MSc Information Systems for Business Performance

The MSc Information Systems for Business Performance (ISBP) programme is a conversion course offered by the Cork University Business School at UCC. It is designed for applicants who have not previously studied high levels of software development or who have not more than two years of work experience in these fields.

Course Outline

The MSc programme provides students with a coherent set of skills that are essential in building, managing, and leveraging effective and efficient information systems (IS) for organisations. The programme is a 12-month intensive course with industrially mentored collaborative projects. Students are taught from beginner level and prepared to take up business analyst/programmer and management positions in IT departments in small, medium or large organisations.

Course Structure

• The programme consists of two parts: Part I and Part II.
• Part I includes taught modules to the value of 60 credits.
• Part II consists of a research project to the value of 30 credits.

Part I Core Modules

The following are the core modules for Part I:

• IS6121 Digital Leadership Seminars (5 credits)
• IS6136 Professional Practice Skills and Ethics (5 credits)
• IS6137 IT Project Management (5 credits)
• IS6138 Digital Governance and Compliance (5 credits)
• IS6139 Business Decision Support (5 credits)
• IS6140 An Introduction to Business Intelligence, Analytics and AI (5 credits)
• IS6150 Sustainable Digital Business Models (5 credits)
• IS6151 AI for Business Transformation (5 credits)
• IS6152 Systems Analysis (5 credits)
• IS6153 Application Design (5 credits)
• IS6155 Database Analysis and Design (5 credits)
• IS6156 Databases for Management Information Systems (5 credits)

Part II

Part II consists of an industry research project that allows for practical experience of a research project in a business context. This collaborative project will allow groups of students to specialise in an assigned industry sector in the context of a research project carried out under the supervision of an industry expert and an academic specialist.

Academic Programme Catalogue

The Academic Programme Catalogue provides the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year.

Course Practicalities

• The MSc in Information Systems for Business Performance is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme.
• Assessment methods vary to facilitate group and individual applied learning, including report writing, presentations, development projects, and in-class exams.

Why Choose This Course

The MSc ISBP is currently one of the most popular postgraduate courses in the School. Key elements of this course include:

• Hybrid business/IT orientation
• Focus on understanding how organisations operate
• Strong links with industry
• Curriculum based on leading-edge technologies
• Emphasis on developing students' ability to work as a team
• Develops technical skills from scratch
• Customised career and professional workshops
• Challenging and collaborative industrial projects
• Mentored by leading industrial entrepreneurs, Chief Executive Officers, IT managers, Chief Information Officers, and business consultants
• Access to an IS and business alumni of over 2,000 professionals

Requirements

The MSc in Information Systems for Business Performance is a conversion course designed for applicants who have not previously studied high levels of software development or who have not more than 2 years work experience in these fields. Applicants must hold a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).

Fees and Costs

• The EU fee for this course is €10,800.
• The Non-EU fee for this course is €19,700.

How To Apply

1. Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
2. Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal.
3. Apply online: Apply online through the UCC online application portal.

Similar Courses

• MSc Business Analytics
• MSc Data Science & Analytics

Contact Details For This Course

For queries regarding course content or timetables, please contact the relevant faculty members.

It is designed for applicants who have not previously studied high levels of software development (e.g. Business Information Systems, Computer Science, and Software Development) or who have not more than two years of work experience in these fields. The program provides students with a coherent set of skills essential for building, managing, and leveraging effective and efficient information systems (IS) for organizations.

---

Outline:

The MSc ISBP is a 12-month intensive course with industrially mentored collaborative projects. Students are taught from beginner level and prepared to take up business analyst/programmer and management positions in IT departments in small, medium or large organizations, whether public or private, in the financial services, manufacturing or any sector. The program is divided into two parts:

---

Part I:

• Core Modules:
• IS6121 Digital Leadership Seminars (5 credits)
• IS6136 Professional Practice Skills and Ethics (5 credits)
• IS6137 IT Project Management (5 credits)
• IS6138 Digital Governance and Compliance (5 credits)
• IS6139 Business Decision Support (5 credits)
• IS6140 An Introduction to Business Intelligence and Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6150 Sustainable Digital Business Models (5 credits)
• IS6151 Business Models for Disruptive Technology (5 credits)
• IS6152 Systems Analysis (5 credits)
• IS6153 Application Design (5 credits)
• IS6155 Database Analysis and Design (5 credits)

---

Part II:

• IS6056 Collaborative Industry Research Project (30 credits)
• This part consists of an industry research project that allows for practical experience of a research project in a business context.
• Groups of students specialize in an assigned industry sector (e.g.
• Groups develop a proposal and carry out fieldwork to produce a report on their topic.

---

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary to facilitate group and individual applied learning. Examples of assessments used include:

• Report writing
• Presentations
• Development projects
• In-class exams

---

Teaching:

The MSc ISBP is taught by Cork University Business School faculty and senior researchers with expertise in leading-edge technologies and enterprise solutions. Industrial mentors from organizations, banks, and consultancies are heavily involved in the course through the industrial project and as course advisors to ensure ISBP’s ongoing relevance to employers.

---

Careers:

Our MSc ISBP graduates are employed nationally and internationally as:

• Business analysts
• Programmers
• Managers
• Web and database developers
• Project managers
• Auditors
• Researchers
• Business intelligence consultants
• Marketing managers
• Consultants in industry sectors reliant on IS
In recent years, graduating classes have achieved virtually 100% employment.

---

Other:

• The MSc ISBP is currently one of the most popular postgraduate courses in the School.
• Key elements of this course include:
• Hybrid business/IT orientation
• Focus on understanding how organizations operate
• Strong links with industry
• Curriculum based on leading-edge technologies
• Emphasis on developing students’ ability to work as a team
• Development of technical skills from scratch
• Customized career and professional workshops
• Challenging and collaborative industrial projects
• Mentored by leading industrial entrepreneurs, Chief Executive Officers, IT managers, Chief Information Officers and business consultants
• Access to an IS and business alumni of over 2,000 professionals

---

Deposits If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January. Fee payment Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

University College Cork

---

Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

---

Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

---

Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

---

Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.