IT & Strategic Innovation MSc
Why choose this course?
The success of an organisation can rest on both an understanding of IT and how to use innovation strategically to enable new growth and competitive advantage.
This course aims to provide an understanding of the characteristics of high-tech innovation combined with the leadership and management values necessary for entrepreneurship (new venture creation) or for successfully creating and managing strategic innovation both from within an organisation as well as from outside, eg as an IT consultant.
Key features
- This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
- You can tailor the course to suit your own career development needs, industry background or organisation's requirements.
- The project/dissertation gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. It often takes the form of a business plan relevant to your career, and provides an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion. If you are an overseas student, we will help you to carry out a project either based in your home country or that will be of specific relevance when you return home.
| Mode | Duration | Attendance | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 1 year | Delivered in 2 separate specific week blocks (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) | September 2021, January and March 2022 |
| Full time | 2 years including professional placement | Delivered in 2 separate specific week blocks (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) | September 2021, January and March 2022 |
| Part time | 2–3 years | Delivered in 2 separate specific week blocks (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) | September 2021, January and March 2022 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
2021/22 entry
If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2021/22 (i.e. between August 2021 and July 2022), please view the information about changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19.
Continuing students
Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2021/22 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 2021/22. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas Course page.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- You will examine the role of IT and information systems in encouraging, capturing and managing innovation. This includes the value and use of knowledge management, data mining, data governance, decision making and business intelligence.
- You will study the types and characteristics of innovation, as well as the challenges it faces. This will help you recognise and welcome change in the business and technology fields.
- Input from industry professionals, especially the "Big Data" research group, will help place your studies in a business context. You will be encouraged to acquire Agile qualifications as you develop your abilities to organise, manage and risk-manage large and small IT projects.
Accreditation
British Computer Society
The British Computer Society (BCS) accredits this course. This means that you can gain some exemption against BCS professional examinations, leading to Chartered membership and CEng, IEng or CSci status. For full details of exemption and accreditation levels, please check the BCS course search.
Please note: the programme delivered at our partner institution overseas is not currently accredited by the BCS.
The Faculty is a long-time member of BCS. For many years we have hosted meetings of the local BCS Kingston and Croydon Branch, contributing to members' continuing professional development programmes.
What you will study
The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and project dissertation. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
Databases and Data Management
30 credits
In this module students will be introduced to the methods, techniques and tools that organisations use to collect, manage, store and secure data. Different approaches and methods will be explored to model data requirements using structured and unstructured databases. Students will also be introduced to data warehousing architectures and concepts in "big data". Essential knowledge of data security issues, including policies, structures and practices used to ensure data security and confidentiality, and the way that such issues are addressed in practice, is also examined.
Business in Practice
30 credits
This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts such as, but not limited to Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector.
IT and Entrepreneurship
30 credits
The knowledge society is a driving force in creating economic growth and it is an aim of Information Systems to use IT to organise relevant information in an Entrepreneurial fashion so as to increase its value, to add more value and, by provoking innovation, to create new and superior value chains. The information life cycle and hierarchy as well as the various types of intellectual property will be presented and explained. Subjects covered involve the knowledge-based view of the organisation, theories of knowledge and information use as well as the role of various software systems (CRM, CMS, ERP, EDM etc.) in developing supportive information systems and in learning and knowledge cycling.
From that foundation, the module proceeds to explain how to develop an Information Systems strategy to satisfy critical information needs. It also aims to explore the application and use of improved value chains using the concepts of corporate venturing (intrapreneurship) and Entrepreneurship (new venture creation).
Participants should not only get "knowledge", but also gain an "employability benefit" that they can use in their careers as Information Systems specialists in innovative organisations and/or as independent consultants or entrepreneurs. It also introduces legal, ethical and professional aspects and hence addresses the employability of the students in their future career. Furthermore, students acquire the necessary research skills to independently carry out a research project.
Agile Project Development
30 credits
This core module focuses on various approaches to agile development and deals with agile project and risk management, techniques, documentation and testing.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and explain the concepts, strengths, limitations and suitability of agile development techniques.
- Develop appropriate use of project management qualitative techniques within an agile framework, such as feasibility study, planning, control and estimating, risk management and configuration management and quantitative techniques such as PERT and CPN.
- Apply management and team-building techniques to appropriately managing an information systems development project.
- Select and apply object oriented development techniques within an agile development environment.
- Critically discuss social and professional issues associated with information systems project and risk management.
- Manage the development of a system by applying an agile framework.
Project Dissertation
60 credits
This module constitutes the major individual piece of work of the Masters Programme where the student carries out a project involving independent critical research, design and implementation (where applicable).
