MSc BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEGREE

Overview & facilities

Our flagship Business Information Technology Masters is taught in three locations across the globe.  The course focuses on methods for improving existing information systems and the processes involved in moving to new or revised systems.  The course offers a vital overview of industrial data management and decision making, including information strategic planning, web-based systems, software quality issues, networking, wireless communications and software developments.

The business emphasis ensures that you have a broad set of hands-on skills, and a knowledge of established and emerging practices, to contribute significantly to any organisation.  By combining information systems and technology with business and management topics, you will develop crucial skills for supporting growth and competitiveness for modern businesses.

The course is available both full-time and part-time.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Computer Networks, Wireless and Mobile Communications Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Computer network technology enables a vast range of significant activity: business competitiveness, national security, personal communications to name but a few. This module will establish an understanding of the operation, capabilities, security issues affecting network and Internet communications, business use of computer networks and the various ways in which these factors interact with each other. On successful completion of this module, you will come to appreciate the operation of a variety of types of current networks and a single framework will be used to analyse, design and construct networks capable of providing the right connectivity and performance needed by specific applications. In particular, you will understand the principal technical aspects of underlying computer network operation, their capabilities, security threats to networks and a range of countermeasures that can be taken to mitigate these. You will be able to analyse and evaluate specific networks for a range of applications and are provided the opportunity for developing commercially viable network applications.

  Data Management for Decision Support (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Data management systems are now the central software of most industrial data processing applications and the driving force behind Business Information Technology and E-Commerce. This module covers the concepts and theories of managing industrial data such as implementation of large volume data storage, preserving data quality, data preparation for dimensional modelling. The module also explores technologies and algorithms for handling a large amount of data, i.e., data cleansing, data segmentation and data transformation, to discover knowledge from data warehouse. This module presents state of the art technologies that support decision-making and provide problem solving capabilities to managers in industry. The module is designed to give an introduction into the theory of decision-making and management and some of the most widely used contemporary methods enabling modern decision support systems. In particular, the module explores theories in the domain of management decision making, for example, linear models, utility and decision-making under uncertainty. The module provides students with an opportunity to examine how data management techniques can be applied in business information systems to enhance the decision making power of managers. The module also equips students with sufficient understanding of the current theory of decision making and its applications that address modern and future business needs.

  Postgraduate Computing Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To give students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to undertake work that is independent - shaped largely by one s own decisions and preferences; complete - accomplished from conception to delivery, via all stages in between; technically competent - employing techniques and exploiting knowledge gained during earlier parts of the programme; professionally and ethically compliant; supervised - working under the guidance but not instruction of a member of academic staff; academically sound - taking critical account of current knowledge and methods in the chosen specialist area.

  Software Development (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide in-depth understanding of requirements engineering and software quality issues through a historical perspective within which major information systems development paradigms and lifecycle models are introduced. Model driven development, using Unified Modelling Language UML , forward and reverse engineering tools to model, design and implement a software system, provide opportunity to apply theory to practice. Benefits such as reusability and robustness are appreciated and reflected upon, through the development of new and the re-engineering of legacy systems. An integral part of this module is the use of CASE tools and hands-on experience which is essential for IT professionals.

  Web-based Information Systems Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The business strategy of an organisation should be supported by Information Systems IS and Information Technology IT strategy. In order to achieve this, developing IS should be part of an organisation s strategic planning. The module will explore major concepts, methods and technologies needed to develop business strategies for an organisation focusing on the Internet as the medium. Data management systems are now the central software of enterprise systems and the driving force behind E-Commerce. The module will cover the fundamentals of managing industrial data. This module aims to integrate theory and practice in a holistic manner. This module aims to give students the knowledge how to use and manage information systems to bring value to the organisation.

Attendance

As a full-time student you take four modules in the academic year and as a part-time student you take two modules per year.  The academic year comprises 24 weeks of teaching spread over two terms, (Autumn and Winter OR Winter and Spring). Students progress onto the project /dissertation module on successful completion of all taught modules.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a combination of group and/or individual coursework, presentations and an unseen examination. In general, the coursework component of each module accounts for 30% – 50% of the module grade while the unseen examination accounts for 50% - 70% depending on the nature of the module.  The Postgraduate Computing Project, undertaken at the end of the programme, gives the student the opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way the knowledge and skills acquired from the programme as a whole, including the student’s own self-directed learning and research. 

Download the course specifications.

Entry & applying

Normally a second class honours degree or above that involves significant levels of information technology, or an equivalent overseas qualification, or work experience in information technology combined with an honours degree in a related discipline, such as business, science or engineering.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MSc Business Information Technology for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £7,500

Part-time students: £63 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600

Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

Careers & placements

What can you do with a computing and IT degree?

Our MSc Business Information Technology course prepares graduates for a wide range of varied careers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. There is also the potential to work as a self employed director of your own business.

There is growing demand in industry for managers who have the skills to make the best use of their company's IS/IT. Graduates will find employment in information and project management, software development, network management and operation, e-commerce systems and web-based systems in the public sector, private large and small companies. This course is also suitable for those who want to upgrade their skills, change careers or who are already in management.

Graduate Roles

Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate.

IT Project Manager - An IT Project Manager specialises in information technology but also in sectors unrelated to IT that rely on IT systems. Their role is to manage the development and implementation of plans to meet business needs and the change control procedures to ensure a smooth transition during the implementation period.

ICT Manager - The role of the ICT Manager is to ensure that information technology resources are aligned with the organisations mission, corporate goals, and the corporate strategic plan. The role includes, developing, maintaining, facilitating and implementing information frameworks in line with a corporate ICT strategy and supporting policies and defining standards associated with information management.

Systems Designer - A Systems Designer develops and implements information systems in sectors as diverse as finance, communications and retail. The role can involve working on all elements of the system including hardware, software, installation and maintenance. There are a range of opportunities in this increasingly varied industry.

Systems Developer - Systems Developers test systems, diagnose and fix faults, write diagnostic programs and design and write code for operating systems and software to ensure that they function more efficiently. They may also create systems in response to technical specifications supplied by an IT analyst, often integrating off-the-shelf software packages into existing systems.

IT Systems/Business Analyst - An IT Systems/Business Analyst designs new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity. They are responsible for analysing the business needs of their clients and stakeholders to help identify business problems and propose solutions, using the discipline of business analysis. They examine existing business models and the flows of data in the business, and then design an appropriate improved IT solution. 
 
Information Systems Manager - An Information Systems Manager installs computer systems, ensures that back up systems operate effectively, buys hardware and software, provides the ICT technology infrastructures for an organisation, and contributes to organisational policy with regard to quality standards and strategic planning.

Where do our graduates go?

Based on data from the respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 55% of BIS graduates were in employment or further study
• 45% were doing something else, such as travelling, or assumed unemployed 

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment in the following roles:

• IT Officer, National Bank Greece
• Network Engineer, Logicon Solutions

Salary

The average full time salary for graduates from this group was £29,000.