Business Information Systems BA(Hons)

Overview

There is demand for graduates who are able to combine a sound knowledge of information technology with an awareness of business issues.
This course allows for the development of technical skills through core modules in databases, network management and web application development, coupled with business facing modules in systems analysis, marketing, ecommerce and project management. These skills enable our graduates to design technical solutions for business-related problems; solutions which often involve interaction with a variety of departments and third-parties.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years
Sandwich: 4 years

UCAS code G560
Course content

Course structure

A distinctive feature of the programme is year 3 which is normally spent on a paid professional placement in a business organisation. This enables you to develop your specialist skills and provides invaluable experience for approaching the job market on graduation. This course has been very successful in placing students with prestigious companies: for example we currently have students with Pepsico, GlaxoSmithKline, Intel, BAA, Honeywell and Cadbury. Companies are attracted to our students by their combination of technical, business and interpersonal skills.
This course is part of the computing undergraduate programme. A common first semester allows students to become familiar with different specialisms before making a final choice about which one to follow.

Areas of study

This course develops the skills needed to implement and maintain computer systems in businesses and other types of organisation. Some familiarity with the technical aspects of system building is needed, but this course enables students to combine this with the development of business and interpersonal skills.
Among the subject areas explored are database design, network management, systems analysis, web application development, information systems and project management.

Syllabus

Year 1
Programming
Databases
Web Design
Requirements Analysis
Human Computer Interaction
Professional Practice
Computing Context
Business Requirements
Introduction to Organisations
Year 2
Information Systems Management
Web Application Development
Databases
Networking Technologies
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Project Management
Optional placement year
Final year
A major project
Systems Development Methods in Practice
Managing the eEnterprise
Two options
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
BBB. Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.
ND/C (Level 3):
DMM.
International Baccalaureate:
32 points.
QAA-approved access course:
acceptable.
GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
Foundation degree/HND
direct to years 2 or 3. HNC may also count towards direct entry.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Location

Location Moulsecoomb
Career opportunities

Graduates with this award have become business analysts, network managers, ICT consultants and IS project managers.
Recent graduates have gone on to work at:
- Accenture
- Pepsi
- Intel
- HP
- Vodafone
- Arcadia Group
- Capgemini
- BNP Paribas.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BA(Hons) Business Information Systems [J4EA008]

UK/EU 9,000 GBP
Island Students 9,000 GBP
International 12,500 GBP

When on a placement (sandwich) year, students pay a reduced fee in the placement year of this course. This is currently £750 for Home and Island Students and £1,760 for International students. This fee is likely to increase with inflation.
Student views

Jo Parmenter

The course covers a range of computing topics, including programming to project management, so gives you a taste of everything. My degree provided me with the opportunity to gain a years experience in industry. I took my placement with Microsoft and have been fortunate enough to be fast tracked to the final stage of it's graduate scheme. My favourite thing about being at university is making new friends and getting to know your existing friends better. Having complete independence for the first time was exciting.