About the courses
MBA Programme Structure
The programme comprises four core modules and four electives, culminating in a dissertation. Each module lasts six weeks and it is possible to take a break of three weeks between modules, if work or other commitments demand it. By taking one module at a time you can explore a specific subject in depth without distractions.
Core modules
Managing People
Managing Resources
Managing the Environment
Elective modules (students choose four)
Investment Strategies
Financial Reporting
Advanced Managerial Accounting
Quantitative Business Analysis
Marketing Management
Market Research
Services Marketing
Consumer Behaviour
Human Resource Management
Business Leadership
Entrepreneurship
e-Commerce
Final core module
Managing Change
Module Abstracts
Core modules
Managing People
Aim
To provide an understanding of the principles of managing people in complex organisations.
Description
An introduction to people management that examines the role of ‘company culture’ and how it informs the management of human resources. You will discover the key concepts and controversies of modern HR thinking. You will also see how issues like cultural influences, gender and politics affect decision-making and corporate strategy.
Required for: MBA programme and all its Specialisation Tracks.
Not an elective module.
Managing Resources
Aim
To provide a sound theoretical and practical foundation in accounting, finance and operations management.
Description
This module equips you to apply accounting and operations management concepts to real-life business situations and gain an understanding of accounting and finance terminology. You will appreciate the nature and value of the resources available to an organisation and how best to managed them to increase efficiency, competitiveness and investment returns. This module may be taken before or after Managing the Environment.
Required for: MBA programme and all its Specialisation Tracks.
Not an elective module.
Managing the Environment
Aim
To provide an understanding of the micro and macro environments in which organisations operate.
Description
This module is drawn from the closely related disciplines of strategy and marketing. It will provide you with the tools to analyse the macro and micro business environment, including stakeholders, supply chain relationships and customer behaviour in both consumer and industrial markets. This will equip you to prepare marketing plans and give you a thorough understanding of strategic management. This module may be taken before or after Managing Resources.
Required for: MBA programme and all its Specialisation Tracks.
Not an elective module.
Elective modules (students choose four)
Investment Strategies
Aim
To provide the knowledge and skills you need to assess investment decisions consistent with an organisation’s financial objectives.
Description
You will gain the knowledge and skills required to assess investment vehicles, for a firm's current investment portfolio and strategic growth philosophy. You will develop an understanding of the securities market through real world observation and analysis and study how to evaluate, select and manage a portfolio to meet investment objectives.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Finance & Accounting)
Financial Reporting
Aim
To give you an understanding of the functions of regulatory financial reporting, for your own organisation and in corporate governance and capital markets.
Description
Provides an understanding of the role of Financial Reporting, from the standpoint of a user, rather than a technical expert. You will be introduced to regulatory reporting requirements, corporate governance and international accounting standards, enabling you to understand and use the Annual Reports from your own and other companies.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Finance & Accounting)
Advanced Managerial Accounting
Aim
To provide an understanding of the complex accounting functions that inform strategic business decisions within the company.
Description
You will discover how to use advanced accounting to inform management decisions. This module is aimed at the high level executive, not the technical expert, with a focus on international best practices in cost management, the consideration of management accounting in e-Commerce and methods for measuring public sector performance.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Finance & Accounting)
Quantitative Business Analysis
Aim
This is a review of quantitative research methods as they are applied in the decision making environment of business.
Description
You will become proficient in the concepts used to analyse business problems and gain an understanding of research methodologies, sampling techniques, primary and secondary data and other related issues. You will be introduced to quantitative tools that will help you enhance the operation, growth and performance of your business.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Finance & Accounting)
Marketing Management
Aim
To enable you to evaluate advanced marketing issues in contemporary businesses and formulate and implement successful marketing plans.
Description
The module builds on the basics introduced in Managing the Environment. It will enable you to determine which of a range of advanced marketing techniques are appropriate in practical situations. From a theoretical foundation, you will analyse real business cases and recommend appropriate techniques and strategic action, with a particular focus on latest techniques and approaches such as online marketing, relationship marketing, and database analysis in marketing.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Marketing)
Marketing Research
Aim
To provide you with techniques for conducting marketing research, then analysing and applying the resultant data as a decision-making tool.
