but you will be actively encouraged to draw upon any relevant experience that you have already acquired. Course visits to relevant organisations and guest lectures, will further enhance your exposure to professional practice.

Semester 1: core modules addressing the information society, the organisation and retrieval of information as well as the provision of information services.

Semester 2: core modules covering both organisational management and the management of collections.

There is also the opportunity to complement these core modules with an optional module which will enable you to develop an area of special interest. In addition to these taught modules, you will also be able to access a series of research training sessions that will help to prepare you for the 15,000 word Masters dissertation in Semester 3.

Semester 3: 15,000 word Masters dissertation

With staff guidance and support, here you will have to the opportunity to conduct a piece of independent research within the information and library field. Not only will this enable you to further develop a specialism, but you will also acquire a range of transferrable research skills that are highly desirable in today’s employment market.

Core modules:

Information Organisation and Retrieval
Information Services: Planning for Delivery
Information and Society
Collection Management
Studies in Management
Dissertation

Optional modules:

Digital Information: Management for Access and Preservation
Rare Books and Special Collections
Records and Information Governance

Contact time

Contact time is 6-10 hours a week during the first two semesters. In semester three you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned dissertation supervisor.

Assessment

The taught part of the course, which is 120 credits, is delivered and assessed through lectures, student seminars, practical exercises, case studies and course work. Successful completion of 60 credits of taught modules makes you eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate, 120 credits gives eligibility for a CILIP accredited Postgraduate Diploma, or successful completion of your postgraduate dissertation leads to an accredited Master’s degree.

Accreditation

The Masters degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Institute of Information Scientists. Graduates will have a qualification which is recognised for admission to the Register of Chartered Librarians (subject to the Institute's chartership regulations).

Employability

Every aspect of the Aberystwyth University’s Masters in Information and Library Studies programme is designed to enhance your employability. Successful completion of this degree is in itself certain to do so by building your CV; but more significant is the hugely enhanced array of knowledge, abilities and skills with which you will graduate.

As a graduate, you will possess a wealth of subject-specific expertise, such as a thorough understanding of how ethical, legal, and social factors affect the flow of information; information literacy and the effect of 'information deprivation'; and the ongoing challenges of organising, storing, and retrieving information. You will also be confident in the use of system and their tools which you will use to order, store and retrieve information. These skills, which are fundamental to the subject, are applicable across a diverse array of workplaces. Likewise, the study skills, research methods and interpersonal awareness that you will learn within the context of study can be applied in any place of work where people and systems meet. In such situations, you will be at a tremendous advantage over your competitors.

As information is increasingly recognised as a core resource for organisations of all kinds, the range of posts to which our graduates progress widens all the time. In addition to the traditional library and information service sector, our graduates also go on to work as Information Officers, Information Managers, Information Systems Officers, Information Analysts and Computer Systems Officers. The most prestigious of our alumni include two national librarians (Scotland and former Wales), the newly appointed first black national librarian in South Africa, and the Director of the Bureau for Library and Information Services at the United Nations. In addition, companies which acknowledge the value of information also benefit from our graduates’ information skills when applied to the areas of management, sales, production or marketing. Your personal adaptability, coupled with the critical information and library skills, will make you a strong candidate for any post where excellence in organisations and systems management is prized.

Study in a practical context

The content of this MA/Diploma is weighted in favour of mastering the practical applications of Information and Library Studies. The University of Aberystwyth boasts library resources which are amongst the best in Europe. The Department’s specialist Thomas Parry Library is one of the leading libraries for Information Studies. As a student, you will have access to this exceptional resource where you can apply your learning in activities which will convert the purely academic theory into the proven know-how of experience.

In addition to this, you will also have access to the University's Hugh Owen Library which houses more than 700,000 volumes and subscribes to more than 3,500 current periodicals. Also, the National Library for Wales next to the campus is one of the UK's five copyright libraries housing more than 6,000,000 volumes. In addition to the University's computing facilities, you will also have access to the Department's own extensive computer workstation rooms, all housed in a purpose built Department on the attractive Llanbadarn campus.

Skills in management of systems and stakeholders

The MA/Diploma is designed to give you a broad knowledge of a range of transferable skills that you can apply in a variety of research interests, particularly in your Masters dissertation. A significant proportion of postgraduate jobs demand management abilities; this course aims to support your progression into professional employment beyond by including such training.

You will become well versed in contemporary management theory and practice of relevance to the management of the relationship between information and organisations. You will learn to analyse and control how information is transmitted to users, including access to information and measurement of use. The monitoring an analysis of data is crucial to the success of business organisations and initiatives. Mastering it will enable you to manage within a changing and turbulent environment and provide you with an understanding of the inter-relationship of the organisation with its customers and stakeholders.

As business relies on meeting needs, this training will be a significant advantage to you when you enter the jobs market.

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We’re proud to have worked with local experts and employers to ensure our graduates have all the skills industry demands. Gain advanced level skills in the design, implementation and support of information systems. Explore infrastructure, application software and security measures.

Your course will have a new home in Compass House, which will extend our campus along East Road. You’ll have the latest technology at your fingertips and be able to collaborate with other students on innovative projects to hone your skills.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/computer-science

We’ll cover all aspects of technologies and user environments, along with the skills to create and manage IT solutions. This will include how to apply hardware and software technology to complex user requirements, and ensure their systems are secure. You’ll diagnose problems and respond to operational challenges.

You’ll gain practical experience in our advanced computing laboratories, setting up infrastructure and creating database applications, multimedia tools, browsers and server architecture.

Our course keeps you up-to-date with latest topics and developments in areas such as web applications and e-business engineering. Along the way you’ll acquire the research skills you need to prepare you for your dissertation.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/computer-science

There is currently a continued growth in demand for specialists in computer science and our course builds on the subject's core principles, with a specific focus on the issues involved in implementing and maintaining an information system, as well as its design and development.

