BSc (Hons) Information Technology for Business (with Foundation Year)

This module introduces you to databases. Studying this module enables you to apply an understanding of the fundamentals of relational database design and development, create queries, input/out forms, output reports and simple database automation, design and build database applications. You will learn how to utilise communication and problem-solving skills and apply information technology skills in applications using databases.

We're here to give you a meaningful introduction to key aspects of computer science that will set you up for your future studies.

Throughout this module, you'll get hands-on experience with important topics like software engineering management, networking, cyber security, and a taste of Artificial Intelligence.

By weaving together the fundamental principles of these subjects, we aim to help you grasp the core concepts in these three areas and empower you to apply your skills in more advanced studies.

Our goal is to equip you with the skills you need to create computer software. We'll take a thorough approach, helping you learn essential programming skills and gain an understanding of what's needed in the world of computer programming.

Throughout this module, we'll show you how software development works in real-world applications, from industries to scientific research and business. Dive in and explore the world of computer software development.

Build your ability to produce high-quality information for management decision making, using quantitative methods and a range of IT applications. This module introduces foundations of business information management to understand the potential of digital technologies. You'll gain essential numerical-, modelling- and IT-skills, and will learn to manipulate data in order to create meaningful and user-friendly management information. These skills are taught in a business- and problem-oriented way, using simplified business problems, combining several skills for each problem.

In this module, you’ll be actively engaged with the study of Business and Management, through exploring essential characteristics of organisations in a global context, while assessing the role of management within this. You’ll explore the functions of business and the impact of the external environment on business choices. You’ll also use a variety of media including simulation and published accounts of decisions being enacted by businesses and managers today.

This will equip you with the core concepts required to analyse and research business and management issues. You’ll also develop your academic and employability skills, such as critical thinking, evidenced based decision-making and collaboration.

This module develops your entrepreneurial mindset and skills essential for success in the modern business world. You'll explore a full range of tools and techniques for innovation, creativity, and enterprise and learn to evaluate different components for success in diverse business landscapes. A multi-faceted approach to learning, combining classroom-based lectures with practical workshops, gives you the opportunity to apply behaviours, skills, and attributes associated with entrepreneurial success in a productive learning environment. This module also focuses on academic literacies, including critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation of contested knowledge.

On successful completion of this module, you will have a strong foundation in the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in various business contexts.

In this module we will explore various aspects and processes of the software engineering methodology and technology. You’ll develop a set of practical tools and techniques as well as the theoretical bases for the development of modern computer applications.

Delve into the realm of Business Intelligence Programming and uncover the foundations of Business Analytics. Explore a wide range of methods, tools, and techniques that enable the development of applications for complex decision making. This module utilises a dynamic online learning approach to deliver engaging and comprehensive content. Throughout this module, you will gain a deep understanding of data, information, and knowledge within the organisational context. Develop the skills to create strategic decision-making plans by harnessing an organisation's valuable information assets. Design, implement, test, debug, and review applications that facilitate decision making based on diverse and fragmented information.

By the end of this module, you will possess the expertise to apply Business Intelligence Programming techniques and tools, enabling you to make informed decisions based on complex data sets.

Our goal here is to make sure you gain the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data requirements for different software applications and suggest efficient solutions. We'll focus on the relational model for databases, but we won't stop there. We'll also dive into current topics in database design, implementation, and how to make the most of them. This will help you build practical knowledge and skills that you can apply to the field of database creation, management and efficiency.

Our mission is to help you foster an entrepreneurial mindset. We'll do this by delving into the world of enterprise and entrepreneurship, specifically in the realm of new venture creation on a global scale.

Throughout this journey, you'll put theory into practice. You'll use the principles and practices of enterprise to create, communicate, and assess fresh business ideas and innovative products, all within the IT landscape, guided by business model theory.

You'll get hands-on experience as you collaborate in a team to design and execute an IT-based innovative product business idea. You'll have to work within set time limits and a budget, which will give you an experience of real-world challenges.

However good the underlying system is, if the users can't effectively interact with it, it isn't an effective system. This module teaches you about how to design effective user interfaces for computer systems.

In this module, we're going to help you learn to craft web applications from start to finish.

You'll begin by exploring the art of web interface design. You'll discover how to create user-friendly, visually appealing web interfaces that engage your audience. We'll also delve into the details of programming on both the client and server sides, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the entire process.

