Masters Degrees (Itil)

There are excellent prospects for roles within global IT Service Management as it is an expanding sector with a skills shortage. Professional bodies in this area (i.e. itSMF and the SFIA Council) recognise the need for quality and standards in the provision of IT Services underpinning IT Service Management and the quality and skills of staff employed in this profession.

This course has been designed to meet the need for competent and qualified staff that can enable organisations to maximise the value of Information Communications Technology (ICT) and IT Services. It is suitable for any student wishing to move into IT Service Management, and is particularly relevant to business strategic planning, service delivery and support, continuity planning, application and infrastructure management, quality management, project and change management.

Our online learning programmes are flexible and designed so you can balance study with your commitments at work and home. The programme structure and learning materials enable you to study at your own convenience and develop your own study schedule while offering opportunities for you to engage with your peers.

Northampton Integrated Learning Environment (NILE) is a dedicated online university learning space for students. Your tutors will use NILE to engage with you, and you will use NILE to access course materials, assessment information, virtual classrooms and discussion boards. Your assessed work will be submitted and graded online, so you will be able to see your grades and feedback wherever you are in the world. The system that underpins NILE is Blackboard and access to this system is through nile.northampton.ac.uk. We also have a mobile app so you can stay connected to the University of Northampton wherever you are; iNorthampton is available for Android and Apple mobile devices.

Course content

The rationale for the course is based on the recognition that the effectiveness of all IT Services is a vital aspect to the prosperity of any organisation. The course embraces best practice from leading service providers, and by continual reassessment, ensures all material is relevant to today’s computing and management expectations.

The course encompasses IT Service Management through a series of progressive units developing the student’s knowledge from fundamental concepts, through to units addressing IS strategy. Subjects covered include: management information, quality management, application development, infrastructure, service support and delivery, continuity planning, people and operational issues of implementing IT Service Management Best Practice. The course addresses current standards for IT Service Management, such as ISO20000 and ITIL®.

Core learning will be delivered electronically and you will be encouraged to engage with your fellow students and tutors online. Studying online will give you the flexibility to study at your convenience* without the need to travel or physically attend classes, whilst enhancing your employment opportunities. You will be supported throughout the process by our great teaching staff that are professionally qualified and have industry and academic experience to share with you.

Studying this programme will give you an opportunity to undertake PRINCE2 qualifications.

*Modules are delivered within trimester periods so you will need to complete them in specified times.

What you will study

This programme is 30 months in duration. The academic year is split into trimesters. For a September start you will study as follows;

-Trimester one – September to December

-Trimester two – January to April

-Trimester three – May to July

Year One

Trimester one – September to December

You will study one module; Quality and IT Management.

Trimester two – January to April

You will study two modules; Change Management and Project Management.

Trimester three – May to July

You will study one module; Service Improvement.

Year Two

Trimester four – September to December

You will study two modules; Service Transition and Service Operations.

Trimester five – January to April

You will study two modules; Strategic Management of IS and Research Methods and Dissertation. You will commence work on your Dissertation.

Trimester six – May to July

You will study one module; Information Systems Methods and commence work on your Dissertation.

Trimester seven – September to December

You will complete your Dissertation.

February start information available soon.

For further information on course content and modules please refer to the NILE site: https://nile.northampton.ac.uk/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_27700_1&content_id=_1027153_1&mode=reset%E2%80%8B

Course modules (17/18)

-Quality and IT Management

-Information Systems Methods

-Service Improvement

-Service Transition Management

-Service Operation Management

-Strategic Management of IS

-Change Management

-Project Management

-Dissertation and Research Methods

Assessments

The course has a mixture of assessment involving reports, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations as well as examinations. The emphasis is on assessment by coursework and in the final year an applied research project is a key element of the course.

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Information Technology is a strategic resource within any business and is critical to the survival and success of an organisation and should therefore be carefully managed. A key issue in IT strategy is Information Security, which is becoming more critical with the interconnection of systems through the Internet and the sharing of resources with business partners, clients and customers.

This Masters degree is aimed at current or prospective system managers, system administrators and other IT professionals with a responsibility or aspiration for strategic IT and security management.