This course aims to provide you with:
• the intellectual competencies to pursue personal career goals and aspirations within the IT industry
• the ability to design and implement an information system
• skills to respond to challenging situations, including problem diagnosis, and confidence in selecting appropriate solutions
• an awareness of the moral and ethical issues that an information system might impact on, and the ability to implement IT strategies to • conform with appropriate moral and ethical guideline constraints
• the ability to evaluate the security of existing information systems and to encapsulate appropriate secure controls with the design of such systems

It will cover relevant aspects of software development, design and the technical infrastructures of an information system. During your studies you will be expected to develop software applications to support databases, multimedia tools, browsers, servers and to set up the infrastructure to support them.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:
• utilise an extensive, in-depth knowledge of the concepts and theory of information systems and their design
• communicate an awareness of current research and developments within the discipline, which you can evaluate and critically appraise
• recognise your obligations to function in a professional, moral and ethical way
• interact with others to manage the implications of ethical dilemmas that information systems and scenarios produce, and proactively formulate solutions
• exhibit an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of information systems design and implementation
• undertake the analysis of complex information systems scenarios even when the scenario is incomplete or contradictory, and communicate the outcome in a coherent, complete and useful form
• apply your knowledge of the discipline, both at a fundamental and leading-edge level to synthesise information which may be innovative
• act autonomously at a professional level when developing information system-based solutions, particularly when involving complex and unpredictable scenarios

Careers

You’ll learn how to lead teams, preparing you for management roles including; support expert, systems administrator or internet software developer. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move up to our Computer Science PhD.

Core modules:

Developing Web Applications
e-Business Engineering
IT Infrastructures
Secure Systems
Research Methods
Postgraduate Major Project

Assessment

We’ll assess the application of your technical knowledge through written assignments, software projects, presentations, and a dissertation module.

Specialist facilities

In our computer science laboratories you’ll have access to a range of different desktops, servers and operating systems. You’ll have the additional advantage of free access to a range of software resources from the Microsoft Academic Alliance. Our Netlab gives you 24hr remote access to software.

Your faculty

The Faculty of Science & Technology is one of the largest of five faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full- or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, to a BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science and technology fields. This is key to all of our futures.

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Information drives businesses. Without it, they cease to function. Whether for day-to-day operations or strategic decision-making, there is an imperative to record, manage and use information.

The Master of Business Information Systems (MBIS) prepares you for careers in systems design, planning and management, as well as knowledge and information management. You gain the expertise to design solutions to business information problems, and to offer strategic guidance to organisations that will enhance their management and governance.

As an MBIS graduate, you may find work as a business analyst, systems analyst, consultant, project leader, IT manager, information management specialist, archivist or librarian.

The MBIS caters to students from a variety of backgrounds. If you do not have previous training in IT, the course includes preparatory units that will give you the IT knowledge needed for the remainder of the course. However, if you already have a degree in IT, you can accelerate your study with an exemption from these preparatory units, or perhaps study further elective units in areas of your choice.

The course gives you an opportunity to explore a wide range of areas, from enterprise systems, information systems design, and business intelligence to IT strategy and project management.

If your interests lie in information and knowledge management, you can pursue a specialisation in Archives and Recordkeeping or Librarianship and Information Science, accredited by professional organisations.

In your final semester, you may take part in an Industry Experience program, working in a small team with industry mentors to develop entrepreneurial IT solutions. Or you may undertake a minor-thesis research project, investigating cutting-edge problems in BIS under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers.

High-achieving students who complete the research component may progress to further research study.

The MBIS is accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/business-information-systems-c6003?domestic=true

Overview

The course has a general form and also provides students with the option to specialise in archives and recordkeeping, and library and information science. Students may study the general form, complete either specialisation or combine both specialisations. The specialisations are not available to Malaysia, on-campus students.

Career opportunities

The highly flexible course structure opens up a variety of career opportunities. Graduates of the program will be expected to play leading professional roles in the field locally and overseas.

Please select a specialisation for more details:

Archives and recordkeeping

Records managers and archivists ensure that vital records of social and organisational activity are created, managed and made available to business for accountability, corporate memory, enterprise knowledge and cultural purposes. Work settings include most major private and public sector organisations, and archival institutions. Knowledge managers are concerned with developing strategies and processes for managing organisational knowledge and knowledge flows to achieve organisational goals, enhance performance and add value. A particular concern is developing an environment conducive to the creation, sharing and application of organisational knowledge, and systems that support these processes.

Business information systems studies

The general form of the course gives students the skills and knowledge to solve organisational information problems. The course caters for students who would like to be business analysts, information systems consultants and IT managers. Students will learn about information technology principles, systems analysis and design, enterprise architecture and systems, IT management and governance and project management. Students can select from a range of business information systems units to focus their studies in several areas of interest including business intelligence, user experience design and business process modelling.

Library and information science

Librarians and information specialists manage information and provide information services to clients in a wide range of contexts. They are concerned with analysing information needs, solving information problems, evaluating information sources, organising information, synthesising information into targeted information products, and training clients in the use of information products, services and systems. They work for commercial, government and community sector organisations, for information consultancies and as independent information brokers.

Course Structure

The course is structured in three parts, A, B and C. All students complete Part B (core studies). Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A (foundation studies) or Part C (advanced studies) or a combination of the two.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

PART A. Foundations for advanced business information systems
These units provide an introduction to information systems and business concepts, including system design and analysis as applied in professional practice. You will learn basic software programming and development concepts and database technology.

These units are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

PART B. Core Master's study
These studies draw on best practices within business information systems to gain critical understanding of the theories and practice relating to information systems and business process design, IT strategy, IT governance, IT management and related issues. Your study will focus on project management as well as a choice of several areas of enterprise IT and information management practice.

PART C. Advanced practice
The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work in the broad realm of business information systems.

You have two options.

The first is a minor thesis research program, consisting of a research project and a research methods training unit. Students wishing to use this Masters course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this first option.

The second option is a program of coursework involving advanced study and an Industry experience studio project.

Students completing the combined specialisation Archives and Recordkeeping/Library and Information Science complete the industry experience program.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to information systems, will receive credit for Part C, however, should they wish to complete a research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/information-technology

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/business-information-systems-c6003?domestic=true#making-the-application

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About the course

Aberystwyth University’s MA/Diploma in Information and Library Studies by distance learning will equip you with the highly desirable skills employers need to manage their most valuable assets in our global ‘information economy’. You will be able to identify, organise, retrieve and make accessible information across paper, electronic and multimedia formats. This MA or Diploma will equip you to fulfil the essential role that companies and professional bodies need to compete effectively in a fast-moving national and international business environment.

The MA and Diploma are accredited by both CILIP and the Institute of Information Scientists making it one of the best courses for professional practice.

