Programme Specification – Collaborative Provision

MBA Information Technology

Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership

Academic Level: 7 Credits: 180

UCAS Code: Not applicable

Awarding Body: University of Cumbria

Delivered by: Robert Kennedy College

Delivery Site: Distance Learning via Robert Kennedy College’s OnlineCampus

Platform

Programme Length: Full-time: Standard – 12 months

Part-time: Standard – 2 years
Maximum Registration - 5 years

Mode of Delivery: Distance Learning with one optional residency (blended)

Pattern of Delivery: Full-time and Part-time

Total weeks of study: 52 weeks

Delivery pattern: 3 x 12 week semesters

Standard semester dates: No

Programme Webpage: https://college.ch/online-mba-information-technology

Entry Criteria
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the formal entry criteria but who have
relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The formal entry requirements are:
• An honours degree at 2:2 or above.
• At least 2 years’ relevant work experience.
• English language at IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component).
Applications are considered from candidates who do not meet the formal entry requirements but can
provide evidence of equivalence.
Examples of equivalence are:

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 • A wide range of professional qualifications and/or work experience
• Working or studying in English or an English-speaking environment.

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PROGRAMME AIMS AND OUTCOMES
Programme Aims
Managers, and even more so IT managers, have nowadays to deal with the interconnected business
and technology worlds. While all these leaders usually have a deep background in information
systems management, either acquired practically, or through previous tech-related studies, they are
usually also accountable for leading a highly qualified team and overseeing key projects and assets.
Long gone are the days when one could casually ignore business matters to focus on improving IT
technologies and services. It is common knowledge that managers, be they in IT or not, who do not
fully recognise and support their enterprise's business goals put their own job at risk, especially as
Industry 5.0 increases even further the pervasive use of technology. This is a key driver for
managers, who want to gain exposure to how technology intertwines with business, seeking to gain
an MBA, which is generally seen as the critical qualification for general management. The MBA
Information Technology answers this demand, providing students with a solid understanding of
business functions, such as organisational behaviour and strategic management, combined with the
skills required to manage both IT systems and people, blending the established business knowledge
of an MBA with specialised courses such as Information Management and Digital Marketing that
recognise the increasing importance to organisations of technology and the challenges and
opportunities that are arising from Industry 5.0.
The overall aims of this programme are to:
1. further develop relevant knowledge in business, organisation and information technology (in
particular artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data and other Industry 5.0 elements), both
academic and professional, in line with postgraduate standards/benchmarks;
2. develop critical reflection skills and engagement with organisational and professional theory to
understand and, where appropriate challenge, existing individual and organisational perspectives and
practices in a connected, internet enabled environment (in particular, with a focus on advanced
technologies);
3. develop, and where appropriate apply, new knowledge to add value by enhancing organisational
capability using information technology concepts and applications;
4. develop an understanding of an organisation’s strategic focus and environment, and the impact
of the inter-relationship between the organisation’s resources and clients in the evolving global
business environment;
5. develop commitment to continuous personal and professional development, independence and
reflective learning;
6. develop particular expertise and understanding in the fields of information technology, artificial
intelligence, business and management.
Successful students will be able to:
1. engage in effective individual research and demonstrate the ability to understand and apply
management theory, and to make, when necessary, sound judgments under conditions of
uncertainty;

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 2. exhibit improved independent research and time management skills, having undertaken a
substantial self-managed research project which involved application of a variety of management
and research practices, and demonstrates expertise and understanding of issues in information
technology and artificial intelligence, leadership and sustainability;
3. demonstrate enhanced interpersonal and team skills, through working with others from different
industry or cultural backgrounds;
4. continue to reflect on their existing experiences, and learn from and build on the experience of
others;
5. develop into modern, well rounded and outward looking managers with a high concern for
customers and colleagues, capable of taking responsibility for themselves, their people, their areas
of responsibility and their organisation.

Programme Outcomes – Knowledge and Understanding

The programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate the following:
After 60 credits of study (PGCert) you will be able to demonstrate:
K1. An understanding of the role and function of organisations and the context in which they operate,
including the key drivers of change
K2. The ability to evaluate and critically assess the application and relevance of a variety of business
tools and theories, including information technology and emerging new technologies of Industry 5.0
K3. Understand and be able to produce solid critical analyses of literature sources and produce
effective and coherent discussions on business issues.
After 120 credits of study (PGDip) you will be able to demonstrate:
K4. A systematic understanding of the relationships between organisations’ resources and their
clients and their strategic focus within an evolving environment supporting advanced technology
K5. An understanding of the core disciplines of information technology, information management,
leadership, business and management in a global context, at middle/senior management level
K6. The application of critical thinking to the successful management of organisations including a
deep understanding of the processes of strategic problem-solving and decision-making, and the
ability to communicate the conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
After 180 credits of study (MBA) you will be able to demonstrate:
K7. The range of research methods that can be applied to the study of business, information
technology, management and leadership
K8. A comprehensive theoretical foundation in the extensive area of business and information
technology in an international environment given the global context, complemented by a variety of
analytical and personal skills
K9. A strong understanding of how your knowledge and skills may be employed efficiently within an
organisational setting (with a particular focus on information technology).