Description
An overview of the methods by which marketing data is obtained. You will master a range of market research techniques, then discover how best to collect, analyse and use the data. The module also addresses issues such as date mining, data privacy and ethics. You do not need advanced knowledge of statistics to take this module.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Marketing)
Services Marketing
Aim
To provide an understanding of the unique marketing challenges of services as opposed to tangible goods.
Description
You will gain an appreciation of the theoretical concepts used by a variety of global service providers and evaluate their practical application across a range of businesses. You will develop greater understanding of many issues that are unique to the marketing of services, including how to sustain competitive advantage and implement service management.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Marketing)
Consumer Behaviour
Aim
To provide an understanding of the many complex factors that influence the consumer purchasing behaviour.
Description
This module explains how to evaluate and analyse the cultural, social, personal, and psychological factors that affect customer behaviour. You will come to understand the importance of cognitive psychology, external influences (such as culture) and consumer research and discover how to apply such knowledge to the development of marketing strategies.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Marketing)
Human Resource Management
Aim
To provide an understanding of the principal themes of HRM and its contribution to organisational goals.
Description
Covers the fundamentals of HRM and its key issues and trends, including increased dependence on human capital and the shift to commoditisation. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to balance the needs of the organisation, the employee and organisational legislation. You will understand organisational structure, culture and strategy, with a special focus on international HRM.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks
Business Leadership
Aim
To provide a theoretical and practical approach to understanding issues affecting leadership in the workplace.
Description
You will analyse the theories and techniques of leadership and/or followership and their practical application. Your study includes supervision, performance management, stress management, problem solving, concepts of human behaviour, discipline, counselling techniques and the current social issues facing the workforce.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks; particularly MBA (Marketing)
Entrepreneurship
Aim
To provide the knowledge and skills needed for a strategic business plan to launch innovative new business ventures.
Description
By developing a business plan, you will explore approaches to creating, organising, financing and nurturing an external entrepreneurial or internal 'entrepreneurial' venture in either the public or private sector. You will gain an appreciation of the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in national and corporate competitiveness and the success factors involved.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks.
E-Commerce
Aim
To provide an understanding of the key issues and overall impact of e-Commerce.
Description
Explains the theory and concepts of e-Commerce, and reflects on the new industrial order it is creating. As you examine the inherent opportunities and risks, you will gain a practical understanding of the importance of strategy and management in implementing successful Web-based commerce.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track Elective for: MBA programme and its Specialisation Tracks
Final core module
Managing Change
Aim
To provide an understanding of how organisations change and enable you to develop appropriate strategies to manage change to the benefit of the business.
Description
This module reveals the potential for change in organisations and prepares you to develop change management strategies and processes in pursuit of business goals. With response to change a key success factor, this module does not offer quick fixes, but helps you develop a holistic philosophy that brings sustained business advantage.
Required for: MBA programme and all its Specialisation Tracks.
Not an elective module.
Dissertation
Aim
To provide an opportunity for you to produce a final, original piece of written work that demonstrates your originality in the application of theory gained during your study
Description
The culmination of your programme, this written project demonstrates your mastery and integration of all your previous learning.
The dissertation is the cornerstone of the UK university system. It is an original, scholarly work that applies your new knowledge and experience and allows you to prove your mastery of the techniques you have studied. It must have merit beyond the scope of your particular need. If you follow a Specialisation Track, it must be on an appropriate topic.
Required for: MBA programme and all its Specialisation Tracks.
MSC in IT
Aims of the Programme
The overall aim of our MSc in IT programme is to enable you to develop your theoretical knowledge of Computer Science and your practical problem-solving and analytical skills. You study and collaborate with classmates who are highly motivated IT professionals from across the world. Together, you bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the virtual classroom. This unique peer network, along with the academics and industry experts who are your instructors, will expose you to cutting-edge IT knowledge and global best practices.
You will work independently and in groups to research, design, implement and execute creative solutions to IT issues, thus developing greater confidence and improving your intercultural team-building skills.
Further, you will strengthen your communication and critical thinking abilities as you subject your work and that of your classmates to ongoing analysis and evaluation. Our flexible, customisable programme equips you with the theoretical foundations, practical abilities and ‘soft’ skills that will open the door to previously inaccessible career possibilities.
