Business Analytics
BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

The BSc (Hons) Business Analytics meets the needs of those wishing to pursue a career in business where Information Technology is a key enabler.

The programme seeks to provide the key business knowledge and skills essential for a graduate, seeking a managerial or consultancy career in the technology sector, professional services sector, manufacturing and public sector.

The development of relevant employability skills for the changing world of work is at the core of the BSc Hons Business Analytics degree and a variety of opportunities exist within the programme and its modules, to develop such skills. These skills include, for example, Data Analytics, Creative Thinking, Web-based Development, Knowledge Management, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Business start-up, Problem Solving and Interpersonal skills.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Find out more about placement awards

Attendance

Three years without placement/Four years including placement year.

This is a full-time course where you will normally complete three modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three to five hours per week per module. You will be expected to undertake independent study to supplement that contact time of around approximately nine to twelve class contact hours per week on the Magee campus.

Start dates

• September 2021

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, practical workshops, case studies, problem-solving techniques, team projects, individual research oral presentations, non-book media, visiting lectures with industry practitioners and computer projects. These methods allow you to have a high degree of involvement and participation in learning, equipping you with concepts, skills and experiences necessary for career and personal development.

Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including individual essays/reports, class tests, case studies, group projects, oral presentations and end of term examinations.

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  Content

  The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

  Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

  • the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
  • the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
  • the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

  Attendance and Independent Study

  As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

  Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

  The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

  Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

  Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

  Assessment

  Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

  Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

  Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

  Calculation of the Final Award

  The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

  Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

  All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

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  The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

  Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

  Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Accounting Information Systems

Year: 1

Status: C

Technology has a major impact on how organisations collect, process and control accounting and financial data. This module offers students an opportunity to evaluate different accounting information systems for the purpose of ensuring they meet an organisations needs. Students will be able to assess how emerging technologies influence the design of these accounting information systems for organisations.

Principles of Management

Year: 1

Status: C

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of management and cognate topics, including the business environment, business ethics, motivation, problem solving and decision making, planning, human resource management, organisational structure, change and innovation, and operations and quality.

Students will acquire an understanding of the issues and challenges facing managers in both domestic and global environments.

Academic and Business Analytics Skills

Year: 1

Status: C

The module establishes a solid foundation for students as they make the transition to become effective learners at third level and beyond. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important for academia and business. The module provides and introduction to the business analytical skills which are necessary to address challenges and opportunities in the current global business environment.

Software Development I

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides students of computing with an initial competence in the development of software through the medium of a modern programming language with facilities for both structured and object-oriented programming

Database Systems

Year: 1

Status: C

The module covers the fundamental principles and theory of database design and provides practical experience in designing and developing database systems using a range of techniques, tools and technologies. It emphasises the important role of databases within an organisation and addresses the use of scalable and secure relational database management systems to facilitate the development of software systems involving large volumes of data and over the web.

Principles of Marketing

Year: 1

Status: C

The module specifically provides students with understanding of the key principles and concepts of marketing to allow further learning of the strategic importance of the area in the future.

Year two

Finance for Decision Making

Year: 2

Status: C

Financial decisions and their implications are an important consideration for global business'. This module will examine a range of theoretical and practical issues surrounding financial decision making. The module will provide students with an understanding of the key issues and techniques used in financial decision making with particular emphasis placed on ethical corporate governance and business ethics within the context of financial decision making.

Management Information Systems

Year: 2

Status: C

Information systems are becoming ever more central to society, especially in business and industry. As society and technology develop in parallel, the most important skills for the future lie in the development of individuals with the ability to both understand and manage these complex and interrelated systems. Consequently, aspects of business that were once seen in isolation (eg people, organisation, process, information and technology) are now expected to operate as part of a seamless whole - both within and across enterprises. This places stringent new demands on the knowledge, skills and technologies required to develop and control (manage) such systems.

Project Management

Year: 2

Status: C

This module is designed to develop an understanding of project management issues, roles and activities within organisations by exploring the balance between theory, practical skills and knowledge.

Professional Skills Development

Year: 2

Status: C

This module is designed to provide students with the necessary tool kit to lead their own professional credibility, during and after their under graduate study. It will provide an interactive and experiential learning environment for students whereby they can learn about the kind of business leader they want to become and how to achieve this

Web Application Development

Year: 2

Status: C

This module concerns the basic principles underlying the creation and maintenance of dynamic, database driven web applications. The module focuses on how to build and maintain real-world, dynamic websites using open source languages including PHP and MySQL.

Internet Technologies

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides students with the combination of creative and technical skills necessary to implement design concepts using internet technologies. Lectures and tutorials are used to introduce ideas and techniques, and practical skills are developed through group based and individual mini-projects.

Year three

Diploma in Professional Practice

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Study Abroad

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

The Diploma in International Academic Studies complements and extends the student's programme of study and provides the opportunity for each student to pursue specific learning objectives by studying in a different cultural and educational environment. It is a key facilitator in support global and cultural awareness and creating graduates who are ready to embrace international career opportunities more effectively.

Year four

Financial Analytics

Year: 4

Status: C

There is an increasing use of analytics in the current global business environment. Financial analytics an important in part of this trend, as it gives insights into an organisations financial data and plays an important role in increasing the value of an organisation. Today's business leaders need timely information that helps them to take important decisions and forecast possible future financial scenarios. This module will give students a strong foundation in financial analytics which is becoming increasingly important as business and technology evolve.

Leadership and Strategy

Year: 4

Status: C

This module equips students with an understanding of leadership dynamics and strategic vision in organisations and the challenges associated with leading organisations through strategic change. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate leadership and strategy in organisations.

Business Intelligence

Year: 4

Status: C

This module provides the student with a sound understanding of Knowledge Management and the Learning Organisation. Particular attention is awarded to technological development within these fields. The opportunity to construct a simple knowledge-oriented computerised system is provided.

Advanced Interactive Web Development

Year: 4

Status: C

The module provides a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the practical issues arising during the design and implementation of highly interactive web developments. Students are introduced to a wide variety of programming tools used in highly interactive systems and discover how these can be applied in the development of professional, user-centred and highly interactive web based solutions to real life problems.

Digital Strategy and Communications

Year: 4

Status: C

The module aims to explore a range of contemporary issues facing organisations operating in a digital world. Teaching provided will allow students to fully appreciate the impact and influence of the dynamic digital landscape.

Marketing Metrics

Year: 4

Status: C

This module is designed to provide students with an appreciation of analytical tools and metrics available to evaluate the performance of specific marketing activities.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades CCC

Applied General Qualifications

Overall BTEC award profile DMM (QCF)

Overall BTEC (RQF) National Extended Diploma with profile MMM

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level, including English and Maths at O4/H6 or above.

Scottish Highers

Grades CCCCC

A minimum of grade C in Math and English is required at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades DDD

A minimum of grade C in Math and English is required at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile minimum 24 points (12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 55%

GCSE

You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent).

Essential Skills Level 2 Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Exemptions and transferability

Most students enter into Year One. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer System, (CATS), may be considered for exemption from particular modules or to entry to later years.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Citibank
• British Telecom
• Kainos
• META Compliance
• Experior Group

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Analyst
• IT Manager
• HCM Consultant
• Software Developer
• Intern Marketing Executive
• Programmer
• General Manager

Career options

BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems offers you great employment opportunities, particularly in the technology sector, professional services sector, manufacturing and public sector. The course provides you with the business and technology skills particularly suited to a management or consulting career in the business and/or technology arena. The course offers you attractive opportunities for professional development for example, The British Computer Society, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Accountants Ireland or the Chartered Institute of Marketing. You may also proceed to postgraduate study or research in business and technology related areas. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop their personal skills and abilities in order to maximise their career potential.

Work placement / study abroad

In Year three you will have the option of a paid placement year in a range of local and international locations. This will provide a link between the subjects you have studied and their application in a 'real world' setting. Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice. You have also the option to study abroad for a year; satisfactory completion of a study abroad year will lead to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies.

Apply

Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS.

Start dates

• September 2021

Fees and funding

Scholarships, awards and prizes

• Londonderry Junior Chamber of Commerce Prize for Best Placement Student
• Microsoft Prize for Best Final Year Student

Additional mandatory costs

Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.

We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.

There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.

Please contact the course team for more information.

Contact

If you would like to contact us

E: study@ulster.ac.uk

International Admissions Office

E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

Ulster University Business School

Department of Global Business and Enterprise

Disclaimer

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2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.