Information Systems and Technology MSc
Overview
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society for partial fulfilment of the academic requirement for Chartered IT Professional.
Scholarships and Bursaries
- Merit-based scholarships up to £1,500 available
- Loyalty Bursary Scheme available to City University London Graduates.
The course aims to develop:
- understanding of the characteristics of information systems, their management and technology, and their effective utilisation within organisations
- skills in evaluating and applying appropriate methods and technologies for representing, managing and disseminating information
- skills in contributing to information system implementation using sound principles
- an appreciation of the necessary legal, ethical and professional values appropriate to the provision of information services
Overview
Information systems are a key part of an organisation's IT infrastructure. IT professionals who can manage a business's information resources, and understand the technologies and systems that enable this are key to a modern enterprise's success.This degree prepares you for a professional career in information systems and the business services they provide. It takes a broad view of how organisations use information to maintain competitive advantage using City's expertise in both computing and information management.
Graduates are employed in a range of information systems roles in large and small organisations, including banks, consultancies, pharmaceutical and IT industries, central and local government, and the education and health sectors, for example. The course is also excellent preparation for doctoral (PhD) study.
Why study this course at City University London?
- the course provides an 'info-socio-technical' approach which combines information, systems and technology modules in a social and organisational context.
- the electives have been selected from staff research interests and expertise to provide in-depth cutting edge approaches in selected areas, such as information retrieval, legal aspects, open source systems,and spatial programming, in a top-rated (RAE 5) research department.
- all modules in this course are supported by the University's online learning environment (Moodle). You will be able to access lecture materials and engage in discussions with student colleagues, teaching staff and the course team.
- a flexible course design which caters for students with a range of disciplines and experiences, from home and overseas, who themselves contribute to a stimulating learning environment and experience.
- the course is one of three related programmes, which share a common first set of modules. Students enrolling on one of the course may transfer to one of the other programmes, if their focus of interest changes during the first term.
- London is a convenient location, with numerous career opportunities. City is close to the City of London, in an area associated with the creative industries, with access to national resources (such as the British Library).
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). Graduates from the course are exempt from the BCS Certificate, Diploma and Diploma Project.
Course Fees:
- Full-time EU: £9,000 (2012/13 fees)
- Part-time EU: £4,500 (2012/13 fees)
- Full-time Non EU: £13,000 (2012/13 fees)
- Part-time Non EU: £6,500 (2012/13 fees)
Start Date:
17/09/2012
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is a good second class Honours degree from a UK university, a recognised equivalent from an accredited international institution or an equivalent professional qualification. Applicants should have basic competence and familiarity with mathematics and good professional English.
Other Suitable Qualifications
INTO Postgraduate preparation Programmes
If you do not qualify for direct entry, our partner INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Science and Engineering at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.
Kaplan International College (KIC) London
Additionally, the University works in partnership with KIC London to provide preparatory courses for international students. Foundation and Pre Masters courses at KIC London offer comprehensive support to students including regular one-to-one tuition. Progression to the University is guaranteed if you complete the KIC London course at the required level.
English Requirements
For those students whose first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL (internet based): 100
INTO English Language Programmes
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Please click the links below for more information.
Visa Requirements
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than 6 months
- Students on courses of less than 6 months
- Students on a pre-sessional English Language course
For more information see our main Visa page.
Course Content
This degree prepares you for a professional career in information systems and the business services they provide. It takes a broad view of how organisations use information to maintain competitiveadvantage using our expertise in computing and information management. As this course shares a common first term with the degree in Information Management, you can decide on your area of focus once you are in a position to make an informed choice.
