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Information Systems Management (MSc)

MSc Information Systems Management

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Student Voice: Caobhan Mullins

Course Overview

The MSc in Information Systems Management (ISM) is a conversion programme that is designed, with significant input from industry, to enhance graduate’s employability which is demonstrated by an excellent employment record. Now, more than ever, we continue to witness the need for information systems across business and society. Yet, we live in a world that is in constant change and evolution of customer preferences and requirements. For organisations to be competitive nowadays, they must clearly understand and leverage new technological advancements to survive in a market. Therefore, the design, implementation, and management of information systems is of central importance to how organisations successfully transform.

This innovative programme is designed to offer a unique blend of core skills such as programming, databases, web technologies, user experience, cloud computing, security and management of information systems.  It provides a coherent set of contemporary technology management skills to meet the growing demand and expectations of industry which are essential to digitally transform modern organisations.

Upon completion of the MSc. Information Systems Management, students will have acquired industry-standard skills and in-depth knowledge to:

  1. Apply effective decision making to global business problems.
  2. Identify, analyse and solve applied problems in individual- and team-based settings. 
  3. Synthesise, evaluate and critically analyse technology solutions within a global context.
  4. Employ appropriate strategies, tools, and technologies to develop and manage contemporary business information system solutions.
  5. Demonstrate awareness of socially responsible and ethical factors within information systems development and management.

Galway Tech Map

Galway Tech Map

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

  • Semester One exams: December.
  • Semester Two exams: May.

A range of assessment methods are integrated and assessed throughout the programme. These include essays, projects, reports, multiple choice quizzes, presentations, case studies and collaborative activities.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). However, candidates with a H2.2 honours degree and who have a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience will also be considered. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. Similar to any modern work environment, we welcome diverse academic backgrounds to apply for the programme and believe your experience will enrich the diversity of what this programme offers.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

50

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please refer to the offer rounds/closing date web-page.


 

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-ISM

Course Outline

 Semester 1

  • Interactive Systems Design
  • Systems Development and Project Management
  • Database Systems
  • Business Applications Programming
  • Information Systems Management
  • Business Modelling and Analytics

 Semester 2

  • Web Design & Development
  • Business Data Communications
  • Cloud Computing
  • Enterprise Systems
  • Information Systems Security and Ethics  or Advanced Programming for Business Analytics
  • Applied Systems Analysis

Examples of Platforms Taught on this Programme:

Platforms ISM

There is also a major group project to be completed by the end of June. In teaching these subjects, a variety of sought-after technical skills ranging from programming, database design, business process modelling, usability/accessibility principles and software quality techniques are covered using leading-edge industry software. A strength of the MSc is that all of the technical skills are taught using examples, practical exercises and projects drawn from the world of business. Our focus is very much on the application of technology to business.

Module details—click here

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Extensive career opportunities exist for graduates of the MSc in Information Systems Management (ISM) with companies in a variety of sectors, in Ireland and abroad. Employers of recent graduates include Fidelity Investments, Google, Accenture, Hewlett Packard, SAP, AIB, MetLife, Diageo, Lidl, Oracle, Boston Scientific, IBM and Microsoft.

ISM Tag Cloud

ISM Salary Ranges

Cutting edge IS modules

The MSc in Information Systems Management (ISM) has been carefully designed with the student experience and graduate employability central to our efforts. Through our excellent teaching staff and strong links with industry engagement, this programme offers students the ability to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate theory and practice to solve applied problems related to information systems management in a global context. To do so, students have the opportunity to employ appropriate strategies, tools, and technologies to address contemporary business problems in information system development.

Challenge of Solving Problems

Within the MSc in Information Systems Management (ISM), we believe that in order for our students to meet their potential, we need to challenge them in exploring real-world problems. This draws on a broad range of skills ranging from management, technical, and team collaborations. A key benefit in undertaking this programme is that our students develop a “well-rounded” skillset which allows them to demonstrate an ability to communicate, collaborate, and apply critical thinking skills to deliver effective, socially responsible, and ethical information systems solutions.

Who is suited to this course

One of the core strengths of the MSc in Information Systems Management (ISM) is that is caters for two broad applicant cohorts. On one hand, applicants may have a low level of technical experience who feel the need to expand their technical skills. The course offers up-to-date IT and computing knowledge to use within an organisational context. On the other hand, this course is also suited for those with a number of year’s technical experience but need to develop people and business skills to move towards consultancy or managerial roles.

We have had and continue to welcome graduates from all backgrounds: business, arts, science, engineering, and technology! Applicants bring their skills to the programme and leave with a wider skillset and toolset at their disposal.

