Management and Information Systems - MSc

A major knowledge gap exists between managers in organisations who are confused by the IT systems, and the technical staff who deliver them. Our graduates play a crucial role in integrating the language and practice of management and technology in business. Develop your understanding of the interaction between IT, organisation and people behaviour to prepare you for managerial positions in business operations and ICT projects.

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for graduates with science, engineering, IT or business related degrees keen to pursue careers in a range of industries, or academia; or graduates currently working in industry keen to extend their qualifications or pursue a career change; or individuals with other qualifications who possess considerable relevant experience.

Why this course?

There are numerous benefits associated with undertaking a postgraduate programme of study at Cranfield University, including:

• Study in a postgraduate-only environment where Masters' graduates can secure positions in full-time employment in their chosen field, or undertake academic research
• Teaching by leading academics as well as industrial practitioners
• Work alongside a strong research team
• Dedicated support for off-campus learners including extensive information resources managed by Cranfield University's library
• Consultancy to companies supporting their employees on part-time programmes, in relation to individual projects.

Informed by Industry

Our courses are designed to meet the training needs of industry and have a strong input from experts in their sector. Students who have excelled have their performances recognised through course awards. The awards are provided by high profile organisations and individuals, and are often sponsored by our industrial partners. Awards are presented on Graduation Day.

Accreditation

The MSc in Management and Information Systems is accredited by the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET), Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

• Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET)
• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
• It is subject to ratification by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) following an accreditation visit in March 2015.

Please note accreditation applies to the MSc award. PgDip and PgCert do not meet in full the further learning requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Course details

The course comprises eight assessed modules, a group project and an individual research project. The modules include lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through practical work, written examinations, case studies, essays, presentations and tests. These provide the 'tools' required for the group and individual projects.

Group project

The group project experience is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. Teams of students work to solve an industrial problem. The project applies technical knowledge and provides training in teamwork and the opportunity to develop non-technical aspects of the taught programme. Part-time students can prepare a dissertation on an agreed topic in place of the group project.

Industrially orientated, our team projects have support from external organisations. As a result of external engagement Cranfield students enjoy a higher degree of success when it comes to securing employment. Prospective employers value the student experience where team working to find solutions to industrially based problems are concerned.

Individual project

A key element of the Master's programme is the project work undertaken.

The individual research project is either industrially or Cranfield University driven. Students select the individual project in consultation with the Course Director. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate independent research ability, the ability to think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems in manufacturing. The projects are sponsored by industrial organisations.

Companies that have recruited and sponsored project work include 3M Health Care, Airbus, Aston Martin, BAE Systems, BT, Chubb Security, Ford Motor Company, GEC, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Jaguar, Johnson & Johnson, Motorola, Pfizer, Philips, Rolls-Royce and Unilever.

Assessment

Taught modules 40%, Group project 20% (dissertation for part-time students), Individual project 40%

Your career

Successful students go on to a wide-range of careers in manufacturing, logistics, IT, business systems analysis, manufacturing management consultancy, research and development, and academia. Opportunities are diverse and international, with graduates progressing to senior positions in industry.

Visit the Management and Information Systems - MSc page on the Cranfield University website for more details!