Programme summary for MSc Business Information Systems

About the programme

This programme offers a balance of theory, advanced practical skills and experience, providing a sound knowledge and analytical ability to support your professional development. For those with little or no previous computer experience, the programme offers valuable insights into the use of IT in a business context and an awareness of its best use for strategic advantage. The very latest developments are studied from the perspective of theoretical research or with a view to complex systems construction.

Programme structure

The programme is offered in full-time mode and part-time mode, commencing September or February. The full time mode consists of two 15-week semesters plus a 14-week dissertation project. The part time mode consists of four 15-week semesters plus a 28-week dissertation project. A full time student will study two 30-credit modules per semester whereas a part time student will study one 30-credit module per semester. For both modes of study the dissertation project may occur during the summer period. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. However, this may impact on the overall duration of the study period. Students will be required to complete their programme within six years from initial registration.

Career opportunities

The programme provides for a wide range of career paths, including specific IT-related positions and also roles combining IT with general management. There is a growing demand within the industry to have key management positions filled with personnel who can make best productive use of their IT facilities and use them for strategic advantage.

Support

UEL and the School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering have in place a number of mechanisms to support you throughout your studies. A personal tutor is allocated to each student at the start of the programme. The personal tutor is available to help you in your academic progress as well as in any general issues that you might face during your studies. An appropriate project supervisor is also allocated to every student who takes the dissertation project to provide support and knowledge throughout the project duration. For each module there is a module leader who can help with any issues around that module. There is also a programme leader to help you with any issues you might have with the programme. Last but not least, counsellors are available for consultation through the student services.

Admission

Applicants are normally expected to hold a first degree in Computing, Science or Business studies. In the case of non Computing graduates some computing experience or a substantial element of studies should involve information technology related or numerate subjects. The applicants should hold a British award classification of no less than a lower second class honours (2:2). Alternatively, a degree qualification of a standard equivalent from a recognised university outside the U.K is expected.

In the case of applicants whose first degree is from overseas, then minimum overall IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 6.0 in writing & speaking and 5.5 in reading & listening or TOEFL 250/600 is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.