School of Engineering, Design and Technology
Programme/course title: MSc Information Technology Management
Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford
MSc
Final award:
Programme title:
Programme accredited by:
Duration:
Date produced:
Last updated :
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level
7]
Information Technology Management
1 year full time - September (semester 1)
and January (Semester 2) starts, 2 years part-time
March 2002
July 2012
Introduction
In today’s information-based economy, understanding and managing organisational
information systems is crucial to the productivity, competiveness and hence survival of
businesses and organisations. The MSc Information Technology Management degree
programme will enable you to gain the technical skills and critical knowledge needed for
careers and IT leadership roles in industry, business, government and education. The
degree programme is designed for applicants from a range of disciplines, who want to
develop, broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of information
technology systems and related key technical, organizational and managerial issues.
You will study a number of core subjects that cover e-business technologies, web
server management, risk management, knowledge management, business intelligence,
and research methodologies. In addition, you can choose optional modules that match
your specific interests. These include Six Sigma, Project Planning, Mobile applications,
advanced networks and security, privacy, and data protection. The programme of study
culminates in a dissertation which is an independent piece of research with guidance
from a supervisor. Throughout the programme there is emphasis on ethical and
sustainability issues of information management in real-life organisations.
The MSc Information Technology Management is located in the School of Engineering,
Design, and Technology (EDT). The school offers a lively and stimulating learning
environment and has currently twelve separate MSc degree programmes and over 200
postgraduate and research students. Depending on their selection of modules, students
on the MSc Information Technology Management will also benefit from studying in the
School of Management, ranked amongst the world’s top business schools, and in the
School of Computing, Informatics and Media which has the oldest computing
department in the UK.
With reference to teaching and learning, the School aims to produce postgraduates who
aspire to challenging careers in industry, commerce and the public sector or to
developing their own enterprises. Postgraduates will be able to move directly into
responsible roles in employment with a minimum of additional training. These aims are
achieved by

Providing a supportive, structured environment in which students are encouraged
to develop independent learning skills;

