Business Technology

BSc (Hons)

2023/24 Part-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty:

Ulster University Business School

School:

Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics

Campus:

Belfast campus

Start date:

September 2023

This course is now closed for International applications for September 2023

With this degree you could become:

  • Consulting
  • Management
  • Analyst

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Professional Services Firms

Overview

In today's tech driven world, business and technology cannot be separated - understanding both will develop you as a future business leader.

Summary

The professional services sector is experiencing significant growth and a key skill set demanded from graduates is a combined knowledge of business operations, processes and the application of technology in business decision-making.

Industry 4.0 technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are changing the business world. This innovation requires future business leaders who are creative and agile with the skills to use this technology effectively.

The BSc Hons Business Technology gives you the ability to analyse business data, identify and implement solutions to business problems and manage consultancy projects.

This innovative programme is available part-time and includes a diverse range of modules from across the Ulster University Business School and the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

This programme forms part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme (HLA) and recruitment is conducted by employers. As a Higher Level Apprentice you will have the benefit of 'earning as you learn' and will be able to apply the skills learned in the classroom to workplace projects and vice versa leading to a rich learning experience.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

Attendance

The programme is delivered over an academic year part-time, through; lectures, seminars, workshops, lab time and independent study. Classes are scheduled on Fridays.

Start dates

  • September 2023

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The main learning and teaching methods used on this programme are; lectures (including guest speakers), seminars, independent learning and research as well as practical lab-based workshops for technology related modules.

Each module adopts a unique assessment strategy and this may include: computer based exercises, class tests, essays, oral presentations (individual and group), case studies, debates, infographics, e-portfolios, podcasts, Vlogs and written examinations. The final piece of assessment for the programme is an applied technology management project.

Academic profile

Over 80% of teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy).

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 (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

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) by Advanced HE - 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.

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 2021-2022.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing  


Belfast Campus Location

The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.

Find out more about our Belfast Campus.

Campus Address

Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP

T: 02870 123 456

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

Effective Communication

Year: 1

Prepare for both academic and professional life through skills development and reflection through personal development planning. This module will develop skills in teamworking, resilience, academic writing, library and research skills as well as digital communication including email and social media.

Business Analysis Foundations

Year: 1

This module is to address the range of concepts, approaches and techniques that are applicable to Business Analysis. It is to provide an overview of the role of the Business Analyst who acts as the link between business needs, stakeholders and I.T. within change initiatives.

Introduction to Accounting for Business

Year: 1

This module is optional

Introduction to Business Accounting provides an introduction to financial and management accounting. The background to the requirement to produce, and the purpose of preparing accounting statements is examined. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting as it impacts on business and economic activity. In particular it considers the preparation of basic financial statements for sole-traders and introduces the student to terminology used in cost determination and pricing.

Principles of Management

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module introduces students to the study of management, and the role of the manager within the business organisation. The characteristics of organisations (the context for management work) are examined, and following on from this the module provides an introduction to the core functions of management. Topics studied include the functions of planning, organising, managing people and organisational control and culture.

Problem Solving for Computing

Year: 1

This module is optional

Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the foundational concepts of programming via Python that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.

Programming II (Javascript)

Year: 1

This module is optional

Computer programming is a fundamental skill expected of computing graduates. This module will introduce students to the object oriented concepts of programming that will be used as building blocks in future modules. Students will also develop and enhance their problem solving skills as an integral part of the module.

Year two

Business Process Management

Year: 2

By taking this module students will be able to understand business processes and apply tools and analytical frameworks for analysing and redesigning business processes. The learning on the module will be facilitated through using a software package which will help demonstrate how standard ERP business processes work and provide the opportunity of practical experience software. Students will have the ability to setup, customize and perform end to end business scenarios using software which will enable them to map to business needs.

Digital Business Management

Year: 2

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of business in a digital world, and the impact and application of technologies in different organisations. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of digital business; understand and apply concepts and models underlying digital business; analyse how organisations apply business technologies to improve their operations and to create competitive advantage; critically evaluate the impact of digital technologies on individuals, companies, and wider society.

Globalisation and the International Business Environment

Year: 2

This module will provide students with an overview of the major issues which affect global business activities.

Introduction to Database Systems

Year: 2

Database management is a fundamental skill expected of Computing and Business graduates. This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of database design, implementation, querying and management of relational database systems.

Business Analysis in Practice

Year: 2

This module is to provide students the opportunity to put their foundation-level knowledge into practice. This is to help develop skills and knowledge to support successful business change programmes within an organisation.

Year three

Enterprise Systems

Year: 3

On successful completion of this module students should have achieved competence in the use of relevant integrated business processes with SAP and their application to specific areas of the enterprise.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Year: 3

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of digital transformation and innovation in a range of organisational contexts. On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: assess how digital technologies disrupt industries by transforming business processes, products and business models; understand how digital technologies and frameworks can be applied in digital transformation and innovation; understand the organisational and people capabilities required to support digital innovation; and critically evaluate current practice and theory on digital transformation and innovation.

