Business Information Systems BSc (Hons)

Business Information Systems BSc (Hons)

Developed with industry partners, this course is tailored to meet the computing needs of commerce and industry. You will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to work in the development, implementation and management of business computing projects.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That鈥檚 why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You鈥檒l benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you鈥檒l build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Overview

This course will enable you to develop a broad, industry-relevant understanding of information systems, with opportunities to specialise in your individual areas of interest.

Throughout the programme, students will build the skills and knowledge needed to operate as professionals in the field of information systems. During your studies, you will benefit from insight from 51漫画’s internationally-renowned research institutes, with ethics and the impact of computing and technology embedded within the modules.

Professionalism within an industry context is emphasized throughout, with strong links to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Students are exposed to industry-standard concepts, tools and technologies and explore fundamental underlying principles. Our teaching staff contribute to the field either through internationally-recognised research or industrial consultancy, and many are members of centres that pioneer cutting-edge research.

On graduating from this course, our students are equipped with the skills needed for successful careers in industry or academia, as competent and independent lifelong learners. The programme will prepare you for careers in fields such as business information systems, intelligence analyst and developer roles, data and systems analysis and design, system, security, project and knowledge management and business consultancy.

Key features

The course is delivered to enable you to gain industry-relevant skills and benefit from a programme that develops both technical and soft skills, as well as preferred placement opportunities in industry.
Learn from our computing experience built over more than 50 years, a long-standing history allowing you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise.
Within the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, which lists the top 500 institutions in the world per subject, 51漫画 was ranked within the 151-200 block of top universities in Computer Science. 51漫画 is within the top 25 per cent of all UK universities for Computer Science – including subjects such as Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.
Enhance your employability and gain industry experience by undertaking an optional work placement. Previous students have benefited from placements at leading organisations including Faurecia, HP, Microsoft, Intel Corporation, E.ON, IBM, GlaxoSmithKline and PepsiCo.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

“The course was so interesting and worthwhile, and this was proved when I used the skills I gained from my degree in my placement year, and was then taken on as a full-time employee.”

Rhys Wilkinson, Business Information Systems BSc (Hons)

Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

This course has achieved initial accreditation from the British Computer Society (BCS), subject to a final review of degree outputs after the first cohort has graduated. Confirmation is expected in 2025.

UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: IN21

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2025/26 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: IN21

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

International students can apply to study at 51漫画 directly using our .

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

The tutors that believed in Tennessee and shared their industry experience took her from foundation degree to software engineer 鈥� now she's helping the next generation.

Entry criteria

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent, plus one of the following:
Normally 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM or
Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
International Baccalaureate: 24+ points or
T Levels Merit

Portfolio Required : No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

Year one

Block 1: Foundations of Computing

Block 2: Programming in Python

Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics

Block 4: Information Systems Analysis and Design

Year two

Block 1: Social Computing and Data Analytics for Business

Block 2: Fundamentals of IT Management

Block 3: Introduction to Information Security

Block 3: Information and Database Development

Block 4: Integrated Project

Year three

Block 1: Systems Thinking

Block 2: Business Systems Solutions

Block 3 / 4: Final Year Project

Year 3 optional modules (choose one):

Block 3 / 4: Privacy and Data Protection
Block 3 / 4: Advanced Database Management and Programming
Block 3 / 4: Digital Transformation
Block 3 / 4: Information and Communication Technologies for Development

See detailed module information

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

On this course, you will benefit from Education 2030 - 51漫画’s new way of delivering courses. Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once.

The compulsory modules on this course ensure that students learn by a combination of practical experience, self-study and research. The option modules allow students the opportunity to specialise.

The modules making up the course employ a range of learning and teaching strategies including: (1) staff directed teaching and learning via lectures, seminars, laboratories; (2) case-study and lab based exercises for the dissemination of knowledge, information and the demonstration of processes and techniques; (3) student centred learning via collaborative and group based learning by group assignments and projects, (4) individual independent learning using literature sources, internet sources and further research (incl. Web based resources) (5) presentation of findings, report writing, assignments, practice (6) practical work based exercises for the development of skills and understanding and (7) project-based learning to develop research, presentation and communication skills.

Assessment methods and assessment criteria are vested in the individual modules constituting the programme. Each module specification specifies the assessment methods and reassessment details which are appropriate to its aims and objectives, as well as the teaching and learning strategy of the module. Normally some modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and a phase test. Where subject content of the module is more appropriate to be assessed using coursework, these modules are assessed by 100% coursework. Methods of assessment for the modules therefore may include: Time constrained phase tests, Portfolios of work, Laboratory exercises, Oral examinations, Demonstrations, Individual & individually assessed group work, Project work, Reports & presentations and Research reports. When needed all work is submitted to Turnitin.

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This course is run in partnership with Hewlett Packard (HP), which provides 25 per cent of the teaching input. HP offers a personal mentoring scheme, preferred placement opportunities and professional qualifications. This ground-breaking partnership allows you to benefit from 51漫画’s world class academic research, leading-edge information technology facilities and industry standard professionalism exemplified by HP’s renowned business solutions and services.

Facilities and features

Facilities

The Computer Science laboratories in Gateway House provide over 100 computer workstations for students to use. The space is divided into four interconnected laboratories each with 20 machines, and a fifth laboratory with 23 machines.

There are printing facilities available, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. All the machines are connected via the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media network to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source which means students can download and run software at home.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, 51漫画 Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘51漫画 Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate careers

“I’m so grateful to have found a job with a well-known company that’s based in my hometown. I get to stay close to my family and friends, as well as reap the benefits and opportunities that come with working for a big company.”

Read more about how Business Information Systems (BSc) graduate Kavish Unadkat secured his role with one of the UK’s largest home furnishing retailers.

51漫画 Global

Our innovative international experience programme aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons, helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through 51漫画 Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK-based activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Previous 51漫画 Global trips have seen Computing and Computer Science students explore the Silicon Docks in Dublin and be inspired by the educational and networking opportunities at the SAS Global Forum in Dallas.

Placements

Our Careers Team can help you get work ready by integrating a placement year into your degree. The team will help you with your CV, application and interview techniques, and support you while you are on placement. Previous Computing students have gained valuable experience with companies including Microsoft, the NHS and GlaxoSmithKline.

Take your next steps

Nine halls of residence and around 2,300 rooms, all of which are within easy walking distance of the campus.

Run by students for students, DSU offers more than 150 societies and almost 40 different sports clubs for you to get involved in.

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