B.Sc. Information Systems (with Industrial Experience)

The first year of your degree covers many fundamental aspects of computer science, including: C# Programming; Software engineering skills; Human-computer interaction; Computer hardware architectures and operating systems; Professional skills for Computer Science. You learn through lectures, small group tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Assessment is a mix of exam and coursework, generally 50:50 in the first year and biased towards coursework in later years. You also have the opportunity to take an introductory business module or a free elective of your choice.

In the second year you specialise more in the area of information systems development. In addition to studying the fundamentals of the software engineering process including software design and systems analysis, you have the option to study modules in: Artificial Intelligence; Databases; E-Commerce and E-Business; Business Management; Information systems; User interface design; Networking technologies. There is a greater focus on practical software development, with more time spent developing in the computer labs and a greater focus on coursework-based assessment than exams. There are also more opportunities for team work, which plays an important part in several significant pieces of coursework.

In your third year, you are given the opportunity to complete a paid, year-long work placement, gaining valuable experience by applying the skills you have already acquired in years one and two to the workplace. You will spend at least 30 weeks working full-time on an industrial placement of your choosing, learning important skills and submitting written reports, a presentation, and keeping a diary of your activities and achievements.

This year provides you with the opportunity to work on specialist areas including: Data mining and decision systems; Advanced software engineering; Starting and Managing a High-Tech Business; Strategic management; Psychology and work; Systems Development; Mobile application development; Distributed systems; Information systems in accounting and finance. You also undertake an individual information systems dissertation project. Previous examples include AI simulations, 3D games, emulators for historic computers, stock control management systems, robotics, and even a Jedi lightsaber training simulator using 3D motion tracking and virtual reality.

The specific knowledge required of an information systems professional depends on the nature of the business. With this in mind, the course has been designed to provide significant optionality within all years – enabling you to focus on the particular aspects of the discipline that will be of most relevance in your chosen career.