Top Up - Information Technology Practitioner BSc (Hons) Degree

" Top Up - Information Technology Practitioner BSc (Hons) Degree OVERVIEW

IT forms an integral part of our society and yet there is a significant skills shortage in the IT industry. Innovations in technology have improved operations at companies of all sizes and through IT small local businesses can quickly become successful on a global scale. Using IT isn’t just about improving cost efficiency; it improves business prospects and can shape the development of a company. With demand for IT skills at an all time high and the needs of learners changing to meet the demands of an evolving workplace, Coventry University College offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to help prepare you with the knowledge and professional skills needed for the jobs of today and the future

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WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

This course is strongly focused on providing a critical understanding of Information Technology as an enabler for organisations and the complex and fast-changing trends of IT in a business context. It covers key processes, the role of information systems to support business functions, enterprise planning systems and their functional capabilities, and the role of the underpinning technologies. Management skills, organisational models, finance and accounting, intellectual property, the Internet and human resources management are also covered.

This course may be also ideal if you already have an HND, Foundation degree or equivalent and want to enrol directly to the final year of undergraduate study.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• Business computing
• Server development and maintenance
• Advanced information systems
• Implementing e-commerce solutions

On successful completion of the programme you should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Designing and developing databases – including development and manipulation of databases for existing business needs, maintaining and solving issues relating to databases, adapt and improvise SQL. You will develop an understanding of database planning including formal theories such as normalisation and entity-relationships. You will also understand how system analysts engage with clients in understanding the needs of the business. You will also critically examine the principles of database modelling, relational database design and manipulation with Structured Query Language (SQL), database processing with transactions and procedures, object and distributed databases, data exchange and interoperability and emerging data models and critically appraise database design practice in management information systems including cloud based technologies;
• Network development and maintenance – developing and designing networks including security, logistics, maintenance, testing and integration. You will also be introduced to theories relating to network design and maintenance and examine how networks are built and maintain through practical experiences and theoretical research. Students’ employability will be enhanced by undertaking a professional qualification. At this level you will also critically examine the function and role of IT Security in the context of project management including essential management skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and evaluate the complete Systems Security Policy for a networked IT infrastructure;
• Software design and development – identifying the most appropriate software to undertake tasks within a business, including developing, designing and manipulating software to meet a specific aim. You will explore concepts and theories related to programming which provide solutions to a wide variety of business problems with the emphasis being laid on the whole of the software development process;
• Server development and resource management – at this level you will critically evaluate tools for more advanced server management, such as development, testing, and general maintenance. You will also examine the range of servers needed for differing business needs including, small business through to large businesses, websites and file storage, and mapping of systems. You will also understand the role of server administrator and the allocation of server based resources;
• E-Commerce and social media and social networks – you will look at the Internet, Information Systems (IS) and their e-Commerce applications and management and secure systems for ecommerce and online marketing. At this level you will also critically examine the theories and concepts relating to organisations’ use of e-Commerce to transact business. You will also assess the impact of social media to promote messages using social networks. You will appraise the structural changes following the emergence of e-Commerce in the areas of logistics, supply and demand and the environment (PEST).

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

This course will be taught through a variety of methods – lectures, tutorials, self-directed learning, textbooks, module webs, scenario-based learning sets, professional libraries and resources, journals and case studies, seminars, discussion forums and peer-to-peer learning.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Assessments will take the form of individual and group coursework, which is vocationally relevant. The wide range of assessment techniques used at Coventry University College will ensure that you have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in full.

There are no traditional final examinations to worry about. Instead, we will assess your learning through course work and phase tests. Assessments take place during and at the end of each six-week block.

TEACHING CONTACT HOURS

As a full-time student a normal learning block will mean that you get 18 hours of teaching each week in groups of approximately 25-50 students. Depending on the course you have chosen, you will attend morning (9.00-13.00) or afternoon (14.00-18.00) sessions. You will also need to attend one two-hour tutorial each week.

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