Information Systems Management MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

About the course

This course is specially designed to meet the need for technically able graduates who are ideally suited to a management role in charge of information systems. If you have an enthusiasm for information systems, want to learn the very latest theory and practice and see yourself progressing into a management role then this is the ideal course for you.

The course is broad-ranging and concentrates on the latest tools, techniques and practices of information systems management. Covering object-oriented programming, computer systems and networking, advanced database design, web systems, technology change management and integration, and much more. The course exposes you to the most recent developments in both the theory and practice of modern information systems.

The Computing MSc| and Information Systems Management MSc are very closely linked with a common first semester, giving you the option of changing between these courses before the Christmas vacation.

We invite applications from people with a wide variety of backgrounds. No previous experience of IT or computing is needed, but you will need some aptitude for logical analysis. The most essential requirements are an enthusiasm for the subject and an enquiring mind.

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Key facts

UKPASS course code: G50075

Duration: One year full-time (with optional one year placement available), two to six years part-time.

Start Date: September (a January start may be available after consultation with the course leader, otherwise September start for all modes of study)

Entry and admission criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject or five years’ work experience in an appropriate field.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning|, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

If you do not have the normal entry requirements but can demonstrate substantial experience in an appropriate area, you can be considered for entry to the course.

If you feel you would like to talk to us about your qualifications before submitting an application please do not hesitate to call or email using the contact details below.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching will include formal lectures, tutorials and labs. You will also be expected to undertake independent study and research to support your assignments and dissertation. Assessment will be by various group and individual methods including exams, projects, presentations, written essays and reports.

Course modules

The course can be studied either full-time over one year or part-time for two–six years, beginning in September each year (a January start date may also be available).

There will be two or three week vacations at Christmas and New Year (December/January) and Easter (March/April), and some students also take a brief break in June or July before completing their dissertation.

First semester (October to January)

During the first semester you will study four modules:

• Object-Oriented Programming covers the theory and practice of modern programming, enabling you to design, develop and implement object-oriented programs.
• Database Systems and Design addresses the analysis of data storage requirements and the design of complex relational databases to meet those requirements. The module makes extensive use of commercial and industrial case studies.
• Computer Systems and Networks explains the technical infrastructure upon which modern computer systems and networks are run. It provides a sufficient level of understanding of hardware, operating systems, systems software, network protocols and topologies to enable you to appreciate the use of computer systems and networks in commerce and industry, to be able to construct a technical specification for a computer system, and to select an appropriate system.
• Systems Analysis and Design covers the theory and practice of systems analysis and design and introduces the internationally-recognised UML modelling language. Extensive use of case studies allows the application of selected UML techniques, and Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE) tools are used to support the development of complex UML models.

Second semester (February to May)

During the second semester you will study four further modules:

• Research Methods, Professionalism and Ethics links the teaching of social, ethical, legal and professional issues with an overview of research approaches and methodologies. This module is important for your professional development and is also a central preparation for the final project/dissertation. Furthermore, such an introduction to research paves the way for a research degree and thereby contributes to your continued employability.
• Management of Information Systems enables you to set computing developments in a broader social, economic and business context. It explains the basic concepts and ways of organising work in a business environment and relating this to information systems and to IS/IT projects. This module equips you with the skills needed for the effective management of IS/IT projects.
• E-Commerce Systems develops a conceptual understanding of the management and support of e-commerce systems within an organisation. This module provides a critical awareness of strategy issues, the provision of information and the support of such systems and examines the process of e-commerce systems development. There is a detailed study of the strategy process, and the benefits of e-commerce are explored with reference to current research.
• Human Factors in Systems Design introduces and explores the human factors and issues that need to be considered when designing interactive systems. You will develop skills enabling you to design effective and usable interactive systems. You will also learn how to evaluate the usability and appropriateness of competing designs.

Third semester (June to September)

During the final semester you will work on your project/dissertation, chosen by you and agreed with your project supervisor. Part-time students normally choose to work on their project over an entire academic year.

Academic expertise

The Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility| is internationally recognised for its applied research expertise. In a world where individuals, businesses and governments increasingly depend on information and communication technologies, this acclaimed research centre is looked to for authoritative advice on their social, organisational and ethical impacts. Our experts collaborate with a range of worldwide partners assessing implications and shaping codes of practice.

Graduate careers

We take pride in producing extremely employable graduates for business, government and research. Past students are now working in a wide variety of organisations all over the world, from small consultancies to large, multinational companies. Typical roles include IT managers, systems consultants, and software systems project leaders.

Fees and funding

Annual Tuition Fees for Higher Education Courses from 1st September 2013 to 31st August 2014.

Full-time UK/EU Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £4,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £650 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* £5,000 Overseas
Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £12,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £750 Part-time (where available) Part-time fees are charged on a credit basis, you will need to complete 180 credits over the course of an MSc programme. 15 Credits £350 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* 15 Credits
£420 Continuation Fee** £150

For more information please take a look at our Funding| section.

* ELQ Student definition - If you are a Home or EU status student and you already have a qualification at or above the level of the programme you wish to study from any country you will be considered as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. In 2008 the UK Government decided to stop funding universities for student in this situation and therefore the following fees will apply £5,000. Students from outside the EU are not affected by the policy.

** A fee that is charged on a periodic basis where PG or Research students need to extend their registration to complete the course.

Scholarships

Are you a DMU Alumni? Receive up to £2000 off your Tuition Fees*

As part of the University’s on-going commitment to enhance the personal and career development of graduates, we are pleased to announce that from this September the University will be introducing The Faculty of Technology Alumni Scholarship| which will allow graduates to receive up to £2000 off tuition fees* for Postgraduate study.

Facilities

The University has its own Advanced Mobile Robotics & Intelligent Agents Laboratory situated in Gateway House.

The Advanced Mobile Robotics & Intelligent Agents Laboratory contains a variety of mobile robots ranging from the Lego Mindstorm to the Wheelbarrow robot for bomb disposal.

This facility provides excellent resources for teaching and research.

Mobile Robotics is taught as an option at undergraduate level as well as on the Artificial Intelligence with Robotics BSc programme. On the Intelligent Systems and Robotics MSc programme students will be exposed to the more advanced techniques.

The Centre for Computational Intelligence| (CCI) conducts research into use of computational intelligence techniques on mobile robots and encourages PhD applications in this field.