You will gain an understanding of current issues in information security and IT management, together with an in-depth knowledge of a variety of techniques for strategically managing IT, both as a resource as well as for analysing and controlling security risks. A key aspect of the programme is the systemic perspective that is taken; security is not simply a technical issue, but a component of the wider context of IT management.

What will I study?

You will study security from two perspectives: the concepts of computer and network security, together with a systemic approach to information security management. The programme of study is informed by ISO27000 legal compliance requirements and professional body knowledge requirements of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. The study of computer forensics enables further specialisation.

IT Management is approached from a strategic and risk-based perspective, and includes business continuity and project management. A recent technology development that could have radical impact in both security and IT management is cloud computing, and the course provides an option to enable you to develop a sound understanding of the related issues and technology. Professional, ethical and contemporary issues in computing and research methods are also integrated into the programme.

How will I study?

The course is delivered primarily as taught modules. Each module typically involves a 3-hour face-to-face seminar every week for 12 weeks. You will study three modules each semester on the full-time programme, requiring attendance two days per week. For part-time students, modules are scheduled to enable evening study over two years.

Learning and teaching involves a variety of techniques, including lectures, case studies, problem-based learning, guest lectures from industry experts, student-led seminars and technology-enhanced learning (e.g. Virtual Learning Environment, wiki). Classes are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. The MSc Information Security and IT Management is designed around small groups so you can be sure that you will have plenty of individual discussion with your tutors.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme we will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development. Coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and exams may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics who are research-active and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment. Staff specialise in particular subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc in Information Security and IT Management will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your interests as an IT security professional and IT manager. As organisations become ever more dependent on IT, there are increasing opportunities for specialist positions related to security. The course provides knowledge and skills which underpin Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)2 and ISACA certifications.

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Final validation pending*

If you’re a graduate engineer aspiring to a senior management role –this degree provides in-depth knowledge into the strategic management of businesses to compliment your technical skills. The programme is suitable for engineering graduates from all disciplines, including chemical, electrical, mechanical and medical engineering, as well as computer science.

In the complex, competitive world of technology driven industry, skilled engineers who understand the essential principles of business and law have a competitive edge in the career market. You’ll benefit from teaching from academic experts from the Business School, as well as the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Successful completion of this degree fulfils the education requirements to support registration as professional engineer at CEng level.

*What does final validation pending mean?

We regularly review our courses to make sure they continue to meet our academic standards. Any new courses or changes to courses go through a validation or re-validation process. ‘Final validation pending’ means that we intend to offer this programme, but it hasn’t received final University approval yet. Please call our Admissions Service on 01482 466100 for confirmation that the course is approved and will be running.

Study information

The programme will equip you with the tools and techniques to effectively manage teams, projects, departments and companies and will cover the following themes.

Strategic thinking

Develop an advanced understanding of key strategic issues involved in developing and implementing engineering projects and solutions. Learn to consider the implications of organisational structures, manpower, logistics, risk management, employment law and finance alongside technical feasibility during decision making. 

Lean thinking

Develop the ability to identify key factors that influence operational costs and delivery. Through the application of techniques such as Lean, identify opportunities for improving efficiencies and eliminating waste as a means of improving competitiveness and business efficiency.

Quality Management

Quality is one of the significant factors throughout engineering. Understanding measures, philosophies, cultures and improvement methods is critical to improving business performance. It is essential for executives to have a sound understanding of what is involved in quality improvements from a technical perspective.

Project planning

Understanding constraints and requirements of projects such as implementing a new production process or product development. The selection and use of appropriate project management techniques such as Agile, Prince2 and ITIL is a key factor in success. 

Supply Chain Management

Developing an awareness of relationships within the supply chain and implications of pricing and purchasing policies along with the logistical challenges related to the flow of raw materials and goods. 

* All modules are subject to availability.

Future prospects

Designed for engineering graduates from all disciplines – this MSc is especially suited to those aspiring to a senior management role. You’ll develop the desired skills to enter a career in business management in the engineering, technology or industrial sectors.

The University of Hull has strong direct links with industry, and is ideally situated in an area with a vibrant and growing industry, hosting major players in aerospace, chemical, engineering design, pharmaceutical, transport, marine and energy industries. This makes the city the ideal location to study engineering management. 

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