MSc Computing Informatics

Informatics Research Centre

University of Reading

OVERVIEW
MSc Computing Informatics is a specialist course within the MSc Applied Informatics. Computing Informatics provides students with advanced knowledge of information processing and information systems within an organisational context. Computing informatics considers organisations as information systems, in which information is created, processed, distributed, stored and used. These informatics activities involve people, information, business processes, information technology, and the business environment. The course focuses on frameworks, methods and techniques for understanding, analysing, designing, implementing, and evaluating information systems. You will be exposed to the practices of modelling business needs, transforming business requirements into IT systems specifications, and executing IT project management. You will be well-equipped with IT knowledge and analytical skills for managing information systems in organisations to support enterprise objectives in cost-effective ways.

STRUCTURE
This course is delivered in a flexible and modular framework. There are two exit points: a Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) and an MSc degree.
A student is required to complete 6 taught modules, including common and specialist modules, followed by a dissertation project. A taught module is delivered in a block of 5 working days. The dissertation is normally relevant to a practical problem and the student is encouraged to conduct applied research relevant to practical problems in industry.

CAREERS
Graduates from this course will be able to work in industries and academia. Potential job areas include:
• Management and IT consultant • Business application consultant/architect • IT operations manager • Information specialist/advisor • Information resource manager/consultant • Project manager • Knowledge management specialist • Software engineer • Systems analyst/developer • Leading to a PhD study

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are expected to hold a good honours degree in a related science field, or in a social science with basic IT knowledge and skills. Relevant industry experience is also acceptable, subject to the University of Reading’s APEL rules. For more information on these please see: www.reading.ac.uk/Handbooks/Teaching_and_Learning/apel.htm
Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have obtained IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 570. We provide a free pre-sessional English course for those who have achieved IELTS 5.5 with excellent academic results.

COMPULSORY MODULES
• Applied informatics
• Research methods
• Dissertation

SPECIALIST MODULES
• Business domain and requirements analysis
• Systems analysis and design

COMMON OPTIONAL MODULES
• IT project management
• Business communications and negotiations
• Business intelligence and data mining
• Social and legal issues in computers and communication
• Dependable information systems
• Enterprise resource planning systems