Overview

These degrees aim to provide the applied knowledge and understanding required for successful professional practice in the computing and information technology sector. The course content is based on a combination of technological understanding with entrepreneurial and business organisation skills. The course is designed to reflect the nature and breadth of contemporary IT practice, including networking and system administration and development, as well as business management techniques.

A unique and vital part of the course is the accretion of 200 hours per year of work-based or volunteer work with a relevant employer or volunteer organisation. This offers students an opportunity to put into practice class-based theory and to extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Graduates with a combination of technological, management and organisational skills will have high employability in the computing services sector, or management positions in virtually any sector that utilises computing and networking.   

Content and Modules

The course combines theoretical issues with practical elements. Students are given the opportunity to design and construct programs as well as install, configure and implement networks and internet-based services. Students also consider system configuration, building and testing networks and internetworks, developing business systems, accounts, database and management information systems.

Computing modules include: Networks and Internetworking, Programming, Computer and Operating Systems, Web Technologies, PC Architecture, Customised Business Solutions, and Database Development.

Management modules include: Principles and Functions of Management, Management Information Systems, Project Management, Accounting for Managers, Human Resources, Budgeting and Accounts, Global Business, Computing Management, and Marketing Principles.

Further Information

The aim is to produce learners with graduate skills who are able to operate with advanced Computing and advanced Business Management skills and techniques in combination.

The ambition is to prepare business managers who need to deploy IT and IT Managers seeking business advantage.

Additionally the pathway is intended to prepare students for employment/self employment in managerial capacity within an IT rich environment and/or provide preparation for postgraduate work in Business Computing and Information Technology related subject area.

To address the identified skills gap relating to IT and managerial skills in tandem and to increase the employability prospects for learners seeking work in the more highly paid job roles (i.e., ICT Management, IT Strategy and Planning and Corporate Information Services).

The overall aim is informed by the following considerations:

• Requirement for skilled and knowledgeable individual to work with computing systems (principles, components, networks & services).
• The need to effectively develop, manage and exploit Information systems for corporate benefit.
• Development of understanding around Information Systems and their impact upon people and organisations
• Development of currency relating to knowledge of ICT and the relevance of ICT for application in business
• The need to understand and focus on business goals such as markets, marketing, cost efficiency and business benefit.
• The development of customer facing skills and insights (customer expectations, service and orientation).
• The need to develop financial skills and abilities (the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications).
• The importance of “people-skills” and the impact of limitations or legislation (management and development of people within organisations, employment law, etc)/
• The need to ensure the development of effective approaches in the management of resources, operations and management.

Assessment for this course is through a variety of methods including assignments, group projects, presentations, examinations and a dissertation in the final year for the BA (Hons).