Course Summary

This course is aimed at students who want to expand their entrepreneurial horizons in the IT-related business arena.

It focuses on the use of IT to support the strategic, operational and tactical needs of business. It offers a thorough grounding in modern business information tools, enhanced by knowledge of management, engineering and business intelligence techniques. An indispensable part of this course is the deployment of information systems for business analysis and intelligence.

Why choose this course?

Career Opportunities:

Prepares students who wish to start their own business or manage the information assets of companies.

Key features:

• Focus on information systems engineering and application development for the modern business environment
• Series of talks and guidance offered by speakers and experts in businesses
• Develops business intelligence skills for various organisational settings either for your own business, or for managing the information needs of established companies

Areas of study include:

• System analysis and design
• Modern database practices
• Business analysis
• Decision support systems
• Data mining techniques
• Project management
• Virtual management
• Finance for business

BSBIS-S

Assessment

The types of assessment used ranges from laboratory practical work that assesses the practical application of knowledge and concepts gained in lectures and seminars, and also from learning acquired during self-study to computer based assessments and formal written examinations.

Course Learning Outcomes

The course will equip students with skills in the broad area of computing with the emphasis on information systems while providing them with a good understanding of business operations such as business analysis, marketing, finance, organisation behaviours, project management and teamwork. It will also enable students to apply theories to their own development of BIS and evaluate associated technologies in society and organisations. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Analyse and evaluate technologies and organisational problems in a range of contexts and to choose and implement appropriate solutions.

2. Apply effective analysis for business operations covering business analysis, marketing, finance, organisation behaviours, and project management.

3. Demonstrate skills to conceptualise, develop and implement BIS.

4. Express, interpret and critically evaluate issues concerning social and professional ethics in the context of BIS.

5. Demonstrate investigative skills in the area of BIS through completion of substantial assignments, reports, presentations and case studies.

6. Apply skills in a rational argument, objective interpretation of evidence, judgement and decision making towards the planning, analysis and successful development of BIS within complex organisational environments.

7. Work effectively within a systems development team and be able to explain the conditions necessary for successful team working.

External Benchmarking

University of Bedfordshire Level descriptors; relevant QAA Subject Benchmarks.

Educational Aims

The composition of the Business Information Systems (BIS) programme is based upon the attributes that an effective employee or a graduate, should ideally have. The specific qualities built into the curriculum ensure that students will gain a systemic understanding of BIS development and deployment and the capacity to analyse, assess and recommend high-level strategies for the organisational adoption of BIS. The programme is, therefore, to provide students with the skills and knowledge of key subject areas that relate to BIS at operational, tactical and strategic levels within any organisation.

The programme aims:

• To develop personal skills so that students have both the confidence and ability to express their creativity both individually and as part of a team


• To promote a responsible, professional attitude towards the selection and use of computing hardware and software tools within team-based software production contexts


• To facilitate students understanding of emerging developments in computing technologies and to develop their critical awareness of new emerging solutions and technologies


• To equip students with a range of knowledge and skills in relevant areas of business operations such business analysis, marketing, finance and organisation behaviours


• To gain an in-depth understanding of how information systems solutions can affect and contribute to the successful running of modern businesses


• The aptitude to think and plan strategically


• To build students competence in developing and deploying BIS in pragmatic ways


• To promote students awareness of the wider cultural, social, political, economic and ethical implications in the computing industries

Student support

All students are supported by induction sessions at the start of each year, by personal and project tutors, by academic advice sessions and by dedicated technical support staff.

Student support is provided on a formal basis by the personal tutor system and in practical sessions, as well as informal support in the use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VEL) / Blackboard. The University provides general help for learning skills through a centralised support tutor system, as well as academic English units mainly for International students.

All students undertake a Computer Assisted Diagnostic assessment. The results of such diagnostics enable a personalised programme to address individual learning requirements in basic mathematical or language skills. Academic advice is provided both at a Field level and also at a Corporate level.

Team working

Group work will be encouraged in assignments through out the course. Each team will consist of 2 - 4 students. To ensure individual participation in each group, peer assessment will be used to mark the final artefact.

