MSc Strategic Information Systems Admissions FAQ
Q: What is so special about this course; surely there are plenty like it around?
The course has been developed in response to the needs of industry. There are plenty of opportunities for people to develop their understanding of IT and to become champions of particular methods, products or architectures. There is, however, recognition that business decisions require the ability to make objective assessments of competing technological solutions to business problems. This translates into a need for senior managers with finely tuned powers of critical analysis, as well as a sound understanding of underlying technology, people and organisations, to influence strategic decision making. Our programme is designed to meet this need.
Q: How quickly will you respond to my application?
Decisions are normally made within a week or so of your completed application being received in the School. However the University needs to send you a formal offer letter and this can take another week or two at busy times as they have to send letters for all postgraduate courses in the University.
Q: I’ll have some spare time this summer before I start the course, how can I prepare?
During August we will send you a list of suggested background reading, this is not compulsory. It is not based on recommended course texts and is designed solely for those who would like to extend their background knowledge prior to the start of the course.
Q: How much time will I spend in lectures?
Each module has a number of 'contact days' during which you will have seminars, workshops and practical classes all associated with that particular module, typically from 9.30am until 5pm. Full-time students will normally attend two such contact days each week with the remaining days being available primarily for directed reading and private study. Take a look at the current timetable for an example of the contact days.
Q: How much effort will I have to devote to the course?
That is difficult to say. The syllabus is broad and demanding, but every student will have some areas where prior training or experience give them an advantage. We estimate that most part-time students will find it necessary to spend 10 - 12 hours per week in study, full-time students should assume that they will study for 40 hours per week. You may find that you spend longer than this, overall, because of additional reading stimulated by course material.
Q: Will you guide me in my selection of option modules?
During November the lecturer for each option module will give a short talk which will give you an overview of the module. The majority of students find that these talks enable them to make provisional decisions about their option modules, all of which run in the Spring semester, but for those in doubt, further advice is available from their personal tutor.
Q: How will I be assessed?
Some modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination and some solely by coursework, this varies depending on what is most appropriate for the knowledge and skills being assessed. Examinations for modules completed during the Autumn semester take place in January, the remaining modules are examined in May/June. During the summer full-time students undertake an individual project and submit a dissertation based on this in September, part-time students normally undertake their project during their third year of study.
Q: Will you help me find a job at the end of my course?
There is a dedicated careers advisor for the School of Computer Science students based at the University's Careers Service.
Q: What are the fees?
The University sets the fees for all its courses each year, these tend to rise annually in line with inflation. The University's Finance Division publishes a list of fees.
Q: Can I pay by instalments?
Yes, you can pay your fees in three instalments. Information about this can be obtained from the Finance Division.
Q: Is there any funding available?
Many of our students are sponsored by their employer. Some UK students have been given 'career development' funding. However many students, particularly those studying part-time, feel that the benefits of this degree make it worth investing in their own futures. For ideas about funding possibilities look at the funding information on the University's main site.
Q: Am I guaranteed a place in University residences?
All overseas/EU postgraduate students are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences if they submit an online application and make a pre-payment in line with the deadline date relevant to that session. Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee UK postgraduates a place in University residences. For further information on the guarantee of residences, University residences and associated residences fees, please visit the Residences web site.
Q: What if I want to take just a single module?
All modules in the programme can be undertaken as an associate student. Associate students undertake exactly the same educational activities as full Master’s students, including examination and assessment, and any credits gained as an associate may be directly transferable to the degree programme.
Q: Where can I get further information?
If you have any questions about the course or the application process please contact the Admissions Tutor,