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.
Degree Apprenticeships at Ulster University
A Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that provides an alternative route to getting a University Degree, where Apprentices complete their course alongside paid permanent employment.
Degree Apprenticeships involve integrated learning - you’ll gain practical experience that will inform your learning, and with mentorship support, you’ll apply what you study to your work within your organisation.
Degree Apprenticeships are funded by the Department for the Economy, so you can complete your undergraduate degree without having to pay tuition fees.
When to Apply
You should apply for a Degree Apprenticeship programme once your Apprenticeship employer has made you an offer of employment.
For details of all available job opportunities, please complete the enquiry form below and our course team will get in touch.
To be eligible to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship, you and your employer must meet all of the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
You must also meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the course you intend to study.
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.
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 2024
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.
Attendance and Independent Study
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:
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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. 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 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 assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
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 Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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 - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) 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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance 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.
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.
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
Status: C
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
Status: O
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
Status: O
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.
Programming I
Status: O
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 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)
Status: O
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
This module will provide students with an overview of the major issues which affect global business activities.
Introduction to Database Systems
Year: 2
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: O
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
Status: O
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
Status: C
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
Status: C
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
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module introduces the concept of strategic business planning, emphasising the importance of aligning enterprise development with strategic management in a dynamic business environment. Given the evolving nature of today's business landscape, it is crucial to deepen understanding and improve competencies in business planning.
Data Analytics
Status: O
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.
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.
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.
This programme forms part of a Higher Level Apprenticeship Scheme and recruitment is conducted by employers such as Deloitte (BrightStart programme).
Eligibility
To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:
be a school leaver aged 16 or over;
be newly employed (less than 6 months before the start of the course) or be about to take up employment on a permanent contract with a minimum of 21 hours per week;
have achieved the minimum academic entry qualifications for the course;
pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector;
have a right to live and work in the UK.
Additionally:
You can participate if you already have a degree, provided that it the course you are applying for is at a higher level than or unrelated to your previous qualification.
You can still apply for a Degree Apprenticeship if you have been at your organisation for more than 6 months, provided you are entering a new job role that requires new competences/knowledge.
You cannot participate if you are self-employed.
To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:
must have a permanent base in Northern Ireland;
must ensure that apprentices are enrolled on UK/HMRC payroll for the duration of the programme, and that all apprentices are paid a wage commensurate with the role and not less than the UK minimum wage;
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 2024
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 2024/25, the following fees apply:
Fees
Credit Points
NI/ROI Cost
GB Cost
International Cost*
120
£4,750
£9,250
£16,320
60
£2,375
£4,625
£8,160
30
£1,187
£2,312
£4,080
20
£792
£1,542
£2,720
NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
*Please note our on campus part-time undergraduate 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.
The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate, but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
Although the University at all times endeavours 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, change the campus at which they are provided and introduce new courses if such action is considered necessary by the University (acting reasonably). Not all such circumstances are entirely foreseeable but changes may be required if matters such as the following arise: industrial action interferes with the University’s ability to teach the course as planned, lack of demand makes a course economically unviable for the University, departure of key staff renders the University unable to deliver the course, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding specifically provided for the course or other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
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.
Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected. 5. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes 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
Sustainability at Ulster
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.