The PgD/MSc programme is a one year six months programme of study. It is divided into two major qualifications. The first year of the programme is the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business Information Technology (PgD) which is awarded by NCC Education. The second year of the programme is the MSc degree in Strategic Business Information Technology awarded by the University of Portsmouth. The PgD/MSc Strategic Business Information Technology programme examines the relationship between computing and business. Through research and teaching, the programme creates new knowledge and a deeper understanding of the role of technology in business.

If a student is going to work in business and try to have an impact on how a company does business; how well it coordinates with other companies, how efficiently it conducts its business, how well it manages the knowledge and skills of its employees-then the student must understand technology. Strategic Business Information Technology curriculum emphasizes skills in three areas: the fundamentals of business administration; a deep understanding of the role information systems play in business strategy, management and operations; and technical competence that will enable the student to analyse genuine business problems from an Information Systems perspective, and to design, build and maintain systems that solve them. Different programmes emphasise these areas to different levels. The Programme ranges from those that introduce the student to the problems of managing complex information resources demanded by progressive firms to those that build applied skills with today's computer-based analytical tools - and everything in between.

The Programme prepares students for senior IT business roles by providing them with management skills and an understanding of the IT issues affecting businesses today.

PgD in Strategic Business Information Technology, Awarded by NCC Education

Course Structure and Syllabus

The PgD programme consists of four (4) modules.

Teaching and Assessment

Most of the modules are assessed by a combination of written examinations and coursework assignments. Examination is a 90 minutes written examination. Coursework is a set of one or more tasks assessed by a written report. Proposal is a single, assessed research report. The overall module mark is computed from the weighted average of its components. The pass marks for a module is 40%. Where a module is assessed by examination and coursework, a mark of 30% or more must be achieved in both components.
 

A pass in all four (4) of the above modules will earn the student an award of the Post-Graduate Diploma (PgD) certificate.

MSc degree, Awarded by the University of Portsmouth

Module 5 - Research Methodology

The concepts of Strategic Information Systems will be introduced and explained. Students will be enabled to use research methods relevant to Information Systems. Student will develop skills in a software tool suitable for analyzing statistical data.

Module 6 - Dissertation
This will expose students to a significant project that needs management under real world constraints. It promotes good project management and research skills, both in terms of dealing with a real world problem environment and the academic support required to underpin any proposed solution. Students will develop written reporting skills in a focused and supportive environment.
The project provides opportunities to liaise and relate to external 'clients' in a commercial, industrial or academic environment.
It will also promote the integration and enhancement of all the theoretical and practical skills developed during the taught course.

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in IT or equivalent or A non-IT degree but with at least three years' work experience in an IT environment, together with some management or supervisory experience or Five years' work experience in an IT environment together with some management or supervisory experience

Please Note For candidates whose bachelor's degree was completed in a language other than English: TOEFL score of 580 - 600 or IELTS score of 6.0 - 6.5, or their equivalent.

It is recognized that many experienced IT professionals who work within the industry do not have a degree. Therefore, where an IT professional can display a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience, and is able to show his/her suitability (via interview with the Course Coordinator), he/she may be accepted onto the programme.

Duration: 1 1/2  years

Assessment
The Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc are assessed by coursework and there are no written examinations - Certificate awarded by NCC Education in Stage 1 and University of Portsmouth in Stage 2.

Course Fee:

PG-Diploma in Strategic Business IT (PART I) - £ 4,500 

Msc in  Strategic Business IT (PART I & PART II) - £ 6,500