By the end of the course, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of information systems within an organisational context, emphasising issues related to information, people, information technologies and the business environment. You’ll have gained practical skills related to the design and analysis of information systems. Your knowledge and skills will be highly valued in industry, commerce and academia.
We have world-leading research groups in areas such as database systems, information retrieval, speech recognition, information extraction and information management. This means you’ll not only gain knowledge of the well-established fundamentals, but also the most current and advanced theories and techniques.
The course focuses on core topics in information systems including information systems modelling, project management and the impact of information systems on organisations and society. These are complemented by practical skills in computer programming and the study of professional issues in computing.
You can then tailor the course to your own interests by choosing from more specialised topics including those with a more technical focus such as database design and human-computer interaction, or topics that focus on how information management can be used to benefit organisations through digital business and business intelligence.
If you have two or more years’ relevant work experience in the information sector and wish to study for a higher degree, you may be interested in our Professional Enhancement programme. The programme is designed for people already in work who want to further their careers, and allows greater freedom in module choice in recognition of your existing expertise.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it’s up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we’ll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- 3 years part-time
Teaching
A variety of teaching methods are used, combining lectures from academic staff and professional practitioners with seminars, tutorials, small-group work and computer laboratory sessions. There is strong emphasis on problem-solving and individual aspects of learning, with the expectation that you will engage in independent study, reading and research in support of your coursework.
Teaching consists of two 15-week semesters, after which you will write your dissertation.
Assessment
Assessments vary depending on the modules you choose but may include essays, report writing, oral presentations, in-class tests and group projects.
There is also a dissertation of 10–15,000 words, which provides the opportunity, under one-to-one supervision, to focus in depth on a topic of your choice. You may choose to carry out your dissertation with an external organisation, for instance if you are a Professional Enhancement student, your project could be directly related to your own work situation. In the past, students who have carried out such dissertations have welcomed the opportunity to tackle real-life problems.
Your career
After completing the course, you’ll be equipped to pursue a variety of roles across a wide range of industries. Our students have found work as business or data analysts, IT business consultants, information systems managers and in enterprise architecture.
Department
The University of Sheffield Information School is ranked number one in the world for library and information management in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2021. These rankings are based upon academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.
The school has been at the forefront of developments in the information field for more than fifty years. The subject is characterised by its distinctive, interdisciplinary focus on the interactions between people, information and digital technologies. It has the ultimate goal of enhancing information access, and the management, sharing and use of information, to benefit society.
When you come to study with us you’ll be an integral part of our research culture. The school is your home and we pride ourselves on the friendliness and helpfulness of our staff.
We offer an outstanding academic education through a wide range of taught postgraduate degrees which embed the principles of research-led teaching.
When you join any of our degree programmes you’ll develop a critical understanding of current issues in library and information management. You’ll benefit from being taught by staff who are undertaking leading-edge research and who have many links with industry.
As part of our mission to provide world-quality university education in information, we aim to inspire and help you pursue your highest ambitions for your academic and professional careers.
Entry requirements
Main course
You’ll need at least a 2:1 in any subject. Relevant work experience is an advantage but we’ll give consideration to candidates without experience.
Professional Enhancement
This is a different route to the main course. It’s aimed at those who already have relevant work experience.
To apply for this course you need either:
- an undergraduate degree in any subject discipline and at least 2 years’ relevant work experience.
- an undergraduate degree in any subject together with an acceptable relevant professional qualification and at least 2 years’ relevant work experience.
- an undergraduate degree in any subject area, and at least 5 years’ relevant work experience.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree but have other qualifications and substantial relevant work experience you may be considered for entry onto the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma courses.
Overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Pathway programme for international students
If you’re an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
Fees and funding
- Home (2022 annual fee) : £9,800
- Overseas (2022 annual fee) : £24,400
The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you’re studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study.
key dates
September start
|
Monday 29 August 2022
|
Last date to request a deferral to September 2023 entry. You can request a deferral via your online application. We’re not able to consider deferral requests for applications to courses using our staged admissions process.
|
|
Friday 9 September 2022 (17:00 British Summer Time)
|
Applications close for September 2022 entry
|
|
Monday 17 October 2022
|
Last date to register for most courses
|
