MSc IS Management Online Degree

SanKuKaï

Hello,

I am in the process of maybe starting an Online MSc in Information System Management provided by a British University. It is a mix between a MBA and MSc in IT.

I am wondering if it is worth or not provided that 1) I already have a MSc but very technical-oriented (electronics) and not management-oriented at all. 2) I do not know if these online degrees are well recognized by companies (especially in Europe). 3) It takes between 2 and 3 years to obtain the degree with an average 15-20 hrs study work a day (I am not afraid of that).

Do you know someone who has this kind of degree? If yes, what kind of position this person holds? Do you have any clue of what could be the salary in Europe of someone having this kind of diploma and a management position in IT since 5 years?

Thank you for your replies!!

NinjaBoy

Hi mate,

SanKuKaï wrote:

1) I already have a MSc but very technical-oriented (electronics) and not management-oriented at all.

I live in the UK and have seen alot of upper IT management job stated that either a Master's degree is essential or desirable. Alot of places just state a Master's degree (regardless of whether it is a MA/MSc or a MBA), and while a few would want you to have a Master's degree in a specific area, the majority are just happy that you have one. For example, one of my ex-manager's had a Master's degree in Theology.

SanKuKaï wrote:

2) I do not know if these online degrees are well recognized by companies (especially in Europe).

In the EU (mainland Europe as well as the UK) recognise all degrees that are acreditied by that country. See here for the organisation that deals with University acreditation in the UK, other EU countries have similar organisations.

SanKuKaï wrote:

3) It takes between 2 and 3 years to obtain the degree with an average 15-20 hrs study work a day (I am not afraid of that).

Go for it, if you can do it. Depends on the University, but there are normally exit points thru-out the Master's degree program (depending on how many point you have). The first exit point is the PGCert (Post-Grad cert), this is about 1/3 of a Master's. The second exit point is the PGDip (Post Grad Diploma), this is about 2/3 of a Master's. And the last exit point is the full Master's degree (MA, MSc, MBA, etc).

SanKuKaï wrote:

Do you know someone who has this kind of degree? If yes, what kind of position this person holds? Do you have any clue of what could be the salary in Europe of someone having this kind of diploma and a management position in IT since 5 years?

Starting salaries are approx starting at £30k to £60k (I didn't get the £60k one ) and it's for middle to upper IT management. You can get IT management positions at lower rates, like mine.

-Ken

SanKuKaï

Thank you NinjaBoy!

Go for it, if you can do it. Depends on the University,

University of Liverpool. They have been advertising quite a lot lately on the web. The programme fits my goals: Management and IT with option on Security/forensics.

How is the reputation of this University in the UK? I've seen it is ranked around 30th for their MScs.

What do you think?

bighornsheep

SanKuKaï wrote:

I am wondering if it is worth or not provided that 1) I already have a MSc but very technical-oriented (electronics) and not management-oriented at all. 2) I do not know if these online degrees are well recognized by companies (especially in Europe). 3) It takes between 2 and 3 years to obtain the degree with an average 15-20 hrs study work a day (I am not afraid of that).

If you're more or less staying on the same field with both masters degree (both in the sciences), I wouldn't do it unless if the 2nd one prepares you for doctoral work (which MANY masters degree won't do ESPECIALLY the online ones which focus on applied work)

TryPingingTheServer

Another thing to keep in mind is that the admission requirements for online programs are generally more relaxed, which may rub some employers the wrong way.