BSc (Hons) Business Computing (Top-up)

Standard 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.

You will be required to contribute to trips and visits. We also recommend that students buy texts to support learning, module reading lists are detailed in the course handbook.Additional costs include general study materials, such as:

• External hard drive
• Access to a computer
• Expenses for optional national and international visits.

You will meet with a course tutor who will ask a set of standard questions. This is also an opportunity for the curriculum team to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations and an opportunity for you to ask questions. A tour of the facilities will be available. Please bring your relevant qualifications.

This programme aims to facilitate your learning in a variety of specialisms and is appropriate for you if you wish 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.

You will study the following 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 you to explore computing, information and communications technologies in substantial depth. It provides you 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.

• Monday - 9am - 5pm ~Tuesday - 9am - 5pm ~Wednesday - 9am - 5pm ~Thursday - 9am - 5pm ~Friday - 9am - 5pm

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

A range of teaching learning and assessment strategies are incorporated into the programme and are appropriate for those studying at Level 6. You will engage 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 you 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 your personal tutor, you will receive academic support from their module tutors. Support is provided via tutorials at set intervals during the academic year and there is likely to be opportunity within some studio sessions for additional support.

The programme has been designed and developed to ensure you are provided with opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge desired by employers. Our team work with a range of employers to ensure our courses are up-to-date with current industry practice. A vast array of employers engage with IT students across the curriculum via a dedicated LinkedIn group 'NCD IT'. This group will enable you to communicate directly with employers and build your own industry network. Wherever possible, guest speakers will deliver talks related to the modules of study, to demonstrate links to industry. Employers will endorse assignment briefs to help ensure currency and accuracy. Some of the assignment briefs will have been endorsed by employers to ensure that the skills and knowledge employers are looking for are being assessed within the constraints of academic standards.

Undertaking an external work placement is not a formal requirement, however, you will be encouraged to engage in such activities, to enhance your knowledge and to develop a range of work based skills needed for progression. Work related skills will be developed across the course, from initial tutor led activities within module Project Management through to Computing Project.

You could progress to a masters degree or apply for a wide range of graduate level jobs in the industry.