Business Information Systems BSc (Hons)

About the course

This course is specifically tailored to meet the computing needs of commerce and industry, teaching you the knowledge and practical skills you need to participate in the development, implementation and management of business computing projects.

This course is run in partnership with Hewlett Packard (HP), which provides 25 per cent of the teaching input. HP offers a personal mentoring scheme, preferred placement opportunities and professional qualifications.

This ground-breaking partnership allows you to benefit from DMU’s world class academic research, leading-edge information technology facilities and industry standard professionalism exemplified by HP’s renowned business solutions and services.

In addition, this course now includes both PRINCE2 project management accreditation |and foundation studies in Information Technology Information Library (ITIL)|. These professional certifications are increasingly necessary to obtain employment in IT management.

Industry requires experts who understand how to integrate business practice with technical solutions to produce systems that meet the needs of users. As a result of this course, you will be able to solve problems and participate, manage and lead the development of business information systems.

You will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required in the analysis and design of business IT systems. You will also gain people and problem solving skills so you can confidently discuss, negotiate and manage customer requirements, the needs of service providers and senior management requests.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: IN21

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

Entry requirements for 2014

• Normally 260 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent
• Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
• BTEC requirements: Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) at National Diploma Level.
• Additional qualifications can contribute towards the points score such as a third A Level or AS Levels
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ points.

If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used, including lectures, tutorials, computer laboratory sessions and independent study.

The final year of the course includes an individual project, completed by all students and a range of modules, which allow you to pursue your own interests. The choice varies from technical subjects, such as web information management, to more business oriented topics, including information systems strategy and services, information security management and data mining.

Assessments are via individual assignments, group work, projects, tests and exams. You will normally attend around 12–16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 14–16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Course modules

First year

• Information Systems Development
• Business Decision Making
• Visual Web Development
• Connected Devices
• Network Design and Deployment

Second year

• Project Management PRINCE 2
• Servers and Storage
• Systems Thinking and Strategy
• Agile Methods and Development
• Database Design and Implementation

Third year

• Systems Building: Methods and Management
• Computing Project
• Computing Ethics

Industry links and professional accreditation

This course is run in partnership with Hewlett Packard (HP), which provides 25 per cent of the teaching input. HP offers a personal mentoring scheme, preferred placement opportunities and professional qualifications. This ground-breaking partnership allows you to benefit from DMU’s world class academic research, leading-edge information technology facilities and industry standard professionalism exemplified by HP’s renowned business solutions and services.

Work experience and placements

The department is able to offer support for all of our students looking to integrate a placement within Business Information Systems. We have a dedicated placement unit that will help you search for placement opportunities, create and refine your CV and interview approach, and offer any advice you need to find a great placement.

Technology Placement Office|

Placements can enhance your career prospects and give you the chance to use theory from the classroom in a real-world scenario before you have graduated.

As an added benefit, the Business Information Systems programme opens the doors to opportunities for placements to increase your employability across the world's largest technology company, HP and their partners.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9,000 International
Full-time £11,250

For more information please take a look at our Fees and Funding| section.

Facilities

Our high specification computing laboratories contain an advanced network of Windows and Unix workstations with multi-boot capabilities, while our dedicated Mac labs provide access to Apple iMacs with OS X software. You will also benefit from state-of-the-art display facilities in labs and lecture theatres.