Career Management Skills

This forms a consistent thread progressing through each year with opportunities of engaging with industrial and business projects through the ABC (Academic into Business Computing) Centre at the Department or through engagement with an employer during a sandwich year placement. Students will also be encouraged to engage with the Careers Development Unit (Job Shop) in order to assess the skills that they possess against positions within the current market. Any skills deficiencies can then be identified and students can begin to address these in order to progress to their chosen career.

Career/Further study opportunities

Graduates can progress to work or pursue further study in a variety of settings, including quantity surveying, architecture, engineering, or project management. Careers are also available as a building control surveyor, building services manager, or site engineer or supervisor.

Entry

Standard:

Standard entry requirements for UK students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs

Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides

International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply

Additional:

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The teaching and learning strategy is made up of the explanation of theoretical concepts accompanied by tutor supported practical activity to reinforce understanding. This is accomplished by a combination of lectures, tutorials, moderated e-conference discussion and support, and directed practical activity in dedicated, modern computer laboratories. This is often in a combined lecture, demonstration, practical and assessment all in one session with academic and demonstrator support. Additionally, there is self-directed research and computer-based practical activity which can be assisted by the use of teaching packs in various multimedia forms such as DVDs, videos and pod casts. The particular form of support is module specific however, all are characterised by tutor support and practical activity.

All the teaching resources are available in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that includes references and links, general module and programme information, discussion groups, tests and assessments. This VLE is available outside of the University to enrolled students.

Students entering the programme will already have some experience of using computers and their operation. Therefore the approach to teaching and learning begins with student centred methods and progresses towards independent learning. As our teaching is centred upon students, the department aims to build their confidence by providing timely and informative feedback under the guidance of their lecturer / tutor.

Where possible, lectures will have invited experts and industry leaders, focusing on the latest developments and trends in Business Information Systems.

The Honours Project involves regular tutorial meetings between groups / individuals and the academic supervisor. The project is seen as a guarantee of the Honours nature of students and is also seen, both within the University and outside, as an indication of the overall abilities and performance of the student.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

Physical impairment in the form of depreciated visual, audio, mobility and neurological cognitive faculties will, where identified and practicable, be ameliorated by the deployment of appropriate hardware, software and individual support. The department disability tutor is tasked with providing assistance for such students.

Skills Development

Communication:

Communication skills are assessed at the start of each course and individualised help is provided as required. In addition, many assessments address the need for the development of both written abilities, especially with regard to technical subjects, and spoken and visual communication in presentations.

Information Literacy:

You will be expected to create presentations and written reports for your assignments (using, for example, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Visio). Students will also gain experience with a wide range of system-specific tools and environments, which will enhance their experience throughout the course. Students will receive inductions from the University of Bedfordshire Learning Resources Team. To enhance their information literacy they will also have access to a wide range of Learning Resources courses (e.g. referencing) and their Professional Personal and Academic Development unit will develop their skills.

Research and Evaluation:

You will be taught the basics of problem solving and lateral thinking during your course. Students will be expected to work independently, and to produce assignments that show their ability to synthesise and evaluate disparate sources in order to come to a successful conclusion.

Creativity and Critical Thinking:

You will be taught how to problem solve, be given general scenarios from which you need to devise solutions and generally be able to develop critical arguments to support your hypotheses.

Improving learning and performance

First year students undertake a personal development unit that looks at the learning styles of each participant and seeks to enhance these. In addition, students will receive formative feedback on tasks that they undertake. Any assessed piece of work will always receive written comments and students should use these in order to improve their performance (if necessary) at the next available opportunity.

Progress files

Please see http://bridgescetl.beds.ac.uk/curriculum/curriculum_guides for details.

Professional standards

The Department adheres to the professional standards and codes of conduct and code of practice of the British Computer Society. Students are expected to adhere to these standards at all times particularly when undertaking their final year project.

Common sense professional standards are introduced in lecture rooms and labs, such as food and drinks and use of mobile phones policies. Students are also expected to follow other professional standards such as attendance requirements and punctuality. Plagiarism is explicitly addressed to students and ethics are taken into account during the course.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

To ensure that standards are adhered to, the course has been designed so that students will be educated about the professional standards of their field (e.g. Fundamentals of Computing in Year 1 and Social and Professional Project Management in Year 3). Ethical issues are addressed in the Honours Project.