Information Technology

The BA (Hons) Business Information Systems degree programme recognises the critical role and importance of information technology at all levels in modern organisations. Students are exposed to systems analysis and design, database development, programming, web design and network management techniques. The degree prepares students for employment in an information systems (IS) related role in business, an area that has become one of the most dynamic in business.

Aims & Objectives

• On completion of this programme, students should be able to:
• Understand the significant role of information systems in modern business
• Appreciate the importance of appropriate management of the IS function in organisations
• Demonstrate knowledge and critical awareness in the primary business disciplines and in the general field of information systems and its related technologies
• Display and use transferable, real world skills in a variety of business contexts
• Develop and evaluate the effectiveness of computer applications as solutions to business problems
• Display competence to deal knowledgably with general or IS specific business issues and develop effective solutions
• Demonstrate a high level of competence in using a wide range of IT hardware and software tools to an industry level standard.

Programme Structure

Level 1 is a foundation level, which is common to many of the College’s undergraduate degree programmes. The foundation level provides knowledge in the primary business disciplines, as well as developing the broad cognitive skills of students.

Level 2 builds on the foundation year by providing a blend of more advanced and specialised business and IS modules to develop student knowledge, competence and skills in business areas and, more particularly, in specific IS areas. Modules at this level also seek to provide initial development of the analytical and critical faculties of students.

Level 3 further advances student knowledge in business and IS areas and seeks to further develop their analytical and critical faculties. Modules at this level have a strong focus on managerial issues in both business and IS areas and also seek to provide more advanced coverage of business and IS topics and skills developed at Level 2.

Assessment

Student assessment will be based on a combination of continuous assessment and end of year examinations. Continuous assessment will include practical lab tests, essay writing, case studies, practical assessments, presentations, literature reviews and projects, and students will be required to work individually as well as in groups. End of year examinations are typically held in late April/early May. Level 1 subjects may also include an in-class assessment usually held in December.

Career Opportunities

The programme is primarily intended to position graduates to take up positions as systems analyst, business analyst, computer programmer, database administrator, network administrator or non-IS disciplines for which a good knowledge of IS affairs would represent a significant advantage.Such positions commonly occur in organisations  that have invested significantly in IS to underpin and optimise their business operations and who rely heavily on IS to support their competitive positions.These positions may occur in a range of business functions, including marketing, logistics, production, finance and general business administration.With the recent resurgence in demand in the IT sector, demand for suitably qualified graduates is always very strong.

Programme Content

This course comprises of 3 levels.  Students should complete this course in 4 years part-time.  Students attend lectures 2 evenings per week on average.

Note: Students should select 1 elective at level 2 & 3