MScBusiness Information Systems
| Study location | United Kingdom, Egham, Surrey |
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| Type | Master courses, full-time |
| Nominal duration | 1 year |
| Study language | English |
| Awards | MSc |
| Entry qualification | Undergraduate diploma (or higher) 2:2 (Honours) or equivalent. A background in business and management and/or computer science is preferred but not essential. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. |
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| Language requirements | English IELTS: 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in all other subscores) |
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| Other requirements | At least 2 reference(s) must be provided. Academic A motivation letter must be added to your application. |
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| More information |
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Overview
Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.
Programme structure
Pre-course preparation
Foundations of Modern Management and Organisational Analysis
This module, taught during your induction, will introduce you to the key elements of organisational management for commercial successs. Through analysis of historical roots, you will develop an understanding of the current practices for managing customers, shareholders, and employees, and discuss how numbers and technology influence management decision-making.
Core modules
People and Technology
In this module you will develop an understanding of the role of information technology in organisations and society, covering a range of topics from central functions of management information systems in modern business, technology and innovation, to the impact of IT on globalisation and the transformation of society. You will look at the strategies employed by busiensses to take advantage of IT systems, and analyse the implications of technology in modern workplaces. You will also consider the potential ethical and social impact of emerging technologies, and reflect on the design, adoption and diffusion of future technologies.
Information System Design, Development and Management
In this module you will develop an understanding of the design, development and management of large IT projects. You will look at the key elements of socio-technical systems and the main issues around software requirements. You will look at object orientated design (OOD) and examine approaches to code development and testing. You will consider the principles of function point analysis for fault tolerance, and evaluate the key systems used to plan and manage large software projects, with emphasis on software metrics and reliability.
Information Systems Theory and Practice
This module will introduce you to a range of themes delivered by invited industry speakers. You will look at ‘hybrid management’ and its application in organisations where new and existing working practices are becoming increasingly dependent upon the effective integration of information technologies and business. You will gain specialist insights into the constraints and opportunities facing those who work in IT and business-related fields.
Database and Web Technologies
This module will provide you with an introduction to the core concepts in data and information management. You will learn how to identify organisational information requirements, model them using conceptual data techniques, convert the conceptual data models into relational data models, and implement a relational databases using database management systems. In addition, you will examine how the internet works and its key protocols, addressing the technologies used for web development, including scripting languages and their potential, and the role of web services and related technologies, inlcuding network security.
Dissertation Preparation and Research Methods
In this module you will develop your analytical research skills so that you are better prepared your dissertation project. You will look at approaches to management research and the assumptions upon which they are based, and consider how to critically evaluate primary and seconadary data sources. You will examine how to choose appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods for data collection and subsequent analysis, and how to conduct research in a systematic and critical reflective manner. You will also analyse the ethical implications of research investigations and their impact upon findings.
Dissertation
The dissertation provides you with an opportunity to learn and practise researching and writing skills for your future career. You will apply the analytical and problem-solving techniques you have acquired throughout your studies to explore a specialist interest in greater depth. You will critically evaluate academic literature, collect data systematically, organise your findings, and present your research results in a clear and logical and manner. To help, your research proposal will be read by the programme director, who will select an appropriate member of staff to act as your dissertation supervisor. Your final submission will be between 12,000 and 15,000 words in length.
Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
In this module you will develop an understanding of the principles and practices of gathering information and how it can be synthesised and used in a strategic context. You will look at the key channels and sources that may be used to gather information, and examine how internal and external information is used in organisations. You will consider the ‘Big Data’ revolution, and the challenge that the exponential rise of external information presents to businesses as they attempt to make sense of it. You will learn how to identify patterns and trends for decision making, as well as modelling future activities.
Cyber Crime
In this module you will develop an understanding of computer crime and its history, looking at legal measures such as computer misuse, data protection, criminal damage, software piracy, forgery, and investigative powers. You will examine case studies with emphasis on investigations into hacking, computer misuse and forensics, considering malware such as computer viruses, denial of service attacks and trojan horses. You will also gain an insight into issues that may arise in the future for example, the expansion of the internet, pornography, unsuitable material, and social engineering.
Enterprise Systems Management
In this module you will develop an understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of enterprise systems. You will look at the role of enterprise systems in digital corporations, in particular their usage within functional areas such as accounting, marketing and operations. You will develop skills the necessary to design, implement and evaluate enterprise systems and become familiar with SAP, one of the the leading large-scale application software packages. You will also examine project management methods to develop, implement and manage enterprise systems.
E-Business
In this module you will develop an understanding of the strategies, business models, and business operations that are being shaped by digital technologies. You will apply e-business concepts and theories to real-life business scenarios and gain an advanced understanding of the strategic importance of information technologies. You will critically analyse how IT, an in particular the internet, has transformed traditional businesses and enabled new business models.
Career opportunities
Graduates with a MSc in Business Information Systems from Royal Holloway will have enhanced and widen their career prospects. The programme provides an excellent preparation for both managers and business IT practitioners and those who intend to embark on a research degree. The programme will help you to use your existing skills in the burgeoning field of information and communication technologies, as well as increase your degree of confidence in communicating with other people.