ECIM recommend RGU's MSc in Information Management

In 2008, ECIM sponsored the first year of what would be a 3 year program in Information Management with University of Stavanger. Unfortunately University of Stavanger has not yet been in a position to run the second module of this program.

ECIM has been looking into alternative providers for an MSc program in Information Management, and has found what we believe to be a good program with Robert Gordon University, based in Aberdeen UK.

Robert Gordon University has a long history of running academic programs in the area of library and information management, and has an existing MSc course (comprising 8 modules of study and a dissertation) in Information Management which ECIM believes will be an excellent alternative to the previously planned University of Stavanger program.

Information management research at Robert Gordon University is recognised as being of international quality - the majority of it (60%) rated as internationally-excellent or world-leading in the UK's Research Assessment Exercise 2008.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MSC IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

(Downloadable PDF Version)

The MSc course is a 3 year course delivered using Distance Learning, and therefore is open to students around the world. It is possible to exit the course at the end of any stage, earning a different level of qualification. One year of study earns a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Information Management, two years of study earns a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Information Management, and successful completion of a research project in Year 3 will earn a Master of Science (MSc) in Information Management.

The full course is composed of 6 core (compulsory) modules and 2 elective modules of study.

CORE MODULES

Information Studies will examine information searching and gathering (search strategy design and execution) together with sources of and services for information.

Managing Information Services will examine the nature and scope of information organizations, their management and leadership as well as examining the project approach to information management activities, human and financial resource management, strategy and planning as well quality management, benchmarking and performance indicators. It will examine these facets in a variety of different information management organizations and contexts to provide the essential, well-rounded approach required by modern information professionals. (e.g. needs assessment (user/organisational); planning; development/implementation; review and evaluation (incl impact) of information services and systems in an organisational context. It would be taught from a project management perspective and from an IT Service perspective (c.f. ITIL) but these will be embedded within the wider priorities of understanding/needs, and evaluation/impact on users/organisations - aspects which would not necessarily be taught in a traditional project management unit)

Information Dissemination will examine the theory and practice of using up-to-date technologies to maximise the visibility and performance of information services. Topics covered include blogging, wikis, Library 2.0, mashups, and an introduction to the programming and information architecture skills they require.

Knowlegde Organisation will examine information architecture and knowledge organization.

Fieldwork Placement is a core module and will involve the student undertaking a twenty day placement in an appropriate organisation within the information sector (or writing a placement report based on appropriate working experience within the sector).

Research Methods will examine the research process, looking at methods and approaches for data collection and analysis and facilitate the compilation of a Research Proposal as the basis for MSc dissertation research.

ELECTIVE MODULES

Six modules are currently offered as electives and students may choose TWO of these. They are intended to represent three broad elective pathways (digital information, information analysis and knowledge management). However, students may choose, for example, one from the digital information pathway and one from the knowledge management pathway if desired.
The content of the modules on the MSc course is not currently designed specifically for the Oil and Gas industry. However, the coursework assignments and the research conducted for the dissertation can be contextualized in the current course structure. ECIM is currently working with Robert Gordon University to tailor electives to the Oil and Gas industry, and aim to provide a suitable elective pathway for Oil and Gas in future but the viability of this development will depend on a sustainable intake of students in the coming years.
The electives currently offered are as follows (please note that these are subject to sufficient numbers and are liable to change):

Digital Information Pathway: The digital or electronic information pathway aims to produce information professionals who can work as web and information architecture technologists in a range of environments, in the commercial and public sectors.

• Information Accessibility: will examine in-depth the issues of multimedia technologies and visualisation as well as the related issues associated with information retrieval. It will consider the issues and practicalities of making information accessible to a variety of user groups.
• Introduction to Relational Databases: will focus on introducing students to the principles behind relational database design and administration. Topics include: Conceptual and Entity-relationship modelling, SQL queries, and practical interface construction, with practical exercises using Microsoft Access and MySQL RDBMS.

Information Analyst Pathway: The information analyst pathway aims to produce information professionals who can work as analysts and researchers in a range of environments, in the commercial and public sectors. Additionally, it is anticipated that this pathway will be of appeal to those considering the emerging Information Rights sector.

• Information Synthesis: will examine in-depth the relationship between users and information and the role that the information professional has in creating, organizing, retrieving and disseminating information to meet the needs of users and user communities. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the nature and scope of user study methodologies and the information consolidation process.
• Information Governance: will examine one of the most critical issues in contemporary information management and one that is crucial for those seeking to work as in information analysts or researchers. This module will examine the legal, ethic and standards framework which apply to the information management sector and their implications of organizations and activities.

Knowledge Management Pathway: The knowledge management pathway aims to retain the expertise and focus of MSc Knowledge Management and to produce professionals who can work as knowledge managers in a variety of environments, in the commercial and public sectors, ensuring that full-time provision continues to offer this emerging but distinctive part of the information professions.