Course Structure
5 Core Module(s):
Databases
- Identify the key issues relating to the management of relational database systems and object-oriented database systems
- Model the logical structure of database systems using different data models
- Analyse data and document structures using different models
- Create and query relational databases using SQL
- Evaluate the new developments in data and document handling systems and understand their practical applications and implications
Information and Knowledge Management
- Describe and evaluate the relationships between information and knowledge, their users and systems with reference to different types of resources and organizations
- Explain information and knowledge management processes in organisations by reference to life cycle and other models
- Use appropriate techniques to analyse information needs, use and provision
- Apply the principles of information management in various organisational contexts by drawing on case studies
- Discuss the ethical, social and economic context of information and knowledge management
- Web analytics
- Search, metadata and users' information-seeking behaviour
- Website organization and navigation schemes
- Key design documents in the IA process
- Knowledge of content management and e-commerce systems
- Introduction to system specification
- Introduction to databases
- Research activity in terms of the effectiveness of its approach and implementation
- Understand and apply a range of research methodologies such as inductive and deductive reasoning, explanation and prediction in the evaluation of published research
- Recognise and use a range of secondary data sources when performing a research task
- Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using a range of media
- Evaluate the legal, ethical and professional dimensions of typical information professions and information industry practices
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the changing nature of software intensive systems and the range of new methods, tools and techniques available to develop these systems
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the challenges of requirements elicitation
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the fundamentals of software quality assurance techniques
- Apply the principles and concepts involved in object-oriented analysis and design and build object-oriented analysis and design models using the constructs of the Unified Modelling Language (UML)
Choose 3 elective module(s) from the following list:
Business Enginering with ERP Solutions
- Explain the fundamental principles of ERP technology and second generation ERP systems, and evaluate their business and technical benefits in context
- Analyse the critical success factors for ERP system implementation in context
- Use Accelerated SAP (ASAP) methodology in solving complex problems
- Perform complex business process modelling using the EPC notation
- Create graphics and applications that reveal the structure in data sets.
- Apply the seven stages of visualization to analyse and present data graphically.
- Use 'Processing' -- the open source programming language and environment -- to develop interactive graphical applications for visualization.
- Identify the legal principles underlying specific information issues
- Demonstrate a professional understanding of the use of relevant information law to help provide accurate information
- Critically evaluate and analyse information policies and their legal expression.
Information Retrieval
- Use a range of information retrieval systems and services to resolve information needs
- Evaluate information retrieval systems and services, by using appropriate methodologies
- Design and implement information retrieval systems, and make decisions about their deployment
- Evaluate new developments in information retrieval research, understanding the problems which new ideas in IR are attempting to address
- Demonstrate the importance of planning in a multimedia production environment and some of the tools and techniques used e.g. storyboarding and navigation charts; evaluate techniques used to capture, edit, store and present multimedia data, in particular images and movies
- Demonstrate competencies in the use of a widely used multimedia authoring tool e.g. Macromedia Flash; evaluate the issues involved in multimedia delivery on the World Wide Web
- Use a multimedia scripting language to add further interactivity to their applications
Open Source Systems
- Evaluate the usefulness of open source systems to solve real world problems, by drawing upon known case studies
- Critically analyse the open source software development process, its opportunities and problems in developing IT systems, with a particular focus on the individuals and organisations involved; compare and contrast open and closed source software development, by referring to established opportunites and difficulties in developing IT systems
- Assess open source systems from the legal, ethical and ideological perspectives
Project Management
- Demonstrate understanding of the key issues relating to IT project management, including estimating, scheduling, resourcing, monitoring and controlling progress, quality control and risk management
- Discuss the wider context of change management and the organizational framework
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of software system design and its connections with requirements engineering, system analysis, system implementation and system verification
- Use UML as a software system design language
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of software architectural styles and use them to create or transform software architecture models
- Use design patterns,object frameworks and formal specifications techniques in developing detailed system design model with provable properties
- Understand the principles of operation of web-based applications and databases
- Understand up-to-date web technologies; learn about the tools available to develop web-based applications
- Develop true client and server applications that will render correctly on any browser, on any platform
Teaching and Assessment
The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination, plus a project dissertation. Students successfully completing eight modules and the dissertation will be awarded a Master of Science (MSc) degree. All modules in this course are supported by the University's online learning environment.
This Master's in Information Systems and Technology is available full time (12 months) and part time (up to 28 months; daytime study).
Students successfully completing eight modules and the dissertation will be awarded 180 credits and a masters level qualification. Alternatively, students who do not complete the dissertation but have successfully completed eight modules will be awarded 120 credits and a postgraduate diploma. Successful completion of four modules (60 credits) will lead to the award of a postgraduate certificate.
