Information Technology Degrees Online

This practically oriented course introduces students to the skills and knowledge that they will require to pursue a successful career in computing and information technology.

What will you study?
Programme Design and Implementation
- uses the Java language to introduce the principles, knowledge and skills required to design, implement, test and document programs written in a structured high level language.

Database Modelling
- introduces the principles of database modelling, relational database design and manipulation with SQL, database processing with transactions and procedures,object and distributed databases, data exchange and interoperability and emerging data models. Practical experience is gained in all areas of Oracle.

Computer Networks and Operating Systems
- provides an appreciation of computer systems and their underpinning hardware and software, including an appreciation of how computers can be linked through the internet and local networks.

Project Management Studies
- an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to manage a computer project.

Research Methods

Computer Networks and Operating Systems
Provides an appreciation of computer systems and their underpinning hardware and software, including an appreciation of how computers can be linked through the internet and local networks.

Project Management Studies an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to manage a computer project.

Research Methods develops an understanding of the research methods that can be applied to the subject of Computer Science.

Hypermedia for the Information Professional – familiarises students with some of the principles of effective web site design and with some of the tools required to create and develop hypermedia documents for integration into web pages. Current industry standard page mark-up scripting languages will also be introduced.

The course has been designed for people who need a more flexible approach to study. As this is a distance learning course, you can decide on the most appropriate time each week when you study. Within limits set by the academic calendar, it is also possible to take short study breaks if your work, or other commitments, require it.

Distance learning delivery of this course consists of a set of eight modules:
Systems Analysis and Design
Databases
Project Management and Research Methods
Web Programming and Management
IT Consultancy Practice
Human Computer Interaction
Social and Current Issues in Computing
Strategic Management and Information Systems
and the Dissertation Project

The Databases and Web Programming & Management modules include practical computer work. IT Consultancy Practice could also include the development of a software solution for a client. The remaining modules offer a more theoretical approach to the subject. For the practical work, you may choose to work at home on your own computer or at your place of employment.

On successful completion of four modules, you would be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate. Normally, however, we would expect you to continue the course by studying the remaining four modules to progress to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma, and then undertake the Dissertation Project to complete the full programme and be awarded the MSc Information Technology.

The programme aims to provide high quality training in the methods and practice of research and in complementary tranferable skills. The MRes degree serves as a qualification in its own right or as an enhanced entry point to the PhD programme.

In addition to covering specialist subjects and research techniques, the course will help students with their transferable and personal skills such as presentation skills, communication, negotiation, time management and team-working.

The programme is designed to individuals who have developed expertise in computing/mathematics/information systems/information science through a first degree (or equivalent) in a cognate subject.

The MRes is divided into four modules of study comprising three 30-credit modules covering research methods and subject-specific knowledge, and a 90-credit individual research project.

CG0157 Research Methods (CORE, 30 Credits)

CG0158 Core Subject Exploration (CORE, 30 Credits)
Year 2 Modules

CG0159 Research Specialisation (CORE, 30 Credits)

CG0160 Individual Research Project (CORE, 90 Credits)

The programme aims to provide high quality training in the methods and practice of research and in complementary tranferable skills. The MRes degree serves as a qualification in its own right or as an enhanced entry point to the PhD programme.

In addition to covering specialist subjects and research techniques, the course will help students with their transferable and personal skills such as presentation skills, communication, negotiation, time management and team-working.

The programme is designed to individuals who have developed expertise in computing/mathematics/information systems/information science through a first degree (or equivalent) in a cognate subject.

The MRes is divided into four modules of study comprising three 30-credit modules covering research methods and subject-specific knowledge, and a 90-credit individual research project.

Entry Requirements

You need to show sufficient knowledge of your topic to submit an outline of your proposed research with your application. Your outline research proposal should be two pages long, and contain an overview of your topic, current academic literature, and possible research methods. For more information, and to download the MRes application form, which is different from the standard postgraduate application form, click here.

You will need to have an Honours degree at 2:2 or above from a UK university or equivalent. If you have relevant previous learning or experience you are also encouraged to apply if you have knowledge of your study area gained either from a first degree or from previous learning or experience.

Programme Components

The PhD programme in information systems consists of four components: core courses, methods courses, specialisation courses, and a dissertation. The coursework aims at providing the students with a) a thorough grounding in literature in information systems, b) a solid methodological foundation, and c) an opportunity for in-depth focus in areas relevant to information systems in which a student has specific interest. In addition to the courses offered by UiA, students will be allowed to take, subject to approval, doctoral courses offered by other national and international academic institutions. For example, the Department of Information Systems has an agreement with Aalborg University on mutual exchange of PhD courses.
The coursework is divided into three main areas, as presented in Table 1.

