Introduction

The University of Paisley provides a number of exciting, innovative and flexible eBusiness and IT-Related Masters Programmes that are available through full-time, part-time, face-to-face, online and open learning delivery mechanisims. This provides students with the opportunity to learn in a manner that fits in with their own particular needs and circumstances. The School of Computing is the sector's leading provider of postgraduate IT education. Our expertise has been recognized by global companies like Cisco, Microsoft, Macromedia and IBM, an outstanding indication of the quality of our course delivery.

• MSc Management of eBusiness is an innovative programme that provides the skills modern managers require to understand and manage eBusiness.
  
• MSc IT with Web Technology is a specialist stream of the University's highly acclaimed MSc Information Technology - one of the most popular conversion courses in the UK. It provides the skills that modern technologists require to develop innovative eBusiness solutions.
  
• MSc IT with eBusiness is also a stream from the highly-acclaimed MSc Inforamtion Technology. It provides the skills that modern technologists require to manage innovative eBusiness solutions.
  

As well as taking these programmes at your own pace, you can also take them anywhere in the world, provided you have a suitable PC with access to the Internet. There are no residential periods of study requiring extended leave from work; the only time you may need off work will be for your exams.

Course Structure

We have spent a significant amount of time developing and testing the materials for our MSc programmes before making them available in their current electronic format.

1. Each programme is divided into eight modules, the first four comprising a Postgraduate Certificate and a second set of four modules comprising a Postgraduate Diploma followed by a dissertation for the Masters award.
2. Each module is divided into a number of integrated units, each with a clearly defined set of aims and objectives. At the end of each unit, there is a set of self-assessment exercises and an associated set of online case studies/tutorials/laboratory exercises.
3. As an additional formative assessment instrument, there is an online quiz that allows you to test your overall knowledge of a specific unit/module.
4. Sample exam questions and solutions are also available as a study aid.
5. References to other sources of information are also provided and most modules will have a prescribed or recommended textbook.
6. There is an online study calendar that provides an indicative weekly schedule of activities.

Duration

Each module is delivered over a semester, consisting of:

1. 10-12 weeks of module delivery,
2. a one-week consolidation period,
3. followed by a two-week period in which your exams will occur.

Each module is calibrated at 150 nominal student effort hours (requiring a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week). From previous experience, we suggest that you do not consider taking any more than two modules per semester. However, the programme is flexible and you can alter the number of modules you take each semester (for example, you can study a single module one semester and two modules the following semester; you can even stop for a semester and pick up your studies in a later semester). The only proviso is that you complete your studies within the maximum registration period, which is currently five years.

Moreover, these MSc programmes are modular and are linked to the Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS), awarding SCOTCAT points at Masters Level. This may allow you to transfer the credit gained on one of distance learning programmes to an alternative programme at the University of Paisley and even another programme at a different University.

These programmes have been designed to extremely high academic standards, they are intellectually challenging and will make demands on your time - therefore, you should be highly motivated and committed to undertake these programmes.

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Assessment and Examinations

Each module has an element of continuous assessment and most modules also have a formal examination (although some modules are fully continuously assessed). The formal exams are two-hours long and take place at one of the University of Paisley's campuses (Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries) or at another approved centre. The approved centres are not fixed in advance but are arranged in response to your own particular requirements. For further information, please contact the Admissions Officer for the programme.

Examination dates are set during the semester and will you will notified of the dates as they become available. Currently, exams take place in the last two weeks of January and the last two weeks of May. A further opportunity may be available mid-August.

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Application and Matriculation

You may apply for a place on a programme at any point during the calendar year. Entry to the programme will be granted for either a February or October start. Prior to the commencement of your first module, and thereafter in September of each year, you will be sent our enrolment forms that you complete and postally return to the University (along with two passport-sized photographs). On receipt of these, you will be matriculated as a student of the University of Paisley and you will be sent a matriculation card. We will also enroll you as a member of the University of Paisley library and the UK Libraries Plus scheme.

Apply online now

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Fees

The costs for the programmes for session 2003 - 2004 are as follows:

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Student Support

There are a number of mechanisms that we provide to support you through your studies:

• Tutors - You will be assigned a tutor for each module, who is there to provide advice and support. The tutor will normally run a tutorial once a week that will complement the material you will be studying. This tutor is also available via email or telephone to help you with this module as and when you require assistance.
• Programme Leader - The Programme Leader will assist you with any general issues that arise during your studies on the programme (for example, module selection, study patterns, illness or bereavement).
• Personal Tutor - You will be assigned a Personal Tutor whenever you enroll on the programme. Your Personal Tutor is there to advise and support you on matters that are unrelated to any module (for example, advice on study techniques).
• Student Advisory Service - The Student Advisory Service is a 'one-stop-shop' providing advice, guidance and information to students on a range of issues including welfare, counselling and special needs.
• Centre for Learning and Teaching - The Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) aims to support and promote the highest standard of learning and teaching at the university. CLT provides support for students in various areas such as: time and task management, writing at university, and revision and exam skills.

Library

Once you are enrolled on one of these programmes, you are eligible to use the UK Libraries Plus Scheme, which means that you can use many of the services provided by a Higher Education library close to where you live. Over 100 Higher Education libraries throughout the UK participate in this scheme. Details of participating libraries can be found at the UK Libraries Plus Scheme site.

In addition, you can reserve books and renew books remotely through the University of Paisley's online catalogue. You will also have full access rights to library services provided at the University's three campuses (Paisley, Ayr and Dumfries). If you reside out side the Paisley and Glasgow area you may qualify to have certain categories of library books posted out.

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