Business Computing Systems (top-up)

One year full-time

The top-up degree is designed for those who have completed an HND or Foundation Degree (or similar level qualification) in Computing, ICT or Business Systems. The Business Computing Systems course equips students with the critical skills of development and management of Information Systems (IS). It then aims to develop students. knowledge, understanding and ability to apply these skills in a commercial environment, through the application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). 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. Our modules are mapped to SFIA 'Skills For Information Age' defined by the Sector Skills Council and governed by The British Computer Society (BCS), Information Management of Information Systems (IMIS) and the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF). The course is benchmarked to QAA standards and has been aligned to professional qualifications to ensure our provision is focused on employer demands. Professionalism has been embedded with the express aim of increasing employability and available career paths.

The focus of this award is to develop the commercial skills needed for a career in computing systems for business. The course is hands-on to build the expertise needed by the business world in developing and supporting computer systems. Successful graduates will have saleable tools in the design and delivery of practical systems and the IS management tools to meet industry needs.

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 applying advanced techniques in programming and databases. Students engage in a dissertation or applied project.

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

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 hands-on experience in a broad base of IT tools; open source and commercial, industry standard software and methodologies such as Oracle, PHP, PRINCE2 and ITIL to equip students with a set of tools, techniques and methodologies to succeed in the competitive environment.

• Advanced Database Application
• Advanced Programming
• Dissertation
• Project Management
• Strategic Information Systems
• Systems Development

The course is assessed in terms of both theory and practice including practical implementations, reports, essays, presentations and examinations. Most units are designed to develop problem solving techniques and interpersonal skills.

The UK's IT industry faces a potential skills shortage, according to the 2007 Developing the Future report, commissioned by Microsoft. 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.