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 Programme Outcomes – Skills and other Attributes
The programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate the following:
After 60 credits of study (PGCert) you will be able to demonstrate:
S1. self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
S2. capability to understand and carry out elements needed in support of entrepreneurial activities.
After 120 credits of study (PGDip) you will be able to demonstrate an ability to:
S2. make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations, recognising the potential of emerging
technologies.
S3. act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
After 180 credits of study (MBA) you will be able to demonstrate an ability to:
S4. critically reflect on personal knowledge, practice and skills, continually develop self-appraisal
and insight into development plans and outcomes, and deal with complex issues both
systematically and creatively.
S5. communicate your conclusions effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

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PROGRAMME FEATURES
Programme Overview
The programme is delivered 100% online, and includes relevant input from the University directly in
the module "Digital Marketing". Additionally, the new programme combines recorded lectures with
live tutorials, hence benefits from the current state of the art technologies that replicate as close as
possible the real classroom experience. While the programme can be taken entirely on-line, Robert
Kennedy College also offers a residency, Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness, which can be
taken as an alternative to the Leadership and Sustainability module. The Corporate Strategy and
Competitiveness module is based on the “Microeconomics of Competitiveness” programme (MoC)
developed by Professor Michael Porter using materials developed directly for a master’s level
programme at Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This
residential module will help you develop a better understanding of competitiveness, and what
drives it, and how industrial clusters can help to improve competitiveness. It focuses especially on
the role of business in driving competitiveness and economic prosperity. In modern international
competition, the roles of key stakeholders, including companies, government, and NGOs, have
shifted and expanded, and the traditional separation between them is seen as working against
successful economic development. Moreover, the process of creating and sustaining an economic
strategy for a nation or region is a daunting challenge. The course not only explores theory and
policy, but also the organisational and institutional structures, and change processes required for
sustained improvements in competitiveness. It is taught at a network of over 60 academic
institutions worldwide, within which Robert Kennedy College is the only purely distance learning
college approved to offer the MoC material.
Much of the learning and development on this programme is designed to encourage you to become
an independent learner. The combined student experience is one of high-level participation and
input. The main emphasis on the programme is on a strong practical and professional orientation,
and the online work is developed and enhanced through the asynchronous discussion element,
where the student experience is drawn together. Preceding this programme you should normally
have at least two years’ post-graduation work experience, and this programme will build upon your
prior knowledge and skills gained within a wider organisational and contextual framework.
After successfully completing the programme you will acquire additional transferrable skills to
enable you to critically reflect on personal knowledge, and practice and continually further self-
appraisal and insight into development plans and outcomes, dealing with complex issues both
systematically and creatively, and communicating your conclusions effectively to specialist and
non-specialist audiences.
You will have the opportunity to enhance your team-working skills in a multi-cultural environment by
conducting discussions and group activities in our OnlineCampus platform. The establishment of
learning sets (through WhatsApp groups in modules) is instrumental in driving through the concept
of reflective practitioner and is designed to encourage you to interact with other participants, both
formally and informally, in seeking best practice and challenging existing practices. This
programme benefits greatly from the internationality derived from recruiting students such as

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 yourself, from all the inhabited continents, and being able to draw on tutors with international
experience who are well qualified in their field.
This programme is delivered entirely by distance learning and builds on the strong and long-
standing track record in online delivery developed by Robert Kennedy College. RKC’s tailor-made,
OnlineCampus, is a highly evolved all-encompassing, interactive and easy-to-use software designed
to make studying online an enjoyable experience. It allows you to study anywhere using a browser
or mobile device. Robert Kennedy College is an e-learning technological pioneer (the College was
founded in 1998, the same year as Google!) so you are in safe hands when studying with us. We
offer around-the-clock support via email and WhatsApp, so help is literally just one click away.
The shared delivery reinforces the strong partnership between the University and the College. With
more than twenty-five years of experience in delivery of online programmes this is an excellent
opportunity to give to students the best of both worlds. You enjoy a true University of Cumbria
teaching experience combined with the Swiss quality education offered by the College and its state
of the art online learning platform.
This programme has been designed with a certain degree of flexibility in mind; however, some of
the modules need to be taken at certain times (e.g. you need to start with the non-credit Induction
and your first module needs to be Organisational Behaviour). The programme includes specific
modules on Information Management, Digital Marketing and Internet of Things (IoT), and the
dissertation topic, chosen by the student in discussion with the supervisor, will also be focused on
issues relating to information technology.
Although this programme clearly has a sectoral approach, aimed at students with a technology
focus, several of the modules studied will be in classes with students from other programmes
within the suite of MBAs offered by the university, including those with a general management
theme (i.e. the MBA, MBA International Business or MBA Leadership and Sustainability). This
ensures that the students on this programme will benefit from the experience of, and discussions
with, students with general management ambitions.

