Course overview

All areas of business and commerce are becoming increasingly reliant on effective information systems - information is the resource that now drives business. Our course will introduce and develop your knowledge of information processing and information systems, and specifically how these concepts are applied within commercial organisations.

Within this context, the main aims of our degree are to provide you with core knowledge and skills relevant to the development of information systems to give you a particular focus on the application of IT within a business environment.

You will gain a background in theory and methodology through lectures and seminars, but it is in the practical classes that you will have the chance to put this theory to creative use. A wide range of module options will enable you to prepare for a favoured career or to delve deeper into areas of special interest.

When you graduate you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of the principles, theory and practice of the development of information systems, computer applications and design applications to meet specific commercial requirements. You will also be able to specify, design and construct small-scale database systems and implement web-based applications to meet specified requirements.

The focus of our course is very much upon giving you a range of skills relevant to today's IT industry, and specifically to business information systems. It is also about enabling you to develop a creative and flexible approach to problem solving, and the ability to deliver practical solutions to a range of challenges - all skills highly valued by potential employers across the industry.

The specific aims of this course are:

• to enable you to develop awareness of professional and business aspects of the IT build a core of knowledge and skills relevant to Information Systems development, with an emphasis on understanding the workings of business systems and the importance of information provision within them;
• for you to develop a range of transferable skills needed to cope with a rapidly changing IS environment;
• to enable you to apply a systematic, creative and flexible approach to problem solving;
• to enable you to analyse and design IT solutions to business problems;
• for you to develop knowledge and skills relevant to working as a member of a project team;
• to enable you to appreciate ongoing research issues within the area of Information Systems;
• to prepare you to demonstrate your ability to conduct research and work independently on a major project.

Additional course information

Upon completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the context of information systems in relation to business applications;
• the principles, theory and practice of the development of information systems and computer applications;
• the tools needed to develop professionally in specialist areas of information systems;
• the need to act in an ethical manner, demonstrating political, social and cultural awareness.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, case studies, reports, class and laboratory tests, group assessment, presentations, software demonstrations, log books and undergraduate Major Project.

Facilities

Our course, in common with other computing degrees, is taught using state-of-the-art hardware and software in brand new and comfortable specialist computer laboratories.

Special features

This course provides the option of taking a sandwich year placement in industry between years two and three. Sandwich placements are taken with an employer working in a field related to your study and can be accommodated when matching positions become available, or when organised by the student. Sandwich year placements are managed by the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Associated careers

Our degree will prepare you for a number of areas within IT, including data administration and network administration.

Students graduating from our course may be suitable for employment in web development, information security, IT training and online customer management.

UCAS Tariff points:	200
Additional Requirements:	GCSE(s) Required: 3 at grade C or above.

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note all tariff points must come from A levels. Points from AS levels cannot be counted towards the total tariff points required for entry to this course.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements