What is Information Systems Studies?
An information System is made up of the hardware, software, database and network of a business or organisation. These systems work together as an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products.
The purpose of an information system is to turn raw data into useful information that can be used for decision making in an organisation. There are various types of information systems such as transaction processing systems, decision support systems, knowledge management systems, learning management systems, database management systems, and office information systems.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Information Systems Studies courses in the following subject areas:
- Graduate Diploma/MSc in Management of Information Systems Strategy – The study of the effective, efficient and safe management of information.
- Master of Science (MSc) Information Systems with Computing – Gain the knowledge and understanding in core areas such as programming, databases, web technologies and security while also offering practical skills in contemporary topics such as data analytics, distributed systems and mobile and social computing.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Systems – A study of the current trends in technology and how best to use them for enhanced judgement and strategic business performance.
- Diploma in Business Information Systems – Gain a broad understanding of how to merge information systems within a business environment.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional Live Practice Lab – Gain hands-on skills in Information Systems security
- Certified Information Systems Auditor – A CISA is a complete professional with the knowledge, skills, experience and credibility to leverage standards, manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, offer solutions, institute controls and delivers value to the enterprise.
- Business Information Systems – A study of the key skills that are essential to the success of professionals in modern information technology and information systems.
- Bachelor of Business Studies: Information Systems Management – Gain the knowledge and skills essential to modern business, focusing on the effective management of information systems.
Studying Information Systems Studies in college
There are many Information Systems Studies courses that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification. You could also consider work experience or summer placements and internships in IT that are also offered by a range of companies. Getting a range of work experience in hardware, operating systems, software and team leadership will enhance your skills portfolio.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a course in Information Systems Studies you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of data processing and storage.
Knowledge of information systems management allows for a variety of career options, in a larger organisation you may be able to follow a structured career path leading to increased management and technical responsibility. You could also progress into roles in project management and IT group management.
In smaller companies there may be less progression potential but greater flexibility to either work across more aspects of the business or to customise your role in line with your interests. You could eventually consider moving into technical consultancy, contracting or project management.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full time, Monday to Friday. You should also expect to work some unsocial hours to undertake planned security maintenance and upgrade work. Much of the work is project-based, which may require extended hours at critical times. You could also be called out at any time to resolve crises. Some typical employers include IT consultancy firms, software houses, IT service providers, telecom companies, local and central government, secondary, further and higher education, charities and even the media.
Related jobs include:
- Application analyst
- Cyber security analyst
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Information systems manager
- IT consultant
- IT technical support officer
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- Applications developer
- Border Force officer
- Business analyst
- Estimator
- Forensic computer analyst
- Network engineer
- IT sales professional
- UX researcher
- Web content manager
Further study
After completing a course in Information Systems Studies you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as business management with computer science, computer science, information science and software engineering.
FAQ
Why is Information Systems Studies important?
One of the main reasons why we need information systems is because they improve efficiency, which can boost productivity. Information Systems allow for the supply of information to get to decision-makers, create better customer service operations and growth in communication capabilities and methods.
What skills could be helpful for a career in Information Systems Studies?
There are a number of skills that would be useful for starting a career in Information Systems, such as basic knowledge of, or a willingness to learn more about, hardware, software development and programming, systems analysis, database systems and design, networking and operating systems, data mining, emerging technologies, mobile applications, computer security and business analysis.
Other skills valued by employers include problem-solving and change management, the ability to contribute to a team objective, commercial awareness and business acumen, the ability to understand and respond to user or customer requirements, project management experience, planning and organisation and negotiation and influencing.
The development of these skills allows you to interpret employers’ informational needs and translate them into business applications, working with a range of other specialists such as computer programmers, software engineers, computer scientists and business analysts.
Where can I study Information Systems Studies?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
- Technophobia is the fear of technology, Nomophobia is the fear of being without a mobile phone, Cyberphobia is the fear of computers.
- Between credit cards, debit cards, online purchases, and cryptocurrency, only 8% of global currency is physical money.
- The first computer was almost 2.5 meters high and weighed nearly 30,000kg.
- The world’s largest hard drive is a 60TB SSD.
- About 28% of IT professionals hide their career from friends and family to get out of giving free tech support.
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