Table 1. PhD programme in Information Systems – Components
Core courses (15 ECTS)

Theoretical foundations of IS (7,5 ECTS)
IT and organizations (7,5 ECTS)
Methods courses (20 ECTS)
Research methods in Information Systems (7,5 ECTS)
Theory of science (5 ECTS)
Dissertation seminar (2,5 ECTS)
Method elective(s) (5 ECTS)
Specialisation courses (10 ECTS)
Dissertation (135 ECTS)

In total, the coursework consists of 45 ECTS. The coursework will normally be completed through the first 3-4 semesters of the PhD programme, and will be run as seminars including reading assignments, class discussion and presentation of term papers. The dissertation project will be initiated parallell to the coursework, guided by an appointed supervisor. The dissertation seminar will also support the students in developing their dissertation work, and will give the opportunity to present and discuss this with other PhD students and faculty. In the following, each of the course modules of the programme are presented further.

Core courses. The core courses are intended to give the students a thorough grounding in the knowledge base of the information systems area. The course titled “Theoretical Foundations of Information Systems” will provide the students with an understanding of core concepts and theories prevailing in information systems research. The second core course, titled “IT and organization”, will focus on the mutual relationship between information systems and organizational structure and behaviour as a basis for conducting research on related issues.

Methods courses. The purpose of the methods courses is to provide students with a solid methodological foundation. A minimum of 20 ECTS are required in the methods area. The Theory of science course and the Dissertation seminar will be given in collaboration with the other PhD programmes at Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. The course on Research Methods in Informations Systems will provide the students with an overview of main methodological approaches applied in information systems research. In addition, the students will be required to take one or more elective courses focusing on advanced topics related to quantitative or qualitative methods, depending on the methodological approach used in the dissertation. These method electives will be provided both internally in collaboration with other PhD programs at UiA, and by partner institutions such as Aalborg University.

Specialisation courses. The specialisation courses go into depth in specific topics currently on the research agenda in the information systems area. These courses are intended to give the PhD student sufficient knowledge within a subfield of information systems and to start producing research in this field. Examples of specialisation courses that can be given by the Department of Information Systems include: Research issues on eGovernment, Research issues on Enterprise Systems, Research issues on Global Information Systems, and Research issues on ICT in Development.

In addition, the students will be encouraged to take specialisation courses offered by other universities in Norway and abroad, for example through the agreement with Aalborg University. As part of this category of coursework, participation in research seminars and conferences may also give course credits, subject to approval by the PhD Programme Committee. It will also be possible to arrange readings courses tailor-made for individual students in specialised areas of interest and competence, where the completion of such courses will require writing a paper. The course content of “directed reading” or “reading and conference” courses is subject to approval by the PhD Programme Committee. The specialisation courses will typically not be given regularly, but subject to needs and interest from the enrolled students and availability of instructors.

The Continuing Professional Development course, Introduction to Demography and Epidemiology, is for all professionals working in the health, social care and associated voluntary sectors

On this course you will learn about demography and epidemiology and their use as tools for identifying and addressing health needs at a population level. You will develop an understanding of concepts, data sources and research methods used in relation to health and illness and learn to identify the strengths, limitations and potential of different sources of demographic and epidemiological data used in the formation of public health policy and interventions.

It is not essential for you to have a previous knowledge of demography or epidemiology. However, you will need to have access to demographic and epidemiological data for a particular area or population, from a range of sources including the World Wide Web. You will be taught using lectures, seminars, guided learning based on formative exercises within a workbook, independent study and group discussions.

Assessment will be in the form of an examination, based on material submitted by you, relating to a contemporary public health issue. You will be required to show your knowledge and skills in identifying, handling, interpreting and critiquing the data you use to develop a rationale for a public health intervention.

Programme Structure
The programme is modular in structure. This means that in principle you can study from a range of modules reflecting your personal interests, although if you study in full-time mode, or if you choose to follow a specified pathway, your range of choice will be reduced. For the full MSc qualification the course consists of taught modules and a research dissertation. There are also numerous ways in which credits can be given for previous experience, work and education qualifications.

The Postgraduate Diploma is taught concurrently with the MSc and follows the same overall programme structure, but without the dissertation.

The Postgraduate Certificate is also taught concurrently with the MSc and follows the same overall programme structure but with fewer modules and without a dissertation.

The programme was designed specifically to cater for people in employment, available only to study part time in the evening. Therefore, all our modules are currently taught as evening classes. However, we do ensure that all core modules of the general Information Systems programme are presented at least once in every academic year, so it is possible for students to attend in full-time mode and complete the MSc within a twelve-month period. Students should be aware that daytime support is necessarily limited.

The taught modules are divided into core and optional modules.

The three core modules required to be completed by all Masters students are:
Research Methods 1, Professional & Academic Standards
Research Methods 2 & Project Management
Information Systems Management & Strategy

The optional modules can be combined to form a specified pathway, or simply reflect your personal interests. The specified pathways currently available are:
Internet technologies & e-business
Information Systems for professionals in education.