BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Program Overview

The Graduate Apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business equips students with a blend of business and IT management skills, enabling them to seamlessly integrate IT systems with business operations. Delivered through a unique work-based learning model, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for managerial and leadership roles in the IT industry. The program covers key areas such as project management, business analysis, service management, and operations, fostering a hybrid skillset highly sought after in the job market.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business is a four-year program designed to equip students with a unique blend of business and IT management skills. The program aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of IT in a business and organizational context, focusing on areas like Business Analysis, Project Management, Service Management, and Operations. The program emphasizes the seamless integration of business operations with IT systems, allowing students to apply their skills immediately in real-world situations within their workplaces. It combines theoretical learning with practical experience, providing students with a hybrid skillset that is highly sought after in the IT industry. The program's key component areas include:

• Business (20-25%): This component focuses on developing students' understanding of core business processes, procedures, and culture.
• Technology (25-35%): This component covers the fundamentals of computing and delves into the intricacies of IT management.
• Project Management (20-25%): This component equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage IT projects effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills (20-25%): This component focuses on developing students' communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to work effectively with colleagues in both IT and non-IT roles.

Outline:

The Graduate Apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business is a four-year program delivered on a day release basis, with students spending approximately 80% of their time in work and 20% in university. The program is structured across three trimesters over a full calendar year, with students attending classes one day per week in years 1 and 2, studying two modules per day. The program's curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of IT management in a business context, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.

Year 1:

• Foundations of Software Design and Development: This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of software design and development.
• Being Digital: This module explores the impact of digital technologies on society and business.
• Professional Practice 1: Work-Based Project: This module allows students to apply their learning in a real-world work-based project.

Year 2:

• Database Systems: This module covers the principles of database design, implementation, and management.
• Business Systems Analysis and Design: This module teaches students how to analyze and design business systems, including IT systems.
• Web Technologies: This module introduces students to the technologies used to develop and maintain websites.
• Professional Practice 2: Work-Based Project: This module allows students to apply their learning in a real-world work-based project.

Year 3:

• User-Centred Organisational Systems: This module focuses on designing and implementing IT systems that meet the needs of users.
• Digital Business Environments: This module explores the impact of digital technologies on business environments.
• Professional Practice 3: Work-Based Project: This module allows students to apply their learning in a real-world work-based project.

Year 4:

• Business Intelligence and Reporting: This module teaches students how to use data analysis and reporting techniques to support business decision-making.
• Honours Project: Work-Based Project: This module allows students to undertake a significant work-based project that demonstrates their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical assessments: These assessments allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in practical situations.
• Reports: Students are required to write reports on various topics related to IT management.
• Academic essays: Students are required to write academic essays that demonstrate their understanding of theoretical concepts.
• Exams: Students are assessed through exams that test their knowledge and understanding of the course material.
• Work-based learning: Students are assessed on their learning in the workplace, primarily in the summer trimesters.
As students progress through the program, more of their job role is used to gain credit towards their final award through Professional Practice and their final-year dissertation.

Teaching:

The Graduate Apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business is taught over four years at the School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, based at the Merchiston Campus in Central Edinburgh. The program is delivered across three trimesters over a full calendar year on a day release basis. Students attend classes one day per week in years 1 and 2, studying two modules per day. Professional Practice modules are work-based and timetabled in the summer trimester, offering greater flexibility. In years 3 and 4, the emphasis on work-based learning increases, and on-campus teaching is significantly reduced. Work-based learning is overseen by a workplace mentor and university coach. Students are offered tripartite progress review meetings each trimester to support them in their work and studies.

Careers:

Upon completion of the Graduate Apprenticeship in BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business, students are well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers in the IT industry. Potential career paths include:

• Project Management: Managing IT projects from initiation to completion.
• Consultancy: Providing expert advice and guidance to organizations on IT-related matters.
• Business Analysis: Analyzing business requirements and translating them into IT solutions.
• Business Intelligence: Using data analysis and reporting techniques to support business decision-making.
• System Operation: Maintaining and supporting IT systems.
• System Management: Managing and optimizing IT systems.