The Department of Information Studies at Aberystwyth has an impressive track record. In the department’s forty years of teaching, we have produced some of the UK's, and indeed the world's, leading librarians and information professionals. Our alumni include two national librarians (Scotland and former Wales), the first black national librarian in South Africa, and the Director of the Bureau for Library and Information Services at the United Nations.

This course features an extensive list of optional modules which allow you to direct your studies into areas which particularly fascinate you.

As a Distance Learner in employment, you should find that your work experience enhances your studies, while your studies enable you to reflect on your work experience in new ways. Your studies can also help you to promote the best current practice in your workplace.

Although this postgraduate programme is primarily designed to meet the needs of those who wish to work in various types of information and library services, you can exploit the transferable skills mastered during the programme to pursue careers in related professions (e.g. media management and book publishing), or continue your studies to a more advanced level through undertaking further postgraduate level research.

This degree will suit you:

•If you wish to obtain a Masters degree or Diploma from one of the UK’s leading departments;
•If you wish to gain the knowledge and skills for professional work within Information and Library fields;
•If you wish to work in various types of information and library services or gain transferable skills for the pursuit of related careers such as media management and book publishing;
•If you wish to continue your studies to a more advanced level through undertaking further postgraduate level research.

Course content

Core modules:

Collection Management
Dissertation
Information Organisation and Retrieval
Information Services: Planning for Delivery
Information and Society
Research in the Profession
Studies in Management

Optional modules:

Archive Management: Principles & Techniques
Digital Information : Discovery to Delivery
Digital Preservation
Focus on the Child : Reading and Libraries
Knowledge and Information Architecture
Music Librarianship
Publishing and the Web:Exploring New Technologies
Rare Books Librarianship i
Rare Books Librarianship ii
Records and Information Governance

Contact time

Contact time can be arranged remotely with your tutor. Attendance at at least two study schools is required and these provide the main contact.

Assessment

The programme is assessed on the basis of coursework in Part One and the dissertation in Part Two. Successful completion of Part One allows the award of a Diploma. The subsequent successful submission of your research dissertation (Part Two) leads to the award of an MA.

Accreditation

The Masters degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Institute of Information Scientists. Graduates will have a qualification which is recognised for admission to the Register of Chartered Librarians (subject to the Institute's chartership regulations). Please note that the Diploma qualification is recognised as an accredited course.

Employability

Every aspect of the Aberystwyth University’s Masters in Information and Library Studies programme is designed to enhance your employability. Successful completion of this degree is in itself certain to do so by building your CV; but more significant is the hugely enhanced array of knowledge, abilities and skills with which you will graduate.

As a graduate, you will possess a wealth of subject-specific expertise, such as a thorough understanding of how ethical, legal, and social factors affect the flow of information; information literacy and the effect of 'information deprivation'; and the ongoing challenges of organising, storing, and retrieving information. You will also be confident in the use of system and their tools which you will use to order, store and retrieve information. These skills, which are fundamental to the subject, are applicable across a diverse array of workplaces. Likewise, the study skills, research methods and interpersonal awareness that you will learn within the context of study can be applied in any place of work where people and systems meet. In such situations, you will be at a tremendous advantage over your competitors.

As information is increasingly recognised as a core resource for organisations of all kinds, the range of posts to which our graduates progress widens all the time. In addition to the traditional library and information service sector, our graduates also go on to work as Information Officers, Information Managers, Information Systems Officers, Information Analysts and Computer Systems Officers. The most prestigious of our alumni include two national librarians (Scotland and former Wales), the first black national librarian in South Africa, and the Director of the Bureau for Library and Information Services at the United Nations. In addition, companies which acknowledge the value of information also benefit from our graduates’ information skills when applied to the areas of management, sales, production or marketing. Your personal adaptability, coupled with the critical information and library skills, will make you a strong candidate for any post where excellence in organisations and systems management is prized.

Study in a Practical Context

The content of this MA/Diploma is weighted in favour of mastering the practical applications of Information and Library Studies. The University of Aberystwyth boasts library resources which are amongst the best in Europe. The Department’s specialist Thomas Parry Library is one of the leading libraries for Information Studies. As a student, you will have access to this exceptional resource where you can apply your learning in activities which will convert the purely academic theory into the proven know-how of experience.

In addition to this, you will also have access to the University's Hugh Owen Library which houses more than 700,000 volumes and subscribes to more than 3,500 current periodicals. Also, the National Library for Wales next to the campus is one of the UK's five copyright libraries housing more than 6,000,000 volumes. In addition to the University's computing facilities, you will also have access to the Department's own extensive computer workstation rooms, all housed in a purpose built Department on the attractive Llanbadarn campus.

Skills in Management of Systems and Stakeholders

The MA/Diploma is designed to give you a broad knowledge of a range of transferable skills that you can apply in a variety of research interests, particularly in your Master’s dissertation. A significant proportion of postgraduate jobs demand management abilities; this course aims to support your progression into professional employment beyond by including such training.

You will become well versed in contemporary management theory and practice of relevance to the management of the relationship between information and organisations. You will learn to analyse and control how information is transmitted to users, including access to information and measurement of use. The monitoring an analysis of data is crucial to the success of business organisations and initiatives. Mastering it will enable you to manage within a changing and turbulent environment and provide you with an understanding of the inter-relationship of the organisation with its customers and stakeholders.

As business relies on meeting needs, this training will be a significant advantage to you when you enter the jobs market.

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The overall aim of this MSc is to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work within the IT security profession. It takes advantage of Lancaster having recently been awarded the highly prestigious status of an EPSRC-GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, and combines advanced technical skills with disciplines such as Economics, Risk Management, Psychology and Social Science. Its strength and uniqueness lies in its multidisciplinary nature, merging expertise from across Lancaster’s faculties to educate the next generation of security specialists.

The technical modules within the degree offer the skills and knowledge required to enable students to obtain the industrially recognised professional qualifications of CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

Modules
• A Research or Industrially Focused Dissertation
• Cybercrime
• Information System Forensic Investigation
• Information System Penetration and Countermeasures
• Information System Risk Management
• Information System Security Management
• Introduction to Law for Cyber Security Specialists
• Network and System Security
• Security and Conflict in the Digital Age

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The demand for information technology specialists is steadily rising all over the world. The European Commission believes that even in a 'stagnation' scenario, demand for IT specialists will exceed supply within the EU, while all forecasts suggest that, as economic growth resumes, the demand for IT expertise will be even greater.

