Course Summary

The course is designed for those who require a broad overview of information management and security as well as technical knowledge in the areas of emerging technologies, computer security, networking administration and management, information security management, advanced security countermeasures, data governance and compliance and professional project management.

There is a focus on research methodologies including ethics, legal aspects and professional applications of information systems development, risk assessment and risk management. You will also develop skills in communication, problem solving and teamwork.

There is also a strong focus on practical experience of database and grid middleware design and development. You will have access to our state-of-the-art computer laboratories, with more than 450 workstations, five servers, dedicated network and robotics laboratories, as well as an overall ratio of computers to students nearly twice the number recommended by the British Computer Society.

Research underpins all aspects of the course. By 2009 the department had attracted more than ¬5m of funding from UK and European funding bodies, and the research in the department is going from strength to strength.

Additionally, this Masters course demonstrates a strong appreciation of industrial and real-life needs. The department has won a number of Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) placements with local companies and, in 2006, we launched the Academic into Business Computing scheme (ABC) to provide computing students with work experience in a professional work environment.

Why choose this course?

This course will equip you with a sound understanding of the various methods and techniques used in the area of information management and security. You will also gain practical skills that are much sought after in the business world, which will allow you to pursue a career in areas such as information architecture, data modelling design, information security and network management. Graduates also go on to become practioners and/or specialist consultants in the expanding arena of information management and security.

During this course you will:

• Gain experience of managing systems security strategy, and apply this in your future career
• Gain real-world experience through projects run by our Academic into Business Computing (ABC) scheme
• Explore the ever-increasing landscape of information security and the career opportunities that it presents

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Computer security
• Data modelling and management
• Advanced security countermeasures
• Professional project management
• Networking administration and management
• Information security management
• Data governance and compliance

MSXMS

Assessment

Throughout your course you will be exposed to a wide variety of assessment techniques including: written examinations, case studies, practical coursework assignments, problem worksheets, presentations and viva voce (voice) examinations.

The key philosophy of our assessment strategy is to allow you to apply the knowledge and understanding that you have gained during the learning phase, to a variety of challenging and complex practical situations. We believe that this will allow you to enter the work place fully prepared for the challenges that you will face.

You must have passed 105 credits before undertaking the MSc project.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Communicate your knowledge and demonstrate a critical understanding of complex issues relating to Information Management and Security using a variety of communication media (e.g., formal written reports, essays and PowerPoint presentations with supporting oral communication).

2. Undertake a substantial piece of original research within the area of Information Management and Security and to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate your results and present them in the form of a written dissertation.

3. Use an appropriate form of advanced problem solving along with creativity and innovation in order to develop an appropriate solution to advanced problems within the area of Information Management and Security (e.g. development of a critical information systems strategy).

4. Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and critical understanding, including the ability to synthesise, criticise, develop, integrate and intellectually challenge material that you have met in the taught component of your course.

5. Critically evaluate, apply and develop tools by utilising appropriate techniques and methodologies within a specialist area of Information Management and Security (e.g. Auditing) to investigate, critically analyse and design systems that address complex problems within the chosen area.

6. Challenge and question current thinking and consider possible future developments in the field of Information Management and Security (i.e. Emerging Technologies) within a wide variety of challenging contexts.

7. Apply and critically evaluate the standards and practices of professional bodies (e.g., The British Computer Society) to complex problems within the area of Information Management and Security.

External Benchmarking

Council and Heads of Professor and British Computer Society postgraduate subject benchmark statement (April 2008)

http://www.cphc.ac.uk/publcations.php

Educational Aims

The broad educational aims of the course are:

• To develop your critical understanding of the field of information management, and to develop your ability to recognise and critique current approaches


• To enhance your analytical and evaluative skills so that you can argue and justify a solution to a information management problem and to understand the varying context in which you are working


• To develop you ability to apply your knowledge to come up with a working solution for a range of varying, and often complex, information management scenarios


• To expose you to the emerging techniques and tools being used by the information management and security industry

Student support

You will have access to both departmental and University wide support during your studies. From a departmental perspective, you will have access to a personal tutor and you can book informal appointments at any point during the year. You will be expected to see your personal tutor at least twice a year.

From a University standpoint, you will have access to the Student Union, Student Services and the Counselling Service.

For learning related support, you will have access to the Disability Advice Service as well as being able to undertake various courses within the Learning Resources Centre.

Students may be required, at the discretion of the Course Leader, to undergo diagnostic testing for academic English language abilities, and may further be required, at the Course Leaders discretion, to participate in academic English support workshops or classes laid on by the University.

Team working

Various units incorporate group/team work into their assessment strategy. You will be required to work effectively as part of a group (especially as part of the Professional Project Management unit). Such skills are an important part of any graduate / postgraduate and as such we will aim to provide you with opportunities to develop your teamwork skills.

Career Management Skills

Throughout the course we develop your ability to reflect on your performance, and to develop teamwork, written and oral communication.

Career/Further study opportunities

On completing this course students are likely to progress into the following areas:

Career:

• Information Architect


• Data Modeller


• Information Security and Network Management


• Information Business Consultant

Further study:

• MSc by research

Entry

Standard:

A good UK honours degree or equivalent, usually in the area of information systems.

Additional:

Those applicants who do not have a first degree may be granted entry on the basis of their work experience. Such work experience should total five or more years, and be relevant to the degree.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

We believe that different people learn in different ways, and this is the philosophy that we apply to our teaching and learning. Throughout your course you will learn through lectures, seminars and workshops as well as applying your knowledge and understanding through practical and hand on tasks. The theoretical underpinning (knowledge) of your course will be delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops.

This theoretical underpinning will be put into practice during practical sessions and we will encourage you to explore your subject in more detail through self directed learning (e.g. library, online or speaking to experts).

By the end of the course you will be an independent learner, and ready for the outside world.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

There do not appear to by any educational barriers to students with disabilities.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

Be given access to a variety of tasks that will develop your oral and written communication skills. Throughout the course you will be asked to perform a variety of written (essay, formal report) and oral (presentations) tasks. Formative feedback as well as summative feedback will be used throughout.

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

Learn to enhance your understanding and skills with respect to standard desktop applications (MS Excel and Word) as well as developing new skills with respect to specialist software related to the course.

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

Develop your ability to work independently as well as enhancing your reflective skills. You will be set tasks that require you to undertake background research, and at times to evaluate what you have undertaken.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

Undertake a significant piece of work (usually the MSc dissertation) which requires you to use your (analytical) problem solving and creative skills in order to develop a solution, and to be able to critically evaluate the work that you have performed.

Improving learning and performance

You will, at various points be provided with feedback. This feedback is an important part of the learning process and will allow you to find out strengths, as well as areas for development. Such feedback will allow you to see where you need to focus and will allow you to improve your performance.

Progress files

You will be required to keep an e-portfolio that shows your development (both academic and personal) that can be used to show employers how your studies have allowed you to develop your personal and professional skills, as well as the knowledge that you have gained.

Professional standards

You will be expected to develop not only your academic skills, but also your soft skills (teamwork, oral and written communication, inter personal skills etc.). As such we expect you to adhere to the British Computer Society's Code of Conduct and Code of Practice which details what is expected (from a professional perspective) of an IT professional.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

Throughout the course we will embed aspects of professionalism (ethics, professional conduct etc.) into the different units. The two most telling examples are the Professional Project Management unit (CIS011-6) and the MSc dissertation. These two units provide an excellent opportunity for you to develop your professional skills by engaging in professional tasks (e.g. managing your own projects, and working as part of a team).