Modules are assessed in a number of ways, including coursework, examinations, presentations and multiple choice questions.
| FULL-TIME study timetable: 2010/2011 | PART-TIME study timetable: 2010/2011 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | YEAR 1, Semester 1 | ||
| Information Architecture | Monday morning | Information Architecture | Monday morning |
| Information and Knowledge Management | Monday afternoon | Information and Knowledge Management | Monday afternoon |
| Systems Specification | Tuesday morning | YEAR 1, Semester 2 | |
| Research Methods and Professional Issues | Friday afternoon | Databases | Monday afternoon |
| Option module | |||
| Semester 2 | YEAR 2, Semester 1 | ||
| Databases | Monday afternoon | Systems Specification | Tuesday morning |
| Option module | Research Methods and Professional Issues | Friday afternoon | |
| Option module | YEAR 2, Semester 2 | ||
| Option module | Option module | ||
| Option module | |||
| Option modules: Choose one module from each stream | ||
|---|---|---|
| All option modules are held Semester 2 | ||
| Information Stream | Information Retrieval | Monday morning |
| Information Stream | Data Visualization | Tuesday morning |
| Information Stream | Information Law and Policy | Thursday morning |
| Systems Stream | Software Systems Design | Wednesday afternoon |
| Systems Stream | Business Engineering with ERP Solutions | Wednesday morning |
| Systems Stream | Open Source Systems | Friday morning |
| Systems Stream | Project Management | Thursday afternoon |
| Technology Stream | Multimedia Design and Development | Tuesday afternoon |
| Technology Stream | Web Applications Development | Friday afternoon |
Full-time study
The programme is twelve months' long; you are generally expected to attend the University for the equivalent of two days per week (in face-to-face mode), although you may be able to do some of your studying away from the campus.
Full-time students take four core modules in the first term and the remaining core module and the three options in the second term. The remainder of the year is occupied with the individual project.
Full-time students may study in flexible mode. This means that you may spend most of your time working away from the campus, using City Online Learning (WebCT) to access lecture materials and engage in other activities (see below).
Part-time study
Part-time students may study in day-release (one day per week). The taught part of the programme lasts for two academic years. The individual project can be completed in the second year, or in a third year.
Part-time students in their first year take two core modules in the first term, a third core module and one option in their second term. In their second year, they take the remaining two core modules in the first term and two more options in their second term. The individual project can be completed in the second year, either in parallel with the modules or more intensively during the summer; otherwise it can be extended into a third year.
Fees
- Full-time EU: £9,000 (2012/13 fees)
- Part-time EU: £4,500 (2012/13 fees)
- Full-time Non EU: £13,000 (2012/13 fees)
- Part-time Non EU: £6,500 (2012/13 fees)
Funding
For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.
How to pay
The University has introduced an instalment payment scheme which is available to certain categories of students, including taught postgraduate students. For students following the normal academic year, the annual fee may be paid in two equal instalments: the first on registering, the second on 31 January. If you wish to pay your fees by instalment you must pay the first instalment at or before registration, by cheque or credit/debit card. You must also supply your bank details or credit card details for payment of your second instalment which will be deducted automatically from your bank or credit card account on 31st January.
Further details about the payment of fees.
Please Note - Applicants who already hold a HE qualification and are applying for another HE course at an Equal or Lower Level Qualification (ELQ)
UK/EU students who already hold a Higher Education qualification and are applying to start another Higher Education course at an equivalent or lower level (ELQ) should note that they will have to pay higher fees for their course from 2009/10 onwards. The exact fee will vary by course. You are advised to contact your admission tutor to discuss the fees.
The new rules and regulations have been introduced by the Government and not City University London. The Government instructed the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to withdraw institutional funding for ELQ students (both Home and EU) - those studying for an equivalent or lower level qualification. This means that UK Universities will no longer receive any government funding to support Home/EU ELQ students. The additional fee for students has been introduced by City University London to help recover some (but not all) of the withdrawn funding. If you already hold an MA qualification, this means that you are classed as an ELQ student.
Scholarships
The School of Informatics offers a number of scholarships of £2,000 for both home and overseas well-qualified postgraduate applicants on one year full-time master's courses. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to the most promising applicants.We provide a comprehensive list of other funding sources, such as Career Development Loans, Research Council Studentships, Access to Learning Funds, and Charities and Trusts. here. There are no mandatory awards (direct government grants to students) for postgraduate study. Applicants should consider carefully the cost of fees and maintenance at an early stage in the application process.