This innovative course responds to the latest developments in business practice. It examines the broader issues of business imperatives and technology responses that have changed the way information systems are perceived. It also addresses the key aspects of contemporary business information systems, from requirements analysis, system modelling and design to the development of modern software solutions and databases that can be incorporated into fully operational information systems.

The course provides an excellent vehicle for challenging postgraduate study, which will develop your skills for employment and professional life. The course is aimed both at graduates with a good Honours degree in an IT or computing-related discipline, and at practitioners who want to further their careers, update their technical skills and deepen their knowledge of emerging technologies.

Course content

You will explore the latest technologies and industry standard, with a particular emphasis on the web, internet applications, enterprise information system, service-oriented and component-based development, and similar areas. By examining issues such as security, privacy and ethics in information system, you will enhance your understanding of societal use of information system. Embedded into the course are three themes that enable you to specialise your studies in contemporary information systems, enterprise-wide information system, or application development. Your course project consolidates the taught subjects of the course, while giving you the opportunity to pursue in-depth study in your chosen area.

Teaching methods include lectures, student-led activity and smaller, instructor-led groups. Your coursework will range from presentations and group investigations to software development or research review. Taught modules may be assessed entirely through coursework, or may include a two-hour exam at the end of the year.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-ARCHITECTURES, DESIGN AND DEPLOYMENT OF IS
-RESEARCH METHODS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
-BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT
-REQUIREMENTS AND SYSTEM MODELLING

Option modules
-BUSINESS SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING
-COMPUTING FOR BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
-DATA MANAGEMENT AND REPOSITORIES
-DATA VISUALISING AND DASHBOARDING
-DATA WAREHOUSING AND OLAP
-DATABASE LANGUAGES
-ENTERPRISE UTILITY COMPUTING
-IT BUSINESS MODELS
-PROJECT MANAGEMENT
-SEMANTIC AND COLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
-WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYTICS
-WEB-ENABLED DATABASE APPLICATIONS

Associated careers

Graduates can expect to find employment as business intelligence consultants, business systems analysts and designers, enterprise consultants and managers, ETL marketers, and ETL/OLAP programmers and application developers. Recent graduates have found employment with a range of organisations including Accenture, the British Council, Centaur Holdings PLC, Deutsche Bank, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, GlaxoSmithKline, Home Office, IBM, Logica, Merrill Lynch, Nationwide, PWC, Standard and Poor's, University of Hertfordshire, Taylor Woodrow, and a number of local authorities.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the British computer society for partial fulfilment of the academic requirement for a Chartered IT Professional.

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MSc Geographical Information Management and Applications (GIMA)

Today’s societies require more and more geographical information. Think of physical planning, analyzing the spread of epidemic diseases, risk management, navigation systems, location based services, movement analysis, augmented reality, increasing use of maps and volunteered geographical information.

Our GIMA course offers a comprehensive MSc programme, focusing on the management and application of geographical information from a scientific perspective. Two additional aspects contribute to the uniqueness of the GIMA programme: GIMA is a joint venture involving four renowned Dutch universities: Utrecht, Delft, Twente and Wageningen; and GIMA is a blended learning programme, enabling you to do most of your studying from the place at which you study best (home or office). Only the first and the last week of each module are classroom-based.

Programme Summary

The MSc Geographical Information Management and Applications (GIMA) offers a challenging programme in the domain of Geographical Information Sciences (GIS). It will help you to develop your knowledge and skills in the field of geo-information management and geo-information applications. As a future geo-information specialist, you have to address a wide number of fundamental issues in today’s society such as: Why is geographical information needed and how can it be used to solve problems in the broadest variety of application fields (in flood risk management, spatial planning, location-based services, orientation and navigation, location of sales outlets, spatial aspects of crime, dealing with natural hazards and humanitarian disasters)? How can proof-of-concept geo-information and geo-information technology based solutions for societal problems be designed and implemented and how can the quality and usabiliy be evaluated? What are appropriate concepts, methods and techniques for the management of geo-information and geo-information processes, which may involve multidisciplinary teamwork?
The GIMA programme deals with all of these issues and, teaches, among other things, how to apply and manage geo-information in organisations and projects by critically understanding and using state-of-the-art geo-information theories and technology.

Features of the programme

This Master programme is offered by four renowned universities in the Netherlands: Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, University of Twente and Wageningen University. As a student, you have access to the large pool of experts from all four universities. You can choose between a full-time (two years) or parttime (four years) programme. Exemptions are possible for students who have relevant working experience, making it possible to complete a part-time programme in approximately three years. GIMA is a blended learning programme. It consists of distance learning (85%) with contact weeks at the four universities (15%).

Your future career

Graduates have excellent career prospects. The demand for managers and application specialists in geo-information in the professional market is constantly increasing. Our alumni are employed in both the private and public sector (by companies, consultancies, government organizations and research institutes) as managers, specialists and researchers. APPLICATION AND ADMISSION This programme is registered in CROHO as MSc Geographical Sciences at Utrecht University, code 60732. Application for GIMA proceeds through Utrecht University. The application deadline is 1 June 2015 for the programme that starts in September 2015. All information about application and admission requirements can be found at the GIMA website http://www.msc-gima.nl.

Alumna Gineke Snoeren.
Business consultant at ESRI Nederland. “GIS offers many opportunities and will become more important in future. That is why I decided to enrol in this programme. The course has 2 advantages. First, it does not focus solely on GIS techniques, but also at management. Second, the blended learning system is great because it combines contact teaching with distance learning. You can study in your own time with less contact hours but still contact with teachers and students at set times. Not only Dutch and foreign students take the course, but also people who are already employed in the field of GIS. You learn a lot from each other”.

Related programmes:
MSc Geo-information Science.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course provides cross-disciplinary training in the scientific basis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Satellite Remote Sensing and Earth System Modelling alongside aspects of climate change.

The Geographic Information and Climate Change course places particular emphasis on the technical aspects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Earth Observation as well as the past, present and future global and regional environmental and climatic change.

Graduates from the Geographic Information and Climate Change course will develop hands-on technical knowledge in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing together with a broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climate change, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in either industry or regulating bodies.

It is envisaged that graduates from the MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course will enter careers in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry or regulating body, or indeed be well prepared for a future career in academia.

Key Features

Students of the Geographic Information and Climate Change programme will benefit from exceptional computing facilities that include fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ supercomputer, used mainly for climate and glaciological modelling.

