BSc (Hons) Business Computing

The computing sector is experiencing more growth than any other area of business, which means computing graduates will be in demand by employers. This new and dynamic programme focuses on computing in business, and offers the perfect opportunity to top-up your foundation degree to a degree in an IT related area.

This course will help you to develop a career as a business computing professional in areas such as web programming, IT management, software development, and information analysis. You will study modules that focus on areas such as research methods, business intelligence, project management, mobile application, digital media business and marketing and social media.

Aims

This programme aims to facilitate learning for students with varied interests and specialisms and is appropriate for learners wishing to enter employment in a range of computing disciplines, including:

• IT Consultant
• Web Development
• Business Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Project Management.

You will need to include consideration of modules achieved at Foundation Degree level. Additional aims of this programme are to:

• Encourage the development of professional, innovative and current outcomes in a supportive environment.
• Engage in academic activities and negotiated projects, as simulations or live client projects, underpinned by personalised learning.
• Promote engagement with employers to support the development of professional skills relevant to employment within the computing and IT sector.

This award has been designed to provide the learning opportunities required for those who wish to become professional computing practitioners within the business computing and IT sector. It does this through the curriculum content which is directly matched to the knowledge and skills which research in the sector has identified for being essential for business computing and IT practitioners.

The curriculum reflects contemporary issues supporting personal and professional development. While students obtaining the degree will be equipped to make a full contribution to the digital and technological sector, the level 6 studies they undertake have also been designed to encourage progression to postgraduate level study, and to provide an academic bridge allowing fluent transfer from Level 6 to Level 7 studies.

Modules (Research Methods)

This module aims to introduce a variety of research methodologies and examines how to specify and contextualise a research problem, collect data, analyse and present data and evaluate the methodology applied.

Business Intelligence

This module examines the most significant technologies associated with business intelligence, big data and data analytics with an emphasis on applications in the corporate sector.

Project Management

This module aims to develop a modern approach to the design, implementation and management of IT related projects by applying latest principles, techniques and research.

Mobile Application Project

This module involves the development of a substantial artefact related to digital media. This will be accompanied with a detailed report and presentation to demonstrate and discuss the end product.

Computing Project

This module enables learners to explore computing, information and communications technologies in substantial depth. It provides learners with the opportunity to develop their abilities in solution development and gain practical experience of independent learning and reflective practice in solution development.

Social Media and SEO

This module examines developments in communication channels and the business implications of social media technologies. You will develop a sound appreciation of the applications and opportunities for the commercial sector to capitalize on social media.

Teaching & assessment

A range of teaching learning and assessment strategies are incorporated into the programme and are appropriate for those studying at Level 6. These include students engaging in lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as self-study and research in preparation for lessons, formative assessment, and peer and self-assessment of learning. Summative assessment strategies include:

• Reports
• Practical observation
• Presentations
• Product.

A comprehensive personal tutor system is in place to make sure that students have a direct personal contact with an individual member of the course team to discuss academic and personal matters relevant to their learning. In addition to support from their personal tutor, each student will receive academic support from their module tutors. Support is given to students via tutorials at set intervals during the academic year and there is likely to be opportunity within some studio sessions for additional support.

Interview Instructions

• You will apply via UCAS or the New College Durham application form.
• All applicants are interviewed by the curriculum team - International applicants will be interview via Skype.
• Please bring all relevant qualifications to date and a printed copy of your personal statement.
• This is an opportunity for the curriculum team to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations, and for you to ask any questions you may have.
• A tour of the facilities will be available.

Entry Criteria

• Ideally, you will be working towards, or have attained, a Level 5 qualification (international equivalent 120 ECTS Credits) in a related discipline.
• You must be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. Skype).
• You will hold, or be working towards, GCSE (or Level 2 equivalent) maths and English (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).

Non-standard entry criteria:

• Evidence of appropriate computing and IT experience or employment within the sector.
• You must be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. Skype).
• You will hold, or be working towards, GCSE (or Level 2 equivalent) maths and English (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).
• You will be required to attend a Higher Education Pre-induction day to assess your suitability to the programme.