International Enterprise Information Management MSc

Why choose this course?

The International Enterprise Information Management MSc is offered as a partnership between Kingston University and Neu-Ulm University and leads to a dual degree from both universities. The programme is designed to develop new knowledge and skills that are particularly important to design and implement information systems strategies in international organisations.

You will have the opportunity to enhance your personal and professional development by studying in both countries together with your colleagues from the other university and by undertaking an international internship in the 'other' country (German students will complete the internship in the UK while UK students will complete theirs in Germany), in an international business organisation.

As a student of this programme you will gain a strong theoretical background which will greatly increase your employability in international information management. The international focus of the programme, in combination with the internship experience opportunity will inform your International Project and enable you to succeed in a global setting.

The programme is delivered in both countries in English (the first teaching block at Neu-Ulm University and the second teaching block at Kingston University).

Apply for this course
Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 18 months Two 30-credit modules per teaching block September 2020

Please note: this programme is only offered to home/EU students.

Location Penrhyn Road (Kingston University) and Neu Ulm University, Germany
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2020/21 entry

If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2020/21 (i.e. between August 2020 and July 2021), please view the information about changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

 

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2020/21 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2020/21. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas Course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You will gain a dual degree from two universities – Kingston and Neu-Ulm University in Germany.
  • You will study in two countries, with an overseas internship giving you relevant international industry experience.
  • Career prospects are excellent: demand for is specialists and consultants is fast-evolving.

What you will study

The study includes fundamental elements of business organisations and an understanding of the strategic value of information systems (IS), its design and architecture and its role in the efficiency of complex international customer oriented operations. On completion of the taught modules you will have an opportunity to spend six months on an internship in industry, which is one of the key attractions of the programme.

Typically the programme will be delivered according to the following plan:

  • Teaching block 1 – September to January:
    • Modules are delivered by the Neu-Ulm University.
    • Students study two 30-credit modules.
  • Teaching block 2 – January to April:
    • Modules are delivered by the Kingston University.
    • Students study two 30-credit modules.
  • Industrial internship (non-credit bearing) – May to October
  • International Project (60 credits) – students submit this in January

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments.

Modules

Teaching block 1

Teaching block 2

Internship and final project

Core modules

Enterprise Information Systems

30 credits

Students are introduced to the management of information systems (IS) on a company-wide level. This includes the planning, design and development of IS, as well as the necessary concepts, methods and tools. Also, related activities and concepts such as advanced project management and business-consulting methods are part of this module.

With respect to enterprise IS as a subject of scientific research, you are introduced to scientific work in general and in particular to the domain of IS research (ISR) and the related questions and activities.

Business Information Management

30 credits

Students are introduced to business strategy, business intelligence and organisational performance. You will learn to lead an enterprise in the intended direction with the support of corporate performance management (CPM), as measures and measurement systems are the foundation of returning values to investors and owners of enterprises.

In this context, you will familiarise yourself with business analytics and business intelligence (BI) and learn how to define a business intelligence strategy. As a prerequisite to successful BI and CPM, data management and data quality play an important role. You will develop an understanding of the practices and processes of data quality assessment and improvement as well as to manage the increasing amount of data and use it as competitive advantage. Furthermore, you will get familiar with BI architecture and the technical, organisational, and entrepreneurial requirements for a successful implementation.

Core modules

Modelling Enterprise Architectures

30 credits

The module focuses on various components of modelling an Enterprise Architecture. It deals with modelling the business and the underlying information and software system to support the business. It follows the object-oriented paradigm for the development lifecycle, and utilises UML as the modelling language. Indicative contents include aspects of enterprise architectures, business analysis, business modelling, business process reengineering, requirements engineering, object oriented concepts and principles and UML.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate and utilise a specific enterprise architecture framework.
  • Apply the principles of requirements engineering to capture, priorities, model and document functional and non-functional requirements, whilst appropriately collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
  • Perform business analysis and business process reengineering to develop business models.
  • Critically evaluate and utilise a software development lifecycle.
  • Apply object oriented development concepts, tools and techniques utilising the UML modelling language.
  • Critically evaluate and utilise research methods, tools and techniques, taking into account legal, professional and ethical issues in the development of information and software systems.
Data Management and Governance

