Course Summary

The MSc in Information Systems and eGovernment brings together two exciting areas that are becoming increasingly important. Many government functions are now being brought together in one place, and government institutions are making great steps forward in embracing IT.

This course is designed for those who are looking to gain a qualification that will allow

them to take up a technical role within government. It combines practical IT-focused

subjects such as applied programming, databases and information systems, with subjects such as e-Administration and models of e-Government.

Technology is becoming increasingly important in all walks of life, and this course presents an exciting opportunity to explore the new, fast-paced and technologically demanding field of e-Government.

Research underpins all aspects of this Masters 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.

Why choose this course?

The skills and knowledge you will acquire on this course will enable you to take up an influential position within a government department. Some potential career opportunities include IT manager, technology consultant, IT project manager in government and business operations manager.

Career opportunities in an academic context may also be an option, including further postgraduate study at MSc and PhD levels - this can be discussed with academic staff during your studies.

During the course you will:

• Experience one of only a few courses in the UK that focuses on e-Government
• Gain the chance to study in a vibrant community of research and scholarship
• Work with researchers at the forefront of the field
• Have access to state-of-the-art computing laboratories that were commended as being among the top 25 per cent of UK provision by the British Computer Society (BCS)
• Benefit from strong links with local and national industry, and a course that delivers graduates with the skills needed by employers
• Experience opportunities to visit local government offices and to find and discuss their implementation of e-Government

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Applied programming (Java)
• Data modelling and management
• e-Administration
• Human computer interaction
• Managing information systems strategy and security risks
• Models of e-Government
• Professional project management
• Secure data communication
• MSc project (dissertation)

MSISGAAF

Assessment

The assessment strategy used is a balance of written reports, exams, practical (coursework) assignments and computer based assessment. The method used will depend on the nature of the subject being taught in the unit, and the most appropriate method will be chosen.

Coursework assignments have incorporated formative feedback (as part of our Risk Strategy initiative) so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets.

Individual as well as team work will be assessed to enhance your skills of independent work and collaboration with others.

Contemporary IT tools will be utilised in the teaching and assessment, these including the Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online (BREO) and integrated tools such as Turnitin for online assessment and similarity check.

The MSc project, which must be on an E- Government related topic, will assess comprehensively your knowledge and skills gained from other units, and from their wider educational and working background in a major integrative exercise. You will be required to have successfully gained 105 credits before undertaking the MSc project.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and a systematic understanding of information systems and be critically aware of current problems in applying IT to manage government services. Communicate your knowledge, understanding and original idea using a variety of communication media (e.g., formal written reports, essays and PowerPoint presentations with supporting oral communication).

2. Autonomously analyse and evaluate existing information system strategy against contemporary government initiatives and information needs. Develop creative and innovative strategic plans and/or policies to solve a variety of complex IT problems such as IT security issues within a government organization.

3. Autonomously synthesise information and ideas and propose new hypotheses on information systems, initiate solutions to problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge of information systems and develop new approaches to changing technological environments.

4. Undertake a substantial piece of original research within one of three eGovernment domains and to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate your results (including social and political impacts) and present them in the form of a written dissertation.

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

6. Critically evaluate, apply and develop appropriate tools and techniques by utilising appropriate methodologies within the area of Information Systems to investigate, critically analyse and design specialist systems that address complex problems within an area of E Government.

7. Question and challenge current thinking and consider possible future developments in the field (i.e. Emerging Technologies) within a variety of diverse and complex scenarios with reference to the social, political and economic contexts and impacts of these technologies.

8. Apply and challenge the standards and practices of professional bodies (e.g., The British Computer Society) with respect to complex problems related to Information Systems.

External Benchmarking

Subject benchmarks (University of Bedfordshire, Level M), Council of Professors and Heads of Computing benchmarks (April, 2008).

Educational Aims

The educational aims of the course are grounded in the Universitys mission to provide challenging and innovative learning and teaching that empowers the active and professional learner. The aims are aligned with the Departments strategy to become a world leader in the integration of teaching, research and business interaction. In particular the broad course aims are to:

• Provide students with the critical skills of analysis synthesis and evaluation to allow them to explore computer systems issues at a complex level


• Equip students with a range of IT-related skills and knowledge relevant to the eGovernmnet agenda


• Enhance and further the critical evaluation skills of students when considering primary and secondary research


• Ensure students have the requisite analytical skills to evaluate information system strategy to develop, maintain and advance eGovernment infrastructure


• To enhance presentational and debating skills so that students have both the confidence and ability to express their creativity both individually and as part of a team


• To ensure students maintain a responsible, professional and ethical attitude towards the development and use of information systems and the data held within such systems


• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage information systems


• To provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to formulate strategies for information system deployment, undertake a critical evaluation of that deployment and suggest improvements

Student support

The Department of Computer Science and Technology has extensive experience of working with students who are studying. The course team will be your first point of contact while you are studying.

All students will be tested by the Language and Communication Department during their induction week to ensure that they meet the necessary standards required. Where a deficiency is detected, the student will be provided with expert help and advice, including the option of taking formal, or informal, English classes in order to bring them up to the standard required. Such students will be regularly monitored to ensure progress is being made.

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 may book informal appointments at any point during the year. The personal tutor is an academic staff member that the student can contact, in confidence, to discuss any general (non-academic) problems that they may be experiencing which may, in turn, be affecting their progress. You will be expected to see your personal tutor at least twice a year.

For learning related support, you will have access the Disability Advice Service as well as being able to undertake various courses within the Learning Resources Centre. Assistance with study skills and IT support is available and you can access the Professional and Academic Development (PAD) department.

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

Career:

It is anticipated that upon complete of the course, graduates will possess skills and knowledge to have a strong impact in an government Students will have had opportunity for reflective and critical evaluation of their capability as both a team worker and independent learner and this will ensure that students are well placed to begin a career in a wide range of areas of government. During the course students will have extensive networking opportunities within the wider course team as well as the University. They can talk through career and further development opportunities with personal tutors, peers and the University Centre for Career Development. Specific areas students are likely to enter include IT Manager, Technology Consultant for Local Government, IT Project Manager for Local Government, Change Management Consultant, and Business Operations Manager.

Further study:

There are a number of opportunities for further study including MSc by Research and MPhil / PhD opportunities may be available within the Department of Computer Science and Technology. Students that wish to may also consider an MBA programme.

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

A wide variety of teaching modes will be used throughout this course. The most important aspect will be that of a student-centered approach, and we will encourage you (through relevant guidance) to become an independent thinker who can take responsibility for your own learning, and ensure that you can adapt to a wide variety of different situations. The course will make use of traditional lectures and practical sessions as well as encouraging you to engage in various scenarios (e.g. managing your own projects, team working etc.). In addition, some units will use podcasts to provide you with an overview / summary of different topics. Some units (e.g. Emerging Technologies) with include seminar based sessions and class discussions. Significant elements of the course will be delivered through the use of technology such as the use of BREO, Learning Resources and various other electronic resources. The students will be expected to undertake significant directed and undirected study.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

Not applicable

Students with disabilities

The course team is aware of the requirements of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 and seeks to ensure that the practices the Act encourages are followed. Concerning special educational needs (e.g. dyslexia) special provision is made for assessment for course work depending on the individual needs of the student. All formal teaching and learning is undertaken on premises that provide reasonable access for you if you have concerns about mobility. Advice on the nature of specific disabilities and the reasonable adjustments which can be made to accommodate disabled students is available from the Disability Advice Team.

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).