Learning and Teaching

As a student at the University of Cumbria and Robert Kennedy College, you are part of an inclusive
learning community that recognises diversity. You will have opportunities to learn by interacting
with others in a collegiate, facilitative and dynamic learning environment. Teaching, assessment
and student support will allow equal and equitable opportunities for you to optimise your potential
and develop autonomy.
We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learning, even at a distance.
Facilitated by our expert practitioner staff, you will experience a learning environment that is well
equipped, flexible, and stimulating.
The teaching and learning methodologies applied will embed the principles of the aims of the
programme, in terms of international development, global awareness and individual development
for the workplace.

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 The promotion of inclusive practice across a range of learner types, utilising the appropriate
learning technologies and the provision of active learning and social learning underlie the teaching
principles applied.
In terms of workplace preparedness, workplace and professional learning necessary for the needs
of the workplace entail applying problem solving under the interaction of theory and practice with
strong emphasis on practical management and work-related activities.
Finally, the learning processes will emphasise the global perspective and internationalisation with
strong emphasis on development of entrepreneurial skills. These principles are reinforced through
research-informed teaching, supported by industry-based knowledge and expertise.
In common with all master’s level programmes students are expected to draw insights from
independent research into academic and practitioner sources to fully underpin their analysis,
facilitated by access to electronic libraries at both the University of Cumbria and Robert Kennedy
College.
RKC’s teaching staff include academics with a wide range of backgrounds and experience in a
variety of universities, including Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard, as well as practical expertise
gained from working in a variety of international organisations.

Assessment
Summative and Formative Assessment
Intellectual and cognitive skills are assessed by means of written assignments, including reports
and presentations, while quantitative skills, including the use of ICT, are assessed via worked
exercises.
Assessment is focused on providing opportunities for both formative and summative assessment.
For all modules, formative assessment is in an interim assignment, as well as on a continuous and
on-going basis via the medium of the online forums, whereby tutors comment on ideas expressed,
give feedback on the direction of the discussion, and recommend courses of action/lines of
thought that might be taken.
Summative assessment is based on analysis and critical evaluation of case-study material to
facilitate the real-world application of knowledge and integration of the often considerable
expected experience of the students, as well as theoretical material.

Graduate Prospects
IoT, as an emerging technology within Industry 5.0, has been a disruptive element to traditional
business, shaping people’s lives as everything becomes interconnected. Businesses have, in recent
years, turned to IoT as a crucial driver to enable digital transformation. The IT and Industry 5.0
industry is expected to be on the rise in future years and the programme is aimed to developed the
required skills to pursue a career in this sector.

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 Our primary market is working professionals who are already employed – often on a full-time basis.
Given the high importance of this topic and the result of our survey we are confident that the
programme will offer substantial career prospects to its graduates.

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MODULES
Code Title Credits Status
MRKC7001 Organisational Behaviour 20 Compulsory

MRKC7004 Information Management 20 Compulsory

MRKC7014 Digital Marketing 20 Compulsory

MRKC7044 Internet of Things 20 Compulsory

MRKC7005 Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness 20 Optional

MRKC7007 Leadership and Sustainability 20 Optional

MRKC7020 Strategic Management 20 Compulsory

MRKC7030 Dissertation 60 compulsory

Students exiting at this point with 180 credits would receive an MBA Information Technology
Students exiting with 60 credits would receive a PgC Business Administration
Students exiting with 120 credits would receive a PgD Business Administration

Additional Module Information

MRCK7005 (Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness) is an optional residential module in Zurich.

Students wishing to take this module are responsible for costs associated with travel and
accommodation for this, together with any associated visa requirements.

Key to Module Statuses

Compulsory modules Must be taken although it may possible to condone/compensate as a
marginal fail (within the limits set out in the Academic Regulations and
provided that all core or pass/fail elements of module assessment have
been passed).

Optional modules Are a set of modules from which you will be required to choose one to
study. Once chosen, it may be possible to condone/compensate as a
marginal fail (within the limits set out in the Academic Regulations and
provided that all core or pass/fail elements of module assessment have
been passed).

Optional modules may be subject to availability and viability, and if we have insufficient numbers of
students interested in an optional module in any given academic year it might not be offered. If an
optional module will not be running, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an
alternative module. Optional modules are normally selected 3 - 5 months in advance.

