Computer Systems Management MSc / Diploma

Programme information

The aim of this MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Systems Management is to impart the skills and understanding required to manage complex computer systems as part of the support services of an organisation. This will include selection, installation, maintenance and support of a wide range of computing technologies and an understanding of currently recommended methodologies.

As the pace of change in computer science and information technology is quite staggering, our taught postgraduate programmes draw very much on the strength of the research activities carried out by academic staff.

Programme structure

Students undertake four courses in semester one and a further four courses in semester two.

On this programme, the following taught courses are mandatory:

  • Information Systems Methodologies
  • Systems Programming and Scripting
  • Research Methods and Project Planning

Students can then choose five courses from the following:

  • Software Engineering Foundations
  • Mobile Communications and Programming
  • Network Applications
  • Project Management
  • Software Engineering Master Class
  • Computer Network Security
  • Database and Information Systems
  • Advanced Software Engineering
  • e-Commerce Technology

In addition to these taught courses, students pursuing the Masters qualification undertake a Masters project.

Entry requirements

January intake

The January intake is only available for the part-time programme.

Postgraduate Masters level

  • Bachelors Honours Degree A good first or second class Honours degree in a cognate or semicognate discipline.
  • Postgraduate Diploma Students who attain a 50% pass level in the Postgraduate Diploma programme will be offered the chance to complete a Masters Dissertation to allow them to upgrade their award to an MSc.

Postgraduate Diploma level

  • Bachelors Degree An Ordinary degree in an IT discipline or computing or a discipline involving a substantial academic component of IT or computing.
  • Higher National Diploma HND or equivalent qualification deemed suitable to third year entry of a cognate Bachelors degree, plus four years' relevant post-qualification work experience.
  • Higher National Certificate HNC or equivalent qualification deemed suitable to second year entry of a cognate Bachelors degree, plus six years' relevant post-qualification work experience.
  • Professional/associate membership Membership of a professional institution in a cognate discipline that normally requires a degree for entry.

English language requirements

  • Where English was not the medium of instruction during previous education, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 (paper-based exam); 213 (computer-based exam); 80 (internet-based exam).