Course Summary

This dynamic course responds to the growing market demand for people who can interpret the information needs of organisations without getting too involved in the technical aspects. As an Information Systems student, you'll gain an understanding of information in organisations, the ability to exploit existing software to design and develop information systems, and the technical ability to interact with business analysts, computer programmers, software engineers and computer scientists.

You'll make extensive use of web database management systems, decision support systems, data mining, integration of next-generation technologies, integration of distributed data, advanced information technology (IT) strategies including grid and cloud computing, Web 2.0 etc.

Why choose this course?

The skills and knowledge you will acquire on this course will make you highly employable in a range of organisations. Graduates in Information Systems have found work as systems architects, systems analysts, business analysts, systems developers, database administrators and project managers.

During the course you will:

• Develop information systems for real clients through the Academic into Business Computing (ABC) Centre
• Use the latest software in state-of-the-art laboratories
• Develop skills in practical and professional project management
• Experience a course that is virtually programming-free
• Explore advanced IT concepts, typically taught by internationally recognised experts in the field
• Have the opportunity to work with, or in, industry as part of the course

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Advanced IT strategies and paradigms
• Systems development
• Modern database systems and web practices
• Decision support systems and data mining
• Aspects of security and networking
• Social and professional IT project management

BSISD-S

Assessment

In the Information Systems (I.S.) development field, the purpose of assessment is to evaluate overall the product rather than process, nevertheless I.S. professional practice demands constant vigilance and the ability to effectively develop work from the ideas stage though a constant process of analysis and design to the final developed system in a time managed way. Therefore the assessments included at level one show a range of methods both formative and summative:

• Business report writing and oral presentations


• Introduction of teamworking and peer assessment of the group


• Practical progressive software projects


• Computer Based Assessment (formative and summative)


• Completion and presentation of log books in the relevant discipline

At level two the assessments continue to focus on both individual and team work, students' development of their own research skills (clearly guided), their ability to evaluate qualitative and quantitative information from the Computing and I.S. industry and from academic sources. They should also demonstrate their ability to consider and apply relevant I.S. development theory. The assignments show an emphasis on the student gaining both practical aptitude as well as theoretical knowledge. These learning outcomes are assessed through a range of techniques including:

• Report writing in a business context, log books, group work


• Use of research techniques, presentations


• Detailed understanding of appropriate software


• Computer Based Assessment (formative and summative)

At level three the assignments reflect the greater degree of independent learning. Student will continue the pattern of a wide ranging assessment strategy using the full scope of methods. Heavier emphasis will be placed upon written examination in the summative period Other assessment types at this level include:

• Written examinations


• Computer Based Assessment


• Presentations - both as Posters and Orally given


• Group practical systems development work


• Comprehensive log book evaluation

Educational Aims

As computer-based technologies become more sophisticated and complex, there is an increasing demand for individuals who can interpret the information needs of organisations without becoming involved in the highly technical aspects of the technology. This course will provide students with an understanding of information in organisations, the capacity to exploit existing technologies to design and develop information systems, and the technical ability to interact with computer programmers, software engineers, and computer scientists. The study of Information Systems Development is a multi-disciplinary subject and addresses the range of strategic, managerial and operational activities involved in the gathering, processing, storing, distributing and use of information, and its associated technologies, in society and organisations. Students completing the degree will have the knowledge and skills to make a useful contribution in Information Systems Development, and understanding of the organisational principles behind ICT.

On completion students will be capable of making a positive contribution to information systems development. The course aims:

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


• To promote a responsible attitude towards the use of information systems


• To facilitate students' understanding of developments in information systems technologies and utilise the ever increasing software arena


• To promote students awareness of the cultural, social and ethical implications in information systems development


• To aid students to demonstrate how their I.S. practical applications are abreast of recent theory

The objectives of the course are that:

• Students will be able to demonstrate technical competence and project management in the development of information systems


• Students will exhibit a critical understanding of the development and significance of gathering, processing storing, distributing and the use of information


• Students will have made significant progress in their appreciation of the complex nature of practical database development from conception through to delivery by whatever means


• Students will be able to express and offer a reasoned defence of their own ideas


• Students will be able to contribute to team work at a number of levels, setting group aims, allocating roles and responsibilities, working to a common purpose, negotiating and effective problem solving as well as peer assessment


• Students will be able to identify and use the most appropriate software technology for their purposes


• Students will be able to demonstrate how information systems work is affected by its cultural, social and ethical contexts


• Students will be able to draw on their own computing experiences to illustrate, support, or refute I.S. theories

Overall, the aim of the course is to develop competent professionals with the requisite skills to conceptualise and implement information systems to support the effective IT related operations in any organisational setting. Emphasis is placed on the development of relevant applications implemented through design, client and business requirements. The Information Systems course has been developed around three main themes: analysis and design of client requirements, technical knowledge to support the development of relevant applications and the ability to project manage the entire life cycle of an information systems related project. To achieve these, the following key objectives have been established to develop the:

Coherent methodological approaches towards the development of information systems applications.

Skills and knowledge required for the design of information systems within various organisational settings.

Ability to understand the clients perspective for an information system in terms of needs and expectations.

Ability to justify the use of a set of from a variety of information technologies.

Ability to critically analyse and evaluate all stages of the development process, make appropriate interventions, utilise resources and deliver successful outcomes.

Student support

During the induction and PPAD there will be a series of diagnostic tests designed to identify the need for any specialist support (e.g., dyslexia). If identified, students will be referred to the University of Bedfordshire Disability Support Unit.

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 Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. The University provides for general help for learning skills through centralized support tutor system as well as academic English units mainly for International students.

All students undertake Computer Assisted Diagnostic assessment. The results of such diagnostics enable a personalized program to address individual learning requirements in basic Mathematical or Language skills. Academic advice is provided both at field level and also at Corporate level.

Team working

Group assessments are part of many units and the skills needed to work with others are specifically addressed as part of preparing for professional life. As such, students will come across group working as a core concept within this degree. They will be expected to contribute to team discussions, complete tasks as part of a team and, in general, be able to show that they are able to work with others.

Career Management Skills

This forms a consistent thread progressing through each year with opportunities of engaging with industrial and business projects 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

Career:

Graduates of this degree will be able to go into any of the following positions:

• Data Intelligence and Decision-Making Analysts


• Data and Information Systems Architects


• Systems Analysts and Developers


• Business Application Developers


• Web based Systems Developers


• Data and Information Modellers and Managers


• Information Systems Managers


• Project Managers

and many other information systems related positions

Further study:

MSc in a Information Systems, Information Management, Internet Applications, Security, Networking, or any other related topic; MSc by Research; MPhil / PhD

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

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.

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

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

Professional, Statuatory 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:

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 to develop 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:

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

Creativity and Critical Thinking:

Be taught how to problem solve, be given general scenarios from which they need to devise solutions and generally be able to develop critical arguments to support their 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 CIS Department adheres to the professional standards and codes of conduct and code of practice of the British Computer Society. As undergraduates on this course students will be expected to adhere to these standards at all time particularly when undertaking their final year project.

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 (this is covered within the Fundamentals of Computing unit at year 1, as well as the Social, Professional Project Management unit at year 3). It is also expected that students undertaking their final year project will sign an ethical form to show that the work they undertake during their project will be conducted in an ethically accepted manner.