Program Overview

MSc Computing and Information Systems

About this course

LJMU's Computing and Information Systems MSc focuses on the technological aspects of hardware and software, covering the latest innovations in this subject area.

• Learn from academics active in research
• Carry out a novel research project in an area of your choice
• Benefit from high-quality teaching and excellent learning resources commended by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
• Access 6 million state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities
• Look forward to excellent career prospects in areas such as project management, system design and IT management

This MSc in Computing and Information Systems focuses on the technological aspects of hardware and software systems, together with a study of their operational and managerial environment.

Computing and information technology are ever changing. LJMUs approach ensures that you are kept up-to-date with technical innovations and that you widen your experience, by combining your technical skills with an understanding of information technology and its management.

The course aims to provide you with a fuller, systematic understanding of current and developing computer technologies and help you to: explore the issues surrounding the Management of Information Technology in Business and Industrial contexts and develop expertise in the areas of computer science that you are interested in.

You will become an advanced, autonomous learner with a comprehensive understanding, critical awareness and ability to conduct evaluation of current research issues. You will work with originality in applying analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills and will gain awareness of the advanced, conceptual understanding, underpinning career development, innovation and further study for PhD.

Course modules

Core modules

• Research Methods (20 credits)
  • The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of effective and academic research design at Masters level and provide guidance on the purpose and design of literature reviews; the use of theory; writing strategies; citation and ethical considerations.
• Computer Systems Technology (20 credits)
  • This module evaluates the effect of distribution, benefits and problems, on the design and implementation of computer based solutions, using performance analysis tools.
• Management of E-Business (20 credits)
  • The module covers the technological and managerial aspects of the e-business model.
• Database Design and Technology (20 credits)
  • This module examines recent developments and current trends in databases both from the application and the technology view points.
• Software Development with Java (20 credits)
  • This course will develop the necessary skills for the development of object-oriented applications using the Java programming language.
• Computer Security (20 credits)
  • The purpose of the module is to provide the fundamental technical concepts and research issues essential for computer security.
• Project Dissertation (60 credits)
  • This module aims to develop your ability to plan, execute and report in-depth on a major investigation.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Assessment
• An insight into teaching on your course
  • Teaching methods
    • You'll gain core knowledge and understanding on this course via lectures, tutorials, practicals, coursework, projects, seminars and guided independent study.
  • Applied learning
    • Our academic staff are leaders in their research fields and will provide you with a platform to enter technology competitions, attend conferences and further your research opportunities.
  • How learning is monitored on your programme
    • To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
    • Assessment methods on the programme comprise: coursework, examinations, laboratory work, reports, project work and presentations.

Career paths

• Further your career prospects
• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation.
• Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• Studying computing enhances your transferable skills, such as IT, problem solving, report writing, giving presentations and working in teams.
• You can expect career opportunities in areas such as: E-commerce application development; software system analysis/programming; project management; IT management; software quality assurance; system design and further research via an MPhil / PhD.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,840
• International: £18,250
• Fees
  • The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• Financial Support
  • There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students.
• Additional Costs
  • In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of: Accommodation; Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU; Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire.

Entry requirements

• Home
  • Qualification requirements
    • An undergraduate degree in a cognate subject area
    • Or an undergraduate degree in a non-cognate subject area when supplemented by relevant skills and / or experience
    • Or degree equivalent professional qualifications, e.g. BCS Graduate Diploma in IT
    • Or a HND plus a minimum of three years relevant professional experience
  • Further information
    • Extra Requirements
    • RPL is accepted on this programme
• International
  • IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
  • Further information
    • Extra Requirements
    • RPL is accepted on this programme
  • Find your country

How to apply

• Securing your place at LJMU
• To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form.
• You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.