MBA Computing

Why choose this course
This course is provided through a partnership between Kensington College of Business and the University of Wales. KCB has developed as a centre in London delivering university degree courses that equip young people with commercial skills and qualifications for the job market – Business Studies, Marketing, Computing and Business Information Management. About the course
This is a modular one-year full time course. The main emphasis is on the effective design, development and management of information systems. It is appropriate for students who have little or no previous experience of computing or information technology as well as for students who already have a background in computer science. One of its major strengths is the opportunity it provides for you to combine knowledge learned on the award with your previous knowledge and experience. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and from a number of disciplines. The programme will be of interest if you plan to move into the computing and information systems fields, or you have found that computing is playing an increasing role in your work environment.
Course content
The award will provide up-to-date knowledge and understanding coupled with professional and technical skills that relate to the development, management and usage of information systems applications in a variety of organisations.
The taught modules include: • Software Development
• IT Management
• IT Systems Development
• Networks and the Internet
• Project Management • Research Methodology
In addition you must complete the following substantial piece of research work: • MSc Project How will you study
Teaching is delivered in the form of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. The average number of hours in lectures, tutorials and lab sessions is 15 hours per week (half of this time will be practical work). You will also need to spend time working independently on reading, working on coursework assignments and other computer-related activities. Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework and others involve coursework and an examination. The MSc project, which will take the form of a dissertation on a computing related topic, is an integral part of the course. This will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the application of their computing, award and research skills, and to apply their knowledge to a complex problem. What are the career prospects?
Possible careers include systems analyst, analyst programmer, database developer and systems administrator. Graduates from this award have a very strong record in gaining employment. You will be eligible for an extended Work Permit under the IGC Scheme. Module Content •Software Development This module enable students to use an OO programming language to develop object oriented applications and enable critical appraisal of the object-oriented approach to software development. Students will use the Java programming language to develop practical applications of object oriented methodologies and concepts such as abstraction, inheritance and polymorphism •IT Systems Development This module aims to enable students to apply object-oriented methodologies to the analysis and design of software applications. It aims to expose students to current and developing data models and database systems, to enable them to apply related concepts to conventional and advanced database systems applications. It covers Object Oriented Analysis and Design, focusing on the UML methodology; Relational Database design and administration using Oracle RDBMS; Multi-tier database architecture and web site - database connectivity using Java. •IT Management This module aims to explore critically the ways in which the strategic deployment Information Technology can enable and empower employees and organisations to improve their operations and practices. It also aims to develop an understanding of the importance of planning and management to the successful development and implementation of information systems. It will critically examine modern IT systems such as CSM, CRM and E-Commerce. • Networks and the Internet This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Seven Layer OSI Network Architecture model and to explore its application to Internet systems. It will include network theory (the Seven and Five Layer Models), design and how Internet protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP fit into these models. The module will include the construction and maintenance of an Ethernet network. •Project Management This module aims to enable students to use and critically evaluate project management techniques and tools; such as Network Analysis, CPA and Gantt Charts. Students will develop an understanding of the broader context of IT project management and demonstrate their understanding of both theoretical models of IT project management and practical approaches to the subject. • Research Methodology The module will prepare and equip students with the knowledge, presentation skills and critical faculties necessary for dissertation / project and provide the necessary underpinning skills to ensure that competent work and standards are achieved and maintained throughout the programme of study. This will encompass the development of professional level information handling and analysis skills and will provide a broad introduction to the purpose and methods of carrying out various types of academically based research; and also providing an introduction to ethical issues • MSc Project This aims to provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate the application of their computing, award and research skills, and to apply their knowledge to a complex problem. The project will be assessed by a written report and a combined presentation and oral examination In general, a successful MSc project should be within context of the particular MSc award for which a student is enrolled. and should show a mastery of a topic area requiring the integration of the award within an application area.