Business Computing (Systems) BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course shares a common first year with other Computing pathways, with flexible progression into the second year, so that you tailor your second and third years to a different subject specialism to suit your career aspirations or interests.

  You will have the opportunity to take a placement year after your second year, so that you can learn in industry and create contacts that will be useful when you graduate, improving your chances of getting the first step in your future career.

  • Stage 1
    • Computer Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1014

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides basic knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system. Modern computer systems not only consist of just the computer but also include a range of peripherals. The module gives an overview of all the important concepts in preparation for a deeper study of computer systems.Learning environments are offered to enable students to gain a basic comprehension understanding and appreciation of computer system concepts and technologies and the skills to use them to the best effect
    • Web Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1018

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this (Level 4) module is to give students an understanding of client side web technologies. This module provides students with: the essential knowledge and practical skills to design develop and implement a Web site to contenporary web standard; an overview of the Internet technologies the overall software architecture of the Internet including servers clients browsers is covered leading to the use of a Web server to install maintain and publish Web Pages to achieve Web presence; standard client side dynamic web development environment such as HTML Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript are covered in detail.
    • Software Engineering 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1019

      Status: Compulsory
      The module will introduce students to the Software Engineering lifecycle. Focusing on: investigating a problem domain eliciting software requirements preparing a requirement specification document performing system design and presenting them to clients; introduce students to the skills principles and concepts necessary to implement solutions; use of a high level programming language to implement algorithms; a late-objects approach will be adopted to teach programming.
    • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1020

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriented language initially as a non-object language.
    • Databases 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1026

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?to understand and apply the principles of database integrity in the design and practical development of database structures.Databases 1 is a hands-on module that applies data modelling techniques to establish modify and maintain database integrity and data structures and associated components such as entities relationships and attribute definitions.
    • Digital Footprints (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1030

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?to understand and apply and the principles of data integrity and protection to take responsibility for managing and capitalising on your online presence. Digital footprint is a self-managed online module that considers the data trail and shadow left by interactions in digital environments. The module develops a broad understanding of the impact of individual and organisational online presence in the context of digital marketing data protection ethical issues and good practice to optimise employability and prospects.
  • Stage 2
    • Service Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSO2015

      Status: Compulsory
      The module aims to provide a detailed understanding of service support or management providing a good insight into the underlying principles of the ITIL framework. Learners will gain a good understanding of the principles that support IT infrastructure including networking principles specification and configuration and administration of support services.
    • Group Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2027

      Status: Compulsory
      The module is designed to develop higher order intellectual skills (problem solving) and appropriate personal qualities including team working. Each group will develop and document effective robust and high quality computing systems to a professional standard in response to a supplied specification of requirements. Each student's contribution to the team effort will be the subject of peer assessment moderation.
    • Web Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2028

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this (Level 5) module is to: give students and understanding of the conceps and technologies of web based server side technologies; teache students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with added security functionality and usability; design software focusing on the processing of information on the web server; develop real server side applications.
    • Systems Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2030

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: extend and apply system design and development to large scale systems; explore building GUIs and exploit the resources offered by class libraries so that the idea of specifying general software components and implementing re-usable classes will become familiar.; provide a tools and skills set which the student will require when s/he encounters larger design projects in later software development domains.
    • Databases 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2038

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?To develop the fundamental concepts and skills of Entity Relational Models (ERMs) and Structured Query Language (SQL). It focuses on the key areas of extended-relational databases; user-defined types their practical creation application along with valuable data extraction methods to provide intelligence. Database programming (PL/SQL) is introduced. The module employs industry standard software to achieve the maximum economic saleability.
    • Quality and User-Centred Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2041

      Status: Compulsory
      Creating high quality information systems involves many different factors and all stages of the lifecycle. It relies on the establishment of standards guidelines and techniques at each stage and on a quality culture which embeds quality by design. Through this module you will build up a thorough understanding of the complexity of the user-technology relationship and how to ensure that the developed system fits the user needs and expectations.
  • Stage 3
    • Databases 3 (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is: to study advanced database topics. It assumes that the students have studied the earlier database modules and have technical knowledge of the basic processing performed by a modern relational DBMS together with practical skills in designing metadata and appropriate software modules from modern client/server database platform.
    • Systems Development Approaches (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3032

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: develop further the concepts learned in the prerequisites level 5 module by placing analysis and design techniques and approaches into context; explore alternative approaches to requirements capture and specification and to development models; give guidance on how to map these development models onto organisational situations; develop an understanding of the importance of 'softer' skills in systems development and experience in applying them; develop the ability to select apply and justify appropriate methods and tools that will make an effective contribution to information systems development.
    • Business Intelligence (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3034

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is the link between business and IT allowing student to use and evaluate technologies and infrastructures needed to synthesize valuable information providing businesses with a competitive edge. Data analysis reporting and query tools are used to develop insights for business decisions. Business Intelligence (BI) represents a category of applications and technologies for gathering storing visualising analysing and providing access to data to make informed business decisions.
    • IT Project Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3037

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is for students to absorb a considerable body of knowledge which can then be reinforced by application of the theory. The module therefore employs a combination of theory and practice using real or simulated IT projects of diverse sizes. Content will be delivered by lecture and workshop sessions. Students? understanding of the theory will be tested by time-constrained assessment. Practical assignments will be based around a scenario (e.g. development of a database system requiring coordination of a diverse team comprising designers and programmers) and require students to work in groups planning and controlling the project.
    • Computing Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: CSY4010

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of the project module is to: provide the opportunity for the student to undertake research and self-management of a Computing related problem that permits the integration of the main areas of study in the student?s chosen pathway specialism. The module also permits the development of higher order intellectual skills a professional approach and appropriate personal qualities that are required for independent working in a research or development environment. It is considered important that the project should not merely be a direct application of existing knowledge but that it should also encompass at least in part the need to acquire and apply development techniques hitherto unknown to the student.

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• Optional placement year

  Taking a year out in industry is particularly beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate jobs. The experience, enhanced knowledge and networking opportunities that you get from placements will make you stand out against other graduates. We will help you to find a placement that suits your needs and support you throughout the placement itself.

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• Special Features
  • emphasis on hands-on practice
  • flexible programme and study route
  • employability and industry focused, with an optional placement year available

  The Computing Society, with activities and talks all year round, has a long history of supporting Computing students. Whether you are seeking a graduate placement, a part-time job whilst you study, or just want to get your name out there for later, the Computing Society is a great place to start.

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

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught?

  You will spend 12 hours per week in class, and including self-directed study time you will spend 200 hours in total on each 20 credit module.

  The course duration is 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 suit your individual requirements.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will be assessed on theory and practice through practical implementations, reports, essays, presentations and examinations. Most modules are designed to develop problem solving techniques and interpersonal skills and many provide the opportunity for group work.

  Are they any specialist facilities or special features?

  We put an emphasis on hands-on practice:

  • flexible programme and study route
  • employability and industry focused, with an optional placement year available

  The Computing Society, with activities and talks all year round, has a long history of supporting Computing students. Whether you are seeking a graduate placement, a part-time job whilst you study, or just want to get your name out there for later, the Computing Society is a great place to start.

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

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. No prior computing experience is required.

  In addition to the standard UoN entry requirements, applicants will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above. Access (with 12 credits at L2 or 6 at L3 in Maths) and BTEC qualification in Computing at Level 3 are accepted in lieu of Mathematics GCSE.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2021/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Home – Full Time: £9,250
  • Home – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £13,000

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2021 entry.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Home/EU – Full Time: £9,250
  • Home/EU – Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  • Home/EU – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,750
  • International – Full Time: £12,900
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £12,900

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2020 entry.

   

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

  Computing MSc

  Computing (Software Engineering) MSc

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Careers and Employability

The skills that you will learn in this course will enable you to embark on a range of careers, with examples of roles including:

Systems Analyst, Programmer, Database Developer, Database Manager, Test Engineer, IT Support or management of web based systems, new developments and projects.