Study location	United Kingdom, Leicester
Type	Bachelor courses, full-time
Nominal duration	4 years
Study language	English
Awards	BSc (Hons)
Course code	G521

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification	High school / secondary education (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements	English IELTS: 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) CAE: 168 (with a minimum of 162 in each component)

Other requirements	At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application.

More information	Expenses, accommodation, working etc. dmu.ac.uk/..g-for-business-bsc-degree.aspx

Overview

The course is designed to help you develop practical IT skills relevant to industry and learn how to create and extract information from systems in business, government and society.

Organisations accumulate huge volumes of data from a variety of sources on a daily basis. Business systems may vary from customer support, NHS records and critical financial planning for the City of London, to strategic marketing systems for international retail groups.

You will learn to expertly develop models and uncover previously unknown trends and patterns to support decision making. You will also become experienced in the use of industry-standard Business Analytics and Business Intelligence software SAS, helping you to positively contribute and lead companies in improving their business intelligence.

Programme structure

Year 1
Core modules:

Mathematics and Business Management – This module introduces the basic techniques for data collection, summary and presentation, and will help you develop an understanding of basic concepts associated with the analysis and interpretation of statistical data

Introduction to ICT – Initially this module explores the context of computing, starting with your own experience and then explores issues, conflicts and social changes brought about by ICT. The purpose of the module is to create a foundational understanding of the relevance of ICT which will inspire you to pursue more detailed studies

Devices and Networks – You will learn about computing fundamentals from data representation to computer components, covering theoretical and practical aspects including desktop virtualization, mobile computing, traditional PCs, thin clients, and cloud services

Visual Web Development (C#) – This module introduces the fundamentals of programming, and aims to provide you with a sufficiently detailed, generally applicable background in programming. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary

Information Systems Development – This module gives you an insight into the many tasks that must be carried out during the development of a modern information system. The intention of this module is to provide you with a practical, integrated overview of the Information Systems (IS) development process, from project selection and inception, through to the capture and analysis of user requirements and then finally the design and production of a simple prototype system that satisfies those requirements.

Year 2
Core modules:

Data Management – The advances in modern computing technology and software have enabled the best use of all available data. This module uses a Business Intelligence/Data Warehousing software package called SAS; this is a very comprehensive data management package that combines data entry and manipulation capabilities with report production, graphical display and statistical analysis facilities

Management Decision Making – This module looks at the difficult decisions that most organisations are faced with, typically with a view of improving efficiency, achieving greater levels of customer service, optimising profits or minimising costs, etc.

Database Design – During this module students are provided with an introduction to data modelling, using commercially realistic scenarios, which are then implemented using SQL with database management systems such as Oracle, MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server. The module builds on the practical work undertaken in year 1 and lays the foundation for advanced database studies in year 3.

Introduction to Research and Ethics – This module will develop your research skills related to identifying relevant literature from a variety of sources, critically analysing academic and non-academic texts, and justifying a set of research or development questions in a particular topic area. Key ethical issues are introduced in relation to information systems, such as privacy, autonomy, security, identity, and social impact

Systems Thinking – This module introduces the key concepts and tools for engaging in systems thinking in an organisation. Its critical purpose is to enable you to think in a holistic manner which treats an organisation as a whole and hence enables an understanding to develop of the complex human purposeful activity systems within which ICT systems develop and reside

ITIL IT Service Management – This module is an extensive introduction to the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), the industry framework for IT Service Management. Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to understand the ITIL service lifecycle and its key components, holding the knowledge necessary to pass the ITIL V3 Foundation Certificate examination – a qualification recognised throughout the world and in addition to this degree

Year 3
Placement year

Year 4
Core modules:

Computing Project – The final year project provides you with the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of work involving critical analysis and reflection to provide an effective solution to a given technical and/or research-based problem. It enables you to apply and integrate previous material covered on the student’s course as well as to extend the work covered on the course through research and self-learning

Computer Ethics – The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to explore the concepts of ethics in the context of IT, IS, Software Engineering and other related disciplines. It addresses the ethical and social responsibility issues surrounding advances in ICT, and considers in detail how the development of systems might encompass computer ethics

Advanced Management Decision Making – This module examines the types of problems that can be investigated using discrete-event simulation. A standard software package, e.g. Arena, is used to build and run simulation models

Optional modules:

Data Mining – Data mining is fast becoming essential to the modern competitive business world. This module aims to review the methods available for uncovering important information from large data sets in order to discuss the techniques and when and how to use them effectively. The module uses the data mining tool SAS Enterprise Miner

Database Management – This module will provide you with further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing the skills of producing a user defined data type from a business perspective to meet stated requirements using realistic scenarios

Privacy and Data Protection – Whilst the potential to breach privacy continues to increase, organisations are subjected to a considerable amount of legislation governing privacy and data protection. This module examines the balance between maintaining business effectiveness, legal compliance and professional practice in the field of IT/IS

Research Methods – This module will provide you with a grounding in the essentials of research methods and methodologies, for example the different characteristics and aims of quantitative versus qualitative research. It will develop your ability to consider the stages of research, in line with a Final Year Project; pilot different methodologies such as questionnaires and interviews, and give you the skills to apply these to your original research

Career opportunities

There is currently an increasing demand in industry for skilled specialists who can manage and interpret data from business information technology systems. The combination of computing skills and business knowledge taught on the course enables you to enter a diverse range of careers in areas such as business analysis, analytics consultant, statistical programmer, statistical analyst, SAS programmer, data management analyst and research analyst.

Graduates are also well positioned to continue their academic careers by embarking on postgraduate study, in either research or taught areas, which offers the opportunity for further specialisation and enhances their existing skills.