Business Computing
| From | To | UK Fee * | International Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Sep 2012 | 31 Aug 2013 | £7,800 | £9,000 |
* Exceptions may apply. Please see Fees and Finance for further information.
Introduction
BA (Hons) Business Computing emphasises the business uses of IT, and provides the skills needed to produce the commercial and administrative business computer systems of tomorrow. If you are unsure what career path you want to take in a few years time, this programme provides a good sound base to lead you into a wide variety of careers.
This is an established and well designed programme which has seen constant updating in line with new business practices and emerging computer technologies.
You will learn how to develop computer based and Internet based software systems, and learn programming languages such as C# scripting languages such as PHP to gain an understanding of the mechanics of E-Commerce and software application tools including MySQL and Oracle.
We aim to create IT professionals who understand the mechanisms of business at a high level and who can integrate IT into an organisational business strategy. Students gain technical skills and business knowledge to assist them in the security and management of information. Development of interpersonal skills, such as team working, showing initiative, self-motivation, presentation skills, working and talking with people are integral parts of the course.
All students are provided with Internet and email facilities, as well as access to the computing equipment in the award-winning purpose-built David Goldman Informatics Centre at The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
Course Content
Level 1
Core module:
- Fundamentals of Computing
Software Development and Theory:
Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Formal Methods
Programming:
Microsoft C#. NET and Java programming for Robots
Web Applications:
Markup Languages (HTML, XHTML, CSS), Adobe Dreamweaver CS4, Adobe Flash CS4, and Actionscript, Adobe Photoshop, Javascript, Web APls (e.g. Google Maps, Yahoo APls)
Database Systems:
Database Design, Relational Databases and SQL, Database Integrity and Security, PHP and MySQL
Computer Systems:
Operating Systems, Networks and Computer Architectures
Mini-project:
Pick a project in the area of computing you know best and showcase your talents in the final term
- Understanding the Global Environment
Level 2
Core modules:
- Software Engineering Enterprise and Innovation Project
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
Option modules include:
- Multimedia Development
- Software Development
- Network and Routing Fundamentals
Level 3
Core modules:
- Computing Project
- Project Management
- Organisational and Human Resource Development
Option modules include:
- Advanced Databases
- Concurrent and Distributed Systems
- User Experience Design
- Artificial Intelligence
- Applied Multimedia
- Software Enterprise
- LANs and WANs
The programme is 3 years full-time with the option of a placement year after completion of year 2.
Entry Requirements
A typical offer will be 260 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/AVCEs or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).
Please note we do not accept AS/A Level General Studies.
We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills.
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.
Access Course: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and that you would have a minimum of GCSE grade C Mathematics and English Language (or have obtained the equivalent as part of your course).
Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 points.
Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 points.
Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline, Tel: (0191) 515 3000.
International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.
Fees and Finance
The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.
Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.
For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.
Teaching and Assessment
This course is managed, overseen and supported by highly professional and dedicated staff. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and discussion groups, resource based learning, open learning, project and group work.
Assessment methods include examinations, essays, multiple-choice tests, computer based assessment, seminars and group presentations.
You are assigned a personal tutor who you can turn to for personal and academic matters.
There is also a dedicated course team, which consist of four level leaders, a project leader and a programme co-ordinator, that will assist and guide you to successfully complete your studies.
You can also obtain excellent support and advice from the University Student and Academic Services Office.
Work Experience
This course is designed to be job market friendly. We know what skills and competencies potential employers are looking for, and course assessment, learning and teaching is designed to enable you to develop these skills.
To further inject realism into the course, you do a real world group project in Year 2. Here, you work in a team as consultants on a real business problem with a real company to provide a viable computer based business solution. In the final year, students are required to undertake a major individual project, often working with a company. Such aspects give a distinct advantage when you enter the job market. Many win jobs with their placement company even before they graduate.
We strongly recommend you to spend a year on work placement between Levels 2 and 3, taking the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills you have learnt into practice. Placement students work with companies all over the British Isles and with Cern in Switzerland. Companies include NHS, SAGE, British Telecom, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Reuters, Hewlett Packard and GlaxoSmithKline and earn an average salary of ?14,000 p.a. A friendly and helpful team is there to support you before and during the placement.
Career Opportunities
There is a huge demand for qualified computing personnel in the commercial, administrative fields and teaching fields - and over 90 percent of students obtain jobs within a year of graduation.
After graduation you will be qualified to go on to well paid jobs in many different professions, including opportunities in programming, systems analysis, software engineering, management consultants, teaching and research and development, with the average starting salary around ?20,000 per year.
Graduates have become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers in organisations such as NHS, British Airways and SAGE. Other graduates have become software contractors earning over ?50,000 a year, gone into teaching, or started their own businesses.
Supplemental Information
The British Computer Society (BCS) is a professional body, which monitors the standard and content of computing courses and Full Provisional Exemption has been approved for graduates of this programme.
Facilities
World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.
Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.
CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.
Further information is available from:
http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PCs or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.
If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.
Please visit:
http://www.student-software.co.uk/