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Programme summary for MSc Business Information Technology / PGCert Information Security by Distance Learning (Fully Online)

About the programme

This online MSc degree is an innovative and pioneering programme based on the recognition that cutting-edge IT skills are required if firms and those working within them are to compete effectively and thus maximise the potential of their resources. This programme is appropriate for new and more experienced business IT professionals who, over the years, have accumulated skills in IT use, systems development and planning, IT project management and general management, but who aspire to top up their IT professional skills capacity.

Programme structure

The programme is composed of four 30-credit modules (all of which are core) and a 60-credit dissertation (180 M-level credits in total). The programme is offered in both full-time and part-time modes of delivery. Part time students should aim to complete the programme within three years. The expected duration for full time study on the programme is 18 months. The maximum period from first enrolment to completion of the programme is six years. All modules are 'core' – that is, there are no options or choices. The four 30-credit modules are:

  1. Strategic IT Management
  2. Knowledge Management Systems
  3. Information Technology and Internet Law
  4. Security Management

The 60-credit dissertation module includes a taught 'research methods' element as well as a student-led research project.

Awards: MSc. In addition, modules 1 and 2 can be combined for a BIT PG Certificate. Modules 3 and 4 can be combined for a PG Certificate in Information Security; any one module can be used for a BIT PG Associate Certificate and completion of all four core modules (other than the Dissertation) will earn a student a BIT PG Diploma. Other available awards are therefore:

  • Pg Associate Certificate in Business Information Technology
  • Pg Cert in Business Information Technology
  • Pg Cert in Information Security
  • Pg Dip in Business Information Technology

Students who have completed a similar Strategy module may be exempted from Strategic IT Management module, so long as the syllabi are very similar, through UEL Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) procedures.

Career opportunities

The programme is aimed at practising IT managers, business managers in IT environments and third-year IT and computing students. We expect that the qualification will gain national and international recognition and become an established passport to a senior role in IT and computing services.

Support

On enrolment, you will be provided with introductory materials on the use of UEL’s online systems including the virtual learning environment. During your studies, you will be supported by our team of student advisors at UELconnect. These advisors act as a first point of contact for you, addressing the majority of student queries and referring only those that relate to academic matters to the module tutor. The advisors will also contact students who seem to be falling behind and will offer advice and encouragement to them. Students will receive academic support from their individual module leader. The role of the module leader is to monitor the effectiveness of the student’s learning during the module for which they are responsible, providing feedback, encouragement and support, and any necessary remedial action. We also provide useful advice and information in our Student Handbook and online.

Admission

The admission process complies with the UEL admissions procedures (See Quality Assurance and Enhancement Manual Part 2).

Students admitted to the MSc BIT need to have a Bachelor’s degree 2.2 or above, preferably in Computing, Business Information Systems and / or in any other relevant technical area. Candidates whose first language is not English and are not UK degree educated must obtain a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 600. CITE will apply the principle of equality of opportunity in its admissions process and will encourage the recruitment of local and national students and those with special needs.

Technical requirements

To participate in the programme you need at least:

  1. A PC or Mac, with 10 hours unrestricted access per week.
  2. 56K modem with Internet access (broadband recommended).
  3. A supported Internet browser (Firefox or Explorer).
  4. Reliable email.
  5. Access to a printer.

The PC should be capable of running the standard MS Office suite (or equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. You will be expected to spend approximately 10 hours online per week, participating in discussions and accessing additional resources. (You may find it beneficial to spend more time online to investigate more fully any areas that are of particular interest to you.)

Requirements for Software Resources

Students must use the latest version of an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to access UEL’s MOODLE VLE, as this will allow for the best possible student learning experience online. In addition, all student personal computers should be equipped with the latest version of Microsoft Office Suite software or an open source software equivalent. As part of their progress through the fully online MSc BIT, students will come into contact with, evaluate and use other publicly available software. However, no other access to specific or specialised software is required in each module in the Fully Online MSc BIT at the present time.

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