• Intellectual Capital Management: will examine key processes for knowledge management within cultural and technological contexts. It will also focus on the storage, manipulation and movement of intellectual capital through examination of, for example, decision support systems and expert system. Aspects of Human Resource Management will be covered in this module (e.g. the importance of individual and collective engagement with technologies associated with the management of Intellectual Capital).

Knowledge Management Systems: is an elective for those wishing to take the Knowledge Management pathway.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE

The course is ideal for students who possess an undergraduate Honours degree in any discipline. Other qualifications and experience will be considered with entry being subject to the University's judgement that the person has reasonable expectation of being able to fulfil the requirements of the award. Decisions on entry to the course are made on an individual case basis by the Course Leader. The decision is based on the qualifications and experience of individual applicants. Students without a graduate qualification may gain entry to the course by completing an access course (Graduate certificate) or, if they have significant management experience and credits from other universities (including those achieved by completion of the module at the University of Stavanger) they may gain entry to the Certificate or Diploma stage of the Masters course.
All international students, for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by gaining either IELTS 6.5 (or its equivalent in TOEFL) or by demonstrating equivalent competence achieved through previous study in English language or use of English language in the conduct of business, prior to receiving an unconditional offer of a place on the course.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE COURSE?

On the Robert Gordon University website at:
http://www4.rgu.ac.uk/abs/postgraduate/page.cfm?pge=4994

HOW MUCH DOES THE COURSE COST?

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. The following fees are for the academic year in 2010/11 and are given as a guide:

Stage 1 - Postgraduate Certificate, 4 modules (PgCert): £2641

Stage 2 - Postgraduate Diploma, 4 modules (PgDip): £2641

Stage 3 - Masters stage (MSc): £2068

Alternatively, students who do not wish to enrol on the whole course may enrol on individual modules: £763 per module and gain the credits for that module.

More information about fees and methods of payment can be obtained from the Finance Department of RGU at: http://www4.rgu.ac.uk/stud_finance/general/page.cfm?pge=63467

Additional workshops will run for students in the Oil and Gas industry and these will be offered at extra cost (to be negotiated with ECIM).

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE COURSE?

If you are a UK/EU student and would like a paper application form or further information, please email to postgraduateadmissions@rgu.ac.uk .

If you are an International Student and would like a paper application or further information, please contact international@rgu.ac.uk .
Please mention in your application email that you heard about the course via ECIM.

I STUDIED MODULE 1 OF THE UNIVERSITY OF STAVANGER INFORMATION MANAGEMENT COURSE - CAN I TRANSFER THE CREDITS?

If you have successfully completed module 1 of the University of Stavanger Information management course you will be able to gain entry to the RGU course. Your entry point to the course (and any module exemptions) will be decided by the Course Leader on a case-by-case basis.
The module coordinators and lecturers in the Information Management department at Robert Gordon University are familiar with University of Stavanger and the Module 1 Information Management course that was offered in 2008. Please contact them directly to assess your particular situation.

Dr Laura Muir, Senior Lecturer, Department of Information Management: l.muir@rgu.ac.uk

Dr Simon Burnett, Research Coordinator, Department of Information Management: s.burnett@rgu.ac.uk

WHAT IF I DON'T ALREADY HAVE A BATCHELOR DEGREE?

For those who do not have the necessary educational qualifications to start a Masters program directly, Robert Gordon University offers a Graduate Certificate in Information Studies, which acts as an access course for the MSc Information Management. There are no formal academic qualifications required for this course, only appropriate work experience.

This innovative course provides flexible entry to an education in the library and information management fields and has been specifically designed as an access route for those with work experience in the sector who do not currently have the necessary educational qualifications in this area. It allows them to gain access to Masters Degree courses in Information and Library Studies, Information Management and Knowledge Management at the Department of Information Management, Aberdeen Business School and also enhances professional career development.

The entire course is delivered online, allowing you to study at a time to suit yourself and to interact with tutors and fellow students from all over the world.

The overall aim of the access course is to develop an understanding of the nature and characteristics of information in contemporary society and to explore the fundamental principles, concepts and methodologies in managing it effectively. The access course also aims to develop the study, research and learning skills of the students in order to prepare them for Masters level study.

The course is delivered through the University's online virtual learning environment, Campus Moodle.

You will study four modules over the academic year, each one assessed with a coursework assignment when the module ends.

• Information Society
• Information Technology
• Information Literacy
• Management Principles: the Information Context

The Graduate Certificate course starts every year in September, and takes 9 months.
Price for the entire Graduate Certificate (4 modules) - £2030 for academic year 2010/11 ? this price is under review for 2011/12.