Graduates from the MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course will have broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climatic change and environmental and ecosystem dynamics, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in the environmental service industry, regulating bodies or academia.

Aims:

To provide advanced training in understanding the scientific issues associated with environmental dynamics and climatic change,

To provide graduates entering the environmental service industry or a regulating body with the required practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills; as well as a basic knowledge of current climate policy and environmental management,

To provide graduates continuing their academic career with the required subject specific and transferable skills.

Modules

Please Visit our website for a full description of modules for the Geographic Information and Climate Change MSc.

Fieldwork

The Stackpole residential field course introduces students taking the “Principles of Environmental Dynamics” to some of the major themes of the module: environmental systems, sea-level change and human impact on the environment, in a congenial setting in Pembrokeshire. The environmental issues facing the Stackpole Estate are discussed and placed into a historical perspective through lectures and the analysis of long term environmental records.

Research

We aim to be one of the foremost international centres for research in human and physical geography, and to provide our students with excellent teaching and superb facilities in a friendly atmosphere.

The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Geography at Swansea University is ranked joint 9th in the UK for research impact and 11th in the UK for research environment.

Research groups include:

Environmental Dynamics

Glaciology

Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation

Migration, Boundaries and Identity

Social Theory and Urban Space

Facilities

The Department of Geography is well-resourced to support research: there are two dedicated computer laboratories: One of 24 computers in conjunction with Library and Information Services (LIS) providing general IT software and programmes dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing; One of 10 high-performance Linux workstations delivering software tools for advanced GIS and remote sensing applications.

We have specialist laboratory suites for: stable-isotope ratio analysis; tree ring analysis; extraction and identification of organic compounds; pollen extraction and analysis; rainfall simulation; tephra analysis; soil and sediment characterisation.

In addition, we have recently spent £1.8million on state-of-the-art teaching spaces, including IT facilities, laboratories and flexible teaching spaces.

Student profiles

“I chose to study MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea as I had already enjoyed my undergraduate degree here. I really enjoyed that the course is quite full on, with a lot of independent work but a willingness from lecturers to help with any issues you have. Anyone considering this course I would advise to come to the university and speak with the lecturers about the potential interests they have. You get out what you put in. I want to go into a field that requires some expertise, although I feel as though I will need more experience once in or looking for a job, Swansea has provided the stepping stone for my future career. The lecturers helped me because they take a back seat, but I understand that they are there to support me when I need it. They have allowed me to be independent.”

Alice Nolan, MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change

After completing his MSc in Geographic Information and Climate Change, Thomas went on to earn a position at the Associated British Ports Marine Environmental Research. He said of his time at Swansea – “I chose MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea University because of the funding Available (Access to Master's Scheme) and specific course content (Climate Change and GIS modules). I enjoyed studying topics in greater depth than at undergraduate level, and the opportunity to undertake my dissertation in partnership with an external organisation. The lecturers were highly approachable throughout the course, and were always available for advice outside of lectures and seminars. Studying at Master's level in Swansea provided the opportunity to build upon the knowledge and skills I acquired as an undergraduate. For example, completing my Master's dissertation in partnership with an external company enabled development of my communication and organisational skills, as well as my ability to synthesize research. These skills have been vital for development of my career in the marine consulting sector.”

Thomas Perks, MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change

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Study computer and information systems security on a course that combines academic teaching, industry input and practical skills development.

The course has four main focuses

• information security management
• ethical hacking
• system hardening
• computer forensics

This course is ideal if you are already working in an information technology environment or if you wish to specialise in the field of information security. After successfully completing it, you gain industry-recognised certifications that will assist you in progressing further in this field.

You focus on both the technical and managerial aspects of information security. The technically-focused modules involve you exploring a range of systems, tools and techniques at the cutting edge of technology. The managerial-focused modules give you an appreciation of the role information security has in an organisation and how it can be implemented and managed.

On this course you

• develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to work as a computing security professional.
• learn the concepts, principles, techniques and methodologies you need to design and assess complex networks, systems and applications.
• develop the practical experience you need to plan, perform and direct security audits of information systems to the level required by standard security frameworks.
• develop the effective and appropriate communication skills you need to be a security professional.

Free training and certification exam

Thanks to our association with BSI Learning, you are entitled to attend the BSI ISO27001 Lead Auditor course and take the official exam which allows you to become accredited as a BSI certified lead auditor.

Our ethical hacking module is aligned with the CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) syllabus providing graduates with industry recognised and desired skills.

BSI lead auditor qualification

• ISO27001 Lead Auditor

BSI courses are delivered by approved BSI trainers and qualified ISO27001 lead auditors. As part of the course you receive the same course material as the official BSI training courses.

Guest Speakers from industry

Due to our strong ties with industry we regularly have special guest speakers. Recent speakers have included industry professionals from Mozilla, South Yorkshire Police, RSA and Blackberry.

Ethical Hacking

In 2014 Sheffield Hallam hosted the North of England's first Ethical Hacking Conference Steelcon. This is set to be an annual event with 2015's event already booked.

Course structure

We developed this course along two main lines.

The first covers the principles and issues of security design concerning systems and systems integration, web and operating system based applications and communication networks.

The second addresses the methodologies and development of skills required to perform security assessments of complex information systems.

Semester one modules

• Information security concepts and principles
• Network security
• Systems and application security
• Web applications and e-commerce security

Semester two modules

• BSI ISO27001 lead auditor
• Group-based case study with capture the flag

Options

• Computer forensics and incident response
• Information security management
• Incident handling and hacking techniques (ethical hacking)

Semester three modules

You study research methods and do a substantial research project leading to a dissertation.

Assessment

Group and individual coursework. You also do a range of

• problem solving assignments
• workshops
• practical projects
• research activities.

Employability

On this course, you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work in many different positions, from technical to management roles.

The Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) has highlighted the following specialisms in the area.

Strategy, policy, governance

• strategist • policy manager • information technology services officer (ITSO) • department security officer (DSO) • chief information security officer (CISO)

Risk management, verification and compliance

• risk analyst • risk assessor • business information security officer • reviewer • auditor

Incident and threat management and response

• incident manager • threat manager • forensics (computer analyst, mobile and network analyst) • computer security incident response team (CSIRT) • attack investigator • malware analyst • penetration tester • disaster recovery • business continuity

Operations and security management

• network security officer • systems security officer • information security officer • crypto custodian • information manager

Engineering, architecture and design

• architect • designer • development • secure coding • software design and development • applications development • security tools • implementation

Education, training and awareness

• security programme manager

Research

• security researcher

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as HSBC, Citrix, and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

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This programme aims to prepare students for a successful career in the IT sector, even if they do not have a prior degree in computer science. It enables students who have studied computer science previously to expand their knowledge and acquire further skills across a broader range of computer science topics.

