BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This four-year degree program in IT prepares students to design and develop IT solutions for real-world problems. The curriculum includes core modules in programming, hardware, software, and networking, as well as optional modules in areas such as data analytics and information systems management. Assessment is primarily coursework-centered, with a blend of essays, project reports, and problem-solving tasks. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in consulting, industry, or academia.

Program Outline

Outline:

This degree program typically spans over 4 years, with the foundational year serving as preparation before transitioning to higher education. Upon successful completion, students are expected to acquire skills in designing and developing IT solutions to tackle various real-world issues.

• Year 1: Focuses on foundational concepts like programming and working with hardware and software.
• Year 2: Introduces more specialized modules and hands-on experiences with project work.
Students can select optional modules based on individual preferences.
• Year 3: Further refines specific skills with the option of an industry-related work placement or research project.
The final dissertation project requires students to consolidate and apply the knowledge acquired through the course. The curriculum is designed around core and optional modules. Core modules provide the essential foundation while options allow for customization based on interests or career aspirations. The specific options available might change based on student demand and staff availability to ensure the quality of experience. The following are examples of core and optional modules:

Core:

• Year 1
• Introduction to IT Systems & Technology
• Web Design and Programming I
• Programming Foundations and Applications
• Year 2
• Operating Systems Technology
• Database Systems & Technologies
• Networking and Systems Security
• Web Design and Programming
• Human Computer Interaction
• Year 3:
• Mobile and Cloud Computing, Distributed Network Applications, Web Technologies, Digital Forensics

Optional modules

Year 2: Advanced Programming, Data Analytics & Visualization

• Year 3: Advanced Web Technologies, Information Systems Management
• Individual Research Project
• Assessment

Assessment Methods

• Primarily coursework centered
• A blend of various formats such as essays, project reports, problem-solving tasks
• Limited examinations/tests
• Opportunities to demonstrate individual and collaborative skills

Teaching:

• Learning is fostered via a mix of lectures, seminars, and hands-on labs
• Practical focus with dedicated time for applying theoretical concepts
• Contact hours vary in relation to selected modules, ranging from 12 hours/ week
• Scheduled meetings with personal Academic Tutors for individual guidance

Careers

Opportunities

• Consulting firms focused on various industries or specific client businesses
• Roles within specific departments to leverage the gained expertise

Pathways

Continuing formal education opportunities like Masters degrees within related fields

• Research options at MPhil/PhD level

• The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
• UK
• Overseas
Full-time - Foundation Year 0 £9,250 £15,500 Full-time - years 1-3 £9,250 £15,500
• The tuition fees of £9,250 / £15,500 relate to 2024/25 only.
• Home (UK) Fees
The fees above are for the 2024/25 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2024/25. In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. Students with an Overseas fee status will be eligible for an International student Scholarship fee discount of £1,500, which will be applied to all Full-time Undergraduate courses with a tuition fee of £15,500.