You can personalise your MSc in IT programme by choosing from a wide variety of elective modules or by following a pre-defined Specialisation Track in Internet Computing, Information Security or Software Engineering.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme, you will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the latest, standards, thinking, terminology and practices in Computer Science. You will have confidence in your ability to evaluate the latest knowledge, IT issues and methodologies and apply this in practice to the analysis, design, programming and implementation of IT systems. You will be able to translate operational requirements into clear work processes and fully equipped to lead teams in the IT industry, within IT departments and within global organisations.
Programme Structure
The programme has a single core module, Computer Structures, which covers the foundations of computer science. Once this is completed, the student completes seven electives, enabling them to study as broadly or as specifically as they like, followed by a dissertation. Each module lasts eight weeks and it is possible to take a break of three weeks between modules, if work or other commitments demand it. By taking one module at a time you can explore a specific subject in depth without distractions.
Module Abstracts
Core module
Computer Structures
Aim
To provide a comprehensive overview of core software and hardware technologies.
Description
Covers everything from computer architecture to databases, algorithms, languages, operating systems, communications, computer networks, artificial intelligence and the theoretical foundations of computation. This module will give you a sound theoretical and practical foundation on which to build your understanding of future technical developments.
Required for: MSc in IT programme and Specialisation Tracks; MSc in ISM
Elective modules (students choose at least one from each of the following two groups)
Group I
Object-Oriented Programming in C++
Aim
To provide an understanding of object-oriented programming and design using C++ and the skills needed to write well-structured object-oriented programs.
Description
This module combines theory and practice to provide a thorough understanding of object-oriented programming and design in C++. You will acquire skills and experience as you analyse structures and implement and test small object-oriented projects, using state-of-the-art methodologies.
Required for: MSc in IT; MSc in IT (Software Engineering); MSc in IT (Information Security)**
Elective for: **Students in the above-referenced programme and Specialisation Tracks may choose to study either Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or Object-Oriented Programming in Java, but cannot study both Object-Oriented Programming modules
Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Aim
To provide a theoretical and practical understanding of object-oriented programming and design using Java and the skills needed to write well-structured object-oriented programs.
Description
This module develops the essential problem solving and programming skills you need to write well-structured object-oriented programs in Java. On the way you will explore many other important techniques (e.g. modern distributed systems and component technology), which are based on the concepts that have made object-oriented programming today’s predominant software development method.
Required for: MSc in IT; MSc in IT (Software Engineering); MSc in IT (Information Security)**
Elective for: **Students in the above-referenced programme and Specialisation Tracks may choose to study either Object-Oriented Programming in C++ or Object-Oriented Programming in Java, but cannot study both Object-Oriented Programming modules.
Programming the Internet
Aim
To give you the theoretical and practical tools necessary for building advanced, content-rich Internet sites.
Description
This module covers markup languages and advanced technologies, including HTML, Java Script, DHTML, CSS, XML and CGI. On completion, you will be able to design and create an advanced Internet site and will be equipped to undertake complex projects in this most innovative field of IT.
Required for: MSc in IT (Information Security); MSc in IT (Internet Computing)
Elective for: MSc in IT and MSc in IT (Software Engineering); MSc in ISM
Group I I
Databases
Aim
To provide a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of database construction.
Description
As already dominant database technology develops even further, you will analyse how data is stored, manipulated, queried (with an emphasis on relational databases) and backed-up. You will also become acquainted with various paradigms and technologies (parallel as well as distributed) related to database design, implementation and maintenance.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MSc in IT and all MSc in IT Specialisation Tracks
Computer Communications and Networks
Aim
To familiarise you with principles and techniques of computer networks.
Description
The development of computer communications is accelerating with the exponential growth of the Internet. In keeping with this dynamic field, you will study a range of hardware technology protocols and network applications. Learn the principles of communication networks and protocol architectures, assessing the suitability of different switching and multiplexing techniques for carrying a variety of distributed systems.
Required for: MSc in IT (Information Security); MSc in IT (Internet Computing)
Elective for: MSc in IT programme; MSc in IT (Software Engineering); MSc in ISM
Software Engineering
Aim
To provide a firm theoretical foundation and practical skills in software engineering.
