c o MPuting – Bu SineSS SYSteMS

Computing – Business Systems“After the first term I had a better understandingof how everything fits in, and now I’m reallyhappy with what I’ve learnt so far.”Annie Biada,Information Systems BSc HonoursOther related areas/coursesyou might be interested in:• Enterprise ManagementBSc Honours (p82)• Computer ScienceBSc Honours (p107)• Computing Foundation (p111)112

Business Information Systems BSc HonoursWorking in the advancing world of information systems can beexciting and rewarding, as businesses become more and more relianton information systems to support innovation, decision making andday-to-day operations. The creative use of information systems cantransform organisations, and successful enterprises require hybridmanagers who can evaluate the tools, gauge the risks and providethe key insights and sound direction for strategic business planning.This course develops your understanding of the business challengesof an enterprise, and your ability to conceive and manage solutionswhich are increasingly ICT-dependent. You will integrate your skillsof problem solving and information systems modelling with yourknowledge of business processes and environments. You will be ableto consult on, support or develop the technological platforms of anenterprise to achieve competitive advantage.Course contentThis course will prepare you for work in an increasingly challengingand rewarding field by giving you a clear perspective of the currentnature and practice of business and information systems. It is beingtaught in conjunction with Westminster Business School which isproviding specialist business modules that account for a quarter of thedegree. In Year 1 (Credit Level 4) you will be introduced to the mainfundamental concepts and in Year 2 and Year 3 (Credit Level 5 and 6)you will follow the specialist themes which interest you the most.Year 1 (Credit Level 4)Year 1 modules provide underpinning in the subject area. You will beintroduced to the various elements of information systems, businessand technology. These modules are the foundations upon whichyou will build your insight in the areas of the business environment,information systems and available technologies. You will alsodevelop skills required for the remainder of your studies and yourfuture professional life, such as information modelling, programming,academic writing and communication.Year 2 (Credit Level 5)Year 2 is the development stage of the course. The focus of the moduleswill be mainly on the design and development of information systemsand databases, project management, and understanding availablesolutions. The Professional Practice module covers professional andethical issues as well as career management. You also have theflexibility to take an option module in a relevant area of your choice.Sandwich placement yearYou will have the opportunity to take a year-long placement betweenYear 2 and Year 3 (Credit Levels 5 and 6). This will give you practicalskills to accompany your theoretical knowledge, and bring you acompetitive edge in the job market. Our students have been placedon live projects in city banks and insurance companies, softwareconsultancy firms, healthcare providers and retail companies.Year 3 (Credit Level 6)Year 3 modules will help you develop your critical thinking andevaluation skills. Strategic management of information systems,systems quality, and alternative approaches and architectures tosystem development are some of the areas of focus. You also havethe opportunity to take two option modules, furthering your specificinterests. There will be a double project module in which you willuse your knowledge and skills, conduct independent research andinvestigation, and develop a solution for a defined problem.Length of courseThree-year, full-time;four-year, full-time sandwich;four-year, full-time with FoundationUCAS codesG505; with Foundation G506LocationCentral London (Cavendish)Teaching and assessmentLectures, tutorials and computerworkshops are supported bya variety of teaching methods,computer-enhanced learningtools, and industry-standardapplications software. We placean emphasis on active studentinvolvement and problem solving.Assessments are either based ona combination of course workand an end-of-module exam, orassessed through course work only.Associated careersGraduates of the course typicallygo on to careers in the businessand/or IT sectors. Career optionsrange from systems developers tobusiness managers. Graduatesmay continue their study on one ofour comprehensive range of MSccourses or undertake an MPhil/PhD research programme.For information about theFoundation year see p111.Typical offer for September 2010Qualification Grade/pointstypeA LevelsInternationalBaccalaureateBTEC NationalDiploma/CertificateAdvancedDiplomaCCC/AA28 points(minimum)See also standard entryrequirements on p210.MMM/DDGrade C in IT orEngineering andrelevant ASL atGrade CComputing – Business Systems113

Computing – Business SystemsInformation Technology BSc Honours*Information technology is transforming the lives of individualsand businesses across the world. There is a continual flow of newproducts and innovative solutions, providing a stimulating area ofstudy and interesting job opportunities. The course aims to developyou as a professional, so that you can recognise the potential of ICT(information and communications technology), support users anddecision makers, and specify and configure a wide range of effectivesolutions in a commercial environment. You will cover a range oftechnologies including networks, servers, databases, multimedia,web, and e-commerce. As a graduate you will combine your skills ofsystems specification and problem solving with your knowledge oftechnology and solutions, enabling you to specify, support, configureand advise on the technological issues of an enterprise.Course contentThis course will prepare you for work in an increasingly challengingand rewarding field by giving you the skills and knowledge to supportand configure existing systems and specify new solutions. In Year 1you will be introduced to the main fundamental concepts, and in Year2 and Year 3 you will be invited to follow the specialist themes whichinterest you the most.Year 1 (Credit Level 4)The Year 1 modules provide underpinning in the subject area. Youwill be introduced to the various elements of information systemsand the technology on which they operate. You will develop theskills required for the remainder of your studies and your futureprofessional life, such as information modelling, programming,academic writing and communication.Year 2 (Credit Level 5)Year 2 is the development stage. The focus of the modules will bemainly on the applications and specification of technologies forinformation system, network systems, the web and the internet. TheProfessional Practice module covers professional and ethical issues aswell as career management. You also have the flexibility to take anoption module in a relevant area of your choice.Sandwich placement yearThe course offers you the opportunity to take a year-long placementbetween Year 2 and Year 3 (Credit Levels 5 and 6). This will give youthe practical skills to accompany your theoretical knowledge, andbring you a competitive edge in the job market.Year 3 (Credit Level 6)Year 3 modules will help you to develop your critical thinking andevaluation skills. You will also have the opportunity to take optionmodules, furthering your specific interests. There will be a doubleproject module in which you will use your knowledge and skills,conduct independent research and investigate and develop a solutionfor a defined problem.* subject to approvalLength of courseThree-year, full-time;four-year, full-time sandwich;four-year, full-time with FoundationUCAS codesG507; with Foundation G509LocationCentral London (Cavendish)Teaching and assessmentLectures, tutorials and computerworkshops are supported bya variety of teaching methods,computer-enhanced learning tools,and industry-standard applicationssoftware. We place an emphasison active student involvement andproblem solving. Assessments areeither based on a combination ofcourse work and an end-of-moduleexam, or assessed through coursework only.Associated careersAs a graduate of the course youare likely to go on to a career inthe business and/or IT sectors,where you will be involved inuser support, improvement andmaintenance of existing systems,and work with other professionalson the specification of newsystems. You could alternativelycontinue your studies on one ofour comprehensive range of MSccourses or undertake an MPhil/PhD research programme.For information about theFoundation year see p111.Typical offer for September 2010Qualification Grade/pointstypeA LevelsInternationalBaccalaureateBTEC NationalDiploma/CertificateCCC/AA28 pointsMMM/DD114For more information about Computing – BusinessSystems courses visit the School of Electronics andComputer Science website at westminster.ac.uk/ecsAdvancedDiplomaSee also standard entryrequirements on p210.Grade C in IT orEngineering andrelevant ASL atGrade C