Business Computing Systems

Three years full-time, four years with industry placement or four years extended degree including work-based learning for BSc. A part-time programme can be tailored to address individual student requirements.

The course aims to provide graduates with the best possible career opportunities. Our field recognises the importance of career-centred skills and achieves this through alignment with professional bodies, standards and methodologies. We believe the combination of essential skills and professionalism enables the development of confident, employable, IT professionals. The course has the underpinning of commercial and professionally recognised standards and methodologies.

The focus of this award is to develop the commercial skills needed for a career in computing systems for business. The central concepts of computing systems are tackled, such as systems analysis, software development, database application, project management, information systems and strategic management.

Stage one

This provides the fundamental underpinning and skills in computing and business including foundations of databases and programming, systems analysis and information management.

Stage two

This develops core skills such as quality systems, database application, programming methods and human factors. The development side emphasises practical skills in database and web development and programming, whilst the management side addresses service management and support.

Stage three

The final stage adopts a strategic focus considering information systems planning and management within the rapidly changing IT environment. The development side focuses on project management and strategy whilst giving students the opportunity to apply advanced techniques in databases and data interrogation. Students engage in a dissertation and an applied project.

• Emphasis on hands-on contemporary approaches
• Flexible programme and study route
• Reviewed and updated to comply with industry requirements
• Work-based learning modules

The course offers the opportunity to study both the technical and business aspects of information sciences developing the commercial skills required for a career in business computing systems or service management. We operate from a dedicated server, software and computer labs to provide practical experience in a broad base of IT tools. These are comprised of open source and commercial, industry-standard software such as Oracle, PHP, PRINCE2® and ITIL to equip students with a set of tools, techniques and methodologies to succeed in the competitive environment. All modules are aligned to the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Typical modules include:

• Database Application
• Programming Principles
• Project Management including Prince2®
• Strategic Information Systems
• Systems Analysis
• Web-based Applications Development
• Business Intelligence

The course is industry and employability focussed. Staff are professionally trained and actively engaged with ITIL, itSMF, Prince2®, SFIA, APM and BCS.

The course is assessed in terms of both theory and practice including practical implementations, reports, essays, presentations and examinations.

Students have the opportunity to use industry-aligned software and have access to project management, web and database facilities.

Our successful graduates will be able to pursue careers in global systems analysis and design, IS management, project planning, quality systems support, service support and management and database management.

There are opportunities to embark on an optional work placement in the second year.