BSc Business Information Systems

Why Take This Course?

All modern businesses depend upon sophisticated information systems. These systems are used to support organizations’ day to day operations, provide information to assist with their decision making, and to enable them to plan strategically for the future. The vast amounts of gathered data can be analysed in order to gain competitive advantage, for example by personalising web pages to encourage customer retention. For businesses, the pace of technology led change over recent years has been stunning. They need employees who can help them take advantage of these opportunities: employees who have a thorough understanding of the capabilities of the technology as well as a sound knowledge of the operations of contemporary businesses. The Business Information Systems degree is specifically designed to integrate these crucial and exciting subject areas, while at the same time developing the skills needed in all walks of life, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation and time keeping.

The Business Information Systems degree combines material on computing, information technology and business and is designed for students who either envisage a career designing and implementing computer based systems in a business environment, or who wish to become consultants or managers with a full knowledge of what information systems can do for business. The degree is delivered using modules from both the School of Computing Sciences and the Norwich Business School. The course has a compulsory first year that develops your basic skills in business and information systems. In the second and third years you can choose the balance between computing and business that is most suitable to your interests and your career aspirations. You will complete a substantial individually supervised research project in your final year. The majority of our graduates gain related employment in IT or management consultancy, programming or business analysis.

This programme has been accredited by the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT) leading to Chartered IT professional status.

I really enjoyed studying Business Information Systems. It provided me with a great understanding of how computing can be used to enhance business operations. The course allowed me to be flexible when choosing modules between key business and computing topics according to my own career aspirations. I recommend this course to anyone who has a keen interest in computing and has ambitions to work in technology management in the future.

James Trett

Contact time

Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with an understanding of both the potential of information technology and the businesses in which it is applied, are highly sought after. The majority of Business Information Systems students gain employment in UK industry. Frequently occurring job titles are IT consultant, management consultant, systems analyst, systems developer, trainee project manager, and trainee manager. Some graduates choose to go on to postgraduate studies and a few move into the teaching profession.

BIS was a fantastic course and the ability to pick modules to your tastes was great – I even managed to do a module in sign language!

Will Pook

Contact: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Course Organiser:Dr. Pam Mayhew

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Entry Requirements Qualification: BTEC National Diploma: DDM A Level: ABB International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall inc. 3 HL subjects at Grade 6 Scottish Highers: AABBB Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB Access Course: See below European Baccalaureate: 75% overall Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask our applicants to have at least one of the following A Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Electronics, Economics or a Business related subject.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Science, Business or Economics related subjects.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

The School of Computing Sciences (CMP) has an excellent reputation in teaching. 90% Satisfied with teaching in Guardian University Guide 2013.

The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in Computing Science and subject areas allied to it that include computer graphics, computer systems engineering, actuarial sciences, business information systems and computational biology.

• All of our degree courses are designed to give you a flexible structure that enables you to choose subjects that interest you and that are aligned with your career aspirations.
• You will be taught by academics at the cutting edge of their respective fields. In the last research assessment exercise 95% of our research was regarded as world-leading or as internationally excellent or recognised.
• The School of Computing Sciences has an excellent reputation in teaching having been awarded the top grade of ‘commendable’ in all categories from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
• Our undergraduate computing degrees have full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation (many of the Masters programmes also have the Further Learning Element status)as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT).
• Much of our work is concerned with real-world problems and applications and we have excellent links with industry both for our teaching and research.
• The facilities and student experience in the school are excellent. We have a range of different laboratories for students that cater for the different disciplines taught in the school. We also have a Help Desk that provides support for our students, as well as a student common room and a Staff Student Liaison Committee.
• Our teaching is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, laboratory classes, seminars and group projects. Our laboratory class and seminars are run with a 1-to-16 staff to student ratio ensuring you can obtain good support.
• The School of Computing Sciences leads the university in utilizing its internationally recognized research commercially, through SYS Consulting, its Consulting company and through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
• Our students also use their technical and entrepreneurial skills to play influential roles in the creation of companies such as Travel Republic, Evoke systems, Fyfo and Shoretech systems.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support.

International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international.