Programme description for Master's Programme in Information Systems (2022–2024)

A candidate who has completed this program should have the following learning outcomes defined in the form of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate should:

• have in-depth knowledge of the subject area's scientific theory and methods
• have advanced knowledge of business processes and digital transformation
• have in-depth knowledge of the interplay between social, organisational and technological factors in the introduction and use of company-wide information systems
• be able to apply knowledge about digitisation and sustainability in the development of future solutions
• be able to analyse issues related to the importance of information technology and digitalisation for organisational and social development

Skills

The candidate should:

• be able to analyse and critically assess different sources of information and use these to structure and formulate reasoning within the field
• be able to analyse current theories, methods and interpretations within business processes and digital transformation
• be able to independently apply practical methodology and research methods in system development work and project work
• be able to carry out an independent, limited development or research project in line with current research ethics

General competence

The candidate must:

• be able to analyse relevant professional, professional and research ethics issues
• be able to apply knowledge and skills within business processes and digitalisation in new areas to carry out advanced restructuring and renewal projects
• be able to convey extensive independent work and master the subject area's forms of expression
• be able to communicate concerning professional issues, analyses, and conclusions within the subject area, both with specialists and to the general public
• be able to contribute to new thinking and in innovation processes within the field

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education of a minimum of three years (180 ECTS credits). The admission basis must include either a 2-year integrated study or specialisation unit of at least 80 credits within information systems or information technology, of which 20 credits at the advanced level. The weighted average grade of C or better is required.

For further information, please consult the admission requirements for masters’ programmes at the University of Agder.

Within the field of information systems, we work empirically by examining how the use of ICT affects individuals, organisations, and society as such. By looking at the use, design, implementation, and usefulness of technology, our goal is to understand the big picture; how can we make use of technology for the best possible return?

The master's degree program in information systems is a future-oriented education with national and international relevance. The programme gives you solid insight into how digitalisation contributes to change processes in organisations and how technology can contribute to a sustainable development of society through streamlining and modernisation. The program opens for various career opportunities in both the private and public sectors, and for further doctoral studies in Information Systems.

As a student, you will acquire theoretical competence and analytical skills in the field. You will gain a knowledge of new technological trends and skills needed to be able to critically assess the role of technology in the society of the future. You will gain an understanding of the complex interplay between social, organisational and technological factors through the introduction and use of business-wide information systems. This requires insight into interdisciplinary perspectives that include management, finance, IT and business understanding, which you will gain through learning more about topics such as data science, project management and system development methods.

The master's program will also develop the student's ability to quickly become acquainted with new issues, acquire new professional knowledge and to use this knowledge in independent analysis of vocational and social issues.

The teaching methods contribute to professional development, and for the development of practical problem-solving skills, collaboration and communication. Common teaching methods are lectures, seminars, group work, group exercises, hand-in work (individually or in groups), case studies and participation in research and development work, often in close collaboration with organisations outside UiA. 

It is assumed that the students participate in the scheduled classes. and that they acquire a large part of the learning and work material on their own. Group work is included in most of the courses. 

• individual digital exam
• reports, both individually and in groups
• report in groups with oral examination, either individually or in groups with individual character
• folder submission which includes both group work and individual work a

Information systems is a largely international industry. The study programme is based on international syllabus literature, and global perspectives are central. Several courses are taught in English, and in these courses the students will meet exchange students from other universities.

We recommend all students to use the opportunity to go on an exchange in the 2nd semester. Exchange to one of our partners will provide unique experience and the opportunity to work and communicate in international contexts. An exchange semester can also provide an opportunity to take a different subject combination than what we offer in the study, for example in economics and management, eHealth, programming, and system architecture.

The department has many good exchange agreements with universities we collaborate with and we recommend students to go to: Waterford Institute of Technology (Ireland), LUISS (Rome, Italy), Minho University (Portugal), Paderborn University (Germany) and University of Münster (Germany) University of Nebraska (USA) and Queensland University of Technology (Australia). It is also possible to go on an exchange to other universities. The overview can be found on UiA's exchange website. Students on an exchange in Europe can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship.

There is a great need for expertise in the areas of digital business understanding, sustainability, and digital transformation in the private and public sector. There is also a need for candidates who understand the interplay between technology and organisation. Candidates who have completed this program qualify for such positions, such as project managers, analysts, system developers and consultants, as well as leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

A successfully completed master's programme in information systems qualifies for admission to doctoral programs at home and abroad, including the faculty's own doctoral program with specialisation in information systems.

Read more about career opportunities for social scientists at www.uia.no/karriereveier