MSc BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT DEGREE

Overview & facilities

The highly practical Business Information Systems Management Masters examines how information systems can be used strategically by organisations, especially web-based information systems and knowledge management systems.

The course has a unique focus on the quality management process of implementing and maintaining systems, as well as focusing on the strategy, legal and regulatory implications of information systems. The course meets demand in the industry for managers with up to date technical and analytical skills to make the best use of their company’s IS/IT.

The course, available both full-time and part-time, is ideal for students with a business or computing degree who want to move into careers such as information systems auditing, quality management, e-commerce, systems development, or strategic management of IS/IT.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Information Systems Quality Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is at the heart of Software Engineering Quality Management and aims to impart the knowledge and skills for the Engineering, monitoring, and improving information systems. Engineering good quality software products benefits from a controlled and managed development process. Managing the complexity of organisations and the complexity and proliferation of information systems and their many failures demand specialised knowledge and skills. In particular, quality assurance engineers, project and systems managers and auditors need the knowledge and skills to monitor and assess both the software process and software artefacts in order to provide guidance and leadership for their improvement. The quality manager also needs to have the knowledge and skills for evaluation and selection of appropriate process models, methods, tools and human resources.

  Knowledge Management Strategies (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To maintain competitive advantage in the knowledge economy, organisations need a knowledge management strategy. The aim of this module is to enable participants to draw upon the latest theory and praxis in knowledge management to be able to assist organisations in developing knowledge management systems that nurture and exploit business, social and technological aspects of the organization.

  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.

  Regulation of Electronic Commerce and Information Technology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module focuses on the regulation of electronic commerce activities and associated technologies. It gives students an understanding of regulatory frameworks for electronic technologies and the underlying legal principles which govern electronic commerce. The module critically examines the role of regulation in the commercial context of electronic transactions and how such regulation applies to these transactions. Legal and regulatory issues related to intellectual property, conducting business online, privacy, jurisdiction are among topics covered. In addition to the above, the module covers regulation in the broader context of professional and ethical issues relevant to the use of information technology

  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

Standard entry requirements

To be accepted to study on the MSc Business Information Systems Management course, we normally require graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

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 Systems Management 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 Business Information Systems Masters degree?

Our Business Information Systems courses prepare 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.

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 £30,000.