ObjectivesThe course recognises the serious shortage of people with a technical background who can effectively participate in business-related activities. It thus enhances the existing technical background of students with business and management skills and knowledge. It also recognises the importance of the application of technical skills, and thus includes further study of the development of a variety of types of systems, ranging from traditional to multimedia and web-based.
Entry requirementsMSc applicants are expected to hold at least a second class honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in a computing-related subject, or to have gained appropriate professional qualifications and work experience.
Academic titleMSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate Information Technology & Management
Course descriptionFull-Time study
Introduction
Modern organisations require employees who understand the principles of Computer Science and Information Technology and can apply those ideas to the development and management of Information Technology within a business. On this basis, the School of Computing and Mathematics as identified two courses aimed at meeting these needs.
Information Technology and Management is aimed at those with a formal Computer Science or Information Systems qualification who need to extend their broader skills and enhance their knowledge in specific areas.
Information Technology is aimed at providing students without a formal qualification in IT with a broad education in Information Technology
its development and management enhancing their previous background and skills.
Course Modules
The following indicate the range of modules that may be offered:
Core Modules (15 credits each)
• Information Systems – Key to the effective use of IT within an organisation is the ability to analyse the business and be able to assess the IT needs to support the business strategy. This module focuses on providing the student with the skills to do this analysis and the knowledge of information systems to enable the selection and introduction of effective IT solutions at all levels within an organisation.
• Conceptual Modelling – This core module aims to provide an overview of the system development life cycle and proficiency in conceptual modelling, in particular in analysing and specifying system requirements.
Students choose to study either Information Systems or Conceptual Modelling. The decision on which module to study is taken in consultation with the MSc Course Director.
• Strategy and Information Management – This module aims to provide an overview and understanding of the process and procedures of strategy management, including the identification, extraction and use of relevant business information. It seeks to provide an understanding of the main approaches to strategy in business and information that each requires and to show how the different approaches can contribute to business success in differing, complex and volatile environments.
• Marketing & Operations Management – This module aims to introduce students to key concepts and aspects pertaining to marketing and the management of design and operations in business organisations. It explores marketing and operations concepts and issues in depth and provides an understanding of the marketing mix, strategies for new products and branding, and the strategic aspects of marketing. The module seeks to define and understand the purpose and functions of marketing concepts and tools for business
organisation success.
• Accounting and Finance – This module aims to develop an understanding of financial accounting, management accounting
and financial management, and the financial aspects of managerial decision-making. On completion of the module, students should
have an understanding of the organisational role of accounting and finance and the theory underlying financial accounting, management
accounting and financial management. In addition, students should have developed technical and analytical skills with regard to
accounting, finance and decision-making.
• Professional Practice – In a business environment, professional skills are just as vital as technical abilities and knowledge. This module provides such skills including project management, team working and building, and communication skills. It also provides knowledge of ethical, legal and social issues related to the development and deployment of information technology. Some of the lectures are given by invited speakers from industry.
Option Modules (15 credits each)
Students choose 3 option modules only:
• Design of Distributed Systems – Students choosing this module will gain an understanding of what is meant by a system architecture,
and how they are used to build and manage distributed multi-user information systems.
• Object-Oriented Programming – This is an advanced programming module which will enable students to specialise in object-oriented
development. By the end of the module, students will be able to design and construct multi-threaded object-oriented applications
using the Java programming language.
• Web Technologies – This module provides students with a knowledge of the technologies underpinning contemporary web-based application development.
• Networks and Communications – Students choosing this module will develop an understanding of computer networks through study
of the technologies, characteristics and applications of networks.
• Entrepreneurship – This module will assist students in the commercial application of IT skills developed in other modules. It will develop an understanding of theories of entrepreneurship with reference to finance, management and marketing, and consider how to apply these theories in real world contexts, with specific reference to IT start-ups and the knowledge economy.
• Management Information Systems & Project – IT systems and the projects that develop or acquire them require from a professional
a wide knowledge of many techniques and approaches to enable them to address the problems that arise. This module provides the student with the knowledge and skills they require when undertaking these activities.
The Project (60 credits)
The project starts in late May and runs until early September. Projects are IT-based, but are required to specifically address Management themes and issues. Some projects are based in external companies and organisations selected to give real life experience of the IT industry. Some are University-based, often within other academic or administrative departments.
Assessment
The taught modules are mainly assessed by coursework, with examinations in some of the modules. Project assessment is based largely on a substantial final report.
Funding
International students are usually self-funding but a small number of bursaries may be available under British Government scholarship schemes.
Career Destination information
The course is designed to allow students to progress into employment in either management-oriented roles (perhaps applying information
technology to business problems) or technology-oriented roles (e.g. in system development or system administration).