Module details—click here

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,640 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€8,500 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€21,000 p.a. (€21,140 p.a. including levy) 2025/26

 


For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

 

Find out More

Programme Director
Dr Umair ul Hassan 
E: umair.ulhassan@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Administrator
Ms Melissa O’Hea
T: +353 91 492308
E: bis@universityofgalway.ie

Quick Links

What Our Graduates Say

Wanqi

Wanqi Chen |   MSc ISM Scholar 2022-23

The MSC information system management programme not only helps to enhance strong theoretical knowledge but also provides opportunities for me to practice my technical skills related to the real industrial circumstances. For instance, during the study of database systems, I learn and practice relational database design and the operation of SQL. Besides, this programme also contains some subjects like business application programming based on C# and project management, which help me to improve my IT skills for my future career. Moreover, there are many international students with various cultural backgrounds on our campus that build a friendly and exciting environment to enjoy university life.
Michelle

Michelle Fitzgerald |   S/4Hana Public Cloud Consultant, SAP

I would highly recommend the MSc Information Systems Management. It provides students with the necessary skillset needed to begin a career in the corporate landscape where outcomes are continuing to be driven more and more by an organisation’s utilisation of their information systems. The MSc in Information Systems Management not only offers the technical skills required to work in a professional capacity, it also offers soft skills such as decision making, analysis and communication - that are highly sought after in industry. The major project encapsulates everything learned throughout the year and offers students a great opportunity to witness and solve a real-world business problem. I am extremely grateful to receive Business Merit Postgraduate Scholarship. This scholarship provided me with an opportunity to focus on my studies by alleviating some of the financial burden. I believe there is an abundance of opportunities for individuals equipped with the skills taught in the MSc Information Systems Management.
Monalisa

Monalisa Mohanty |   Technical Program Manager, Security, Guidewire Software

Msc. in Information Systems Management course is designed with various modules required to develop your technical and soft skills. The course focuses on critical thinking and innovation aspects as well which is a very important skill to have in this constantly changing IT environment and culture. Students get a chance to involve with Industrial partners to solve their problems utilising the skills gained during various modules of the course as part of the Major project which is the best exposure one can expect from a course. I have got a lot of opportunities as part of extra-curricular activities to enhance my skills and expand my network like participating in Empathy Jam Galway, Leaders of Tomorrow by Accenture etc. If you have a skill and you want exposure to utilise it, then at NUIG you will get enough opportunities for the same.
Shyam

Shyam Panchal |   Senior Consultant- Digital Business Analyst

The MSc ISM (Information Systems Management) gives you a complete blend of sociotechnical subjects that is ideal for enhancing your innovative thinking, critical analysis, and decision-making skills. Professionally designed modules are well balanced, and their contemporary structure leads to the industry's growing expectations. Modules such as Interactive Systems Design, Project Management, and Applied System Analysis are imperative to demonstrate your IS skills. While pursuing my course, I got a chance to get an opportunity as a Teaching Assistant in one of the computer science programs, which helped me delivering the learned practical insights. I would thoroughly recommend this course to one who would like to expand their horizons in people and technology
Anna

Anna Keane |   Quality Systems User Administrator

I would recommend taking this course if you have an interest in developing and managing systems and anyone who would like to enhance their skillset and knowledge in understanding the process of how systems and businesses work effectively together to provide to the end user. The major project of this course integrates all the modules that you require to complete your project. The project I found gave me the chance to apply the frameworks and practice from what I learned through out each semester. I enjoyed this course as it introduced me to different international cultures of students and gave me opportunities of career options that could enhance my future prospects in my job. I have transferred many new skillsets from this course to my current job role as a Quality Systems User Administrator. I have now been able to take on more responsibilities within my role administrating Information systems
Vivekanand

Vivekanand Jha |   Quality Information Systems Specialist Support at HCI

A pursuit to enhance my skillset drove me to consider enrolling for a Master's degree and I was fortunate to acquire a place in the M.Sc. Information Systems Management programme at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The Information Systems Management programme at NUIG is well balanced and packed with knowledge. My academic experience was further enriched by exceptional faculty members who emphasize the need for empathy, thoroughness and innovative thinking. The knowledge that I acquired through this programme has improved my communication and interpersonal skills, shed light on the importance of being thorough while introducing me to a variety of technological advancements and business practices. This enhanced understanding of business and technological landscape, enabled by the ISM programme, has helped me enormously to become a thorough professional. I extend my gratitude to the illustrious faculty members of M.Sc. Information Systems Management for their wisdom and encouragement.
Kunal

Kunal Tamboli |   Business Analyst, Electricity Supply Board (ESB), Ireland

MSc. in Information Systems Management is a well-balanced programme offered by the National University of Ireland, Galway. The modules are well-designed to cover the best industry practices and the latest trends from both the technical and business worlds. The major project is the main highlight of this programme. It serves all the purposes of education – learning and applying the concepts from each module, helping the society, working effectively with people from varied backgrounds, and taking informed decisions. Before joining this programme, I already had around four years of experience in the IT industry. I can say that MSc. in Information Systems Management gave me enormous opportunities to apply learnings from my experience and learn great things which are still helping me in my current job at ESB, Ireland
Joy

