Postgraduate Study
The Masters degree programmes at UCTI provide you with the opportunity to progress from a degree or equivalent qualification in the areas computing, information technology, multimedia, software engineering, mobile computing, business, economics and law.

General admission requirements
- A good honours degree in an IT or business related discipline
- Equivalent qualifications with several years of relevant industrial experience
Course structure
All courses are available in both full-time and part-time options.
Full-time
Duration: 1 year (3 semesters @ 14 weeks for each semester, 1 revision week and 1 assessment week)
Modules:
- 8 subject modules
- Research Methods & Proposal module
- Dissertation module
Part-time
Duration: 2 to 5 years
Modules:
- 8 subject modules
- Research Methods & Proposal module
- Dissertation module
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Industry-based dissertations
Part-time students are encouraged to complete industry-based dissertations that are directly relevant to their work and current organisations. Full-time students should use an area of personal interest.
Training in research methods will be provided to enhance knowledge and understanding of research, data collection and reference methods. Your supervisors will provide additional support in the course of the dissertation.
Accreditation of Prior Certification of Learning (APCL)
If you have certified passes in subjects from related programmes, you may request for exemptions against such modules. However, exemptions will only be granted if the learning outcome and syllabus content are compatible and are at an equivalent level. These exemptions are subject to the final discretion of Staffordshire University.
Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)
If circumstances do not allow you to continue with the programme, you will be able to leave at any point and claim CATS points for the modules that are successfully completed.
You may use these CATS points as entry for further study or to gain entry into other programmes offered by Staffordshire University and other universities.
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M.Sc. in Information Technology Management
This programme is specifically designed to provide:
- An opportunity to demonstrate how the application of computer-related technology is an integral part of an efficient business environment
- An emphasis on the understanding of how an effective computer system is a key factor in enabling a business to gain a competitive and strategic edge
- An overall consideration of how IT can be managed in the organisation
- An understanding of how strategic IT frameworks can be established to enhance the capability of the organisation
Who should attend
This programme is geared towards industry or business professionals who are seeking to develop their careers in the management of technological systems and / or their production for the benefit of organisations. Managers within organisations where information technology plays a vital role in the managerial functions and the efficient operation of the organisation will find this programme very useful.
The Benefits of This Programme
On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to :
- Demonstrate professional competencies in one or more specialist branches of IT Management
- Draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and be able to use this to professional advantage
- Communicate effectively in technical and professional environments
- Show initiative and independence of thought in technical project planning and design
- Appreciate how an efficient technology-based infrastructure is a key factor in enabling a business to gain a competitive edge
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of IT in the development of systems
- Develop an appreciation of the management context within which software and IT systems are developed
- Critically analyse, design and evaluate possible developments in a specialised area of discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding of an IT management environment
Programme Modules & Project / Dissertation
The programme comprises 8 coursework modules, the research methods and proposal module and a major project / dissertation. There are 5 compulsory Core Modules and you will have to choose 3 electives from those listed.
Core modules
- E-Commerce 1
- Information Technology Project Management
- Integrated Systems Management
- Network Systems & Technologies
- Strategic Planning & Systems Development
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Optional modules (choose 3)
- Enterprise Database Systems
- Human Computer Interaction and Groupware
- Software Engineering Support Environments
- Software Quality Engineering
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Dissertation
Training in research methods, through the Research Methods & Proposal module, in addition to close supervision, will encourage you to develop your research skills so that you can complete your major project / dissertation efficiently. You are encouraged to complete industry-based major projects / dissertations that are relevant to your work and organisation or any substantial idea from the modules taken.
The project should emphasise how an effective computer system is a key factor in enabling a business to gain a competitive edge. This would usually involve devising, recommending or implementing an innovative solution to a problem area.
M.Sc. in Technology Management
This programme is specifically designed to provide:
- An opportunity to understand and appreciate the combination of technology with management
- A platform to produce capable managers who can effectively manage the dynamic changes that technology makes at all levels
- An understanding of the needs of management in decision-making
- An overall appreciation of the manner in which an organisation's strategic business plans drives its technology strategy and infrastructure
Who should attend
This programme is geared towards graduates from technical programmes such as engineering and computer science who wish to master managerial skills that are relevant to their background.
This programme also appeals to non-technical managers and executives who are increasingly required to manage technology and technical personnel as part of their managerial responsibilities. Graduates seeking senior management careers in high technology or technology intensive businesses are also encouraged to enrol on this programme.
The Benefits of This Programme
On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to :
- Demonstrate professional competencies in one or more specialist branches of Technology Management
- Draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and be able to use this to professional advantage
- Communicate effectively in technical and professional environments
- Show initiative and independence of thought in technical project planning and design
- Appreciate how an efficient technology-based infrastructure is a key factor in enabling a business to gain a competitive edge
- Illustrate how technology can support strategies to enhance corporate goals
- Critically analyse, design and evaluate possible developments in a specialised area of discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding of a technology management environment
Programme Modules & Project / Dissertation
The programme comprises 8 coursework modules, the Research Methods and Proposal module and a major project / dissertation. The modules take into consideration issues of quality, management of innovation and technological change. In addition, internationalisation and global perspectives are considered and focus is given to strategic management in order to enhance the coherence of the programme.
You will be required to choose 8 modules from the following:
- Business Creativity & Innovation
- E-Commerce 1
- Enterprise Database Systems
- Integrated Systems Management
- International E-Business
- Internet Strategies
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- Managing Multimedia Systems
- Managing Through Information
- Markets & Marketing
- Network Systems & Technologies
- People Management & Development
- Strategic Planning & Systems Development
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A Research Methods & Proposal Module and a Major Dissertation.
Dissertation
Training in research methods, through the Research Methods & Proposal module, in addition to close supervision, will encourage you to develop your research skills so that you can complete your major project / dissertation efficiently. You are encouraged to complete industry-based major projects / dissertations where possible, however the emphasis must be placed on an effective demonstration of how the application of computer-related technology can be part of the business environment. It is expected that the project would devise, recommend or implement innovative solutions to the problem areas.
M.Sc. in Software Engineering
This programme is specifically designed to provide:
- An opportunity for professional development at an advanced level within the area of software engineering
- Enhancement of skills and knowledge in specialist areas for practising IT professionals
- The ability to undertake large-scale IT software development projects
- The skills necessary to participate effectively in the design and implementation of software systems of high quality and reliability
Who should attend
This programme is geared towards practicing software engineers within industry who seek formal qualifications in software engineering. In addition, IT professionals and managers who wish to upgrade their technical software engineering knowledge and IT skills to post-graduate level will find this programme attractive.
The Benefits of This Programme
On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to :
- Undertake and effectively manage large-scale and complex software development projects
- Participate in the design and implementation of software systems of high quality and reliability
- Appreciate problems and suggest solutions associated with the development of software systems
- Contribute to the advancement and development of software engineering theories and practices
- Appreciate how an efficient technology-based infrastructure is a key factor in enabling a business to gain a competitive edge
Programme Modules & Project / Dissertation
The programme comprises 8 coursework modules, the research methods and proposal module and a major project / dissertation. There are 5 compulsory Core Modules and you will have to choose 3 electives from those listed.
Core modules
- Human Computer Interaction and Groupware
- Information Technology Project Management
- Object-oriented Software Systems Engineering
- Software Engineering Support Environments
- Software Quality Engineering
A Research Methods & Proposal Module and a Major Dissertation.
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Optional modules (choose 3)
- Enterprise Database Systems
- Integrated Systems Management
- Network Systems & Technologies
- Strategic Planning & Systems Development
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Dissertation
Training in research methods, through the Research Methods & Proposal module, in addition to close supervision, will encourage you to develop your research skills so that you can complete your major project / dissertation efficiently. You are encouraged to complete industry-based major projects / dissertations that are directly relevant to your work and your organisation or any substantial idea from the modules taken.
The project emphasis should involve the derivation of criteria for the selection of software engineering processes, methods and tools. It would be expected that a software prototype, review of current practices or specifications should be produced.
M.Sc. in Multimedia Applications Management
This programme is specifically designed to provide:
- An opportunity to understand the key concepts and theories in multimedia and related technologies
- An overall focus on the management of multimedia projects and the problems associated with the use of multimedia technology
- Knowledge on how the application of multimedia can enhance business and commercial communication
- A platform for the acquisition of transferable knowledge and skills that would be applicable over the coming years of technological and market change
- An emphasis on the development of knowledge and skills in the techniques used in the design and implementation of quality interactive multimedia systems
- An understanding of how to integrate new and emerging technologies, enhance internal and external communications, reduce training costs and contribute to quality customer service
Who should attend
This programme is geared towards industry or business professionals who are involved in the provision of systems for industry / business and are seeking to develop their careers in the management of multimedia systems and / or their production for the benefit of organisations. Further, individuals or professionals involved in the redevelopment or modernisation of existing systems and customer interfaces in line with multimedia technology will find this programme invaluable.
The Benefits of This Programme
On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to :
- Demonstrate professional competencies in one or more specialist branches of multimedia applications
- Draw upon the body of theoretical and technical knowledge available and be able to use this to professional advantage
- Communicate effectively in technical and professional environments
- Show initiative and independence of thought in multimedia project planning and design
- Appreciate how multimedia is a key factor in enabling a business to gain a competitive edge
- Develop an appreciation of the management context within which multimedia systems are developed
- Critically analyse, design and evaluate possible developments in a specialised area of discipline in order to further the knowledge and understanding of a multimedia environment
Programme Modules & Project / Dissertation
The programme comprises 8 coursework modules, the research methods and proposal module and a major project / dissertation. There are 5 compulsory Core Modules and you will have to choose 3 electives from those listed.
Core modules
- Human Computer Interaction and Groupware
- Managing Multimedia Systems
- MuItimedia Applications Development
- Multimedia Technology
- Network Systems and Techologies
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Optional modules (choose 3)
- Computer Graphics
- E-Commerce 1
- Enterprise Database Systems
- Internet Strategies
- Image Processing
- Strategic Planning & Systems Development
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Dissertation
Training in research methods, through the Research Methods & Proposal module, in addition to close supervision, will encourage you to develop your research skills so that you can complete your major project / dissertation efficiently. You are encouraged to complete industry-based major projects / dissertations that are relevant to your work and organisation or any substantial idea from the modules taken.
The project should either discuss the use of multimedia to support management processes or the strategic use of multimedia to increase competitiveness and business efficiency and will usually involve implementing an innovation solution to the problem under investigation.
M.Sc. in Mobile Computer Systems
This programme is specifically designed to provide:
- A thorough and deep knowledge of state of the art mobile technology
- An opportunity to examine practices in mobile computing systems and associated subject areas
- The ability to develop mobile computing artefacts and implementations
- Skills in the design and deployment of applications for mobile devices
Who should attend
This M.Sc. is a computing post-graduate award that provides a focus on mobile computer systems for students who already possess a first degree in computing. The focus is placed on technical and specialist issues of mobile computer systems. Students learn to develop concepts into small mobile computer systems. Students will study topics such as artificial intelligence, imaging, HCI, networking, communications, design of mobile architecture, network infrastructures, standards and protocols, mobile programming tools and environments, and associated management issues. The award also aims to instill sound academic and professional skills required for lifelong learning and development.
The School of Postgraduate Studies has numerous research and business contacts who have contributed to the award's development, and will continue to advise and contribute to award delivery.
The Benefits of This Programme
On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to :
- Produce quality computing professionals able to develop mobile computing artefacts and systems, using state-of-the-art technologies
- To deliver up-to-date subject contents that are relevant to current and future business demands, by maintaining close links and direct input from national and international industrial and commercial organisations
- To allow you to develop further your technical competence, building on computing knowledge and skills acquired in your first degree, expanding into areas of mobile computing
- To enhance your abilities in research, problem-solving and management
- To encourage you to apply knowledge and skills to solving mobile computer systems problems during your dissertation project
- To enable you to acquire knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to pursue a successful career in academia or industry
Programme Modules & Project / Dissertation
The programme comprises 8 coursework modules, the Research Methods and Proposal module and a major project / dissertation. There are 3 compulsory Core Modules and you will have to choose 6 electives from those listed.
Core modules
- Network Systems and Technologies
- Computer Communication Systems
- Mobile Applications and Systems
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Optional modules (choose 5)
- Artificial Intelligent Systems
- Computer Graphics
- Human Computer Interaction and Groupware
- Image Processing
- Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
- Strategic Planning & Systems Development
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Dissertation
Training in research methods, through the Research Methods & Proposal module, in addition to close supervision, will encourage you to develop your research skills so that you can complete your major project / dissertation efficiently. You are encouraged to complete industry-based major projects / dissertations that are relevant to your work and organisation or any substantial idea from the modules taken.
The project should discuss detailed analysis of a particular topic in a mobile computer systems related field. It would be expected that a software prototype critical review of recent development in the field or a prognosis of future developments should be produced.