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Overview
Build your business brain, your technical understanding, and your ability to bring them both together as an IT professional. On this MSc Information Systems, you'll investigate complex situations, and learn to develop and communicate solutions that combine business and technology ideas.
You'll construct and optimise your own databases, use web programming languages and content management systems to design software, plugins and tools, and apply your knowledge to current business problems. By focusing on current industry issues, you'll learn to meet the needs of your current or desired users, while you sharpen your entrepreneurial leadership skills for senior or specialist roles in the tech sector.
Your course is shaped by advice from an industry advisory board, to ensure you have the skills and knowledge the sector currently needs, and you'll be learning from lecturers who maintain working partnerships with information technology companies.
You can begin this course in September (full-time or part-time) or January (full-time only).
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
Course highlights
- Design and develop your own software as you study key topics such information systems management or web development
- Register as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) after you graduate
- Apply your studies to real-life practical problems, in collaboration with local and global organisations
- Combine technical ability and business training to solve complex professional problems in your industry
- Join a friendly and truly international student intake
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP and CEng.
The University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Business or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, including Computer Sciences, Business or Social Sciences, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £10,400
- Part time: £3,740 per year
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £3,740 per year
International students
- Full time: £19,200
- Part time: £6,400 per year
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
International students
- Full time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part time: £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
Core modules
Whether you're developing novel software or pursuing theoretical advances, you'll formulate robust aims backed by methodical data gathering/analysis. Once you've reached your findings, you'll present polished written and oral reports that show your knowledge of ethical and professional considerations, demonstrating your abilities to direct projects advancing industry or academia.
You'll bring together business intelligence (BI) software packages with project management techniques as you examine the ways leading companies leverage emerging capabilities in BI. Through workshops and case studies, you'll build your technical knowledge and leadership principles, ready to work with systems supporting modern enterprises.
In this module, you'll assess quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches, discussing which methods are best aligned to different research briefs. You'll also apply your chosen methods, demonstrating your ability to gather data, analyse and discuss your findings, and present your conclusions clearly, in preparation for your MSc research.
In this module, you'll apply concept from human computer interaction (HCI) and ergonomics to deeply understand user needs. You'll also explore and evaluate research in the field, using your analyses of user experience methods and techniques to design solutions to those needs.
On this module, you'll grasp the theories associated with information security and examine the major current threats in the field. You'll also explore core technical topics, such as access control and cryptography, alongside legal and ethical issues in hacking and information security.
Looking at web products used in business, leisure and government, you'll consider the tools, techniques and languages used to develop current web sites. You'll also hone your professional approach to defining and delivering web site design projects.
Optional modules
You'll use cloud-based data warehousing, multi-dimensional modelling and professional coding techniques to discover and visualise your BI insights.
In this module, you'll sharpen your data communication abilities by using visualisation tools and forecasting techniques to create clear dashboards, in line with best practice in the data analytics field.
Part-time
Core modules
In this module, you'll assess quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches, discussing which methods are best aligned to different research briefs. You'll also apply your chosen methods, demonstrating your ability to gather data, analyse and discuss your findings, and present your conclusions clearly, in preparation for your MSc research.
In this module, you'll apply concept from human computer interaction (HCI) and ergonomics to deeply understand user needs. You'll also explore and evaluate research in the field, using your analyses of user experience methods and techniques to design solutions to those needs.
On this module, you'll grasp the theories associated with information security and examine the major current threats in the field. You'll also explore core technical topics, such as access control and cryptography, alongside legal and ethical issues in hacking and information security.
Optional modules
You'll use cloud-based data warehousing, multi-dimensional modelling and professional coding techniques to discover and visualise your BI insights.
In this module, you'll sharpen your data communication abilities by using visualisation tools and forecasting techniques to create clear dashboards, in line with best practice in the data analytics field.
Core modules
You'll bring together business intelligence (BI) software packages with project management techniques as you examine the ways leading companies leverage emerging capabilities in BI. Through workshops and case studies, you'll build your technical knowledge and leadership principles, ready to work with systems supporting modern enterprises.
Looking at web products used in business, leisure and government, you'll consider the tools, techniques and languages used to develop current web sites. You'll also hone your professional approach to defining and delivering web site design projects.
Core modules
Whether you're developing novel software or pursuing theoretical advances, you'll formulate robust aims backed by methodical data gathering/analysis. Once you've reached your findings, you'll present polished written and oral reports that show your knowledge of ethical and professional considerations, demonstrating your abilities to direct projects advancing industry or academia.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities
Cisco Networking Academy
Use our bespoke network laboratory with in-lab and remote access to over 200 routers and switches in a data-centre environment. The lab also has specialist dual-boot (Linux and Windows) PCs and a private cloud, for implementing and testing virtualised computing and network infrastructures.
Future Technology Centre meeting space
Room to model and build prototypes using additive manufacturing machines, and test them out in our advanced testing and imaging facility. Equipment includes a laser sintering machine, 3D printers, 3D scanning microscopy and a Micro CT scanner.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 3 years (part-time study)
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full time study, January start)
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Full-time
You can expect:
- 10 hours of teaching time every week. We do our best to keep all teaching within 3 days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 20 hours of independent study each week
Part-time
You can expect:
- 3–4 hours of teaching time every week. We do our best to keep all teaching within 1 day, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 6–8 hours of independent study each week
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this course include:
- seminars and workshops
- lectures
- tutorials
- lab sessions
You'll be encouraged to do independent work before seminars, develop a critical perspective on the theory and application of each week's topics, and enter into debate with your peers and lecturers.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- written assignments
- presentations
- group and individual lab-based assessments
- final dissertation
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
Prospects' 2022 overview of the information systems industry shows the sector has grown 11% over two years, with 10% of the UK's job vacancies being found in IT. This degree's focus on the professional use of information systems means that, when you graduate, you'll have demonstrable expertise in applying your technical skills to fast-moving problem-solving environments.
During your study, you'll be able to work with business case studies, get involved with your lecturers' partnership projects in industry, and to design a project around solving a current issue in an active business. This means you can set yourself up for senior roles in the computing industry, or use computing as an additional skill to support your managerial career in a different sector.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Business intelligence developer
- Finance officer
- Software test analyst
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
The decision for pursuing a postgraduate is to improve my career prospects by allowing myself to develop opportunities to try different career paths. My undergraduate degree was purely technical and I’m opening to new ideas, which can enhance the knowledge I have attained.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Standard applications
Start this course in January 2025
Apply now (Full-time) – 16 months
Start this course in September 2025
Apply now (Part-time)- 3 years
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.