Master's degree in Computing & Information Technology

This Master's degree in Computing & Information Technology will equip you with the competences to manage converging information technologies in order to meet business management goals.

Your learning will be directly applicable to the modern workplace, where technology is ubiquitous and essential to maintain a competitive edge. Modules in project management, with an emphasis on technology and risk, provide a solid grounding before moving on to address the increasingly important information security and data analysis. Business processes are covered, as well as key information management tools.

Compulsory modules:

• Technology Project Management (20 credits) This module aims to foster in students a critical appreciation of project management principles and practices in preparation for when they will manage - or be managed via - technology projects.
• Advances in IT Management (20 credits) This module aims to give students a thorough overview of current and developing information technology (IT) management practises.
• Business Process Analysis (20 credits) This module is designed to enable the student to develop a critical appreciation of a range of business process analysis approaches and to explore key contemporary issues regarding their application in organisations.
• Research & Professional Practice (20 credits) The aim of this module is to equip the student with the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to produce a dissertation with a research or technical focus.
• Information Security (20 credits) This module aims to provide an insight into the implementation of data security in computer systems and to encourage students to appreciate the practical and theoretical management principles associated with information security.
• Data Analytics & Visualisation (20 credits) This module provides students with hands-on experience with public datasets or user-generated data, focusing on historical, current, and predictive data analysis.
• Technology Dissertation (40 credits) The aim of the technology project is for the student to apply knowledge, skills and techniques developed during directed and independent study to solve a real world technology related project. The technology project may take the form of an in-depth research project or the development of a computer system.
• Programming for Data Analysis (20 credits) The aim of this module is to help students to develop an understanding of programming and problem-solving strategies, as well as to develop, analyse and critically assess solutions to real-world data analysis problems.

To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as stand-alone or exit awards.

Learning & Teaching

• A range of teaching methods are used in the Cardiff School of Technologies, including lectures, practical workshops, tutorials, seminars and real-world case studies, all supported by online learning via Moodle. With a student-centred approach, the School operates an open-door policy to staff to support students, along with support from our careers team and academic skills.

Studios

• Studios are a major part of the teaching strategy for the programme. Studios are an interactive and effective way of delivering core material and establishing a framework for a module against which other material can be set.

Workshops

• Workshops involve a student or students working more actively to understand the topic of study. This can include strategies such as presenting previously prepared work to peers and a lecturer. In these classes students are able to practise and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can receive feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and the workplace.
• Workshops are used to extend specific theoretical or practical concepts as well as introducing problem solving exercises. Workshops are used in most modules and provide students with valuable experience in practical and presentational skills as well as providing staff with a method of assessing student-centred learning.

Case Studies

• Case studies are a teaching and learning strategy, employed in a range of modules; they also are a useful assessment tool. Students are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.

Moodle

• The majority of modules will be supported by Moodle and provide students with a wide range of learning material and study guidance.

Assessment

• Assessments take the form of individual or group coursework, research based assignments, practical assessments, presentations, reports, and a dissertation.

Employability & Careers

• This programme explores how information and communication technologies may be managed, and how they may serve the purposes of management. Graduates have pursued careers as ICT managers, project managers and consultants, business and systems analysts, teachers and lecturers.