Course description
MSc
This course is run jointly by the School of Technology and the Business School.
This exciting new one-year full-time specialist master’s programme, developed jointly by the School of Technology and the Business School, has been designed to enable tomorrow’s business and technology leaders to fully exploit the opportunities offered by recent advances in internet technologies. There is no doubt that these technologies now form the basis for innovations in all forms of business enterprise, and anybody wishing to take a leading role in local, regional or global business development will require the critical knowledge and skills offered by this programme.
The course will be based on a sound understanding of the technical infrastructure of the internet and the web, but will rapidly develop your expertise in a host of convergent technologies. Issues relating to web application development, including web design and the human-computer interface, will complement a good understanding of the business potential of multimedia and database technologies.
Course content
The modules are listed below. To qualify for the MSc you will need to pass three compulsory modules in Semester 1, two compulsory modules and one elective module in Semester 2 as well as the Dissertation and the Research and Study Methods module. Additionally, during the induction period, before the formal start of the course, you may take a limited number of primer modules relevant to your course. The Research and Study Methods and the Dissertation are not required for the PGDip. Modules may change from time to time.
Compulsory modules: (indicative list)
* Foundations of the Web introduces the concepts, operations and components of the web, focusing on the way in which innovative business models can be enabled.
* Web Applications Development assumes no previous experience of computer programming. It covers the fundamental skills associated with creating robust, efficient and dynamic web applications.
* Principles and Practice of eBusiness explores models of internet-based businesses and factors key to their success.
* Building a Web-based Business brings together key technical skills and an understanding of management practice to enable you to construct a viable e-business.
* eBusiness Information Systems explores the business and information strategy issues related to conducting business on the internet, including the construction and maintenance of organisational and technical infrastructures
* Business eFutures provides an opportunity to study cutting-edge thinking and new ideas in eMarketing, web-based technologies and their employment in business enterprises.
Research and Study Methods underpins work carried out for the dissertation. The module, delivered in a seminar style, will provide you with research skills, planning techniques, progress management and review, and the ability to use ICT support materials. You will be given guidance on the analysis and technical presentation of research material.
The Dissertation is an individual research and development project of 10,000-15,000 words on a topic closely related to your programme of study. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation possibly linked to an optional internship. The dissertation will typically be an investigation of a commercial problem from an IT perspective leading to the design, implementation and testing of a computer based solution.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Lecturing staff have extensive experience in teaching undergraduate and specialist MSc courses in computing and business, as well as coming from a wide range of industrial and commercial backgrounds. We maintain industrial links in a variety of ways, including consultancy, courses for industry and through our industrial placement scheme.
Teaching methods employed reflect each subject’s content, character and, of course, each lecturer’s individual style and expertise. Assessment uses both examination and coursework; together with projects this forms the basis for continuous assessment.
Quality
Teaching staff are drawn from the School of Technology and the Business School; many of the modules are enriched by their research expertise and ongoing commitment to serving the business community. Our programmes benefit from the rigorous validation and review processes at the University, and the external examiners are very positive about the courses
