Business Information Systems, programmes, postgraduate level

What You Study

 

"The level of technical and business subjects is unsurpassed, and provided me with an excellent foundation for the world of consulting."

Tamar Jordan

MBS Electronic Commerce, 2004

The overall objective of the MBS in Electronic Commerce is to provide you with the skills and understanding required to function effectively in a modern, technology-driven business environment. The first year of the programme focuses on developing your business knowledge and analytical skills as well as introducing you to wide-ranging areas of technical expertise. At the start of the second year, you begin a work placement in industry, which lasts for up to 9 months.

First year of the MBS in Electronic Commerce

The courses in the first year include Internet and Multimedia Development, Systems Analysis and Design, E-Commerce Strategy, Database Systems and Languages, Interactive Programming, Business Policy, Internet Technologies and Web Programming. Check out our Current Students section for detailed information about these courses.

Typically, there are 12 hours of lectures and six hours of tutorials per week during the first year of the MBS in Electronic Commerce. There are assignments associated with each course: these can be group or individual projects, class presentations or submission of a written paper.

For example, you may have to complete a term paper on something that is not covered directly in lectures, for example, Web Site Promotion or Is there a need for an E-Commerce Strategy? The purpose of this assignment is to give you experience at carrying out research, based primarily on reviewing current literature. In a changing marketplace, it is important to be able to research and analyse developments in a particular area and to use this information to advise on innovation, on the way forward.

Class presentations play an important part in developing key skills that you will need in the workplace. For example, you may be required to research a topic and make a short presentation to the class highlighting the main issues. You then lead a class discussion on the topic.

You also complete many practical assignments, giving you experience of applying the technical skills that you are learning. For example, you may be required to develop a web-based airline reservation system or a multimedia educational module.

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Second year: work placement and research

In the second year, you undertake a significant work placement, lasting up to 9 months. You attend NUI Galway for one week in September, where you learn about how to conduct research. Then the work placement presents you with the ideal opportunity to apply the skills you have learned in a real-world environment. Read more about the MBS in Electronic Commerce work placement.

While working, you must also complete a research dissertation on some topic related to the work experience. In many cases, students on their work experience are treated as full-time employees and are given the responsibilities and challenges of other employees. In many cases, organisations offer students permanent positions at the end of the work placement.

Check out also why many students choose the MBS in E-Commerce at NUI Galway each year and the employment opportunities for graduates of the programme.

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