Business Information Technology

Business Information Technology
Business increasingly takes place in digital spaces. This degree gives you the skills you need to apply computing knowledge to areas typically found in business such as e-commerce, information systems and computer consultancy.

Business and commerce need a skilled workforce who understand the foundations of information technology and the principles of business practice. This degree provides a balance of business and information technology and responds to industry needs, enhancing your employment prospects.

Year in Industry

Over half our students choose to take a year in industry after the second year of the programme. This gives you work experience, a salary and the possibility of a job with the same company after graduation.

Accreditation
We're accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT.

Your Future
You'll be on course for a big future. Graduates who have both IT knowledge and business skills can expect excellent career prospects. Our graduates have gone on to work in:

• software engineering

• mobile applications development

• systems analysis

• consultancy

• networking

• web design and e-commerce

• finance and insurance

• commerce

• engineering

• education

• government

• healthcare

Recent graduates have gone on to develop successful careers at leading companies such as:

• Cisco

• IBM

• The Walt Disney Company

• Citigroup

• BT

Year 1

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 1 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Programming I - The module is a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on exercises with the Python programming language. The skills you acquire will help you learn other programming languages such as Java and C++, to name a few.

• Programming II - In this module, you’ll learn how an object-oriented approach to software development allows us to think in a particular way about solving problems. This approach increases the likelihood that our code will be well-written and reliable.

• Internet Technologies - In this module you’ll examine the fundamental technologies that make modern web applications work.  You’ll learn to use operating and cloud systems to deploy, configure, and monitor software. You’ll dive into networking, from the basic principles of network latency and bandwidth to addressing and transmitting at different layers, from the datalink to the HTTP application layer. You’ll also develop a foundational frontend web development skill set, learning how to structure web pages using HTML, style them using CSS, and develop interactive web pages using JavaScript.

• Human Computer Interaction - Throughout this module, you will learn about design quality and the need for a professional, integrated, and user-centred approach to interface design and development.

• Foundations of Computing - This module demonstrates the role of mathematics in Computer Science with relevant examples. Starting with algebra, reasoning and proof, set theory, functions, statistics and computer arithmetic, you’ll progress to the more abstract topics of matrices, vectors, differential calculus and probability.

• Financial Accounting for Decision Makers - n this module you’ll learn how sole traders and limited companies record accounting transactions using bookkeeping and how they summarise and report their financial results to external stakeholders using financial statements. You’ll also gain essential knowledge of the regulatory framework of financial reporting which guides the process of preparing annual reports for a variety of companies.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.

Year 2

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 2 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Database Systems - This module introduces you to the theory and practice of database systems. You’ll model, design, implement, and use database systems, gaining valuable skills you will need in your career as a software developer.

• Web Development - Designed to empower aspiring developers with the skills needed to thrive in today's digital landscape, this module offers a deep dive into the foundations of both front-end and back-end web development. From crafting captivating user experiences with the latest browser technologies to mastering server-side programming, databases and sound design principles, the curriculum equips you with the proficiency to build robust and scalable web applications. Join us and unlock the keys to shaping the future of the internet.

• Software Development - You will learn about the best practices for developing such software within a team using the agile methodology. You’ll discover the importance of customer involvement for identifying requirements, writing automated tests for verifying functionality, and code reviews for improving the quality of the codebase. You’ll also work with your peers to develop a software product incrementally.

• Business Ethics and Sustainability - The focus of this module is on gaining an in-depth understanding of business ethics and cultivating critical thinking skills, enabling you to emerge as a conscientious leader in your field. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are central themes due to the growing interest and expectations from stakeholders on environmental and social performance.

• Operations Management - We'll explore conceptual, analytical, and practical aspects of how to effectively manage operations in manufacturing and service companies. We’ll look at various types of businesses including in the private, public, and third sector as well as start-up organisations.

• Project Management - This module provides in-depth insights into project management concepts, principles, and applications, giving you essential approaches, tools, and techniques which you can apply to various contexts.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.

Year in Industry

You spend a year working in an industrial or commercial environment between Stages 2 and 3.

Our students go to a wide range of companies including:

• IBM

• Vodaphone

• Holiday Extras

• Bank of America

They have also been to overseas employers in locations including Amsterdam, Hong Kong and the US.

The year in industry forms an integral part of your degree and contributes towards your final grade. Assessment comprises an employer evaluation, a reflective report and a logbook/portfolio.

Although it is your responsibility to find a suitable placement, the dedicated placement team will help to identify suitable opportunities, assist with your application and prepare you for interviews.

To automatically progress onto the year in industry, you must pass Stage 2 at the first attempt. If you fail, you must pass the first resit opportunity in the August of the same year. Students who do not obtain a work placement will have their registration changed to the equivalent three-year programme without a year in industry.

Year 3

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 3 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship - We’ll consider entrepreneurs, their characteristics and motivations, and the barriers and issues that they face when planning and establishing a new startup venture. You'll learn what makes new ventures grow and succeed, and evaluate the practical decisions that entrepreneurs need to make to maximise the chances of their business succeeding.

• Group Project - Engaging in group projects is a crucial aspect of your computer science studies as it provides you with valuable opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers. In the field of software development, teamwork is indispensable for achieving success as most projects require the combined effort of multiple individuals with diverse skills and expertise.

Optional modules may include the following:

• Information Security Management

• Business Strategy

• Human Resource Management

• Leading People in Organisations

• Understanding Legal Duties in Business

• New Venture Creation

• Corporate Social Responsibility

• Video Games Development

• Computing Law and Professional Responsibility

• Computational Intelligence in Business, Economics and Finance

• Signal, Image and Data Analytics

• Cognitive Robotics

• eHealth

• Computing in the Classroom

• Computational Creativity and Creative AI

• Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Computer Society