Placements
Internships offer an exceptional opportunity to make you stand out in a competitive job market place. We have extensive experience in helping students to secure placement employment in the IT industry.
More information on Internships in Industry.
Career Prospects
You will acquire both a broad and a deep understanding of the principles and practice of information, systems and technology (the three streams of the programme) in their application to human activity systems. You will take a core module in each stream which will consolidate and deepen your existing knowledge in any of these areas, as well as provide a springboard to the options. Other core modules embrace databases, and professional, research, evaluation and communication skills.The electives provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the three streams, so that students have some flexibility in choosing areas of specialisation whilst retaining the breadth of study which has always been a characteristic of this programme.
If you are working part time in this area, the programme offers you the opportunity to consolidate and expand your knowledge and skills, combining your work and academic experiences in a mutually supportive way.
Full-time students may be seeking a career in this field or to enhance their existing prospects; the core modules and the choice of electives should enable them to tailor the programme to their individual needs.
Information systems are vital to all organizations of all sizes and in all economic sectors. There are a wide range of career opportunities, ranging from assessing the users' needs and requirements to the implementation of a new system to meet those needs. An understanding of the information in the system and the organizational environment in which it is located are important for an effective system, placing our graduates in an excellent position to apply their knowledge in the workplace.
Alumni jobs
| Job title | Company name |
|---|---|
| Academic Group Chair | Middlesex University |
| Airline Pilot | British Airways |
| Analyst Programmer | Biomni Ltd |
| Analyst Programmer | Merrill Lynch Investment Managers Charitable Trust |
| Applications Developer | Royal Bank Of Scotland |
| Arts & Education Correspondent | Brook Green Magazine |
| Assistant Supreme Court Librarian | Royal Courts of Justice |
| Brand Manager - Lancia | Fiat Group Automobiles Hellas S.A. |
| Business Manager | Health Service Ombudsman |
| Business System Anaylst | Strategic Rail Authority |
| Business Systems Manager | NHS |
| CEO | Orbsoft Inc |
| CFO | The Frayman Group |
| Clinical Effectiveness Advisor | Auckland District Health Board |
| Computer Officer | Itsc Hong Kong Baptist University |
| Computer Operator | Accenture |
| Consultant | Self employed |
| Consultant | Step Ahead Research |
| Customer Support Manager | Sirsi Ltd. |
| Database Administrator | Shropshire Fire And Rescue Service |
| Database Administrator | News International Plc |
| Database Administrator Manager | Greenville Utilities Commission |
| Database Manager, DEPM | Queen Mary University Of London |
| Departmental Administrator | Goldsmiths, university of London |
| Director | Buzz 22 |
| Director | Lightnet Ltd |
| Director and Sales Manager | Steelmet Cyprus Ltd |
| Director of Higher Education Quality Reviews | Quality Assurance Authority |
| Director of operations | Director Of Operations |
| Education Adviser | Napier Students' Association |
| EMIS Project Manager | Aga Khan Development Network |
| Environment & User Support Manager | UBS |
| ERP Solutions Teamleader | Vodafone |
| Head of Administration & IT | Peter Bedford Housing Association |
| Head of Business Development | HSBC Investment Bank |
| Head of Child Protection Learning Resources | NSPCC |
| Head of Engneering Technology | Seevic College |
| Head of Informatics | Tameside & Glossop Primary Care Trust |
| Head of Institutional Planning | University College Northampton |
| ICT Teacher | Norwood School |
| Implementation Manager | The Court Service |
| Information Architect | Macmillan Cancer Support |
| Information Specialist | International Energy Agency |
| Information Systems Manager | PriceWaterhouseCoopers |
| Internet Strategist | British Telecommunications Plc |
| Intranet Administrator | Department Of Trade & Industry |
| IT Contractor | Deutsche Bank (Surrey) |
| IT Finance Consultant | Abbey National Treasury Services |
| IT Infrastructure Manager | Sloane Robinson Investment Services Limited |
| IT Lecturer | Epping Forest College |
| IT Manager | E- Systems |
| IT Manager | Police Information Technology Organisation |
| IT Project Co-ordinator | Berwin Leighton Paisner |
| IT Support Analyst | Virgin Atlantic |
| IT Training Co-Ordinator | National Training And Development Institute |
| Junior business/systems analyst | London Ambulance Service |
| Junior Database Consultant | Triton Consulting |
| Lecturer | College Of North West London |