Joy Mukerjee |   Analyst, ICON plc

National University of Ireland Galway is in my opinion one the best Universities to study Information Systems Management in Ireland. NUI Galway provides excellent career prospects following graduation, and gives you the opportunity to explore and pursue your passion both academically and personally. One of the best features of my program is that the course provides the opportunity for students to connect with industry by carrying out major projects with different industry partners. With a boom in the IT sector, Ireland is leading the way forward, driving innovation and changing lives worldwide. NUI Galway welcomes all International students with a vibrant culture and helpful nature. It’s an experience I will never forget
Boluwatife

Boluwatife Adeagbo |   ISM Student

The MSc(ISM) is an ideal program for anyone who wants to function in today’s socio-technical space. It is designed to expand the knowledge of seasoned professionals as well as to serve as a solid foundation for those seeking a career in IT. Each module aims to impact the required technical skills but more importantly, the lectures are facilitated to consider the business perspectives and implications of using and adopting IT systems and its impact on the consumer. Having had some experience, I was quite certain of my skills within the industry. Now with the benefit of hindsight, I observe that there is a paradigm shift in my approach to identify issues, analyze, design and management solutions. The masters in Information Systems Management has made me a balanced professional
Joe

Joe Joyce |   Solutions Engineer, Smart Bear

I've been working as a Business Analyst with SQS since just after my summer exams, and the MSc in ISM has proved to be a great asset. Business Analysis requires a combination of good business acumen and technical knowledge. With that in mind, I feel this course is the perfect place to start for someone considering a career in this line of work. Modules such as Applied Systems Analysis and Systems Development and Project Management provided me with exposure to tools and techniques that are frequently used by Business Analysts such as Use Case modelling, process mapping techniques and approaches to stakeholder management. It only took a few weeks in my new position to realise just how useful the MSc in ISM would continue to be long after exams had finished!
Srinivasan

Srinivasan Arumugam |   Senior Devops Consultant at Deloitte

The programme has students from different cultures, backgrounds and countries. It provides you the essential hands on required for the competitive corporate world. IT firms like Accenture, HP, Deloitte, Avaya and many, provide job-related seminars and Challenges to interact directly with student who are in this programme.
Richard

Richard Carr |   Technical Engineer - CMS Peripherals

I have been working with CMS Peripherals since immediately after the exams. My role as a Technical Engineer involves me gaining accreditations from the world’s leading IT companies like Microsoft, Symantec, Commvault and Vmware, implementing Professional Services and installs of backup solutions for companies in the UK and Ireland. It also involves a lot of travel in Ireland, the UK and Europe. The modules of the MSc in ISM have helped me enormously. It is a great course that gives non-technical students a feel of a technical environment.
Danielle

Danielle Aherne |   Major Incident Manager at DXC Technology

This course has strengthened many of my skills and expertise; from innovative thinking, to critiquing and analysing, as well as developing my soft skills which are extremely useful to have in the workplace. This course has strengthened many of my skills and expertise; from innovative thinking, to critiquing and analysing, as well as developing my soft skills which are extremely useful to have in the workplace. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to further enhance their business and system analysis skills, and wishing to gain some practical experience in system development. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to further enhance their business and system analysis skills, and wishing to gain some practical experience in system development.
Shailesh

Shailesh Cheethirala |   Graduate Teaching Assistant

This programme has given me an advantage both personally and professionally. It guided me to broaden my skillset in becoming an effective and well-balanced professional. There has been constant knowledge transfer between peers from diverse cultural and professional background. Each module was designed in a way to equip with requisite knowledge covering both business and technology in designing an information system for the end-user. The major project has helped me to have a practical exposure in different aspects of building a system for a client. I enjoyed the course for its valuable information which will help me in the progress of my career. I would recommend MSc ISM to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge in the interaction between people and technology.
Bina

Bina Patro |   Business Analyst, SourceDogg

This course provides the latest frameworks and practices from both the IT industry and the business world. The modules covered in both semesters are integrated. And concepts learned in one module are applied in another module to gain expertise. Such as the principles, techniques learned in module Interactive System Design are applied in the Applied System Analysis. The Group assignments and the major project enrich students with the real time experience to collaborate with industry people and work in a diverse team. And exercise the skills for a complete end to end project management and system development. I thoroughly enjoyed every class and its insights. It has given me everything to excel in my current role as a Business Analyst. From Requirement analysis to System Design and prototyping. Applying the agile project management practices to system thinking to solve problems and improving the performance of my current project. Last but not the least the proficiency from this course provides me the inspiration to further research and self-upgrade skill set.
Bharadwaj

Bharadwaj Sankar |   ISM Graduate - NUI Galway

The M.Sc. ISM (Information Systems Management) provides you with a good insight into the technical and business world. The course is designed and structured so that one will be trained to apply their technical concepts as well as having a business motive using cutting-edge tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe DreamWorks, SAP, XL Miner and several others. There are various job opportunities out there for the graduates of M.Sc. ISM. I got a graduate teaching assistantship during my course of study, where I taught project management concepts to students, which was a great addition to help me with my future career. M.Sc. ISM has always pushed me to think out of the box and is continuing to do so.

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Digital Brochure MSc Information Systems Management 2025-26

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