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 Timetables
Modules span twelve weeks and are split into six units. Discussions are asynchronous, allowing
students to take part at times that suit their own locations and work schedules. Live online
tutorials are planned in advance to facilitate student participation and are recorded for subsequent
access.
The academic year is split into three main twelve-week terms, beginning in January, May and
September, but some modules, such as Organisational behaviour, may be offered outside of the
main terms. The dissertation can be started once the mandatory preparatory week, Advanced
Research Methods for Dissertation Excellence, has been completed.
The standard structure is designed so that students can complete the programme within two years,
with one taught module in each term. The mandatory dissertation preparatory week will be offered
to students once they have completed two modules so that they will be able to start their
dissertation in time for the two-year target. Faster completion is possible by undertaking more than
one module per term, while students who require longer time will be able to apply for an extension
or, exceptionally, intercalation provided that they have suitable evidence to support the request.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Student Support
You will study the greater part of your award online with Robert Kennedy College (RKC), and most
of your support will be provided directly by RKC, although you will also have access to the University
of Cumbria learning support network, including the online library.
Induction
Students receive a comprehensive induction both to RKC’s virtual learning environment (VLE),
OnlineCampus, and the various University of Cumbria regulations through the online module
“Induction”. This non-credit module covers various introductory issues such as: Motivation,
Understanding the Programme Handbook, Registering and Withdrawing from a Module, Academic
Writing, Academic Malpractice, and Grading Policy. The module is composed of these six main
units and each unit includes a video and audio tutorial. Students are also introduced to the concept
of online asynchronous communications via the OnlineCampus forums. Continuous monitoring of
the module by RKC faculty members ensures a prompt resolution of any questions well before the
start of the first credit-bearing module. The induction module is ongoing: there is no end-date and
students can always refer to it or post questions in the relevant forum at any stage of the
programme.
Library and Academic Support
In principle all modules will provide all the necessary learning resources (e.g. in PDF format) to
complete the course successfully. Some modules might require the purchase of a physical
textbook and students will be notified of this requirement well in advance. To conduct their
academic research students will have access to dedicated University of Cumbria online library
services via https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/rkc
In terms of academic skills support, students should contact their module tutor at Robert Kennedy
College.
IT and Technical Support
Given the distance learning/online nature of the course students are expected to have a certain
familiarity with basic IT systems and internet access. Through the “OnlineCampus” app provided by
the college students are also able to access course material and download it to their online
devices.
For IT matters related to the College students have access to support via email, telephone and chat
via the StudentCare assistance.
StudentCare Assistance
RKC operates an online student support system “StudentCare”. The StudentCare assistance facility
features an online Live Support function via instant messaging where students can get instant
answers to general questions. This is in addition to a dedicated phone line, an online forum and a
problem-solving ticketing system, and Live Support has several representatives ready to provide
assistance. This means that the most common issues students may experience can usually be
solved in a few minutes.

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 Data Protection
In any online community data protection is paramount. Personal data is kept completely
confidential by both RKC and the university. However, it is important that you engage with the
wider student community within your cohort. Students are usually known to each other by a name
of their choice, which in some cases is their actual first name or surname, while others can choose
a nickname. Students can provide a profile of themselves if desired, covering aspects such as
location, background, interests, family situation, and photographs. This is encouraged by the
students themselves, to give them a better idea of their colleagues but it is important to emphasise
to you that uploading of any personal information is completely voluntary, to ensure that the privacy
of individual students is maintained at all times.
Students with Disabilities
Provided that students can operate a keyboard, or otherwise communicate via a computer, there
are no restrictions due to disability in taking part in the course. Indeed, the asynchronous nature of
the classroom means that students who need a long time to formulate a response are not
disadvantaged in any way. Students will have access to University of Cumbria disability advisors via
email.

Course Costs
Tuition Fees
Course fees can be found at https://www.rkc.swiss/chf
The following course-related costs are included in the fees:
• Attendance at the graduation ceremony in Carlisle.
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:
• Attendance at the Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness residency
• Costs associated with attending the Graduation Ceremony.

Exceptions to the Academic Regulations

This programme operates in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations and Academic
Procedures and Processes.

External and Internal Benchmarks

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master's Degrees in Business and Management (March, 2023)
UoC Strategic Plan
UoC Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
UoC Academic Regulations and Academic Procedures and Processes

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 Disclaimer
This programme has been approved (validated) by the University of Cumbria as suitable for a range
of delivery modes, delivery patterns, and delivery sites. This level of potential flexibility does not
reflect a commitment on behalf of the University or Robert Kennedy College to offer the programme
by all modes/patterns and at all locations in every academic cycle. The details of the programme
offered for a particular intake year will be as detailed on the programme webpage.

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