Master's Programme in Information Systems

120 credits

Programme syllabus, SSY2M

Code
SSY2M
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Social Sciences, 25 May 2023
Registration number
SAMFAK 2023/51 Doss: 3.2.1
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Responsible department
Department of Informatics and Media
Other participating department(s)
Department of Informatics and Media

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 90 credits in information systems or a similar field of study.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Aims

The Master Programme in Information Systems is a social sciences degree that provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of system and program development with a focus on the challenges brought about by digitalisation and digital practices today. The digitalisation of society involves major changes for individuals, organisations and society since it affects organisations' operations and business models and how individuals interact with each other and with organisations. Digital practices thus concern how work methods, behaviours, activities, efficiency, etc. are influenced by digitization and digital technologies, as well as how people relate to them. The program provides in-depth understanding of different challenges relating to digitalisation and digital practices, as well as how new digital practices can be created based upon appropriate selection of development methods and tools. In addition, the program aims to prepare the student for working systematically in projects in order to, with available resources, develop robust systems to support an organisation's activities. The program builds upon on scientific approaches and analytical methods, interdisciplinary research, design and creativity, as well as practical problem solving through student projects. The education is thus both practically anchored and preparatory for a researcher career. With the deep knowledge they have acquired, students will be well equipped to lead the development of new digital practices.

Learning outcomes

In terms of understanding and knowledge, upon completing the programme students will have acquired

  • understanding of how digitalisation and digital infrastructure affect work and society,
  • in-depth knowledge and understanding of information systems and systems development, with a focus on digitalisation and organisational environments,
  • understanding of complex IT-related phenomena, for example, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and how they impact upon organisations and society,
  • in-depth knowledge of current research and development, and
  • in-depth knowledge of methods within the field of information systems.

In terms of skills and proficiencies, upon completing the programme students will have acquired and will be able to demonstrate

  • a capacity to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, evaluate, and deal with complex IT-related phenomena, issues, and situations, even with limited information,
  • a capacity to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate questions, to plan and execute advanced tasks within given time frames, as well as to evaluate this work,
  • a capacity to analyse and develop digital infrastructures that enable digital practices for solving individual, organisational, and societal problems,
  • a proficiency in developing and applying digital practices in a project-based environment, in order to solve individual, organisational, and societal problems,
  • a capacity to solve problems in collaboration with others and to reflect on and develop forms of collaboration in system development processes,
  • a familiarity with applicable methods for developing digital practices in various organisational contexts,
  • a capacity, both orally and in writing, to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that lie behind them in dialogue with various groups, and
  • skills required to independently or collectively take part in research and development work.

In terms of evaluative capacity and approach, upon completing the programme students will have acquired

  • insight into how digitalisation and digital practices affect work and society, taking into account relevant scientific, economic, societal, and ethical aspects,
  • a capacity to make judgements in the major field of information systems, taking into consideration relevant academic, societal, and ethical aspects, and to show an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
  • insights into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society, and people's responsibility for how it is used, and
  • a capacity to identify their need for further knowledge and to take the responsibility for their own knowledge development.

Layout of the programme

The programme comprises 120 higher education credits. The programme provides in-depth knowledge in the field of IT. Current methods for systems development and research-related courses are central to the programme and students carry out a major system development project within the programme.

The programme consists of courses at the advanced level and is structured around three central themes:

  • complex information systems,
  • the systems development process, and
  • the organisational context of information systems and system development.

Instruction

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, classroom sessions, laboratory sessions, and seminars. A variety of examination forms will be employed, adapted to the course content and form.

Degree

The programme leads to a two-year Master's degree (Degree of Master of Science, 120 credits) with information systems as the major field of study.

Other directives

The programme provides eligibility for research-level education in information systems.

FOLLOW UPPSALA UNIVERSITY ON

facebook
instagram
twitter
youtube
linkedin