Information Technology COURSES

BA (Hons) in Business Information Systems (Cloud Computing)

Overview

Awarding Body:	Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) - formerly Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)
Award Level:	Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree)
Award Title:	BA (Hons) in Business Information Systems
Duration:	4 years (2 evenings per week)

The BA (Hons) in Business Information Systems (Cloud Computing) is intended to educate and prepare students for employment in information systems or cloud computing. It will also provide students with a strong IT/IS knowledge, competence and skills in the technologies that underpin cloud computing. In relation to the specific skills requirement in the area of cloud computing, a report by Goodbody’s Economic Consultants identifies that ‘the greatest benefit of cloud computing is as a source of exports, growth and jobs for the Irish economy’. This report also identifies ‘the need for additional marketing, sales and technical staff with the relevant skills for cloud Computing, and a need for training for their current employees’. This programme will provide students with a solid understanding in the technologies and languages that are used to design and develop applications for the cloud. They will also understand the fundamental concepts and architecture of cloud computing. Students will develop key skills in the use and application of current cloud computing platforms and how they are used to deploy web and other client applications to the Cloud.

Key Features of the Programme

Equips students with knowledge and understanding of the theory and principles underlying business and information systems.
Enables students to develop the ability to analyse problems and formulate practical solutions to a variety of business information systems problems at both strategic and tactical levels, as well as the ability to critically evaluate the approach and techniques used.
Develops students’ skills and competencies to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to build and deploy mobile applications to cloud-based platforms.
Develops strong competence and skills in the use and application of a variety of computer languages, as well as hardware and software tools, to provide solutions to a variety of business problems.
Develops in students a range of key skills, personal qualities and attitudes essential to support progression to a career in business or information systems or to further academic study.

Aims & Objectives

On completion of the programme students should have acquired the skills to:

Understand the significant role of information systems in modern business
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 knowledgeably 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.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of Cloud Computing in the general business environment
Demonstrate skills and competencies in building web and mobile applications and the use of Cloud Platforms to deploy them in the Cloud.

Programme Content

The BA (Hons) in Business Information Systems (Cloud Computing) programme has the following content.

Level 1	Core Introduction to Business & Marketing Economic Perspectives IT Essentials Maths & Statistics for Business Accounting Learning to Learn Communications for Personal Success
Level 2	Core Employability Skills Innovation & Entrepreneurship Management Information Systems & Database Web & Media Design Cloud Computing for Business Cloud Design & Development
Level 3	Core Employability in Action Lifelong Learning Strategic Management Data Management & Analytics Web Application Development Application of Cloud Technologies Cloud Networking & Security

Teaching & Assessment

The BA (Hons) in Business Information Systems (Cloud Computing) is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with students taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class times. Assessed work will consist of traditional end-of-year examinations plus a significant element of continuous assessment based on coursework. Such coursework may involve research based reports, case studies, essays or practical assignments.

Structure

The central focus of the programme is on Business Information Systems and Cloud Computing subjects. The common foundation year will feature a number of relevant business subjects, which extend the field of study to the broader business environment within which the IT and cloud computing functions are positioned. As the course progresses, learners learn to apply the various methods and techniques they have studied. They also learn to develop pragmatic solutions to real problems and how to effectively communicate information, ideas, complex problems and solutions to a range of areas.

Microsoft has played a significant role in the design of this programme as a source of reliable data and insight into the future developments within the IT sector. This valuable information has ensured that DBS graduates will be equipped to exploit employment opportunities with cutting edge requirements. This programme includes Microsoft Technical Associate (MTA) training under the auspice of DBS Advantage. MTA skills are outlined as follows:

“The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification helps schools teach and validate fundamental technology knowledge, provides students with a foundation for their careers, and helps them gain the confidence they need to succeed in advanced studies. Help your institution stand out with an innovative technology curriculum while offering students an opportunity to earn a Microsoft Certification right in the classroom.’ Microsoft Learning, 2011.

Career Opportunities

The skill set acquired will ensure graduates can confidently contribute to the strategic direction of their organisation, to align strategy with the unlimited potential of cloud technology and use for human resource development, financial planning, change management and the marketing of their product/service creating a competitive advantage in the market place. The programme will also provide students with a solid platform for further study/research within the field if they wish to progress to Postgraduate level.

Fees

You can view all part-time undergraduate business and law degree course fees or why not contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to our students.

Fees quoted are the annual cost of tuition per module and annual examination fee. Registration fee is payable in the first year only. Please note also that tax relief is available on fees for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

Next Steps

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about your course of interest. The open day will give you the opportunity to receive one on one advice and direction from leading academics in your chosen subject area, meet current students and also have your questions answered on entry requirements, student support and the admissions process. Find out when our next Open Event is taking place.

The Admissions Office is located in our Aungier Street campus and you are welcome to visit the college to speak with a member of our admissions team from Monday to Fridays, 8:45am – 5:15pm. Alternatively, you can contact us by email.

Standard Applicants - Evening Business Degrees

Standard Applicants for the Evening Business Degree programmes must meet the minimum entry requirements of the College. For Evening Business Degree programmes the minimum entry requirements are 2 honours in higher level subjects and 4 passes in ordinary level subjects (to include English & Maths) in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Please forward the relevant documentation or any other second or third level qualifications (original & official English translation where issued in another language) to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted.

Mature Applicants

If you are over 23 years of age and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying. Please forward documentation such as any relevant transcripts, a CV or any other related documentation to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted.

FETAC Applicants

Minimum admission requirements for graduates of FETAC awards (former NCVA Level 2 or 3) are a full FETAC award in a course in a cognate area with a distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of 8 modules. A full award may be accumulated over more than one academic year. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office.

Apply Now

Make an Enquiry

BACK TO COURSES

VIEW ALL COURSES

Apply

Now accepting applications for Autumn 2013

We are now accepting applications for all programmes commencing September 2013. Apply online or contact our admissions team for more information by calling 01 417 7500 Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.15pm or email admissions@dbs.ie

VISIT US

WHY DBS?

DROP IN ADVICE SESSIONS