Information Systems MSc

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.

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.

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.

30 credits

This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts including 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. This module explains and puts business concepts into context within a variety of sectors.

You will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.

30 credits

The knowledge society is a driving force in creating economic growth. It is an aim of Information Systems to use IT to organise relevant information in an entrepreneurial fashion to increase its value, to add more value and, by provoking innovation, to create new and superior value chains.

On this module, the information life cycle and hierarchy, and 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, and 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 explores the application and use of improved value chains, using the concepts of corporate venturing (intrapreneurship) and entrepreneurship (new venture creation).

You will not only get 'knowledge', but also gain an 'employability benefit' that you can use in your career as information systems specialists in an innovative organisation and/or as an independent consultant or entrepreneur. The module also introduces legal, ethical and professional aspects, addressing your future employability. You will also gain the necessary research skills to independently carry out a research project.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.