30 credits

This core module looks at ways organisations manage, store and secure data. Different approaches and methods will be explored to model data requirements into entity-relationship diagrams, logical diagrams and normalisation.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental concepts of data modelling and database design and implementation.
  • Translate process models and systems requirement models into a database design using class diagrams and entity relationship diagrams and write SQL statements for the definition, access and control of data.
  • Evaluate different approaches to the storage and management of unstructured data such as images and multimedia data.
  • Critically asses information governance within the context of different organisations.
  • Describe and deploy data encryption techniques suitable for encrypting, signing and protecting data and highlight their correct usages and understand the principles and techniques of steganography, and how these can be used.
  • Evaluate the security risks presented by computer networks and understand the role of vulnerability assessment tools and other security-related software and be able to put them to use and design and deploy a firewall to secure a network.

Core modules

Internship

0 credits

This module is a stand-alone, non-credit bearing module for the International Enterprise Information Management MSc. The module is taken as an industry-based internship and it does not contain a taught component. The module aims to provide you with a unique opportunity to acquire professional experience in an international working environment and give them access to a variety of professional practices. The relevant information is provided via StudySpace, in the Internship Guide and in the Course Handbook. During the course of the internship you are required to maintain regular meetings with your internship supervisor as described in the Internship Guide and in the Course Handbook and to keep a record of these meetings and of progress.

International Project

60 credits

This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the International Enterprise Information Management MSc where you carry out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable), inspired and informed by the internship experience or, exceptionally, by an industry-based case study. The internship (or the case study) prepares you for the International Project module and informs the creation of the project proposal.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

The programme is only offered to home/EU students.

Applicants are normally required to fulfill the admission criteria of both Kingston University and Neu-Ulm University, as follows:

A good UK honours degree (minimum lower-second class honours (2:2), or equivalent); this amounts to 180 ECTS points, and should be supplemented by one of the following experiences:

  • a minimum of six months professional experience related to the international enterprise information management course field; or
  • a co-authorship of a peer-reviewed research paper (in English).

OR

  • A degree from Germany, equivalent to upper-second class honours degree classification, amounting to 210 ECTS points.

Computer science and information systems requirements

Applicants need to have basic computer science and information systems skills reflected in their course transcript.

German language requirements

Non-German applicants will be required to provide a German language skills certificate equivalent to the B1 level, according to the joint European reference frame.

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course the minimum requirement is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in Reading, Listening and Speaking.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services. 

Your workload

Type of learning and assessment

Year 1

Year 1
  • Scheduled teaching: 342 hours
  • Guided independent study: 1458 hours

14% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (egtest or exam), practical (eg presentations, performance) and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent onthe optional modules you choose

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 1
  • Coursework: 88%
  • Exams: 11%
  • Practical: 1%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes, therefore you may be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Computing and Information Systems in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing.

The Faculty's wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses covers a diverse range of subject areas, from aerospace to geography; from mathematics and computing to biotechnology; and many more. Our collaborative set-up provides new opportunities for our students, and we design our courses with industry professionals to ensure you stay up to date with the latest developments.

School of Computing and Information Systems

The School of Computing and Information Systems offers high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses, designed to reflect the developing needs of business and industry. We deliver our teaching in an exciting and challenging learning environment, and make use of modern, well-equipped facilities.

Our courses cover the range of modern technologies in computer science, information systems and software engineering, with specialisations in games technology; network and wireless technologies; information security; electronic business; and embedded systems.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Islam Choudhury

Dr Islam Choudhury

Course Director

Fees for this course

Home and European Union 2020/21

  • MSc full time £4,600

Home and European Union 2019/20

  • MSc full time £4,000

Funding and bursaries

Kingston University offers a postgraduate Annual Fund scholarship.

