MSc in Management of Operations

course overview

The MSc in Management of Operations is an online programme that enables students to grow into senior operations management roles in technology-intensive organisations, in the financial sector, in supply chain management, manufacturing or services organisations, in both the public and private sectors.

Contemporary Operations Management demands flexibility, creativity and pragmatism, and with the MSc in Management Operations learners will gain a critical awareness of current opportunities and new insights into operations management in varied environments.  They will also develop new flexible, transversal skills in business management and be able to apply these to a wide range of business challenges.

The programme is designed to provide graduates of different disciplines with a unique opportunity to develop the hybrid, interdisciplinary knowledge and skills considered essential for modern business development and management. Learners will also develop the range of investigative and analytic skills and techniques required to equip them to assume senior roles within organisations in the public and private sectors.

How the programme is delivered:

This postgraduate programme is provided through online distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. Most modules require that you acquire additional textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the programme.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

How the programme is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 15,000 word document which is largely self-directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.

Dublin City University has been offering postgraduate level education at a distance since 1990. Our programmes are targeted at working professionals, who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments.

As a graduate from this programme, you will have a firm foundation in concepts and principles of modern Operations Management. This foundation includes in-depth understanding of the role of operations in eliciting and satisfying the ever-changing needs of diverse stakeholders. A strong theory to practice emphasis will prepare students to lead and implement change.

Central to the programme is development of 21st Century Transversal Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills (e.g. teamwork, communication and organizational skills), intrapersonal skills (e.g. self-discipline, perseverance, emotional intelligence, etc.), global citizenship (e.g. openness, tolerance, respect for diversity, intercultural understanding,) and critical digital literacy, including ability to locate, interpret and act on relevant information.

The Masters of Science programme, awarded by DCU, is at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.  All modules are taught on line in a virtual classroom, Loop, where you can interact with your fellow students and tutors through email, chat, skype, at whatever time suits you. Assessment is continuous with no examinations.

Accreditation information

DCU Business School has been awarded accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is widely recognised as the hallmark of excellence in business education, and has been earned by less than five percent of the world’s business schools.

DCU Business School is ranked in the top 90 Business Schools in Europe in the 2020 Financial Times Ranking, one of only three Irish Business Schools to achieve this ranking.  The Financial Times Ranking for Business Schools is one of the most highly acknowledged and widely cited authorities on quality and performance of institutions globally.

IT Equipment and Skills required:

You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.You can find detailed information on the IT skills and equipment required for this programme under the section ‘Technology Requirements’.

Graduates of this programme tell us how they have grown in confidence as a result of coming to understand the theory underpinning professional practice brought about by their studies. This confidence, together with their increased understanding and knowledge, has helped them to become more strategic and meaningful contributors in the workplace, with the ability to engage at a more senior level.

As high-level, academic qualifications are becoming increasingly important to organisations’ recruitment and promotion policies, this degree will add long term value to your career.

Graduates of this programme are currently employed in manufacturing and service organisations across a wide range of sectors including the financial services, supply chain, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Many Graduates are also self-employed.