Graduate Diploma / MSc in Management of Information Systems Strategy

This Postgraduate Programme recently participated successfully in the accreditation process conducted with DCU Business School by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world's oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is widely recognised as the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business schools.

Introduction

Information Systems are at the core of all leading-edge enterprises. The effective, efficient and safe management of those systems is now mission critical to all organisations. This online programme in Management of Information Systems Strategy will develop learners confidence to manage in an environment where IS both drives and serves business, to align Information Strategy with the overall business strategy and to contribute to ongoing Information Strategy development. As the student progresses, understanding of the role of IS/IT plays in an organisation’s innovation, management and administration will grow. Learners will also gain a critical awareness of current challenges and new insights associated with the management of IS in high-technology manufacturing or services environments. Finally, learners will develop the range of investigative and analytic skills required to equip them to assume more senior roles within organisations.The programme will be of particular relevance to managers or aspiring managers in information systems and technologies in the financial, public or private sectors, or if you’re self-employed in the field.

Programme

How the Programme is Delivered

This postgraduate programme is provided through online distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. Most modules require that you acquire one or two textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the programme.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web-based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

How the programme is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There is no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 15,000-word document which is largely self-directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.

Why DCU

Dublin City University has been offering postgraduate level education at a distance since 1990. Our programmes are targeted at working professionals, who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. As a graduate of our programmes, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and flexibility for suitable senior managerial positions in your chosen specialist area.

The Masters of Science programme, awarded by DCU, is at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. All modules are taught online in a virtual classroom, Loop, where you can interact with your fellow students and tutors through email, chat, skype, at whatever time suits you. Assessment is continuous with no examinations.

IT Equipment and Skills required:

You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

Careers

This programme will provide you with a range of competencies in Information Systems and Technologies together with the theoretical framework which will support, enhance and develop your existing practical knowledge. It will enable you to manage confidently and strategically in an environment where information systems both drives and serve the business. Furthermore, this degree will add long-term value to your career as high-level academic qualifications are becoming increasingly important to organisations’ recruitment and promotion policies. Graduates of this programme are currently both self-employed and employed in a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Admission Requirements

General Entry Requirements

There are five entry routes to the programme:

A Level 8 or higher degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Science, Business or Information Technology) from a recognised higher education institution.

Chartered membership of an institution such as the Institute of Engineers of Ireland or a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

A Level 7 qualification in a subject in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

A level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

Evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience. Such applicants will be required to submit a CV and Personal Statement in support of their application and may be required to attend for interview.

In the case of all applicants to Dublin City University evidence must be provided of competence in the English language. The English Language requirements of DCU can be found here.