There are also the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

What this course offers you

  • This programme leads to a dual degree from both Universities, and is delivered at Neu-Ulm University for the first teaching block and at Kingston University London for the second teaching block.
  • You will study in an international environment.
  • You will have the opportunity to undertake an International internship.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • dedicated postgraduate computing laboratories, fully equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors;
  • state-of-the-art hardware and the latest software, including:
    • development software and tools - such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver MX, Flash 8, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits;
    • Digital Signal Processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers);
    • IP Set Top Box development environment (NXP's STB810);
    • Electronics Laboratory; and
    • a mix of wireless LAN technologies;
  • the library – offering subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials;
  • a postgraduate teaching suite; and
  • the dedicated Graduate Centre on campus, providing seminar rooms and social spaces.

Our dedicated team of IT technicians support the labs and are always on hand to provide assistance.

Resources in London

Kingston is just a 30-minute train journey from central London. Here you can access a wealth of additional libraries and archives, including the British Library and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Where this course will take you

The demand for IS specialists and consultants is fast-evolving and this programme, with its balance of theory and applied specialist learning, its international nature and especially its international internship opportunity prepares graduates well for the senior technical and management positions in a range of fields such as:

  • IS strategy;
  • IS development and implementation;
  • systems analysis and design projects;
  • database design and development projects;
  • international IS consultancies; and
  • international supply chain strategy design and implementation.

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

How we work with industry partners

On the course you will have an opportunity to spend six months on an internship in industry. The objective of the internship (to be followed by the International Project) is to provide you with hands-on experience of the way that information systems (IS) are applied into real international business case scenarios. It is envisaged that the UK students will undertake their internships in Germany and the students from Germany will undertake their internship in the UK thus gaining an experience in a different business culture.

Kingston University and Neu Ulm University have secured a pool of industrial partners willing to take part in this programme. They include companies such as Apple, Sony, Disney, Newedge, Marsh McLennan, Ernst & Young, Royal Bank of Scotland and NTT Data. Both institutions endeavor to continuously expand the pool of companies willing to participate, but the internship is not guaranteed to a student, as such. All students have an opportunity to apply for it and this will be greatly encouraged. The internship is not credit bearing, but significantly impacts on the International Project work and it is subsumed in the 60-credit value of that module. Placement supervisors – members of staff involved in the programme – will be responsible for monitoring the quality of the work, as described in the job template for each placement, in accordance with Kingston University processes and clearly specified within the liaison agreement to ensure the quality of the internship supervision.

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Digital Information Research Centre

The Digital Information Research Centre at Kingston University is dedicated to the advancement of the theory and applicability of computer science to enable internationally leading work in the field of informatics, addressing the needs of society in the thematic areas of health, communications, security and data. It provides an inclusive and outward-looking environment for research development, fostering interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research to achieve maximum impact in real-world applications.

Since 2009 researchers in the Digital Information Research Centre have generated more than 650 academic publications, received £4million of external research income and supported a PhD population of 120. Research funding has been received from a wide range of sources, including UKRC, EU FP7 and H2020, KTP, Innovate UK and industrial sponsors. A strong contribution to the REF 2014 submission was made by researchers in the School, with a rank achieved of 57% nationally, and with an overall score of 90.2% of the national average. Overall, more than 50% of the research was judged to be 3* or above.

The scope of the research within the Digital Information Research Centre is substantial. It is envisaged that research can be developed to further the excellence already achieved. Collaborative effort on research projects, both inside and outside the University, will help to achieve this overall aim.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Changes detailed here are for students joining this course in the academic year 2020/21 (i.e. between August 2020 and July 2021).

Course information (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Composition of the course

We do not anticipate making any changes to the composition of the course, i.e. the number of modules or credits in a year for part-time postgraduate courses, as a result of the pandemic.

In order to safeguard our students' health and safety and to minimise the risk of disruption to their studies, the University has postponed all Study Abroad programmes for outgoing students in the first teaching block of 2020/21 (from September 2020 to December 2020). The University will review this decision before the second teaching block and will take into account relevant government advice at that time.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Modules

We do not anticipate making any changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed, e.g. re-sequencing those modules that can be delivered more effectively under the current restrictions with those which would be more difficult to deliver, such as practical modules and placements.

