MSc Database Professional

(incorporating Oracle certification training)

Attendance

Full-time, Part-time

Full-time – 12 to 18 months
Part-time – three to six years
Starts September, November, January and May

At a glance

About this course

We have a long and successful tradition of delivering courses for career-minded professionals. As part of that tradition, we offer this course in database technology. It is for recent graduates wishing to study for a higher qualification and gain relevant and professional skills in databases.

We combine Oracle certification training with masters level education. As part of the course, you can also take the associated Oracle exams and become an Oracle Certified Associate (OCA).

During the first nine months of the course you study intensively at the university.

This allows you to
• gain a thorough understanding of current best practice in theory and application of leading edge database systems and solutions using associated tools and techniques
• increase your employment and career potential by combining academic study and professional training
• develop and improve your professional and managerial skills applied to IT systems in organisations
• gain an insight into how different database and IT technologies address business needs

At the start of the course you take the module, study skills for professionals. You then study a combination of database modules and other more generic modules. During the last three months, you study a research module and take a research project leading to a dissertation.

The course exposes you to best practice in the theory and application of leading edge database technologies, systems development tools and appropriate managerial practices.

Associated careers

You gain academic and professional skills and expertise in database systems and solutions. These allow you to find employment in the IT field relevant to database technologies

Professional recognition

The course incorporates Oracle training and you can take the associated Oracle certification examinations, which lead to Oracle Certified Associate (OCA).

Course content

Database modules

• logical database development • physical database design and administration • databases and the Web

IT professional modules

• study skills for professionals • industrial expertise • research principles

These improve your interpersonal skills, critical thinking and reflection to help you become a stronger IT professional.

Other modules

• web application design and modelling • IT project management • change management and systems implementation • data warehousing

The taught part of the course ends with an integrated project that brings together all you have learned on the course.

To gain an MSc, you study a research principles and practice module and then take a substantial research project resulting in a dissertation.

Assessment

We use various assessment methods designed to develop your range of professional and technical problem solving skills. These include • essays • technical reports • presentations • group work • demonstrations • research projects.

Entry requirements

Normally you need a good honours degree in computing or a related discipline.

If you do not have a good first degree we will consider your application if you have extensive work experience and other formal and professional qualifications.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £5,355 for the course
Part-time study should be calculated pro rata.

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,980 for the course

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250 for the course

How to apply

Apply online by choosing a start date below. Full-time study only.
• January 2013
• May 2013
• September 2013
• November 2013

Or you can complete an application form for part-time and full-time study.

Contact details

For further information please contact the Faculty of Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 6777 or email aces-helpdesk@shu.ac.uk