Program Overview
The University of Sheffield's MSc Information Management program is designed to equip students with expertise in managing information and knowledge within organizations. Through a combination of core and optional modules, students gain a comprehensive understanding of information retrieval, information systems, governance and ethics, and research methods. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in digital business, information technology, and information science.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes developing knowledge, skills, and experience in designing, implementing, managing, and governing effective information environments. This includes examining the purposes, functions, and processes of these environments and mediating between information users, resources, and systems in both organizational and networked contexts. The program aims to equip students with practical experience in using new information and communications technologies and to develop personal awareness and skills relevant to information management in a variety of workplace roles. It is designed around case studies of well-known organizations and involves developing skills in analysis and formulating strategies for organizational development. Assessed work focuses on skills in reviewing the domain and developing conceptual models for information and knowledge management. (15 credits) Particular attention is paid to evaluation, as the principles of search system evaluation require a good understanding of how search works and how it can be improved. (15 credits) (15 credits) (15 credits)
- Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation: This module assists students in identifying and preparing a dissertation proposal. Students will familiarize themselves with ongoing research in the School, identify and prepare a dissertation proposal, carry out a preliminary literature search, and be introduced to the use of social research methods and statistics for information management. (15 credits) Students will be supported through tutorials with a project supervisor, apply research methods appropriate to their topic, and implement their work-plan to produce an individual project report. (45 credits)
Optional Modules:
Students can choose from a variety of optional modules, including:
- Introduction to Programming
- Website Design and Search Engine Optimisation
- Information Systems Project Management
- AI in Organisations
- Researching Social Media
- ICTs, Innovation and Change
- Database Design
- User-Centred Design and Human-Computer Interaction
- Archives and Records Management
- Business Intelligence
Assessment:
Assessments vary depending on the modules chosen but may include essays, report writing, oral presentations, in-class tests, and group projects. The program also includes a dissertation of 10–15,000 words, which provides the opportunity, under one-to-one supervision, to focus on a topic of the student's choice. Students may choose to carry out their dissertation with an external organization, particularly if they are Professional Enhancement students.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, combining lectures from academic staff and professional practitioners with seminars, tutorials, small-group work, and computer laboratory sessions. There is a strong emphasis on problem-solving and individual aspects of learning, with the expectation that students will engage in independent study, reading, and research in support of their coursework. Teaching consists of two 15-week semesters, after which students will write their dissertation.
Careers:
The MSc Information Management program prepares students for a range of career pathways, including:
- Digital Business: This involves managing and delivering products and services. Possible job titles include e-commerce manager, digital product/service delivery manager, digital marketer, and digital product owner. Possible job titles include business analyst, systems analyst, IT project manager, database administrator, and operational researcher. The school has been at the forefront of developments in the information field for more than fifty years. The subject is characterized by its distinctive, interdisciplinary focus on the interactions between people, information, and digital technologies. When students join any of the school's degree programs, they will develop a critical understanding of current issues in library and information management. They will benefit from being taught by staff who are undertaking leading-edge research and who have many links with industry. The Information School aims to inspire and help students pursue their highest ambitions for their academic and professional careers.
Home (2024 annual fee) : £10,710 Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £27,650
