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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguageInformation Systems Management (MSc)
MSc Information Systems Management
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:
- Apply effective decision making to global business problems.
- Identify, analyse and solve applied problems in individual- and team-based settings.
- Synthesise, evaluate and critically analyse technology solutions within a global context.
- Employ appropriate strategies, tools, and technologies to develop and manage contemporary business information system solutions.
- Demonstrate awareness of socially responsible and ethical factors within information systems development and management.
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
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:
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.
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 Chen | Software Engineer at Liberty IT
The MSc Information Systems 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 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 Mohanty | Technical Program Manager, Security, Guidewire Software
The MSc 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 interact 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 University of Galway you will get enough opportunities for the same.
Shyam Panchal | Senior Consultant- Digital Business Analyst
The MSc 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 meets 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 had the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant in one of the computer science programmes, which helped me share my learned practical insights. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who would like to expand their horizons in people and technology.
Anna Keane | Business Analyst LMS & PLM
I would recommend taking this course if you have an interest in developing and managing systems and to 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. I found the project 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 students from different cultures and gave me opportunities that would enhance my future career prospects. I have transferred many new skillsets from this course to my current role. I have now been able to take on more responsibilities within my role administrating Information systems.
Vivekanand Jha | Project Manager & Business Analyst
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 MSc Information Systems Management programme at University of Galway. The programme is well balanced and packed with knowledge. My academic experience was further enriched by exceptional faculty members who emphasise 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 the MSc Information Systems Management for their wisdom and encouragement.
Kunal Tamboli | Data Product Lead, Renewables Analytics, ESB
The MSc Information Systems Management is a well-balanced programme offered by University of 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 the MSc 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 Mukerjee | Principal Programmer Analyst, Biogen
University of Galway is in my opinion one the best Universities to study Information Systems Management in Ireland. The University 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 programme 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. University of Galway welcomes all International students with a vibrant culture and helpful nature. It’s an experience I will never forget.
Joe Joyce | Solutions Architect, 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!
Richard Carr | Senior Technical Program Manager - Microsoft
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 Aherne | Cloud Platform Agile Lead, Avaya
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 Cheethirala | Business Analyst at Fiserv
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 Patro | Principal System Analyst, Fidelity Investments
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 Sankar | Lead, Enterprise Technical Account Manager, Freshworks
The MSc 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 MSc 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. MSc ISM has always pushed me to think out of the box and is continuing to do so.
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