| Library Systems and IT Manager | De Montford University |
| Management Consultant | Tca Consulting |
| Network Engineer | Cap Gemini Ernst And Young |
| Occupational Safety Officer | Hksar Government |
| Operations | Transport For London |
| Oracle Database Administrator | Cable & Wireless |
| Principal Technical Officer | Centre For Health Information Management |
| Product Manager (Electronics) | Medi Media Nz Ltd |
| Professor of Learning Technology | UCLan |
| Program Manager | Australian Customs Service |
| Programme Manager | Bae Systems |
| Programme Manager-Software Development | Cincom Systems |
| Project Manager | Baa Plc |
| Project Manager | Instant Library Ltd |
| Project Manager | Watford And Three Rivers Pct |
| Project Manager | Barclays Capital |
| Radiographer | The NHS (St Mary's Hospital, Portmsouth) |
| Reference Librarian | Teikyo Post University |
| Research Associate | City University London |
| Research Worker | City University London |
| Science/ ICT Teacher | Emirates International Dubai |
| Section Head Business Advantage | South Devon College |
| Senior Analyst | Sepro International |
| Senior Business Consultant | SingularLogic |
| Senior Consultant | Mercator Software Ltd |
| Senior Information Manager | Brent And Harrow Health Authority |
| Senior Network Technical Specialist | BT PLC |
| Senior Research Fellow | INSEAD |
| Senior Systems Analyst | Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) |
| Senior Technical Analyst | Croner Cch |
| Skills Development Officer - Employment and Traini | Look Ahead Housing |
| Software Developer | Informer Sa |
| Software Developer | Vonkin Software |
| Software Tester | Norwich Union |
| Sr Director of Revenue Management Systems | Marriott International |
| Student | University Of Surrey |
| Support Consultant | Beauchamp Financial Technology |
| Systems Analyst | IMO |
| Systems Support Analyst | Southampton Institute |
| Systems Support Officer, Directorate of IM&T | City And Hackney Community Nhs Trust |
| Technical Account Manager | Write Image |
| Trader | Merrill Lynch |
| Trainee Analyst | Ims Maxims Plc |
| Training and Development Co-Ordinator | Hammersmith And Fulham Pct |
| Tutor | University College London |
| Web Developer | Sporting Life Ltd. |
Find out more about City University London
MSc in Information Systems and Technology
We invite all suitable applicants living within a 200-mile radius of London to an open and/or interview session; these are held monthly between March and July. Overseas and more distant applicants are sent a questionnaire, which may be supplemented by a telephone interview or email discussion. Such students are welcome to visit the Department if they are in or near London at some stage.
Please read through the application guidance notes before you apply.
You should submit your application by one of the following two methods:
1. Completing the online form; or
2. Completing a hard copy of the application form and sending this to the address below.
Please ensure you include your supporting documentation with your application. If you are applying online you should note that confidential references are only acceptable as originals sent in signed and sealed envelopes by post to the address below. References attached as supporting documentation to an online application cannot be considered.
International students: it is important you submit your application to us in sufficient time for you to arrange your visa before the start of the course.
Please address the following points in your personal statement:
-
Why you want to study on this course
-
What sort of job you hope to go into following the course (perhaps outline your career objectives over the next five years)
-
What experience you have with a) computer programming and b) using computers
-
Mention if you think there is any overlap between your first degree and this Masters at City
-
What additional skills you expect to gain from this course
Online applications
Apply online for an MSc (full-time, part-time)
You will be able to attach electronic copies of your supporting documents. However, you will be required to submit your confidential references in hard copy (in signed and sealed envelopes) to the address below, together with any supporting documents you do not attach when applying online.
Postal applications
You can download and print off the paper application form here.
Alternatively, to receive an application pack in the post please contact the Programmes Office:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7040 0248
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7040 0233
Email: pgenquire@soi.city.ac.uk
(The application pack includes the application form, application guidance notes and the School's postgraduate prospectus)
Please send your completed paper application form, together with supporting documents, to:
Programmes Office
School of Informatics
City University London
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB
