Business Information Technology MSc



Closing the gap between technology and management to help deliver successful information systems.

Overview

Making the right decisions about how to use technology has become more and more critical, hence why there are great career opportunities for graduates who have skills in technology management. This course will allow those who are pursuing a different career the chance to discover software architecture, systems administration, interactive systems design, and more.

At the end of the course, you will be able to examine the characteristics of business information systems, how they are designed and how they can be successfully implemented in the working environment.

The course is suitable for individuals with a management background wishing to specialise in information system technology or technology specialists wishing to move on to managerial roles. 

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.  

 
computer mouse on the desk

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

SepJan

Read Elsie's Story

Find out how Elsie's Masters in Business Information Technology prepared her for a career as a Business Analyst.

Course details

This course will teach you about information system management and development in organisations.

You will learn how to design and implement information systems solutions, allowing you to gain an overview of the importance of systems to organisations as well as gain the technical and communication skills which the industry values.

The course focusses on how systems work, how the requirements for them are established and how they are designed and developed.

On completion, you will gain transferable skills in project management, team working, and communication and presentation skills.

This course is taught at our Merchiston campus near the centre of Edinburgh. You will have access to specialist labs and facilities, the Jack Kilby Computer Centre.

You will be taught by experienced lecturers, with research degrees and teaching qualifications. Many also have relevant industry experience

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    How you’ll be taught

     You will learn with a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, lab time and independent study.

    This is a full-time course and is split up into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:

    • September starts: 12 months
    • January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)
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    Assessments

     Assessments are a mixture of written coursework allowing you to develop your academic and business reporting skills. The more technical modules include demonstration or evaluation your work.
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    Facilities

    This course is taught at our Merchiston Campus near the centre of Edinburgh. You will have access to specialist labs and facilities, including the Sensorium, a newly opened user experience lab.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Business Intelligence and Reporting for Enterprises ( CSI11100 )

The module aims to present a balanced approach to the subject area by addressing both the theory and practice of Business Intelligence and reporting in enterprise systems. The aim of this module is to develop a deep understanding of enterprise information systems and their role in business processes alongside practical skills in business intelligence reporting and dashboard design. It includes:- Evaluation of the impact that Enterprise Information Systems can have within organisation business processes. - As an assessment of the impact that they have on the efficiency and effectiveness of organisations and supply chains. - Fundamentals of business intelligence, such as data warehousing and data mining. - The role of performance dashboards in performance management and measurement in organisations. - The sourcing and extraction of data and the analysis and development of intelligence. - Understanding of current legislation on data privacy and ethical issues relevant to business intelligence in organisations.The module will use a range of tools to give students an appreciation of the nature of large scale integrated information systems and to practice data analytical techniques.

Further information

Digital Business Environments ( INF11114 )

This module addresses contemporary forms of digital business, building key skills in the assessment and analysis of digital business models.Digital business strategy and resultant impacts are examined, focusing on digital marketplace analysis.Analytical tools and approaches are used to explore how businesses seek to exploit the ‘search’ and ‘social’ ecosystems, and to leverage the ‘mobile’ ecosystem. Contemporary trends around e-procurement and digital supply chains are also addressed, particularly in the context of digital products and services.Legal, privacy and trust issues are explored, and implications for service design considered.

Further information

Knowledge Management ( CSI11104 )

This module covers the principles and concepts related to the capture, management, and storage of knowledge. During this module students will learn different approaches to knowledge management and both technical and social knowledge management infrastructures. A range of techniques will be covered for the creation, capture, classification, exchange, dissemination and use of knowledge for competitive advantage and corporate growth. Throughout the module, students will develop understandings of knowledge strategies and knowledge continuity management that can be used in the creation of knowledge management plans.

Further information

Management of Software Projects ( INF11103 )

This module examines the use of agile methods for the delivery of software. Agile methods involve evolutionary development with self-organizing teams and adaptive planning. Students are introduced to and apply the Scrum and Kanban delivery methods. Human factors and group dynamics are evaluated within the context of agile delivery methods. The management of risk and project monitoring are examined and strategic governance and compliance approaches are evaluated.

Further information

Masters Dissertation ( SOC11101 )

The work for this module comprises the completion of an individual research project. Each student is assigned a personal Supervisor, and an Internal Examiner who monitors progress and feedback, inputs advice, examines the dissertation and takes the lead at the viva. There are two preliminary deliverables prior to the submission of the final dissertation: (1) Project proposal (2) Initial Report including time plan and dissertation outline

Further information

Security Audit & Compliance ( INF11109 )

The aim of the module is to let you develop a deep understanding of the framework that information security operates in, and to give you an opportunity to express this in the form of professional written reports. Topics covered include: • The relation between governance models and frameworks including: ISACA’s COBIT and ISO Standards (ISO27000 in particular) • Overview of relevant laws and regulations: national and international, covering privacy, computer misuse and other legal issues. • The role of organisation and human factors in ensuring a secure environment• The role of the professions; difference between audit, forensics and security management. Professional ethics and codes of practice• Information security risk management and controls including, contingency and continuity planning

Further information

Strategic Information Systems Management ( INF11115 )

Evolving role of strategic IS/IT systems; Management of strategic IS/IT systems; Processes for developing effective IS/IT strategies; Alignment of IS/IT strategies with business strategies; Innovating with IS/IT systems; Strategic IS/IT systems for competitive advantage; Tools & techniques for building IS/IT strategic capabilities; Evaluating & justifying IS/IT systems; Managing a portfolio of IS/IT applications. Positioning & managing strategic IS/IT systems.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

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Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Business Information Technologies?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above, or equivalent. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme. 

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £7,650
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430
Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Business Information Technology degree?

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the integration of technology is key to success. Our programme offers a unique blend of business and technical expertise, empowering you to harness the power of information technology to drive innovation and create value. Our business information technology course will give graduates the opportunity to advance in their sector or find a new profession in the following fields:

  • Information architect
  • Business intelligence
  • Interactive systems design
  • Usability engineering
  • IT project management
  • IT consultancy
  • Information systems security
  • Knowledge management
  • Information governance and compliance
  • Business analyst

Throughout the course, you'll explore the latest trends and developments in business information technology, from enterprise systems and business analytics to digital transformation and cybersecurity. Through hands-on projects and industry partnerships, you'll gain practical experience applying cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world business challenges.

Upon completion of the programme, you'll emerge as a versatile and adaptable professional, equipped to lead digital initiatives, optimize business processes, and drive organizational growth. Whether you aspire to work in consulting, finance, or technology management, our MSc in Business Information Technology will provide you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a competitive and dynamic business environment.

What does a Business Information Technology Manager do?

As a Business IT Manager, your organizational skills and strategic vision will be instrumental in delivering organisational benefits. You will be able to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of technology initiatives in a variety of roles.

As a project manager you will manage resources and timelines and manage risks and communications with stakeholders. Your days will be filled with juggling multiple priorities and collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will act as a leader of managing complex projects, guiding teams toward shared goals and facilitating collaboration to overcome challenges and achieve success.

As an information security manager you will set up information governance processes and ensure that your organisation complies with current legislation as well as preparing for future regulation. You will have the expertise to navigate the intersection of technology, business, and people with ease. Your leadership and communication  skills will be essential as you lead teams to deliver technology solutions in demanding environments.

4th year Product Design class working in the studio on computers