Taught modules address mobile and cloud computing, big data and database systems, and the importance of information security, in relation to the foundational information systems principles.

This programme will equip you with professional skills that will allow you to work as an IT consultant/manager, system architect/analyst, or software developer in any industry field that heavily relies on software and information technology.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over three academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Dissertation
• Information Systems Development
• HTML5 and CSS3 for Mobile Applications 
• Information Security Management 
• Information and Network Security 
• Practical Business Analytics 
• Database Systems 
• Project Management and Business Strategy
• Cloud Computing 
• Information Security for Business and Government

Educational aims of the programme

The aims of the programme are to:

• Prepare students for a range of computing related careers
• Enable students to understand, design and apply information systems and software development technologies
• Enable students to develop interest and basic skills for doing research in computer science
• Enable students to realise their full potential for learning and communication
• Enable students to appreciate rapid innovation and creativity in computer science

Programme learning outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

Students will gain an understanding of:

• The principles of information systems and software development
• The principles and applications of contents technologies
• The practice of information systems and software development
• The professional issues involved in the exploitation of computing
• The areas of emergent and innovative computing technologies
• The key research issues in information and software systems

Intellectual / cognitive skills

Students will be able to:

• Understand and articulate the requirements of the users of software systems / applications
• Succinctly present, to a range of audience, knowledge relevant to the building, testing and deployment of a system
• Research and develop solutions through the application of systems analysis / software engineering methods

Professional practical skills

Students will gain the ability to:

• Specify, design and develop software systems and applications
• Critically evaluate software systems and tools
• Work as a member of a development team
• Communicate with potential and actual users and to understand their needs
• Retrieve Information
• Analyse data and present information in appropriate ways
• Plan, research, manage and implement a major project

Key / transferable skills

Students will gain skills in:

• Research and information retrieval skills
• Numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative dimension
• Time management and organisational skills
• Self-learning skills
• Effective use of specialist IT facilities
• Continuing professional development

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Expand your understanding of information systems and their design and development.

All organisations require information systems to operate efficiently and competitively, so we have developed this programme based on the techniques of developing such computer based application systems.

The course is structured to develop your knowledge of information systems to an advanced level in a relatively short time and provide you with the skills employers require.

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Information-Systems-Development-Postgraduate-FullTime

What you'll learn

You will focus on how these systems work, how the requirements for them are established and how they are designed and developed. You will gain an overview of the importance of systems to organisations as well as gain technical and communication skills which the industry values.

Develop an understanding of information systems management and development in organisations, and learn how to design and implement information systems solutions.

You will also gain transferable skills in project management, time management and communication. This course is studied full-time over one year or part-time over two and a half years.

Modules

PgCert:
• Software Development
• Information Systems Engineering
• Computer Systems and Database Systems.

PgDip:
• Web Design and Development
• Software Development or Web-enabled Business
• Information Systems group project or Management of Software Project

MSc:
• Dissertation

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

You may find employment in computer departments of organisations as a trainee programmer, software engineer, system builder, analyst or system tester. Alternatively, you could move into business as a graduate trainee, particularly where a good understanding of information systems, and their potential, is valuable. This degree and the experience you will gain of creating and commissioning computer solutions can open up new opportunities in your existing area.

Study Mode

This is a full-time course studied over one year. It requires an intensive period of study, involving lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. As a full-time student you'll take three 20 credit modules per trimester for the first two trimesters, and then complete a Project.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-information-systems-development-postgraduate-fulltime

This course is also available part-time, with one or two modules studied per trimester.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/msc-information-systems-development-postgraduate-parttime

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

Fees and Funding

We have lots of funding options available such as the postgraduate tuition fee loan for Scottish & EU students, specifics scholarships for students from North or South America, Asia and Africa, as well as bursaries & grants for those closer to home in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Please see our website for up-to-date information about fee and funding and what you could be eligible for.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

Information for International Students

For applications whose first language is not English, the following is generally required: minimum IELTS 6.0, with no individual component score of less than 5.5 or equivalent. We also offer a range of pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme. Please see our website for up-to-date information.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/international-students/english-language/english-language-requirements

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Why study Integrated Climate System Sciences in Hamburg?

The MSc program in Integrated climate system Sciences (ICSS) offers courses in all fields of climate system sciences. At present, the program allows the specialization in one of following three tracks:

• physics of the climate system;
• biogeochemistry of the climate system;
• climate related economics and social sciences.

All courses are held in English. Class size is limited to 20 students. Our research oriented study program has been accredited by ASIIN in 2010.

Six good reasons to apply at SICSS

• Be part of the Cluster of Excellence CliSAP at KlimaCampus Hamburg and study all aspects of the climate system.
• Benefit from a structured study program.
• Take the advantage of having the choice to give your study program either an "in-depth" or an "interdisciplinary" focus.
• Have access to an exciting environment conducive to science and education, and use the extraordinary resources at the KlimaCampus.
• Make use of our support program and prepare yourself for your chosen career field.
• Feel at home in an international atmosphere and enjoy living in Hamburg.

Curriculum for Integrated Climate System Sciences

Your curriculum for the two-year ICSS master`s program is subdivided into four semesters with mandatory courses, elective courses for specialization and the preparation of your master’s thesis. The curriculum starts from a firm basis in climate physics (and in particular climate modeling) but adds the equally important aspects of global and regional biogeochemical cycling and puts all this into a broader context, including economic as well as societal implications. SICSS courses comprise a wide range of atmospheric, hydrospheric, cryospheric, pedospheric and biospheric sciences, as well as introductions and specializations into economics, social geography, media sciences and conflict research to shed light on climate system science from different perspectives.

You will start your studies with mandatory courses in research skills, as well as natural and social science foundation courses in climate system sciences.
The main goal of the second semester is to broaden your knowledge across the climate science disciplines. You will choose courses from at least two of the three possible program tracks.
The third semester features the Climate Study Project, which includes an integrated seminar and a scientific writing course to prepare you for the master thesis. You will find your personal supervisor and work closely together with a CliSAP research group.
The fourth and final semester is reserved for the master’s thesis.