Reflective Practice in Management Consulting

Year: 3

Organisations within the private and public sectors face ever-increasing pressures to achieve enhanced levels of performance and this module will aid students to understand current thinking, concepts and theories concerning how the role of a consultant can add value and where changes can be made to their personal practice. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on their experience so far as a consultant and plan their professional development going forward.

Behavioural Sciences

Year: 3

This module is designed to enable students to acquire diagnostic knowledge and understanding of human behaviour in organisations. Additionally, students are required to become proficient in the practice of key management competencies.

Managing and Developing People

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module explores the changing nature of HRM and people management and development in organisation. The impact of changes within the economy, in demographics, in legislation and advances in technology will be considered. Taking a broadly employee life-cycle approach the module covers the core functional areas of HRM to include recruitment and selection; equality, diversity and inclusion; learning and development in organisations; performance management; pay and reward; the employment relationship and employee engagement; and employee health and well-being: the topics are presented via a HRM lens but the importance of their understanding for aspiring line managers is emphasised.

Human Computer Interaction

Year: 3

This module is optional

Human-Computer Interaction is an important topic given that there is a number of novel and emerging user interfaces being developed. More than ever, there are also user demands and expectations for intuitive and usable user interfaces. This module will provide a foundation for user experience researchers and analysts.

Year four

Governance, Risk and Ethics

Year: 4

The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to the governance challenges organisations face today. The module aims to investigate the key components for securing the highest standards of effective corporate governance.

Technology Management Project

Year: 4

This Technology Management Project module serves as an integrating mechanism for all other modules on BSc Hons Business Technology, as well as developing powers of analysis and evaluation and project management skills. Through this module, students will also develop knowledge and skills in research methods, and consultancy tools and techniques in preparation for completion of their applied technology management project which will add real value to their host organisation.

Strategic Business Planning

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module introduces the concept of strategic business planning. With the dynamic business environment and the requirement for enterprise development to be linked to strategic management architecture, there is a need to enhance the level of understanding and competency in business planning.

Data Analytics

Year: 4

This module is optional

In the era of cloud computing and big data, this module will provide students with the theory and practical foundations for undertaking real world data analytics.

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

A level grades BCC or equivalent.

Applicants must also have GCSE grade C*/5 in Mathematics and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent.

This programme forms part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme and recruitment to the programme is conducted by employers, please see the Ulster University Apprenticeship Hub for more information:

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apprenticeship-hub

Applied General Qualifications

Overall BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma with profile DDM.

OR

BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with profile DMM.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:

A levels with BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma or BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate

A level with BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details.

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher level and one subject at Ordinary level. The overall profile must also include English at minimum H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary level plus Maths at minimum H5 at Higher level or Grade O3 at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 24 points (12 at higher level).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall Access profile of 60%. To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.

GCSE

GCSE Profile to include Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/5.

GCSE Profile to include English Language with a minimum grade C/4

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.

Additional Entry Requirements

This programme forms part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme and recruitment is conducted by employers such as Deloitte (BrightStart programme).

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Professional Services Firms

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Consulting
  • Management
  • Analyst

Career options

There is a significant demand for graduates with knowledge of both business processes and the application of technology. As a graduate of the BSc Hons Business Technology you will have the skills to move into a range of business areas such as consultancy and transformation management roles as well as engaging in business research and analytics. The integration of commercially relevant assessment and applied research projects will equip you with a range of problem solving and leadership skills.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2023

Fees and funding

Module Pricing

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:

Module Pricing
Credit Points NI/ROI Cost GB Cost International Cost*
120 £4,710 £9,249.60 £15,840
60  £2,355 £4,624.80 £7,920
30 £1,177.50 £2,312.40 £3,960
20  £785 £1,541.60£2,640

NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.

*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. 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 Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

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

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

Testimonials

“I have been very fortunate to be a part of the Deloitte BrightStart Scheme which has given me invaluable experience so far in the workplace. Since joining out of school I have learnt how to maintain a good work life balance, along with meeting new people and being part of a team on projects. There is also the degree aspect which is amazing as it means I have no student debt, and the degree greatly compliments my role in the workplace and vice versa. Overall it is a great scheme and I would definitely recommend it” Victoria Whiteside, Higher Level Apprentice, BSc Hons Business Technology

"I have developed my professional skills more than I could have anticipated in such a short time. I have met and been influenced by a growing network of clients and colleagues throughout the UK and by doing this in tandem with BSc Hons Business Technology at Ulster University, my experience as been enriched. At times, this bilateral approach has been challenging, but I do feel that I receive strong support from both the company and from the Ulster University Business School" Zara Buckely, Higher Level Apprentice, BSc Hons Business Technology

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