MSc in Information Systems
The largest growth in economies is now coming from the information industries. The success of these knowledge-based organisations lies in their information systems, which must effectively gather, process, store and disseminate information. Forced by technological change and globalisation of markets, many manufacturing industries are also placing increasing emphasis upon information systems. Consequently knowledge of the state of the art in information systems development, application and management is at a premium in the workplace.
The MSc in Information Systems programmes, offered jointly by the Information School and Department of Computer Science, provide students with practical knowledge in the field of information systems and teach them to apply it effectively and confidently in organisations of all kinds. The programmes place information systems within their organisational context, emphasising issues related to information, people, IT and the business environment. They also develop students' skills in keeping up-to-date with new developments in this fast-moving area.
Both departments have world leading research groups in such areas as database systems, information retrieval, speech recognition, information extraction and information management. Students on the MSc in Information Systems will benefit from the research-led environment in which this programme is taught. In the context of our MSc degrees, this means that students are not only taught the well-established fundamentals in their courses, but also the most advanced theories and techniques currently under consideration. This is developed further by the research activities of the students themselves, both in exploring topics as part of their course work and in the completion of a dissertation. As a result, students graduating with a degree from us are highly valued in industry, commerce and academia.
The MSc in Information Systems programmes are designed to satisfy the requirements both of students who wish to upgrade existing skills and those who wish to take a conversion course in Information Systems. The programmes offer a unique opportunity to study with two leading-edge, research-led departments offering high quality courses that will provide a sound basis for your future career. In addition, the programme acts as an excellent introduction to the substantial research opportunities for potential doctoral-level study.
The MSc in Information Systems can be taken as either a standard MSc, or as a Professional Enhancement MSc.
MSc in Information Systems
This programme is aimed at students with little (up to one year) or no previous relevant work experience and who wish to pursue a career in this field.
Postgraduate Prospectus entry for this degree, including entry requirements and details of the modules you will study.
MSc in Information Systems (Professional Enhancement)
This programme is aimed at students who have two or more years' relevant work experience in the library and information sector, and who wish to study for a higher degree and develop their knowledge and skills.
You may enrol on the MSc, PGDiploma or PGCertificate level of study, and will take modules totalling 180 credits at Masters level, 120 credits at PGDiploma level and 60 credits at PGCertificate level. All core modules must be taken, with students choosing the remainder of their credits from the list of approved modules available (please note, the number of core and approved modules to be taken will depend upon the chosen level of study).
Postgraduate Prospectus entry for this degree, including entry requirements and details of the modules you will study.
Dissertation Study
Each student registered for a Masters´ degree is required to complete a research-based dissertation in the period from the middle of June to September (full-time attendance), following completion of the taught part of the programme. The topic for study is selected in consultation with appropriate members of the teaching staff. Opportunities exist for dissertation studies to be carried out with external organisations (Continuing Professional Development students may wish to undertake a dissertation project directly relevant to their own work situation). In the past, students who have carried out such dissertations have welcomed the opportunity to tackle 'real-life' problems. The dissertation is a major part of the degree, and each student is allocated an academic supervisor who will provide advice and guidance throughout the period of study.
Further Information
For further information regarding the MSc in Information Systems programmes, please download one of our brochures or request a course brochure using the links in the top right-hand corner of this page.
Alternatively, if you wish to discuss the programmes in more detail, please contact the Programme Coordinator: