Technological advancement has an impact on every part of business and as more software and hardware is introduced, the need for skilled IT professionals is greater than ever. This course will give you those skills, opening up careers in systems analysis, programming, databases and management. 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.

This course shares a common first year with other Business Computing pathways, with flexible progression into the second year, so that you tailor your second and third years to a different subject specialism if you like. Find out more about the Business Computing (Web Design) course.

The Systems pathway of Business Computing explores design, technological development, management and commercial issues. You will be able to learn a range of development tools including SQL, php and java.

Course content

Year one

During the first year you will focus on the essentials of implementing business computing systems, including aspects of design, analysis, development and information management. These modules ensure that you understand current principles and practice while acquiring the knowledge and skills you need to study at degree level.

Year two

In the second year you will develop your core skills in quality and security management, programming and database application. There will also be opportunities to build skills in IT service management and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) pactices for IT service management aligned with business needs. We focus on the importance of industry standards, so that you have an understanding of the working IT world, making you more employable when you graduate.

At the end of this year, you may choose to take an industry placement in your chosen career field or progress straight onto your final year.

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.

Year three

This course culminates in an applied project with a real client, or a dissertation linked to your strengths and preferences. You will study Security, Business Intelligence, Project Management and Strategic IS at greater depth as you tailor your studies to your career aspirations and interests.

Module information is quoted for 17/18 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

Schedule

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.

Assessments

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.

Facilities and Special Features

• emphasis on hands-on practice
• flexible programme and study route
• dedicated server support for your website and database work
• 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.

Career Opportunities

The skills that you will learn in this course will enable you to embark on a range of careers, with roles including Systems Analyst, Programmer, Database Developer, Database Manager, test engineer, support or management of web based systems, new developments and projects.

For application information please see our how to apply page.

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

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

Scholarships

• TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,500.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

• The Chancellor’s Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply. The…

• The International Scholarship

  We are very pleased to offer a generous scholarship to applicants from outside of the European Union who have strong academic backgrounds. All full-time courses…

• Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…

This course is available to international students.

Full-time international tuition fees

For information on our international tuition fees, please see our Tuition fees for international students page.

Please note that tuition fees for EU students will remain the same as UK fees for 2018/19. For more information, please visit the Gov UK website.

How to apply as an international student

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

Scholarships available to international students

For information on the scholarships available to you as an international student, please see our International scholarships page.