Please find more information on the curriculum on our website: http://www.clisap.de/grad-school/msc-program/your-curriculum/.

Your future career

Become a climate expert! Depending on your personal interests, you will be well prepared and equipped for an international career in both applied and fundamental research, as well as for positions in government or business.

After graduation our students successfully work as:
• researchers in the fields of natural, social and economic sciences, while maintaining a strong focus on the climate system and its past, present and future changes.
• consultants in the public service and private business sectors, and in non-governmental organizations.
• experts in national and international organizations working in the field of development cooperation.

Start your studies

The SICSS Office is your main contact for information and will support you with a comprehensive and practical “welcome service” by assisting with enrollment, visa application, health insurance, registration with local authorities, opening of a bank account and support in finding accommodations.

As an incoming master’s student you will receive support from a personal buddy. This personal buddy is one of the MSc ICSS students and will accompany you from the start of your travel and study planning to your arrival and during your first days in Hamburg. SICSS also offers an Orientation Week for all new first semester students, including information on your study program and excursions to climate-related institutions and sites.

Tuition fees and other costs

There are no tuition fees at the Universität Hamburg and foreign students who are enrolled do not pay tuition. However, there are other fees. The semester fee at the Universität Hamburg is currently 305 Euros. Upon receipt of the semester fee the university will issue your semester documents, including a pass for the public transport system in Hamburg. Upon your request, the SICSS Office will provide information about living expenses in Hamburg and Germany.

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Information technology (IT) is all around us, forming the very destiny of our lives…our world. IT advances a wide array of disciplines, such as engineering, business and medicine, and even art and archaeology.

The Master of Information Technology (MIT) provides the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technology. You learn to create innovative IT solutions in your chosen area, in order to work in the industry at the highest levels.

As an MIT graduate, you could become a software engineer, an enterprise data architect, a mobile systems analyst, or even a chief technology officer.

The MIT caters to students from a variety of backgrounds. If you do not have previous training in IT, the course includes preparatory units that will give you the IT knowledge needed for the remainder of the course. However, if you already have a degree in IT, you can accelerate your study with an exemption from these preparatory units, or perhaps study further elective units in areas of your choice.

The course offers you the opportunity to explore a wide range of areas, such as software engineering, mobile and distributed systems, project management and machine learning.

In your final semester, you may take part in an Industry Experience program, working in a small team with industry mentors to develop entrepreneurial IT solutions. Or you may undertake a minor-thesis research project, investigating cutting-edge problems in IT under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers.

High-achieving students who complete the research component may progress to further research study.

The MIT is accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/information-technology-c6001?domestic=true

Overview

This course prepares students for work in the information technology industry at the highest levels. It provides students with a previous tertiary qualification in another discipline area with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to deal effectively with advanced issues involving the application of information technology.

Students with previous studies in a technical IT area can complete in three semesters (full-time) by applying for credit for foundation units.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MIT will have the knowledge and skills to solve complex social, economic and technical problems within the context of information technology. Students will develop deep theoretical and practical knowledge in specific areas so that they will have the intellectual and conceptual foundation to play leading roles in the development of the information technology industry.

Course Structure

PART A. Foundations for advanced information technology studies
These studies will provide an orientation to the field of information technology at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field.

PART B. Core Master's study
These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of IT application, theory and practice. You will gain an understanding of information technology real world IT problems and gain problem solving skills. Your study will focus on IT project management, software, network and systems areas.

PART C. Advanced practice
The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options.

The first option is a research pathway including a thesis. Students wishing to use this Masters course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take this first option. For students to be able to progress to HDR, this course must have a minimum 12 points of research.

The second option is a program of coursework involving advanced study and an Industry experience studio project.

Students admitted to the course, who have a recognised honours degree in a discipline cognate to information technology, will receive credit for PART C, however, should they wish to complete a 24 point research project as part of the course they should consult with the course coordinator.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/information-technology

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/information-technology-c6001?domestic=true#making-the-application

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Effective information management is key to the success of any organisation. The MBA Information Management develops knowledgeable and capable executives who will become managers in the IT / computing industry, or in companies in other sectors. The aim of the programme is to provide graduates with a range of management knowledge and skills, together with a thorough foundation in information management, information technology, and its commercial applications. The programme includes topical case studies, and reflects contemporary developments within the sector. The course is suitable for graduates in a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Finance, Social Sciences and other subjects.

Compulsory Modules:

Organisations and People: This module examines key issues arising from contemporary research in organisational behaviour (OB) and human resource management (HRM). It provides an integrated analysis of management, organisations and people, developing the conceptual, strategic and practical skills necessary for managers in complex, global organisational contexts. Specific topics include:

The nature of organisations
Organisation structures: strategy, design and function, job design
Organisation cultures: values, ethics, norms of behaviour
Theories and models of management: classical and contemporary
Individual differences: perception, learning, motivation, equality and diversity
Groups and teams in the organisation
Managing relationships: power, conflict, communication, engagement
Managers as leaders, people developers, coaches
Managing job satisfaction and performance

International Strategic Management: This module analyses strategic decision-making within business. You will develop a critical understanding of the strategic processes of business management, the interconnections with the functional domains of marketing, human resource management and corporate finance, and the management of knowledge systems. Specific topics include:

Concepts of strategic management applicable to business
Prescriptive and emergent strategies
Strategy implementation through capacity building and resource allocation
Managing, monitoring and reviewing strategic change
Organisational designs for strategic advantage
Human resources strategy, marketing and corporate financial strategy
Organisational learning and knowledge management

Management Research: This module analyses the philosophical basis for research in the management sciences, and examines a number of key methodological issues and approaches. Research designs for both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are developed, including interviews, case studies, focus groups, surveys and experiments. Specific topics include:

Research methodologies and philosophy: positivism and interpretivism
Qualitative research methods and the search for meaning
Selecting a research strategy and design
Data gathering, documentary records, triangulation and mixed methods
Content analysis, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, grounded theory
Quantitative research design and methodologies
Univariate and multivariate analysis, factor, cluster and discriminant analysis

Web Technologies: This module provides an understanding of the basic technologies and structures for developing web applications, including internet resource creation, search techniques and programming languages for creating web content. You will create and use multimedia content in web applications, and gain familiarity with technologies for creating secure web applications. Specific topics include:

