Business with Computing - BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

The BSc Hons Business Studies with Computing meets the needs of those wishing to pursue a career in business with an interest in computing as a minor subject. In addition it provides the basis for graduates wishing to take a postgraduate programme up to doctoral level.

The programme seeks to provide the key business knowledge and skills essential for a graduate, seeking a managerial career in general business with a specialist interest in Computing.

The development of relevant employability skills is at the core of the BSc Hons Business Studies with Computing degree. A variety of opportunities exist within the programme and its modules, to develop such skills. These skills include, for example, Creative Thinking, Strategic Planning, Business start-up, Team Work, Problem Solving and Interpersonal skills.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Three years without placement/Four years including placement year.

Attendance: This is a full-time course where you will normally complete three modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. You will be expected to undertake independent study to supplement that contact of around 12 hours per week per module. You will have 9-12 class contact hours per week on the Magee campus.

Start dates

• September 2023

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 students to have a high degree of involvement and participation in learning, equipping participants 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.

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 near the start date and may be subject to 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 of attendance will often 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 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 Masters 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 via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . 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 four learning outcomes, and no more than two 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 Masters 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 Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

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 (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.

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

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 Career Enhancement 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. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important for academic achievement. In this module, student learning, progression and achievement is closely monitored and supported by the module coordinator.

Computer Hardware and Operating Systems

Year: 1

Status: C

Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.

Systems Analysis and Design

Year: 1

Status: C

This module is devoted to the understanding of organisations as systems, the environment in which they operate and the processes they undertake.

It provides the student with knowledge of the tools and techniques of modern systems analysis, essential to the creation of information systems using industrial best practice.

It investigates concepts associated with business analysis, methodologies and modelling techniques in use today. The module also develops project management and communication skills.

The module will develop a student as an IT professional analysing and designing effective systems in industrial and commercial environments.

Students nurture their professional skills and learn how to work collaboratively in teams.

Principles of Economics

Year: 1

Status: C

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of economics and provides an essential underpinning for more advanced study of economics and economic issues.

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.

Organisational behaviour

Year: 2

Status: C

This module will introduce the fundamental concepts of Organisational Behaviour and encourage students to develop an understanding of managing and developing people in a business context. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate situations and issues relevant to behaviour within organisations.

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

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Year: 2

Status: C

Operations and supply chain management is the planning, design, organization, and control of the flow of information and materials along the supply chain in order to meet customer requirements. The aim of this module is to assist students in the analysis of developments enhancing the role of operations and supply chain management, and enable them to develop and manage operational strategies to meet corporate objectives.

Computer Networks & Security

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides an in-depth study of computer, communications and networks. This module will introduce the concepts and principles of computer networks to guide the installation and maintenance of modern, high quality reliable networks. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to learn how to configure and test networks, deploy network based software applications and resolve network infrastructural problems. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of basic skills in networking, and an appreciation for emerging themes that could impact networking in the future

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

Entrepreneurship and innovation

Year: 3

Status: C

This module aims to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurial and innovation processes, and their relationship with business and economic development. It will enable students to develop the skills necessary to participate in business venturing projects. Assessment is by coursework and examination

Global Business Environment

Year: 3

Status: C

This module explores the complexity of forces that make up the global economy. In particular, it aims to understand the impact of these forces on the activities of the firm, and the decisions they must take if they are to survive and prosper. The module will focus on the national, regional, and international contexts, and will aim to give students an understanding of an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous global business environment.

Leadership and Strategy

Year: 3

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.

Research Methods for Business

Year: 3

Status: C

In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning business research - both academic research and applied research. This will be supported by providing students with the knowledge required to utilise appropriate software for the analysis and presentation of research

Business Intelligence

Year: 3

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.

Network Operating Systems

Year: 3

Status: C

The module combines an in-depth study of the key theoretical concepts of modern Networked Operating systems, with practical hands-on industry focused techniques to enable the student to understand the relationship between this theory and the practical implementation of modern Operating Systems

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.

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

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DMM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of MMM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)

Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

Grades CCCCC
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades DDD
English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.

Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics, (or equivalent).

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

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number 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

Additional Entry Requirements

Acceptable alternative qualifications include:

Pass HND with overall Merit to include 15 distinctions in level 5 credits.
Pass HNC with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions in level 4 credits.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.

Exemptions and transferability

Most students enter into Year 1. However, if you can provide evidence of previous relevant study or experience you may be considered for entry to later years. There is facility for transfer to other Ulster Business School undergraduate degree programmes (full time to part time) on the Magee campus depending upon the nature of the subject matter of the other degrees and academic achievement. In appropriate cases opportunities exist at the end of Year 1 for transfer between this programme and other first-degree programmes in the Department.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Allstate NI
• Danske Bank
• Santander
• Ulster University
• First Derivatives
• PWC

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Graduate Management Scheme
• ICT Co ordinator
• Graduate Banking Assistant
• Service Desk Support Analyst
• Compliance Testing
• Customer Management Associate
• Sales Developer

Career options

The programme equips you with the skills for a range of different career options, including management, consulting or technology coordinator. There will also be attractive opportunities for professional development within the business-related professions, for example, The 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-related areas. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to develop their personal skills and abilities in order to maximise your career potential.

Work placement / study abroad

In Year 3 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.

Professional recognition

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2023

Contact

For more information visit

• Visit Ulster University Business School
• Visit Department of Global Business and Enterprise

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