By the end of this module, you'll be a pro at creating web applications that not only look great but also function seamlessly.

You'll dive into the realms of information, computer, and network security. Where you’ll unlock the secrets of how computer systems can be safeguarded from digital threats.

We're going to dig into the ethical and professional dimensions too. Because in the world of cybersecurity, it's not just about coding and firewalls; it's also about making the right decisions and understanding the broader implications.

By the end of this module, you'll not only know how to secure a modern networked computer system, but you'll also be equipped to assess its security level.

Focus on the skills of modelling and abstraction, and the use of generic business models to understand and analyse an organisation, taking information and process perspectives.

You'll look at information flows that provide an integrative element across organisational functions, as well as the role of data and information in supporting business processes and information flows decision making. You'll be helped to keep a perspective on your role in your field in the wider picture through a cross-functional picture of business and management.

We encourage you to take the optional, supervised work placement in the computing industry for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. You will need to apply for your placement position yourself; however you will be taught about how to apply for jobs effectively in a second year module, and we have a placements office with dedicated staff to provide information and advice to help you secure a placement. We maintain links with industry and most students who go on placement obtain their position through the Department.

More and more students are finding that a placement benefits their final-year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Microsoft and PepsiCo.

On returning to University for your final year, the experience you have gained will improve your academic performance. In addition, we have an excellent record of students gaining full-time employment on graduation, often with their industrial placement company or organisation.

Welcome to your individually supervised project! This project is all about diving into an area you're passionate about. You get to pick a topic that aligns with your program of study and tackle a practical issue.

Think of this project as the grand finale of your course. It's your chance to showcase not only what you've learned but also the breadth and depth of your knowledge in your chosen area of expertise.

In this module you'll focus on real-life and industry based data sets. You'll learn to apply different data science tools, demonstrate understanding of the different methodologies and identify and integrate data, allowing you to make informed judgements about their use in data science research.

This module is designed to address our changing world that is facing social and environmental challenges. You’ll develop the capacity to make ethically defensible decisions as members of business organisations and of society in general. You’ll analyse and evaluate the ethical propositions of others. And you’ll evaluate the ethics of different systemic models of production, distribution and exchange.Upon completing this module you will be able to evaluate and apply ethical reasoning to local and global business dilemmas and economic systems, and you’ll be able to evaluate the significance of a range of western and non-western ethical perspectives.

This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills to appreciate, understand, and cope with a fast paced, changing, challenging, and uncertain business environment. The module takes as its context current disruptive innovations which are challenging the norms of business models and therefore academic thinking.

In this module you'll explore software project management, you'll look at the engineering requirements and various aspects of:

• Software Design
• Software Construction
• Software Verification and Validation
• Software Evolution
• Software Reliability.

Building all the skills and techniques you need to lead software project management tasks.

Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge realms of Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). You’ll gain a critical understanding of recent trends and developments, empowering you to design, construct, and evaluate innovative Cloud Computing solutions. Additionally, you’ll delve into the Internet of Things, unlocking insights into its latest advancements and programming frameworks. Furthermore, you will explore the management of distributed data, privacy, and security considerations.

On successful completion of this module, you will possess the expertise to critically analyse, design, and evaluate Cloud Computing and IoT solutions. You’ll also develop team working skills by collaborating effectively within groups, applying your knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.

The module covers a multi-disciplinary approach to contemporary issues in entrepreneurship allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set. Throughout the module, you will learn from experts in the field and gain practical insights into entrepreneurship. You will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning, including research and working within a community of like-minded individuals, enhancing your personal and professional growth. Moreover, emphasis is placed on interaction within a research community, providing you with valuable teamwork and communication skills.

Overall, this module offers you a unique learning experience that combines academic rigour with practical insights, giving you a competitive edge in the job market while developing essential research and self-development skills.

You’ll be given the opportunity to choose a topic for independent study, relevant to your programme. You’ll build on the knowledge you achieved in Stage 2 and if you are a full-time student, this module will typically be undertaken during your final year of study. You’ll agree your chosen topic of study with your tutor lead in the semester prior to the one in which study is to be undertaken. After the learning contract has been approved by the Subject Examination Committee, the study module you have chosen will then be registered on your programme of study.