Developing subject knowledge and understanding, developing discipline skills
and developing personal transferable skills, to enable graduates to pursue
programmes of further study, or to move directly into responsible employment.
Programme Aims
The MSc Information Technology Management programme is intended to:
1. Provide students with the advanced theoretical knowledge, concepts and skills
necessary for original thought and problem analysis in the management of
Information Systems.
2. Provide the knowledge and technical skills that enables students to design,
develop and manage Business Information Systems.
3. Provide students with the academic and technical skills necessary to carry out
independent research in the design, implementation or management of IT, and to
develop sustainable personal learning.
4. Develop personal transferable skills and attributes including report writing, online
discussion, presentation, project management and research skills.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the concepts, principles and theories
underpinning the management of strategic knowledge and sustainable
information technologies in organisations.
2. Critically appraise business intelligence tools and their role in gathering and
analysing detailed business information.
3. Engage in critical analysis of the characteristics of web client, server and linked
database technologies.
4. Demonstrate understanding of advanced Internet, mobile technologies, business
software, networks and protocols and apply advanced methods in the high-level
security, privacy, legal and organisational impact of trading over the Internet.
5. Critically evaluate the principles and practices of risk management and appraise
the conditions for its successful implementation
6. Acquire skills to deal with the complex issues involved in effectively implementing
electronic systems in business whilst identifying and minimising the security risks
7. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and knowledge of strategic
management, particularly in the light of major contemporary debates such as
those focused on business stakeholders, business ethics, corporate social
responsibility, and sustainable development.
8. Take a holistic approach in solving problems and designing systems, applying
professional judgements to balance risks, cost, benefits, safety, reliability and
environmental impact.
9. Develop research skills for further detailed investigation, of complex non-routine
problems, demonstrate critical thinking; evaluate and integrate scientific,
technological and business/managerial information from a variety of sources,
The curriculum
The course structure is shown in the table below. The MSc Information Technology
Management covers a range of specialist topics, leading to the qualification of a
Master's degree. Typically, a taught full-time Master's course lasts for twelve months of
full-time study. The course has two stages: the taught courses stage which takes place
during the first two semesters (or four semesters for the part-time route), and the
project/dissertation stage. The taught courses stage is organised on a modular basis.
Students who successfully complete the taught modules are eligible for the PGDip
Information Technology Management. Students proceeding onto the Masters level
undertake a project which the student has to agree with the supervisor.
Module code Credits Level Semester Module title
Core/Option
ENG4053D
ENG4089M
CM-1052D
ENG4100M
ENG3048M
MAN0208M
ENG4003M
20
10
20
10
10
10
10
M
M
M
M
3
3
M
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
C
O
O
O
O1
O
C
ENG4019M
10
M
2
ENG4072M
10
M
2
ENG4065M
10
M
2
ENG4108M
10
M
2
MAN4317M
10
M
2
ENG3049M
10
3
2
ENG3011M
10
3
2
ENG4013Z
60
M
3
Web and Server Management
Supply Chain Management
Security, Privacy, and Data Protection
Mobile Applications Technologies
Six Sigma for Business Excellence
Understanding Strategic Management
E-Commerce Technologies
Research Seminar
Series.
Risk Management
Knowledge Management & Business
Intelligence
Advanced Networking Protocols
Information Systems Planning for
Sustainability
Reliability Engineering
Corporate Strategy and Engineering
Management
MSc Project
C
C1
C1
O
O
O
O
C
Notes to the Curricula
1. Students are able to choose option modules (O1), except where these have
already been taken as part of a previous University of Bradford undergraduate
programme. In this event, the Director of Studies will identify an appropriate
substitute module(s).
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Teaching involves a combination of formal lectures, seminars, group discussion board,
directed reading, and guest lectures by practising professionals. In general, the
programme aims to integrate applied and theoretical knowledge with assessment
processes that test both knowledge of the disciplines as well as their application and
limitations. Practical programming skills are developed in computer laboratory
sessions.
For every 10 credits on the course, you will be required to commit 100 hours of study.
Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, seminars, tutorials and
computer programming workshops – and others will involve you in carrying out private
study.
Methods of assessment are similarly varied and progress will be assessed using a mix
of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports, essays, coursework
assignments, and software projects. The appropriate method is chosen so that you
may demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of each module.
In addition to 120 credits of taught modules, candidates for the Masters award will be
expected to complete a 60 credit project/dissertation, which will be overseen by an
individual supervisor. The School is committed to Education for Sustainable
Development and endeavours to integrate ESD wherever possible into the curriculum,
and you are free to explore ethical and environmental issues in your project work,
should you wish to.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Ord_5_PG_Taught_Awards.html
Admission requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a good honours degree in a related subject. However,
the academic discipline of your first degree is less important, as the course is designed
for graduates from a wide range of backgrounds. Personal motivation and the
commitment to succeed are seen as key attributes in the admissions process and the
School treats each application on an individual basis. Consideration of your application
will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other
relevant experience
Mature applicants with educational qualifications other than an Honours degree will be
considered on an individual basis. Candidates applying to the course with non-standard
qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using the University’s APEL
procedures.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students,
and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all
applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme
leader before you apply.
English Language Requirements
All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as described
in http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/before-you-apply/english-language-requirements/.
A test of written and spoken English normally needs to have been passed at grade 6.0
for IELTS or 550 for TOEFL (or 220 for the computer-based test)
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of
Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and
electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to
work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work
with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and
individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will
help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the
campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless
network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are
available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your
University email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT
helpline available.
Within the School of Engineering, Design, and Technology, we have extensive
equipment available for our students which include high-spec PC with a range of
specialist software, laboratories, and workshops. We make extensive use of the
University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) which provides ready access to
learning materials at all times whether on or off campus.
Student Support and Guidance
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated an MSc project supervisor, who
also acts in the capacity of a Personal Tutor and is someone with whom you will be able
to talk to about any academic or personal concerns. However, all members of staff are
approachable and usually have arrangements to provide accessibility to students. The
School has a system of handbooks, tutors and formal staff-student liaison committees
so that issues are rapidly dealt with. The University provides important facilities such as
extended access to Library and Computing services, counselling and welfare services,
careers advice and a Disabilities Office. The latter routinely arranges dyslexia
assessments and appropriate additional time allocation for sitting examinations
The School has a Women’s Engineering Society named FAIRER (Females Actively
Involved in Rewarding Engineering Roles). It provides a social network support to all
students in Engineering, Design & Technology from Foundation Year to Postgraduate
The Hub, Student Support Centre
The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can
receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life at
University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.
The teams located within The Hub:





Accommodation
Admissions
o Education Liaison
o Enquiries
Student Administration and Support
o Bursaries and Financial Support
o Finance and Credit Control Group
o Payzone
o Records and Tuition Fees
International Office
Customer Service Team
Website: www.brad.ac.uk/hub
Telephone: +44 1274 232233
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union,
through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees,
so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of
your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the
Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council
tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range
of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and
this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout
the course from Career Development Services including help to find part-time work
while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are
encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources
on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by
Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops.
The specific provision on this programme is to prepare students for employment as
information technology managers with the knowledge and skills to make effective
contribution to the development and implementation of an organisation’s information
systems, electronic commerce and Internet technologies.
Learner Development Unit
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered
during both semesters which complement the individual support available from Advisers
and the wide range of interactive online materials.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The
Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most
out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you
may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study,
personal care or other issues.
For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via
email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of
sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research
activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a
beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in
this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces,
laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to
sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its
success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the
forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review.
For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Postgraduate Admissions Office
School of Engineering, Design & Technology
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
The University of Bradford
Chesham Building (room B2.)
Richmond Road
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
UK
+44 (0)1274 234543
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
http://www.edt.brad.ac.uk/home/
Disclaimer
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.