Information Systems Management MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

First semester (October to January)

• Object-Oriented Programming covers the theory and practice of modern programming, enabling you to design, develop and implement object-oriented programs and appreciate these disciplines from a management perspective
• Database Systems and Design addresses the analysis of data storage requirements and the design of complex relational databases to meet those requirements. This module makes extensive use of commercial and industrial case studies
• Computer Systems and Networks explains the technical infrastructure upon which modern computer systems and networks are run. It provides a sufficient level of understanding of hardware, operating systems, systems software, network protocols and topologies to enable you to appreciate the use of computer systems and networks in commerce and industry, to be able to construct a technical specification for a computer system, and to select an appropriate system
• Systems Analysis and Design covers the theory and practice of systems analysis and design, and introduces the internationally recognised UML modelling language. Extensive use of case studies allows the application of selected UML techniques, and Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE) tools are used to support the development of complex UML models

Second semester (February to May)

• Research Methods, Professionalism and Ethics links the teaching of social, ethical, legal and professional issues with an overview of research approaches and methodologies. This module is important for your professional development and is also a central preparation for the final project/dissertation
• Management of Information Systems enables you to set computing developments in a broader social, economic and business context. It introduces many of the skills needed to effectively manage IS/IT projects within organisations
• E-Commerce Systems develops a conceptual understanding of the management and support of e-commerce systems within an organisation. This module provides a critical awareness of strategy issues, the provision of information and the support of such systems, and examines the process of e-commerce systems development. There is a detailed study of the strategy process, and the benefits of e-commerce are explored with reference to current research
• Human Factors in Systems Design introduces and explores the human factors and issues that need to be considered when designing interactive systems. You will develop skills enabling you to design effective and usable interactive systems. You will also learn how to evaluate the usability and appropriateness of competing designs

Third semester (June to September)

During the final semester you will work on your project/dissertation, chosen by you and agreed with your project supervisor. Part-time students normally choose to work on their project over an entire academic year.

Teaching and assessments

The course can be studied either full-time over one year or part-time for two–six years, beginning in September each year (a January start date may also be available).

There will be two- or three-week vacations at Christmas and New Year (December/January) and Easter (March/April), and some students also take a brief break in June or July before completing their dissertation.

Teaching will include formal lectures, tutorials and laboratories. You will also be expected to undertake independent study and research to support your assignments and dissertation. Assessment will be by various group and individual methods including exams, projects, presentations, written essays and reports.

You will normally be expected to attend a two-week induction in September, to prepare you for modules taught in semester one.

Contact and learning hours

Full-time students will normally attend around 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions per week, and can expect to undertake around 24 further hours of self-directed independent study and research to support your assignments and dissertation