MSc Information Technology and Management
Annual Intake
Up to 50
Lecture Hours
120
Course Outline
Introduction
The innovative MSc course in IT and Management brings together components from two successful Keele courses: the IT MSc course delivered by Computer Science and the MBA course delivered by Management. It offers students who have already acquired some knowledge of computing the opportunity to gain highly marketable IT, business and management skills.
Aims of the Course
The course recognises the serious shortage of people with a technical background who can effectively participate in business-related activities. It thus enhances the existing technical background of students with business and management skills and knowledge. It also recognises the importance of the application of technical skills, and thus includes further study of the development of a variety of types of systems, ranging from traditional to multimedia and web-based
Course Structure and Content
Details correct at the time of printing.
Course Information
The MSc programme comprises eight 15-credit taught modules (120 credits) plus a project (60 credits). Alternatively, students may complete their studies after obtaining 60 credits (Postgraduate Certificate) or 120 credits (Postgraduate Diploma) from the taught programme.
The course starts in late September and lasts 12 months. During the first semester (September to January) students take four core modules, followed in the second semester (January to May) by one core and three option modules. The project, often industrially-based, runs from the end of May.
Course Modules
The following indicate the range of modules that may be offered:
Core Modules (15 credits each)
The student must choose one of the following two modules. The choice should be based on addressing any areas where the student's knowledge needs to be enhanced. Any choice is subject to confirmation by the course director.
Either
Information Systems or Conceptual Modelling
Option Modules - students choose 3 only (15 credits each)
The Project
The project (60 credits) starts in late May and runs until early September. Projects are IT-based, but are required to specifically address Management themes and issues. Most projects are based in external companies and organisations selected to give real life experience of the IT industry. Some are University-based, often within other academic or administrative departments.
Assessment
The taught modules are mainly assessed by coursework, with examinations in some of the modules. Project assessment is based largely on a substantial final report.
Core Modules
Information Systems
Conceptual Modelling
Marketing, Design and Production
Strategy and Business Information
Economics, Finance and Accounting
Option Modules
Object-oriented Programming
Web Technologies
Managing Information Systems and Projects
Entrepreneurship
Career Destination
The course is designed to allow students to progress into employment in either management-oriented roles (perhaps applying information technology to business problems) or technology-oriented roles (e.g. in system development or system administration).