Entry requirements (changes for 2020/21 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a result of the pandemic. However, the range of accepted alternatives have increased as has the way in which we select students, which now includes virtual interviews and online portfolios.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a result of the pandemic. However, in response to the pandemic, we now accept a much broader list of English language exams for entry to the course; the level of these exams remain the same.

Teaching (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

Due to the current pandemic the course's teaching and learning activities will be delivered through both online and on-campus methods (blended learning) in 2020/21. In order to provide all students with a comparable on-campus experience, the University has committed to ensuring that all courses provide at least 30% of their teaching and learning activities on-campus.

While physical distancing measures remain in place, you will receive your learning and teaching via a blend of on-campus and on-line activities. Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you will still be able to engage with your course in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, support will be available to consider what options are open to you.

Computer lab workshops and tutorials will be delivered through both on-campus teaching and as virtual online activities to meet the same learning outcomes in a socially-distanced manner, with no change in the total hours of delivery.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the current pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced the University will aim to deliver the course fully online. This may require some additional changes being made to planned teaching and learning activities, including assessments. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised significantly, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered appropriately. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

In the event that the current social distancing restrictions are fully lifted and the University is able to resume normal delivery of teaching and learning activities, courses will assess whether it is in the students' interest to resume normal delivery. In some cases it may be better to continue and complete modules under the planned blended delivery mode.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours will not be made as a result of the pandemic. However, it is possible that some adjustments might be made at module level, e.g. a few more scheduled activities, in order to help ensure student engagement with blended learning.

Any changes made to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

'Scheduled teaching' includes teaching that is online either live or recorded / on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. from September 2020 to December 2020) should be available by the end of August 2020. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2021) will not be available until the autumn. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, we will need to maximise the time available for teaching. This means, we may have to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

On-campus teaching may involve smaller class sizes in line with social distance requirements.

Assessment (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Changes can be made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area. Due to the current restrictions in place, i.e. social distancing, it is anticipated that many formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be replaced with alternative assessments which can be completed online. These changes will be considered and approved through the University's processes to ensure that student assessments will be able to demonstrate they have achieved the expected learning outcomes. The approval process will also assess whether the change impacts the status of any professional body accreditation the course benefits from.

Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Staff (changes for 2020/21 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

As a result of the social distancing restrictions in place, on-campus teaching activities may need to be split into smaller groups which may require the support of teaching assistants and student mentors, who will be managed by experienced staff.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2020/21.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As a result of the blended delivery of courses in 2020/21, where a significant proportion of the teaching will be done online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities will be restricted due to social distancing requirements.

The University is considering how best to provide support to students who do not have access to suitable hardware and software requirements and access to the internet. Identifying students who require this type of support is an important milestone for the University in our journey to ensure equity of access while we continue to deliver our blended approach. Information about the support that will be available will be provided to students during the induction period.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2020/21. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2020/21.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead as planned. However, to ensure students are able to gain maximum value from these activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year when current restrictions have been lifted. We acknowledge that this year it may be more difficult for students to secure appropriate placements. In those situations, students will be guided and supported through the various options that will be available to them, including switching courses or interrupting their studies until a time when they can complete their placement.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered. Students will be advised of any changes that may become necessary and appropriate support will be available to students to guide them through the various options that may be available to them.

In the interest of the health and wellbeing of our students, the University will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Voluntary placements or field trips may be rescheduled, or, as a last resort, cancelled if it becomes difficult to deliver them and doing so is in the interest of the health and safety of our staff and students.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2020/21 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. MSc, as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Additional (changes for 2020/21 entry)

International students

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.

Students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities

The University will ensure students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities are able to effectively engage with their studies remotely. For certain courses an inability to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities may not be in the students best interest, as it may impede their chances of succeeding in the course or lead to them receiving a poor learning experience. In such cases students will be advised and guided through the various options available to them, such as deferring their studies until they can engage fully with the course.