MSc Information Technology Management

This course is designed to address the growth in the information technology industry, focusing on the needs of a company's technology infrastructure, ranging from IT service desk support to secure, data-driven decision-making at the executive level.

MSc Information Technology Management (General pathway)
MSc Information Technology Management and Cybersecurity
MSc Information Technology Management and Data analytics
MSc Information Technology Management and Cloud Computing
MSc Information Technology Management and Artificial Intelligence

Apply Now

Course overview

This MSc programme, with multiple specialised pathways, is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the information technology industry. It provides a comprehensive approach to managing a company's technology infrastructure, covering everything from IT service desk support to secure, data-driven decision-making at the executive level.

Using a whole-system management approach, the programme provides learners with the practical skills, knowledge and expertise needed to effectively manage staff, resources and technology within their chosen specialisation. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the curriculum ensures an authentic learning experience that reflects real-world IT challenges and industry advancements.

Intakes	February, May, October
Duration	One-year full time
Mode of Delivery	Face-to-face and online
Awarding Institution	GBS Malta and MFHEA
Awarded Qualification	MSc Information Technology Management
Level	Comparable to Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) / European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7
MQRIC Accredited Status	Accredited
Locations	Malta
Fees	*€10,000 per year (Scholarship available)**

Credits needed to earn the degree:

ECTS Credits	UK Credits
90 ECTS	180 Credits

Modules

This module in Digital Transformation provides a comprehensive overview of digital transformation, focusing on the strategic integration of digital technologies into all areas of a business. This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to drive digital change and innovation within organisations. Topics covered include digital business models, leadership in the digital age, technology trends, data analytics, and change management.

The module covers topics such as digital business models, leadership in the digital age, technology trends and innovations, data analytics and decision-making, implementation of digital transformation, ethical and societal implications, and case studies and real-world applications.

This module in information technology project management provides postgraduate students with in-depth knowledge, critical understanding and skills in managing information technology (IT) projects. This module covers project management methodologies, tool and techniques specific to IT projects. The module aims to equip students with the ability to plan, execute, and close IT projects effectively while managing resources, risks, and stakeholder expectations.

The module covers project risks, resources and stakeholders in IT projects, use of project management software and tools, ethical and professional responsibilities in IT project management.

In the rapidly changing and evolving field of IT, managing services effectively is paramount for modern enterprises. This MQF Level 7 module, designed for the MSc IT Management programme, focuses on improving IT management skills, exploring service management frameworks, mastering risk and contract management, understanding service design, and reviewing common IT management processes and practices.

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of Information Technology (IT) management. It covers the strategic role of IT in organisations, IT governance, emerging technologies, and the management of IT resources. The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to manage IT functions effectively and align IT strategies with business objectives.

This research and professional skills module is designed to provide postgraduate students with advanced research skills specific to the field of Information Technology (IT) Management and to enhance their professional skills for career development. The module covers research methodologies, data analysis, academic writing, IT project management, and professional ethics, with a focus on the practical application of these skills in IT management contexts.

The module provides a critical understanding of research methodologies relevant to IT management, skills in academic writing and data analysis specific to IT research, project management capabilities. The module also enhances professional skills and ethical standards required for successful careers in IT management.

Following the successful completion of the taught module assessments and the taught phase of the MSc Information Technology Management programme, students will commence work on a dissertation/project which will be written up and submitted to a set deadline. This project/dissertation 30 ECTS module involves students undertaking a substantial independent research project on a topic related to their studies from the MSc in Information Technology Management taught modules. It is a requirement that students select a topic related to the pathway they have elected to study (Information Technology Management, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing or Artificial Intelligence). Where possible and appropriate students are encouraged to undertake the project in collaboration with an industrial or commercial organisation. Students will develop a research proposal, conduct a literature review, design and implement their research, analyse data, and present their findings in a written dissertation.

The module aims to develop advanced research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to make a contribution to knowledge in a specific area of information technology management. Through supervision, workshops, and independent study, students will enhance their academic writing, critical cognitive skills, technical skills, communication skills and research dissemination capabilities.

Cyber Security Pathway

This module on cybersecurity practices provides students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in cybersecurity practices. The module covers the implementation of security measures, threat detection and mitigation, incident response, and best practices for protecting information assets. The module aims to equip students with technical skills required to safeguard organisational information systems against cyber threats.

This module provides students with best practices for securing information systems, develop skills in detecting, analysing and mitigating cyber threats, and familiarise students with real-world cybersecurity challenges and solutions.

This module on incident response management provides students with knowledge, critical understanding and skills in managing cybersecurity incidents. The module covers the principles, strategies, and tools required to effectively respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents. Students will learn how to develop incident response plans, identify and analyse incidents, and implement recovery procedures. The module aims to prepare students to handle real-world cybersecurity incidents and mitigate their impact on organisations.

Data Analytics Pathway

This module on software development and software management provides students with a critical understanding of software development and software management practices specifically tailored for data analytics projects. This module covers the software development lifecycle, with a focus on building scalable and efficient data analytics applications. The module also addresses project management techniques, software quality assurance, and the use of modern development tools and environments in the context of data analytics.

This module on contemporary topics in data analytics explores advanced and emerging topics in data analytics, providing students with an understanding of the latest trends, techniques, and applications in the field. This module covers contemporary topics such as big data analytics, machine learning, deep learning, and the ethical implications of data use. The module aims to equip students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle complex data challenges in various industries.

Cloud Computing

This module on cloud systems and visualisation provides an in-depth critical understanding of cloud computing systems and data visualisation techniques. Students will explore the architecture, deployment, and management of cloud systems, as well as methods for visualising data to derive meaningful insights. The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to implement and manage cloud solutions and effectively visualise complex data sets.

The module covers principles and architecture of cloud computing systems, deploying and managing cloud infrastructure and services, data visualisation techniques and tools for data analysis, integration of cloud computing with data visualisation to support decision-making and security, privacy and compliance aspects of cloud systems.

This module on DevOps (Development and Operations) provides students with an in-depth understanding of DevOps principles, practices, and tools. The module focuses on the integration of development and operations to improve collaboration, productivity, and the continuous delivery of high-quality software. Students will learn about automation, infrastructure as code, continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), and monitoring and logging in a DevOps environment. Students will also cover cultural and organisational aspects of DevOps.

Artificial Intelligence

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business intelligence (BI) principles, tools, and techniques. The module covers the collection, integration, analysis, and presentation of business data to support decision-making processes. The module aims to equip students with the skills necessary to transform data into actionable insights, improving business performance and strategy.

Students will study the fundamental concepts and importance of business intelligence in organisations, develop skills in using business intelligence tools and techniques for data analysis and reporting, learn how to design and implement business intelligence solutions that support business decision-making, explore various data visualisation methods for present effective business insights, and appreciate ethical and privacy issues related to business intelligence.

This module in artificial intelligence and machine learning provides students with an in-depth understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) principles, techniques, and applications. The module covers foundational concepts, modern algorithms, and practical implementation of AI and ML in various domains. The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and apply AI and ML solutions to real-world problems.

Students will study the fundamental concepts and techniques of AI and ML, develop skills in designing, implementing and evaluating AI and ML, explore applications, learn how to use popular AI and ML frameworks and tools, and discuss ethical and societal implications of these technologies.

Assessment will be through a range of different types of coursework. This programme includes coursework assessments across its core and pathway modules, including:

Essays
Case studies
Literature reviews
Individual reflective learning log
Portfolios
Group presentations
Critical reflection of group/teamwork
Posters
Project proposal
Project reports

Formative and summative approaches to assessment will be employed. Formative assessment tasks will be used in all modules and will be aimed at supporting participants to understand and prepare for the module summative assessment requirements. Thus, participants with different learning styles and abilities will be able to gain a thorough understanding of the summative assessment requirements and on their journey to submitting their summative assessments.
Assignment briefs will be produced for each of the summative assessments required by each of the modules on this MBA programme. Assignment briefs will set out the learning outcomes being assessed, appropriate material and context for the assignment.

Suggested reading will include book chapters, published articles and published research, weblinks to companies and case studies, as appropriate, to the assignment brief. Each assignment brief will include marking/grading criteria to ensure that participants have a clear understanding of what is required to pass the assessment and what is required to achieve higher grades. Grading of a participant’s assessment will be made using the pass, merit, distinction and fail criteria common to MQF/EQF Level 7 programmes of study.

Feedback will be provided to each participant on their assessed work identifying both areas of strength and areas for improvement. Where a fail grade is awarded, the participant will receive detailed feedback on the reasons for awarding such a grade and the areas that would need to be addressed for improvement.

1. Generic learning outcomes for knowledge

The learner will be able to gain:

a) Technical proficiency

Understand advanced concepts in information systems, networking, data bases and software development.
Understand and apply emerging technologies to different business and organisational environments.
Describe how to design, implement and manage complex IT systems.
Understand how to integrate technologies to create efficient IT structures.
Describe how to manage large data sets.
Understand how to use large data sets to inform decision-making.

b) Management and leadership skills

Understand how to align IT strategy with business goals.
Understand how to develop IT strategies and policies.
Describe how to plan, implement and manage IT projects.
Understand how to manage project scope, resources, timelines and budget.
Understand the importance of leadership and effective team working skills.

c) Business acumen

Understand and describe business improvement processes through information technology.
Understand business processes and how IT can enhance efficiency and productivity.
Understand budgeting, cost management and financial analysis for IT projects and initiatives.
Identify and describe how to manage IT risks.
Understand regulatory requirements and industry standards.

d) Innovation and problem solving

Understand the importance of innovative approaches to solving and responding to IT challenges.
Understand how to leverage new technologies to create business value.

e) Ethical, professional responsibilities and sustainability

Understand ethical issues related to information technology and information management.
Understand the importance of making decisions that are ethically sound and socially responsible and take into account sustainability.
Understand the global nature of IT and impact on business operations.

2. Pathway-specific learning outcomes for knowledge

The learner will be able to understand:

Cyber security pathway

a) Understand cybersecurity practices including security measures, threat detection and mitigation, incident response and best practices for protecting information assets.

b) Understand and develop skills in managing cybersecurity incidents including tools required, incident response plans, identification and analysis of incidents and recovery procedures.

Data analytics pathway

a) Critically appreciate contemporary topics in data analytics including big data analytics, machine learning, deep learning and ethical implications of data use.

b) Critical understanding of software development and software management practices including software lifecycle development, project management techniques and software quality assurance.

Cloud computing pathway

a) Have an in-depth understanding of cloud computing systems and data visualisation through exploration of the architecture, deployment and management of cloud systems.

b) Critical understanding of Development and Operations (DevOps) principles, practice and tools focusing on integration of development and operations to improve collaboration, productivity and continuous delivery of high-quality software.

Artificial intelligence pathway

a) Understand principles, techniques and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including modern algorithms and practical implications applied to real-world problems.

b) Understand business intelligence principles, tools and techniques covering collection, integration, analysis and presentation of business data to support decision-making and improve business performance and strategy.

Generic learning outcomes for skills

The learner will be able to gain:

a) Technical skills

Demonstrate an ability to design, implement and manage complex IT infrastructures.
Show an ability to maintain and optimise network and server systems.
Demonstrate proficiency in developing and implementing security policies and procedures.
Demonstrate skills in managing databases and ensuring data integrity and security.
Demonstrate an ability to manage software projects, including requirement gathering, development, testing and deployment.
Demonstrate skills in software development life-cycle methodologies.

b) Managerial and leadership skills

Demonstrate skills in planning, executing and closing IT projects.
Demonstrate proficiency in using project management tools, for example, Agile, Scrum and Waterfall.
Demonstrate an ability to lead and manage IT teams.
Demonstrate an ability to understand how to manage organisational change related to IT implementation.

c) Business and analytical skills

Demonstrate skills to analyse and improve business processes using IT solutions.
Demonstrate skills in budgeting, cost analysis and financial planning for IT projects.

Prospective students with relevant work experience, for example, such as those who have worked or are currently working in a computing and/or IT-related area, including public, private and not-for-profit organisations will also be considered for recognition of prior learning. Evidence of in-company formal training as well as professional development through attendance at external courses/training, for example, would also be considered and could substitute for the admission criteria specified in (a), (b) or (c) above. Recognition of prior learning for entry to the Master of Science in Information Technology Management would be on a case-by-case basis with evidence required to be provided by the prospective student.

Academic requirements:

Possess the equivalent (MQF Level 6) of a relevant, good honours degree from a UK university – normally equivalent to a 2:2 or higher. A range of subjects studied at undergraduate degree level would be considered. Examples include degree in computing or IT, business and management studies involving some IT components, engineering and information management. Prospective students would be required to demonstrate a committment to studying Information Technology Management at the Master’s level.

Possess the equivalent (MQF Level 6) of a relevant UK degree below a 2:2 standard whilst being able to evidence an aptitude and/or relevant work/management experience to successfully complete the Master of Science in Information Technology Management programme of study.

English language requirements -

An accepted English language test must be taken within two years of your start date. Below are the scores required for our programmes for each of the tests that we accept:

Test (within two years of start date)	Overall	Reading	Listening	Speaking	Writing
IELTS Academic (in centre and online)	6.0	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
TOEFL iBT (at test centre and home/online)	60	8	7	16	18
PTE Level B2 (in centre and home/online)	52	48	43	42	51
Duolingo (online)	105	95	95	95	95

Curriculum

Credits needed to earn the degree:

ECTS Credits	UK Credits
90 ECTS	180 Credits