Internet concepts; networks; ISO 7 layer model; basic network architecture; routing; domain names; email; ftp; telnet; HTTP
WWW concepts; Internet resources; URI, and URI resolution, URL, URN; relation to XML namespaces; search engines; search algorithms; search engine optimisation
JavaScript; PHP; CSS; programming tools and environments
Multimedia; WWW support for multimedia; file compression
Internet Security; Cryptography; standards for the Internet; public key systems; signatures; authentication; trust management; electronic cash; security issues; firewalls
Web programming; HTML; XML; form input; CGI scripting; Perl programming

Finance for Managers: This module is designed for those who aim to achieve a basic understanding of financial management and control, and who require an understanding of finance in order to manage an organisation effectively. Financial planning and control are central themes, as well as the appraisal techniques of investment projects. Specific topics include:

Principles underlying the preparation of accounting information
Recording business transactions
Preparation and analysis of financial statements
Preparation of budgets, financial planning and control
Costing methods, uses and interpretation of cost data
Investment appraisal techniques

Databases: This module shows how to design a database and intelligently query a database using SQL; and provides an introductory level of understanding in database systems. A mini project is carried out towards the end of the module. This project allows you to complete the entire development process, from informal user requirements, to ER/EER modelling, transformation into relations, normalisation, and finally to the SQL commands to create and query the database. Specific topics include:

Characteristics of a relational database
ER/EER modelling of simple applications
Relational model and relational algebra
Transformation of an ER/EER model into a relational database
Normalisation techniques
Uses of SQL language to create and query a database

Technologies for Internet Systems: This module introduces technologies and tools for Internet Systems and e-commerce systems. Technologies and structures for developing web applications are examined. Technical issues for implementing an e-system, and commonly-available technology components, are covered. You will implement a practical web based e-commerce system using relevant technologies, taking into account current market implementation. Specific topics include:

e-commerce ideas and concepts
Internet concepts; networks; basic network architecture; routing; domain names; email; telnet; HTTP
Architectures and technologies, e-payment, e-commerce software and hardware, e-security, auctions
Design and implementation: HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, DOM, SVG
Research awareness: agent-based e-commerce; web services; grid computing; virtual organisations

Information Systems: This module examines the major types and components of Information Systems, their functions, benefits and limitations. The theoretical underpinnings of Information Systems are analysed. You will study the main business and personal uses of Information Systems, and how such systems are developed, procured and deployed. Specific topics include:

Understanding the nature of organisations and the people within them, and their use of information for strategic business purposes
The influence of human and organisational factors on the successful introduction of information systems
Methods and techniques involved in project and programme management
The importance of business processes and techniques for process modelling

Part 2:

For MBA Information Management, you MUST:

Complete two of the following Applied Business Projects: Business Planning; e-Business and Chain Value; Human Resource Management; International Business; Operations Management; Investment and Private Banking.
Write a Computing project, Software Hut. Software Hut is a project in which students (in groups) analyse, design and implement a software product for an organisation.

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Why take this course?

The effective use of information technology is vital to industry and commerce. Our course aims to equip you to work professionally within these environments as an information systems specialist.

In particular, it aims to develop reflective academic skills while providing you with the knowledge and technical skills associated with the development and management of information systems and related software and equipment.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Apply your skills to real-life practical problems as part of the department’s partnership scheme with local and global organisations
Use our fully equipped multi-platform suites and computer labs to enhance your learning experience
Design and develop your own piece of software, hardware, or network system as part of your final project

What opportunities might it lead to?

This course is designed to firmly establish and develop your skills in computer programming, systems analysis and software development in the context of professional business. All companies and organisations rely on information systems for a number of business processes, and IS specialists can really be the competitive advantage in this area meaning that your employment opportunities will be extensive.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).

Module Details

Alongside a selection of key compulsory topics, you’ll also undertake a substantial project. This involves in-depth research, where you will apply the skills and knowledge from the taught part of the course to a practical computing problem, usually supplied by local businesses or other external clients.

Here are the units you will study:

Information Systems Development: The unit prepares and enhances skills for industry with specialisation in the areas of the software process, systems design, object-oriented analysis and relational database development. It provides a balance between theoretical and practical elements.

Information Systems Management: This unit introduces students to the project management of IS/IT developments and encourages understanding of the techniques and methods currently used. It is based on monitoring and managing the activities in a project development life cycle, covering estimating and planning techniques, design, implementation and integration, project team building and motivation, configuration management and risk management. The unit requires students to consider project management techniques applicable to the development of current types of information system and to apply these techniques and methods specifically to the task of website development.

Interaction in Computer Systems: This unit introduces interaction with and by computer systems, and the role of computer systems and data communications in network environments. Concepts of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and ergonomics are introduced to students, and used to analyse and assess interactive systems in terms of accessibility and usability.

Web Development: Website design and development is a central skill for IS professionals. It involves not only a basic understanding of how websites are constructed and served, but also an understanding of how the websites function as part of a user-computer interactive system. This requires a developed understanding both of users and of the information tasks they are trying to perform.

Master's Project: You will undertake either an engineering unit or a study project, during the summer period. The project offers students the opportunity to apply the taught material in the solution of a real-world problem directly related to their course. The engineering project usually involves building a piece of software to solve a problem. An example of the sort of thing you might do would be building an information system to address a specific organisation’s requirements. The study project usually involves undertaking a study of an information systems problem domain. An example of the sort of thing you might do for a study project would be an evaluation of the information systems impact of mobile devices on an organisation.

Programme Assessment

You will be taught using a combination of formal lectures, tutorials and lab sessions. You’ll also be required to spend a significant amount of time in private study, which may involve additional software development or research as appropriate to the topic you are currently studying.

You will encounter a range of assessment styles depending on the content and nature of the unit topic. This can include written assignments, presentations as well as group and individual lab-based assessments. However, the most significant assessment element is the final dissertation, which reports and reflects on your final project.

Student Destinations

On completing this course, you will be all set to enter into a wide variety of careers in the computing industry, progress onto computing research or use computing as an additional skill in support of your principal career. Many of our previous graduates have taken the course with a view to changing career direction, be it as part of an IT company or an IT department of a company or local government organisation.

You can also use the course as a route to an academic career by undertaking research study leading to a PhD, with the aim of eventually becoming a university lecturer or researcher.

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