The Aberystwyth MScEcon/Diploma in Information Governance and Assurance (Distance Learning)
The Aberystwyth MScEcon/Diploma in Information Governance and Assurance (Distance Learning) will equip you with the highly desirable skills employers need to manage their most valuable assets in our global ‘information economy’. The Aberystwyth University course in Information Governance and Assurance will equip you to take a more hands on roll in developing strategy, policy and procedures for managing digital assets.
By studying Information Governance and Assurance at postgraduate level, you will be one of the first to graduate with this qualification. This is a new course and one of the first of its kind in the UK, combining Information Governance and Information Assurance in a single Masters qualification. Increasingly these two disciplines are located in the same individual or department, with Records and Information Managers taking a more hands on roll in developing strategy, policy and procedures for managing our digital assets. Information risk frameworks and assurance programmes can be useful tools in enabling those responsible for managing these assets to address issues of authenticity and integrity. Privacy, access, new means of storing and exchanging data and the sheer volume conspire to make this an exciting but challenging career path.
Traditional records management will form part of the curriculum, as will tools for management and research, but specific modules in assurance and compliance aim to further develop some of the skills now required by these new roles and encourage cross disciplinary thinking and working. They form part of a complex structure of assessments regarding information value, alignment, and assurance, all of which operate within an overreaching performance and risk framework. The role that records and information management professionals are now developing requires a high level understanding of these and related areas and how they function and interact within organisations. The ability to understand and communicate the record keeping needs to each of the various professions, business units and communities of practice responsible for enterprise wide initiatives is greatly enhanced by study of these convergences.
As a student studying through our Distance Learning programme, you are able to progress at your own pace, taking between two and five years to complete your studies. This highly practical course is built around a variety of reports, essays, presentations, and case studies which will enable you to relate theoretical knowledge to the workplace. The minimum entry requirement for the MScEcon/Diploma in Information Governance and Assurance is a strong honours degree (in any discipline) plus a minimum of 6 months relevant experience in a suitable organisational environment, such as records and information management, IT or policy/strategy units or legal teams. Applicants must be in related employment for the duration of the course (supported voluntary posts are potentially acceptable) and have pre-defined Information and Communication Technology skills and access to a computer linked to the Internet.
Applications are welcomed throughout the year. The course usually has two intakes every year, one in April and another in September.
Overview
Aberystwyth University’s MScEcon/Diploma in Information Governance and Assurance will introduce you to the challenges and best practice methods that determine the flow of information within and between organisations and their users.
You will study the core concepts, theories and models of information governance and assurance and apply your learning in a variety of organizational contexts, both in the public and private sectors.
The course may be completed at your own chosen pace. The study programme is divided into two parts. In part one, you will study a number of crucial core modules whilst directing your own study by choosing specialist modules, together worth a total of 120 credits. In part two, you will apply your learning in the individual dissertation worth an additional 60 credits. If you do not wish to complete the dissertation you can opt to exit with a Diploma.
In the 15,000 word dissertation, you will have the opportunity to explore an approved topic engaging with the central concepts, methods and techniques of information management and research, and in doing so aim to contribute to the national understanding of information, creation, use, management and control. Further information relating to the dissertation and the study modules can be found on the 'At a Glance tab'.
As a student learning within our distance learning programme, you will attend an initial study schools in either April or September.
Fact File
| Duration: | Of flexible duration, generally taking between two and five years. |
|---|---|
| Contact Time: | Contact time can be arranged remotely with your tutor. Attendance at at least two study schools is required and these provide the main contact. |
| Assessment: | The programme is assessed on the basis of coursework in Part One and the dissertation in Part Two. Successful completion of Part One allows the award of a Diploma. The subsequent successful submission of your research dissertation (Part Two) leads to the award of an MScEcon. |
| Entry Requirements: | A strong honours degree at undergraduate level plus a minimum of 6 months experience in a relevant information resource environment. Candidates with equivalent experience and qualifications will be considered. |
| English Language Requirements: |
If you have a Bachelor’s degree from a UK University, you do not need to take an English proficiency test. Non-native English speakers who do not meet this requirement must take a University-recognised test of academic English language proficiency. For further information please see our English Language requirements page. |
| Course Fees: | Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase. |
At a Glance (P116d)
Core (100 Credits)
The following modules are core and must be taken
Options
You must take 20 credits from the following list of option moules
Publishing And The Web:exploring New Technologies
Project Management For Information Systems
Systems And Business Process Analysis
Digital Preservation
Digital Information : Discovery To Delivery
Business Information Management
Marketing Of Services
Management Information Systems
Knowledge Management
Careers
Qualification: MScEcon/Diploma in Information Governance and Assurance
This degree will suit you:
- If you wish to obtain a Master’s degree or Diploma from one of the UK’s leading departments;
- If you wish to gain the knowledge and skills for professional work within fields relating to Information Governance & Assurance;
- If you wish to understand the impact of Information Governance & Assurance on global access to everything from cultural artefacts, government information, education resources and business activities;
- If you wish to continue your studies to a more advanced level through undertaking further postgraduate level research.
Employability
Every aspect of the Aberystwyth University’s MScEcon/Diploma in Information Governance and Assurance programme is designed to enhance your employability. This degree balances subject expertise with readily applicable management systems and thinking processes which will support you in any one of many chosen career paths. You will graduate with a significantly enhanced array of knowledge, abilities and skills.
As a graduate of this programme, you will possess a thorough understanding of how good management, necessary processes and best practise affect the flow and control of information. You will also be confident in the use of systems and tools used to order, store and retrieve information for analysis and application. These skills, which are fundamental to the subject, are applicable across a diverse array of workplaces where organisational abilities and analytical rigour are valued. Likewise, the study skills, research methods and interpersonal awareness that you will learn within the context of study can be applied in any place of work where people and systems meet. In addition, companies which acknowledge the value of information also benefit from our graduates’ information skills when applied to the areas of management, sales, production or marketing.
Study in a Practical Context
The content of this MScEcon/Diploma is weighted in favour of mastering the practical applications of Information Governance and Assurance. The University of Aberystwyth boasts library resources which are amongst the best in Europe. The Department’s specialist Thomas Parry Library on our own campus is one of the leading libraries for Information Studies in its own right. As a student, you will have access to this exceptional resource where you can apply your learning in activities which will convert the purely academic theory into the proven know-how of experience.
In addition to this, you will also have access to the University's Hugh Owen Library which houses more than 700,000 volumes and subscribes to more than 3,500 current periodicals. Also, the National Library for Wales next to the campus is one of the UK's five copyright libraries housing more than 6,000,000 volumes. In addition to the University's computing facilities, you will also have access to the Department's own extensive computer workstation rooms, all housed in a purpose built Department on the attractive Llanbadarn campus.
Skills in Management of Systems and Stakeholders
You will become well versed in contemporary management theory and practice of relevance to the management of the relationship between information and organisations. You will learn to analyse and control how information is transmitted to users, including access to information and measurement of use. The monitoring an analysis of data, and reporting to senior management, is crucial to the success of business organisations and initiatives. Mastering it will enable you to manage within a changing and turbulent environment and provide you with an understanding of the inter-relationship of the organization with its customers and stakeholders.
As business relies on meeting needs, this training will be a significant advantage to you in the jobs market.
Apply
You can apply online for this course using UKPASS.
Click this link to Apply on-line for MScEcon in Information Governance and Assurance by distance learning
Make sure you understand what you will need to do in order to make a successul application by reading through the steps on this link.
Contacts
The Programme Leader for this course is Kirsten Ferguson-Boucher
Tel: 01970 622 069
Fax: 01970 622 190
Email: armstaff@aber.ac.uk
Department of Information Studies
Llanbadarn Fawr
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 3AS
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