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Select, justify and use effectively the research methods and techniques appropriate for particular cases in order to carry out a literature search and an independent work of research
- Critically identify the need to position their research in the wider academic or business context and structure the dissertation format to agreed conventions
- Plan, manage and critically evaluate the project using the techniques and tools needed in order to bring it in successfully on time and within resourcing limits
- Identify and critically analyse real-world problems or knowledge gaps to which academic concepts and methods can be realistically applied to improve or resolve the problem situation
- Apply skills to show an ability to engage in academic and professional communication with others in their field through report and presentation
- Present critical awareness in applying appropriate legal, social or ethical obligations and when required, respond to the financial and other constraints of a corresponding business environment.
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.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the work placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Tier 4 visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
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 maths 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.
Fees for this course
What this course offers you
- This course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to strategically manage innovation within an IT context. It includes modelling outcomes so as to be able to specify potential benefits and risks.
- You can tailor the course to your own career development needs, industry background or organisation's requirements.
- The project/dissertation gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. It is relevant to your career so provides an excellent selling point when you are looking for a job or promotion.
- If you are an overseas student, we will help you to carry out a project either based in your home country or that will be of specific relevance when you return home.
- Teaching staff are research active, which keeps your learning cutting-edge (read more in our Research areas section).
- The taught modules aim to prepare you for the job market. Alongside your academic studies, you gain skills in:
- problem solving and organisation;
- data collation and modelling, review and synopsis;
- communication (oral, written and electronic);
- time management; and
- co-operation and teamwork.
- Each module offers a stimulating balance of study, which may include lectures, practical lab work, group working, case studies and presentations. Industry experts often teach on the courses, enhancing your studies and putting them in a business context.
- You also have the chance to network with other professionals in the same situation as yourself. Our postgraduate students often set up study groups to support and encourage to each other.
- We have collaborative arrangements with several European partners, which add an extra perspective to the course and give insight into European industry practice.
- We offer part-time options to help you fit your studies around other commitments. This course is modular, with each module taught in two separate week-long blocks, allowing you to attend as you would for a short course.
September and January start dates give you extra flexibility.
Facilities
About our modern teaching environment at Kingston University
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;
- 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.
Typical careers for graduates
- IT consultant
- IT entrepreneur
- information architect
- eLearning developer
- business analyst
- digital business/web specialist
- requirements engineer
- IT manager
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.
What our students say
The lectures are very intense, but are taught in an interactive mode by the professors. Thus, students feel engaged and are able to attain in-depth knowledge. The lecturer also helps in explaining the coursework in much detail, which makes it beneficial for students to perform well in the coursework. The module on IT & Entrepreneurship has been the most interesting as it taught us how to put innovation into business, backed by theories. The module had interactive group workshops that were very interesting and helped us do insightful research.
Ranjeeta Sodhi, IT and Strategic Innovation with Management Studies MSc
This type of course would benefit people who are interested in establishing their own companies, because it provides you with the fundamentals of how to compete within an industry sector, or market place. I am currently working as an engineer for Dell. I have a few years' experience at the company and throughout this time, I have been assigned to various companies and organisations. My assignments include the NHS, borough councils and some prestigious companies for several months at a time
Yinka Salami, IT and Strategic Innovation with Management Studies MSc
Industrial Advisory Board
To ensure your studies are kept up to date and answer the needs of business, our courses are created and reviewed in consultation with an advisory board of key industry experts and senior academics. The Board also provides input and advice on our research portfolio.
With members from Google, Microsoft, Easyjet, games developer Colossal and Chief Information Officers from local government – our Advisory Board represents the diverse spectrum of industries and public sector organisations that make up the jobs market for our graduates.
Links with the British Computer Society
The Faculty is also a long-time member of the British Computer Society (BCS). For many years we have hosted meetings of the local BCS Kingston and Croydon Branch, contributing to members' continuing professional development programmes.
Extra activities for this course
The range of events and lectures in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning.
For example, the Digital Information Research Centre (DIRC) runs seminars which have recently covered:
- How social media affects police operations
- Dimensionality issues in weighted differential entropy
- Link quality based routing framework for wireless sensor networks
- Data integration for smart urban transport
- HTTP video streaming adaptation
Current research in this subject
Research relevant to IT & strategic innovation revolves around how innovations occur and spread in organisations as well as what IT structures can promote the spread of this "mutual inspiration". Much of the computer modelling involved is carried out in cooperation with partners in Germany, Turkey and Portugal and participants will meet with PhD students. Recent examples of projects include:
- an eLoyalty system for Cyprus (feasibility study);
- mobile banking; an analysis of visitor behaviour on a major UK Bank web site;
- implementation of a CRM for an international Church;
- comparison of knowledge work techniques and acceptance in the UK and Middle East; and
- modelling student achievement, retention and progression in a large UK university.
