Professional it project management msc

• Course Outline & Key Facts
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Introduction:

The programme is designed for students with a degree in computer science and/or experience in software engineering who wish to develop their career further into project management while working in the IT industry. Graduates will be prepared for the challenges of their industrial career as software project managers.

Although the statistics on IT project success worldwide are more promising than a decade ago, there is still scope for further improvement. Appropriate project management and development processes can avoid some problems and capture others at an early stage, hence lead to higher success rates. Project management skills and qualifications are increasingly being recognised as key to the success of IT projects.

This new programme combines the specific technical content of the full-time taught MSc IT Project Management programme with the benefits of the work-based MSc Professional Engineering programme.

The programme is designed to equip its graduates with both generic project management and specific software project management skills, which is expected to lead to a career managing successful software projects with the potential to reach a leadership role.

Course Aims:

Primarily, to enable participants to acquire the Masters level knowledge, understanding and skills required for full UK registration as a Chartered Engineer, whilst remaining in full time employment and studying through a suitable programme of work based learning.

Secondly, to provide a framework in which participants can plan and carry through a structured schedule of activities designed to permit acquisition and demonstration of the full range of competences required for Chartered Engineer registration.

The programme aims to support a wide range of IT specialisations and participant needs. The learning and assessment undertaken by each participant, and the associated learning outcomes, will be specified in an individually agreed learning contract based on the participant’s specialisation and previous experience. The learning contract will specify how the generic modules listed below are interpreted to suit the participant’s needs.

Duration of programme: Two to five years’ work-based, distance learning.

Total number of credits gained: 180

Start dates: October/January/April/July

Intake Conditions: If you wish to apply for this programme, you must be employed in the IT industry. Your employer will need to be supportive of you and willing to ensure you can undertake a good range of workplace projects to build the learning needed for the MSc and additionally the competences to qualify for CEng.

Location: In the workplace.

• Entry Requirements & Fees
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Entry requirements : A first or good second class honours degree from a UK academic organisation in computer science or a related discipline. Equivalent qualifications from outside the UK will be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements

Attendance Requirements: Delivered by distance learning, there are no requirements to attend the University; however your supervisor will visit you in the workplace.

You may be eligible to apply for a loan of up to £10,280 towards the cost of studying a Masters degree at Aston University. Postgraduate loans are administered by Student Finance England and there are restrictions - so please do check.

Fees:
UK and EU students: £5,700 plus operational cost/yr

International students: £17,200 plus operational cost/yr

Scholarships:

You can find out more about our Postgraduate scholarships for international students here. If you are a UK/EU student, please email for information on funding.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

• Subject Guide and Modules
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Programme StructureThe programme combines the development of practical IT project management skills and academic knowledge and understanding through a series of work-based activities so that the software engineer:

• Develops an in-depth knowledge of managing software projects
• Learns how to integrate theory with practical application, and use critical thinking skills to generate breakthrough knowledge
• Uses their learning through immediate application to real-life work problems to reduce costs or increase value for their employer.
  

Compulsory Modules:
Professional Development Audit (SE4001):

Provides an in-depth understanding of the requirements, professional registration and responsibilities of professional practice.

Current Technologies and Applications (SE4011):

This module aims to develop a sound understanding and associated practical skills in relation to the technologies at the forefront of professional practice in the Information Technology domain of your employment.

Software Process and Management (CS4675):

You will develop a systematic understanding of a software process appropriate to an object-oriented context, together with an appreciation of alternative approaches. You will develop an in-depth understanding of how software metrics can support the management of software projects, both tactically and at the more strategic level of an organisation’s software process.

Project Management (SE4024):

You will develop an in-depth understanding of modern project and matrix alternatives to hierarchical organisations. This will include processes and methods used in tendering, project finance, project planning & cost control, and the role of the human resources manager.

Major Project (CS4700):

The project will include a detailed case study or the management of an IT project within your domain of employment. Expected activities include systematic investigation, specification, realisation, evaluation and reporting. You will present and defend your work to an audience.


Elective Modules (choice of three or four totaling 60 credits)
Scientific Foundations (SE4021):

You will develop a deep and structured understanding of the scientific principles underpinning your specific IT area, and demonstrate the ability to apply this to your practice.

Enterprise Computing Strategies (CS4815):

Introduces enterprise application strategy, provides examples of techniques used to determine the usefulness of IT for sector businesses. You will study the process to develop a business strategy and its linkage to corporate and business strategy, information systems strategy and IT strategy.

Reliability in Software Engineering (CS4825):

You will be equipped with conceptual understanding and practical skills needed to participate in the design and development of reliable software units.

Data mining (CS4850):

You will study the fundamentals of knowledge management and its application to business decision making. You will learn about leading data mining methods and use specialist data mining software packages.

Emerging Technologies (SE4012):

Provides you with an in-depth knowledge of one or more new technologies that are becoming significant within your area of professional practice, allowing evaluation of domain application potential.

Professional Literature Study (SE4027):

Involves systematic collection of knowledge associated with IT topics relevant to the employment context and critical review of that knowledge, aiming to generate new insights and understanding.

Extended Integrative Option (SE4031):

Allows the undertaking of a major work related activity, highly relevant to your employment role, but not covered by other modules. In this activity you must demonstrate a high level of professional challenge, integrating theory with practice.