MSc in Information Systems
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F37
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
Information and communication technologies are rapidly changing the way organisations conduct their business. Creating the information systems to support a networked economy requires a major shift in IT skills, management thinking and organisation structures. There have been many high profile information system failures such as Taurus and CAPSA. A new hybrid perspective is required, one able to integrate both business and technology.
The Information Systems (IS) programme offers a series of self-standing courses which enable you to operate effectively in this fast-changing world and can build to the award MSc in Information Systems.
The programme provides:
- a curriculum to meet the needs of professionals working with and managing complex information and communication systems
- an exploration of current thinking about the fundamentals of IS and related domains: data and information, the nature of information systems and the technology that underpins modern IS
- a practical guide to tools and techniques for use in the analysis, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Information Systems and an understanding of a context (or contexts) against which to judge their value
- an understanding of the nature of IS failure and its causes and a particular means of analysis that promotes learning from failure with a view to preventing failure in the design, implementation and operation of information systems
- an examination of IS evolution, based on the premise that the majority of information systems are evolved from some existing structure, rather than developed from scratch
- in-depth study of one (or study of a range) of contexts relevant to the field of IS
- the ability to apply IS thinking across a wide range of situations.
The MSc provides the opportunity to do research and a dissertation as a means of demonstrating synthesis of understanding, and allowing students to extend their understanding of the field.
Planning your studies
You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems (E10) before studying for the MSc in Information Systems.
You must include at least 60 credit points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU qualification you have been awarded.
Courses
For this 180-point masters degree you require:
120 points from the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems (E10)
And 60 points from the following compulsory course:
| Postgraduate compulsory course | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
Credit transfer is not permitted for this MSc except for any awarded as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems.
On completion
On successful completion of 180 points' worth of required courses you will be awarded an MSc in Information Systems, entitling you to use the letters MSc (IS) (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- MSc in Information Systems
- Schedule B to the Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Computing and ICT and Engineering and Technology.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
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