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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
There is a growing demand for those who can interpret the information needs of organisations and translate them into business applications based on a solid grounding in core information systems,including current industrial standards. This course provides you with an understanding of information in organisations, the ability to exploit and integrate existing software.
You will also learn to design and develop information systems, and the technical ability to interact with business analysts, computer programmers, software engineers and computer scientists. You will apply web database management systems, decision support systems, data mining, the integration of industrial-standard technologies and distributed data, advanced information technology (IT) strategies, including grid and cloud computing.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates have found work as systems architects, systems analysts, business analysts, systems developers, database administrators and project managers.
Key features:
Areas of study include:
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:
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:
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:
The course will give students skills in the broad area of computing with the emphasis on information systems development. It will also give an understanding of related industries such as project management, working in teams to deadlines with all the inherent transferable skills, and commercial awareness with regard to this industry. It will also enable students to apply theories to their own development of information systems, and evaluate associated technologies in society and organisations. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Research, analyse and evaluate technologies (including networking) and organisational problems in a range of contexts and to choose and implement appropriate solutions.
2. Demonstrate skills that allow them to conceptualise and apply formal and informal creative thinking techniques towards the development and implementation of relevant information systems into the real world.
3. Demonstrate skills in project management in relation to the delivery of projects within the constraints of client critical success factors.
4. Express, interpret and critically evaluate issues concerning the law and professional ethics in the context of information systems.
5. Demonstrate investigative skills in the area of information systems 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 information systems within complex organisational environments.
7. Understand and extend existing information systems concepts, theories and practices following professional conventions and standards.
8. Critically describe and evaluate future trends in information systems development.
9. Work effectively within a systems development team and be able to explain the conditions necessary for successful team working.
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:
The objectives of the course are that:
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.
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.
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.
Graduates have found work as systems architects, systems analysts, business analysts, systems developers, database administrators and project managers.
Graduates of this degree will be able to go into any of the following positions:
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)
We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your 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
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.
Return your completed application to:
University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk
The course team recognises that a course at BSc Honours level develops cognitive skills in problem solving, analysis, and critical evaluation skills. The teaching and learning strategy relates directly to the students entry knowledge and develops technical, design, management and cognitive skills throughout the course with the use of assessments, case studies, presentations, group work, group evaluation, dissertation and viva.
Students entering upon the course will have already some experience as consumers of information technology, if not actual experience with specific software. Therefore the approach to teaching and learning begins with student centred methods and progresses towards independent learning.
Our teaching is centred upon the students, aiming to build their confidence by making them aware of what they know and helping them to harness this knowledge, develop it and apply it through the various techniques of development both traditional and innovative. This will involve a strong emphasis on the practical element of the course as well as student centred development through independent learning. They learn through their practical development of applications and the analysis of their own experience under the guidance of their lecturer.
Thus, for example, modules at year one introduce students to concepts of system building methods, programming languages and problem solving related to the industry. This induces them to develop a critical understanding of the tools and techniques for development of databases and a conceptual overview of how this fits into communication systems. Through the experience of practical application, students are made aware of the range of skills that are called upon for development. At this level the students are immediately exposed to the teamwork approach including the project planning needed for complex information systems delivery. They therefore undertake both individual and group work to build their confidence with practical application as well as formal analysis and design.
When they proceed to year two students are ready to apply this understanding to various commercial software and methodologies using contexts within which information systems operate. Students gain an understanding of the business of development from an organisational perspective and begin to develop their independent research skills through guided assignments which enable them to gather information, evaluate it and apply it to present or pitch ideas appropriately. Building on their previous knowledge, students develop their deeper understanding of the more complex needs and requirements of industrial software. Students have a mixture of group and individual tasks, enabling them to test out different roles within teams, while still developing their own skills, self evaluation and critical awareness of the information systems.
At year three students are challenged to stretch and test their skills, to experiment and innovate, learning by discovery, guided exploration and self evaluation. There is a heavy emphasis on IT project management and the application of complex databases within a commercial scenario utilising modern technologies together with investigations into new developments in the industry.
Students will undertake an individual Project in the field and thus spend the whole of their last year but they take other units too producing a major piece of work to the highest possible standards.
Teaching is delivered by a range of methods, formal lectures, practical sessions, seminars, workshops, tutorials and distance learning via a virtual learning environment. Project supervision involves regular tutorial meetings between individuals and their staff supervisor.
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.
