Business Information Technology BSc (Hons)

The first year of the course introduces you to a variety of IT aspects including analysis, design and development of systems, website publishing and hardware and network elements. The second year covers the development of IT systems for business, including planning and forecasting, networking, databases and the web, and human-computer interaction. An optional one year placement period can be integrated into your course or alternatively you may choose to undertake a shorter work experience module that develops your ability to apply IT solutions. The emphasis of the final year is on developing your specialism. This is accomplished by a choice of options and work on a major project, culminating in the development of a software artefact, together with a reflective report on your work. This award is part of the Applied Computing Degree Scheme.

The teaching, learning and assessment strategies explicitly address the award's educational aims. The development of the learning outcomes of the modules was guided by the need to ensure that where a module is core to an award title the learning outcomes of the module are designed so that completion of the module learning outcomes (at threshold level) manifests the achievement of the relevant award learning outcomes (at threshold level). Educational development between levels respects the growth of the students along a continuum of increasing self-management of their learning; this can be observed in the final year project where students are encouraged to undertake an independent study which they feel will enhance their own career ambitions, facilitated by a project supervisor. Modules are normally presented through a mixture of lecture, tutorial and/or practical contact hours; these will vary depending upon the learning outcomes of the specific module, for example, more theoretical modules such as Information Systems Organisation and Management will have more lectures than tutorials. Thus it can be seen that the aim is to utilise whichever teaching and learning strategies are most appropriate to facilitate the development of the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities within the students. Each student is a partner in the learning experience, and is expected to take responsibility for his/her study. As a result, the Faculty sees the role of the lecturer as a learning facilitator. A resource based approach to facilitating student learning is enhanced by the availability of online learning facilities such as VLEs or websites. Students are encouraged to undertake independent learning to extend the material presented.
The value of self-gained knowledge and understanding is emphasised, both as an essential skill/practice for life (lifelong learning) and as an expectation on computing professionals (continuing professional development). Students are given regular feedback throughout modules and are encouraged to reflect critically to understand their own strengths and weaknesses. There is an opportunity to do a work placement which is supported within modules through cv writing, time management skills, team working, etc. and by the Faculty based Placement Team.