Course information

Course highlights

• The MSc in Management and Information Technology is an interdisciplinary programme combining the skills and experience of leading academics from the School of Management and the School of Computer Science.
• The programme teaches modern information and communication technologies and management techniques to prepare students for a career in IT management and other related areas.
  
• Students undertake a significant project, including a wide-ranging investigation leading to their dissertation, which enables them to consolidate and extend their specialist knowledge and critical thinking.
• The programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.
• Students have 24-hour access to modern computing laboratories, provisioned with dual-screen PC workstations and group-working facilities.

Teaching format

The MSc in Management and Information Technology is a one-year taught programme run jointly by the School of Computer Science and the School of Management. The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by an 11-week project leading to the submission of a 15,000-word dissertation in August.

The taught portion of the MSc programme includes eight modules: three compulsory and five optional from a wide range available. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical classes. Most modules are assessed through practical coursework exercises and examinations. Class sizes typically range from 10 to 50 students in Computer Science modules, and from 40 to 60 students in Management modules.

All students are assigned an advisor who meets with you at the start of the year to discuss module choices and is available to assist with any academic difficulties during the year. A designated member of staff provides close supervision for the MSc project and dissertation.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2015-2016 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2016 entry.

Compulsory modules

• Masters Core Skills: equips students with essential skills in a range of topics including technical writing for computer science and information technology, presentation skills, research skills and project planning, all reinforced by practical assignments.

and choose two or three from: 

• Corporate Finance and Accounting: introduces students to the basic principles and practices of accounting and corporate finance.
• Strategic Management: develops students' knowledge and understanding of the strategy process and organisational responses to the rapidly changing global economy.
• Managing Human Resources: covers both the strategic and operational requirements necessary to secure, develop, reward and retain employees.
• Marketing: Principles and Practice: introduces students to the nature and scope of marketing and its role in society.

Optional modules

If students only take two compulsory modules from the Management modules above, they may take one further optional Management module. Students also choose optional modules from a range available in Computer Science.

Optional modules are subject to change each year, and attendance may be limited (see the University’s position on curriculum development). Please see the module catalogue for further descriptions.

Computer Science optional modules

• Object-Oriented Modelling, Design and Programming
• Programming Principles and Practice
• Masters Programming Projects
• Artificial Intelligence Principles
• Artificial Intelligence Practice
• Language and Computation
• Advanced Networks
• Mobile and Wireless Networks
• Software Engineering Principles
• Software Engineering Practice
• Critical Systems Engineering
• Software Architecture
• Human Computer Interaction Principles and Methods
• Interactive Software and Hardware
• User-Centred Interaction Design
• Information Visualisation and Visual Analytics
• Database Management Systems
• Web Technologies
• Information Security Management
• Network Systems Management
• Green Information Technology
• Information Technology Projects
• Knowledge Discovery and Datamining

Management optional modules

A list of optional modules offered by the School of Management will be advertised nearer the start of each semester.

Dissertation

During the second semester, students work with staff to define and agree upon a topic for the extended project, which they will work on during the final three months of the course, and which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation. Dissertation projects may be group-based or completed individually (students are assessed individually in either case).

The dissertation typically comprises: a review of related work; the extension of existing or the development of new ideas; the development of a software system or skilled use of one or more applications; a critical analysis and evaluation of the project outputs. Students are required to give a presentation of their work in addition to the written dissertation.

Each project is supervised by one or two members of staff, typically through regular meetings and review of software and dissertation drafts.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of a MSc.

Conferences and events

The School of Computer Science organises a regular programme of colloquia, talks and seminars by external and internal speakers from both industry and academia. The talks are aimed at bringing the diversity, excitement and impact of computer science from around the globe to staff and students within the School.

The St Andrews Computing Society (STACS) regularly organises hackathons and other events open to local and external participants, including MSc students. These are very popular events, often supported by industrial sponsors.

The Computer Science blog regularly publishes news and events.

The School of Management hosts a research seminar series as well as a number of conferences and events throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Masters Extra (MX) Programme, which includes guest lectures from eminent academics and business executives, specific sessions to enhance career development opportunities and a range of corporate visits.

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Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).