Internet and Enterprise Computing, MSc, PGDip

This course combines the computing and managerial aspects of enterprise information systems. You will learn how to optimise the information flow between Internet-based business processes and how to critically analyse the impact of deploying information systems to support business needs.

This course is aimed at computer-systems literate graduates who wish to add expertise in the architecture and development of large-scale Enterprise Information Systems (EIS) to their portfolio of skills. On the computing front, you will learn the principles and techniques necessary for designing, developing and evaluating EIS that are distributed, interoperable, intelligent and adaptive to change.

It provides you with a postgraduate level education in the theory and practice of Internet and Enterprise Computing and emphasises the importance of independent learning, problem solving and self-organisation, all of which are skills highly sought after by employers.

Why study this course?

• You are taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are actively involved in cutting-edge research and publish regularly in this discipline.
• There's the opportunity for a year long work placement where you can expect a salary of between £10,000 and £35,000.
• The School has strong links with local industry representatives such as Siemens, Experian and Excel. Such links benefit our graduates by ensuring the up-to-date relevance of our courses and opening up possibilities for work placements.
• You will have access to the state-of-the-art facilities. These include exceptional computing resources, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications.

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

The course addresses the three key elements of Enterprise Information Systems Development, Intelligent Management of Information Systems and a MSc Research Project. The postgraduate academic year is divided into three terms, each of ten weeks plus a 15-week independent study period for MSc students.

How will I study?

Weeks 1-10

• Advanced Software Engineering
• Internet Programming

Weeks 11-30

• Enterprise Computing
• Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Enterprise Systems Management
• Research Methods

Weeks 31-45

• Research Project

All students spend the three academic terms studying the six taught modules. MSc students spend the independent study period pursuing an individual research project.

Assessment
All modules are assessed either by coursework, case studies or dissertation.

What will I study?

The course comprises eight core modules, totalling 180 credit points.

Advanced software engineering (20 credits)
This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of object-orientated program development. The module is practically based and provides ample opportunity to extend your existing programming skills and to develop expertise in applying advanced software engineering design, development and evaluation principles in a variety of intelligent system engineering contexts.

Internet computing (20 credits)
You will develop a comprehensive understanding of current internet technologies used for the analysis, design and implementation of internet and intranet based software. The module advocates object-orientated systems methodologies and is characterised by viewing internet application as comprising a collection of higher level software objects and controls, which render the XHTML code that represents a web page.

Enterprise computing (20 credits)
This modules introduces the theory and practice associated with implementing large-scale distributed information systems in heterogeneous environments. You will develop the technical knowledge necessary to analyse the scalability and interoperability problems associated with large-scale heterogeneous systems and will become accomplished in the design and implementation of enterprise-level computer applications. The module also provides the opportunity to utilise the internet and the semantic web as a computing platform for the intelligent integration of business systems.

Applied Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)
The overall aim of this module is to introduce you to the theory and practice related to intelligent systems and to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the main issues related to the application of artificial intelligence to real-world problems. You will develop the necessary skills to analyse the main challenges in the field of artificial intelligence in order to evaluate intelligent computer solutions.

Enterprise systems management (20 credits)
You will enhance your ability to manage the development and deployment of enterprise and internet information systems within small to medium organisations, or to be part of a team doing the same in a larger organisation. You will learn how to analyse the strategic impact of information systems on organisations in order to maximise the benefit of the IT function. The module will introduce you to business models for internet trading and discusses the management of organisational change associated with the introduction of new technology.

Research methods (20 credits)
This module develops your understanding of research design and methodology, and the process involved in conducting research. As well as being introduced to the School’s research facilities, you will develop the skills necessary for effective research and writing project/dissertation definition documents.

Research project (60 credits – MSc students only)
You will apply your understanding of research processes to develop and integrate knowledge focusing on enterprise systems design and development. This project will encourage you to develop your initiative, your ability to conduct a research project or dissertation, plus the capacity to appraise and evaluate critical issues pertaining to information systems management in a logical manner. You will also learn where it is appropriate to develop principles, knowledge and/or application, and be able to write a project report by the end of the module.

Find out more about MSc Internet and Enterprise Computing project work.

Based on Clifton campus the School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment. We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research.

As a student here, you will have access to specialist facilities including:

• games console laboratories
• networking and security laboratories
• human-interactive technology
• stereo-projection
• Imaging and Displays Research Facility and;
• our Centre for Innovation and Technology Exploitation (CITE).

You will also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

• EnCase
• 3D StudioMax
• XNA Xbox development suite
• The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
• the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research. These include:

• an £8m computing and informatics building
• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber.