MSc Web Development

Summary 2012/13

• Study a broad-based computing curriculum that provides you with the skills and knowledge to work as a web developer in the IT industry in the UK and in other countries.
• Develop a range of web development and personal skills and apply these to real life problems.
• Benefit from a sustained period of practical work experience and greatly enhance your CV.

Please note, this programme is suspended for September 2012 entry. However, you may be interested in our new MSc Computing (Web Development) programme.

This course gives you the practical skills and knowledge you need to embark on a career in as a web developer or a web master in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment. At Edge Hill Business School you will benefit from the experience of highly qualified academics, whose research and engagement with the IT community informs and enhances their teaching.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this MSc you should have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours. For overseas applicants IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Summary 2013/14

• Study a broad-based computing curriculum that provides you with the skills and knowledge to work as a web developer in the IT industry in the UK and in other countries.
• Develop a range of web development and personal skills and apply these to real life problems.
• Benefit from a sustained period of practical work experience and greatly enhance your CV.

Please note, this programme is suspended for September 2012 entry. However, you may be interested in our new MSc Computing (Web Development) programme.

This course gives you the practical skills and knowledge you need to embark on a career in as a web developer or a web master in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment. At Edge Hill Business School you will benefit from the experience of highly qualified academics, whose research and engagement with the IT community informs and enhances their teaching.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this MSc you should have a degree equivalent to UK second class honours. For overseas applicants IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Details

Who is this course for?

This MSc is for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the role of web systems in an organisation. Emphasis is placed on new technologies and the ability of these new technologies to provide new ways of how organisations work, especially in the area of collaborative working where virtual communities are established.

What will I gain from this programme?

As well as learning some of the practical skills of web development using XHTML and JavaScript, Hypermedia and website design principles you will also gain an insight into the future of the web including e-commerce, web-based rich media communities, and Web 2.0/3.0.

An important aspect of the programme is that you have the opportunity to undertake a short placement within a company. This will give you the chance to put into practice some of the skills that you have developed.

How we will support you

Full support will be provided to help you get the most from your learning experience. You will be assigned a personal tutor and there is a range of other support options available. Extensive use is made of information technology to support classroom activities.

For students from overseas, the Centre of International Education exists to help you deal with any problems you may have and provides support to ensure that you get the most benefit possible from your stay.

What will I study?

The programme provides a foundation in key aspects of computing and information systems. In addition to that it will help you develop the critical interpersonal skills demanded of IT professionals. Modules all have a practical and use examples drawn from real-life web projects. The emphasis is on giving you the skills to lead a project.

How will I study?

The course is designed for recent graduates from any discipline. You will study in a range of ways from lectures and tutorials to group exercises and on the job learning on a work placement. You will also have the opportunity to learn from external web professionals who are invited to teach occasional sessions. The Edge Hill MSc Web Development is designed around small groups. We have a maximum intake of 20 students so you can be sure that you will not be in large lectures. Classes are highly interactive with practical application of concepts a key factor.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic academics, who research and regularly engage within the wider business and academic environment. Staff specialise in particular subjects so you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme we will assess your vocational capability, academic critical thinking and intellectual development. Coursework, case studies, problem-solving exercises and exams may be used. You may be assessed individually or in a group.

What are my career prospects?

The MSc in Web Development will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop your interests as a Web Professional. Where you take it depends on your background or career interests but Edge Hill is committed not just to your education but to enhancing your CV to improve your marketability.

Related Programmes

• MA Civil Society Leadership
• MSc Computing and Information Systems
• MA Management
• MSc Management Development
• MA Marketing and Communications
• MBA Master of Business Administration
• MBA Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• MBA Master of Business Administration (Marketing)
• Master of Public Administration
• MSc Sustainable Production

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University’s stunning £8m Business and Law building provides state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students in the Business School and Department of Law and Criminology. The three-storey building offers modern seminar and meeting rooms and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. A roof garden and atrium are other attractive features along with a 100-seater lecture theatre.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees are £4,320pa for full-time study on this programme in academic year 2012/13. Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. 180 credits are required to complete the MSc. Information for UK and EU students only. Full-time fees for international postgraduate students are £11,500pa for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Gillian Rawlings, Edge Hill Business School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657646 / 01695 657644
• Email: postgraduate@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should contact the Centre of International Education by calling +44 1695 584489 or emailing international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries.

Modules

Information Systems Design and Management. This module stresses the importance of effective systems analysis, project planning, monitoring and control in the management of large scale projects. It emphasises not only the techniques which can be applied and the tools which can be used, but also the ‘softer’ human factors which must be taken into account in managing large project teams.

Usable Hypermedia. Hypermedia and usability are particularly well established academic fields, although traditionally they tend to be taught as part of, or in relation to, broader computing and/or Human Computer Interaction (HCI) programmes. Information architecture, however, is a newly developing field for which there is currently no established curriculum framework despite some increasing popularity. This module, therefore, distils from these fields the essential components necessary for a focussed and applied module which keeps pace with current trends.

E-Commerce Technologies. This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the technologies that underpin the World Wide Web, human-computer interaction (HCI) and e-Commerce.

Rich Internet Applications Development. Advances in telecommunications technology and a constant surge by users for more advanced graphical, media rich, real-time content has resulted in the development of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). This module will enable you to understand what RIAs are, the theories, technologies and coding languages behind them, as well as considering their design and implementation.

Project Management. This module enables you to understand and apply advanced project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 to identify alternate approaches to project management through critical analysis. This module will use case studies to enable you to get a real life perspective on project management and the accompanying methodologies and issues. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of at least two methodologies, learn how to apply them in a project management environment, and develop an appreciation of relevant issues such as managing people and managing risks.

Research Methods. The module provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop a proposal for, and undertake, a research-based dissertation at Masters level. You will engage with the essential considerations in research design and on successful completion will have a well-formed research proposal suitable for a Masters dissertation.

Dissertation. In writing up a dissertation you are developing your skills and capabilities as a researcher and independent learner. The dissertation (as well as the work placement) also enables you to develop a range of academic and vocational skills that are relevant to your future employment or further studies. For example, you will develop skills in analytical / critical thinking, problem solving, creative thinking, collecting and analysing information, time management and both oral and written communication.

Work Placement. You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement in semester 3. The placement provides you with the chance to gain experience of the world of work and allows you to undertake a piece of research based on or linked to this placement (which is arranged by the Business School). The pairing of work based learning (WBL) with the dissertation enables you to make links between theory and practice. Please note, if you do not undertake the work placement, you must complete the alternative module, Reflective Practitioner.

Reflective Practitioner. If you elect not to complete a work placement, it's important to still consider issues relating to employability. This module will require you to focus on yourself and work, professional practice and professional issues in the workplace, taking a reflective stance.