Description
Encompasses the theoretical foundation and practice of the three key phases of problem definition, software development and maintenance. Covers identification, definition, design, analysis, verification and management of basic requirements, coding, testing, evaluation and quality assurance. You will emerge equipped to lead a programming project and deliver products on time and in budget.
Required for: MSc in IT (Software Engineering)
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all other Specialisation Tracks; MSc in ISM
Elective modules (students choose up to five of the following)
Security Engineering
Aim
To provide an understanding of the principles and practice of building secure distributed systems.
Description
This module provides a foundation in the principles and practice of building secure distributed systems. You will discover how to protect systems against malicious attacks, using your understanding of technologies such as cryptology, software reliability, secure message transmission, tamper resistance, secure printing and auditing.
Required for: MSc in IT (Information Security)
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all other Specialisation Tracks; MSc in ISM
Operating Systems
Aim
To cover the core concepts of modern operating systems, and provide an understanding of their application.
Description
This foundation subject covers modern operating systems from the three key perspectives of design, functionality and applicability, giving you insight into the what and why of their structure. You will apply what you learn from simulations and projects in areas such as Databases, Networking and Communications, Programming Languages and Development, Security, Distributed Systems, and Internet-based Development.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all its Specialisation Tracks
Information Technology Project Management
Aims
To provide a full understanding of the management roles, responsibilities and techniques needed in technology projects.
Description
This module teaches how technology project management adapts as a computer system evolves from concept to implementation. You will master all areas of the subject, including organisation, work breakdown structure and scheduling, resources and project financing, project control and evaluation, management considerations, critical success factors and risk management.
Required for: MSc in IT (Software Engineering); MSc in ISM
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all other MSc in IT Specialisation Tracks
Web XML Applications
Aim
To provide an overview of the uses of the XML language and its role in the next generation of e-Business applications.
Description
This advanced module provides you with an understanding of core XML technologies, the standardised development environment they provide and their implications on future developments with Internet applications. You will study XSL, Databases and the information discovery and exchange standards: SOAP, WDSL, UDDI and the use of XML for structuring data on the Semantic Web.
Required for: MSc in IT (Internet Computing)
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all other MSc in IT Specialisation Tracks; MSc in ISM
Systems Analysis and Design Using an Object-Oriented Approach
Aim
To help you develop the critical skills to understand complex systems and problems and to create automated solutions.
Description
A modern object-oriented approach is taken to modelling systems and producing designs for software packages that can automate those systems. This module will teach you the skills you need to master this technique, as well as how to use the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to describe these models.
Required for: MSc in IT (Software Engineering)
Elective for: Other MSc in IT, MSc in ISM
Management of QA and Software Testing
Aim
To provide an extensive understanding of how to guarantee software quality, including testing, maintenance and effective management.
Description
Learn the techniques you need to design and implement tests, conduct inspections and employ release and maintenance procedures. This module also addresses the management aspects of the quality assurance process you need to consider.
Required for: MSc in IT (Software Engineering); MSc in IT (Information Security)
Elective for: Other MSc in IT, MSc in ISM
Advanced Topics in Computer Science
Aim
To provide an overview of the latest issues and innovations in Computer Science.
Description
This module focuses on evolving, cutting-edge issues and is therefore frequently updated. At weekly or bi-weekly seminars, you will discuss state-of-the-art applications like example Data Mining; Life, Simulated Life and Artificial Life; Distributed Computing; Human Computer Interaction; Distributed Multimedia Applications; Overlay Networks Grid and P2P; Wireless Technology, Software Metrics, Software Agents etc.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all MSc in IT Specialisation Tracks
E-Commerce
Aim
To provide an overview of key issues relating to e-Commerce.
Description
An introduction to the fundamentals of e-Commerce, from business models through technical infrastructure and implementation to social, legal and ethical considerations. You will act as a CIO/CEO working on an e-Commerce business proposal, with evaluations from a peer review group. Learning to build an e-Business holistically in a risk-free environment will help you become a more effective and successful manager.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all its Specialisation Tracks; MSc in ISM
Internet and Multimedia Technology
Aim
To introduce you to specialist technologies and theory required by practitioners in this field.
Description
Theoretical aspects encompass current developments in multimedia related to the Internet, setting the scene for later in-depth investigations of a variety of scripting and enabling languages. You will develop skills by applying your acquired theoretical and practical knowledge to a multimedia module for the Internet.
Required for: MSc in IT (Internet Computing)
Elective for: MSc in IT programme; MSc in IT (Information Security); MSc in IT (Software Engineering)
Artificial Intelligence
Aim
To enable you to evaluate and use new technologies which mimic human thinking and decision-making patterns.
Description
You will gain an understanding of the two main AI technologies. The first is logic-based, in which events are analysed and coded. The second is statistics-based, in which the computer mimics the minuscule workings of the brain (this subject includes Artificial Neural Networks such as the Preceptron, Back Propagation, and Competitive Layers). You will learn to evaluate AI tools and implement sophisticated technologies including pattern recognition and expert systems.
Required for: Not a requirement for any programme or Specialisation Track
Elective for: MSc in IT programme and all MSc in IT Specialisation Tracks
Computer Forensics
Aims
To provide an extensive range of forensic techniques to determine the root causes of breaches in computer security.
Description
With identity theft and information security of rising concern, this module teaches you how to identify, extract, document, interpret and preserve computer media as digital evidence and/or to analyse the root cause of security breaches. It will give you an understanding of electronic media, crypto-literacy, data hiding, hostile code, and Windows™ and/or UNIX system forensics in the digital environment.
Required for: MSc in IT (Information Security)
Elective for: Other MSc in IT, MSc in ISM
Dissertation
Students choose their dissertation topic in conjunction with their Personal Dissertation Advisor, an academic supervisor, who will provide support throughout the study and writing process.
Aim
The culmination of your programme, this original piece of written work demonstrates your mastery and integration of all the knowledge you have acquired.
An original, scholarly work that applies your new knowledge and work experience; the result must be of merit beyond the narrower scope of your particular need. It should demonstrate your ability to develop and manage autonomous computer science projects. If you wish to follow a Specialisation Track, you must produce your dissertation on an appropriate topic.
Required for: MSc in IT programme and Specialisation Tracks, MSc in ISM
About The University of Liverpool Online Higher Education
Since 1881, The University of Liverpool has been delivering quality academic programmes. For the past five years 3,000 working professionals from more than 120 countries have been harvesting the benefits of this prestigious UK-accredited establishment in the comfort of their own homes. Proving that it’s not where you are, it’s where you want to be.
The main reasons that our students choose to study with us are:
1. Flexibility – both in the wide choice of electives and the ability to fit studying into life
2. Accessibility – no physical attendance required for classes or exams
3. Reputation – one of the world’s top ten online higher education institutions
4. International – the students, instructors and staff combine to offer a truly global perspective
5. Collaborative learning – with experienced professionals as your classmates
6. Applicable knowledge – to apply to workplace issues immediately
7. No lost income – ability to continue working
8. Small class sizes – maximum 20
9. Personal support – from first inquiry to post-graduation
10. Networking – classmates form a pool of expert peers
Laureate Online Education
Laureate Online Education has acted as the e-learning partner of the University of Liverpool since 1999. It specialises in delivering 100% online academic education on a global basis - tailored for the needs of working professionals worldwide.
Laureate Online Education has developed Europe's truly international online Master programmes, using specially adapted versions of University of Liverpool campus-taught degrees.
E-Learning - the new way forward
Laureate Online Education believes passionately in e-Learning. Our innovative approach opens up new opportunities for busy professionals that simply did not previously exist - the chance to combine a prestigious Masters programme with a demanding professional and personal life.
Our small, virtual classrooms facilitate intensive interaction and collaboration among professionals from all over the world. At the same time they enable our instructors and support staff to give each of our students genuine personal attention throughout the duration of their studies.
Personal service, global reach
As an international company, we have located our headquarters in the Netherlands in order to provide global support for our students. Although the majority of our staff is British, many other cultures and nationalities are represented. This heterogeneous mixture of students, instructors and support staff helps to make our programmes truly global and so successful.
The University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research and innovation. It is one of the most highly respected higher education institutions in the UK.
It is a member of the elite Russell Group, which includes Oxford and Cambridge. In partnership with Laureate Online Education it launched the first truly international online Masters programme in 1999.
|