The Online MSc Business Information Technology (BIT) is an innovative and pioneering programme offered to recent graduates in Computing and to IT professionals and managers who wish to top-up on their education. The MSc BIT is based on the recognition that up-to-date and 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. The programme is also suitable for students who wish to go on to pursue further research for example at doctoral level.

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. ACE 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.

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

The programme is delivered exclusively by distance learning, so it is essential that students have easy and regular access to the Internet and reliable email. Each module consists of learning material and a series of self-check and interactive tasks in which students discuss the issues raised in each module in the light of their own teaching context and educational background. In addition to online discussions, which involve the module tutor on a weekly basis, students also have access to the module tutor directly online.

The assessment strategy takes into account the different roles of each individual module on the programme. The assessment strategy employs a range of assessment methods such as individual programme work (essays, reports, literature reviews, and a dissertation of up to 12,000 words).

The range of assessment is designed to reflect the learning outcomes of each module. The programme team has been careful to ensure that the assessment weighting/burden for each 30-credit core module is roughly equivalent. Each 30 credit module has various components. More detailed assessment criteria will be made available in the Module Handbook.

The MSc BIT is a post-graduate programme aimed at practising IT managers, business managers in IT environments and third year IT and computing students. The programme is based on the relevant QAA subject benchmark statements which indicate that the MSc BIT is at the appropriate level for a Master’s Programme and involves the application of theory into practice. The 60-credit Management Dissertation module is explicitly used to encourage students to learn and reflect on IT practices and advantageous use of IT for strategic advantage in secured computing environments. The application of these practices is contextualised in both the rigours of the research process (both in the participation and the dissertation writing), and the outcomes of the management dissertation. The BIT Dissertation can also be a work based exercise or problem solving exercise as well as investigation of a particular IT and Computing issue.

The 60-credit BIT Research and Dissertation module is an integrated module which aims to develop students in the practice of research methods for business and management. The dissertation demonstrates advanced independent research in a specific area of IT and Computing services or other practical application area. This provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a quantitative/applied area of individual research. They should demonstrate extensive knowledge of their selected topic area, adopting a critical approach, alongside the use of appropriate and relevant research methods/tools.

The rationale behind this piece of work is producing not only a piece of work for assessment, but a piece of research which can be both used as a showcase for the student to display their abilities to third parties, and as a defining statement for their professional direction. Students are encouraged to select dissertation topics which may be used in future or on returning to employment. Students will be matched to a dedicated ACE supervisor who is familiar with the topic area and is there to advise, guide and supervise during this research stage.

The added value for this programme comes from the fact that it enables students to personalise their learning experience by focusing on balancing theory and practice issues and also on professional issues in the completion of assessments, discussions and for the dissertation. It also comes from the wide range of experience of the staff in both teaching and their professional life. Most tutors have up-to-date industrial experience.

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.

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.

• Exposure to a dynamic area of management
• Flexible study mode
• Easy access to student advisors, tutors and Programme Leader
• Credit and module exemption given for professional qualifications