Applied Business Computing (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Top-up your existing qualification to a full honours degree. Develop academic and research skills by collecting and analysing data and developing evidence-based action plans. Undertake a major business project and graduate with industry-relevant IT skills.

Overview

Like all our courses, this one-year top-up course develops a blend of academic rigour and practical skills as it brings you up to the level of an honours degree.

On the academic side, you will study a module on approaches to research. This will explore how to specify a problem and how to decide on appropriate methodologies, collect relevant data, analyse the data and develop evidence-based action plans.

To develop practical skills, you will undertake a major hands-on project that involves developing a working solution to a particular problem. In doing this, you will be able to take full advantage of professional-level developer software and advanced hardware that we provide through accreditations with Cisco and other major companies.

Why us?

Research in Computer Science and Informatics at Sunderland has been described as ‘internationally excellent’ by the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Ideal for people who want to top-up their existing qualification to a full honours degree

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. We also use the University’s virtual learning environment for group activities, discussions, assignments and links to resources. We encourage you to develop independent study skills as well as to work with other students on the course.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also ongoing assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include coursework and exams.

Final year (national level 6):

Research (20 credits)

Introduces a variety of research approaches and examines how to specify and contextualise a research problem, collect data, analyse and present data, and evaluate the methodology adopted.

Product Development (20 credits)

The module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop your abilities in solution development.

Business Intelligence and Strategy (20 credits)

Understand the principles of Data Science to determine the benefits of utilising Big Data sets in organisational settings. Develop techniques and use tools for Business Intelligence in a variety of contexts, developing management strategies for their use within an organisation. All topics in this module are considered taking into account professional, ethical, social and legal constructs.

Web Information Systems for Business (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide you with the ability to design and implement information systems using relational and advanced database technology.

User Experience Design (20 credits)

You will study principles and practices that ensure users gain the most appropriate experience when interacting with computer-based software and hardware systems.

Software Enterprise (20 credits)

This module focuses on providing the knowledge and skills that will enable you to explore and exploit business opportunities for software enterprises.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

This course is based at the David Goldman Informatics Centre, a high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.

Entry requirements

Your qualification will need to be assessed by the course tutor to ensure the programme content meets the required learning outcomes for accreditation of prior learning from HND, Diploma, Foundation Degree or other NQF Level 5 qualification in a related subject

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

If English is not your first language we will require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 6.0 and at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. An alternative approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) can also be considered if the applicant's element scores are equivalent to those required for IELTS.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK or EU
£11,500 if you are from outside the EU

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

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This information was correct at the time of publication.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

Employment

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning that boosts employability and equips you to make a bigger contribution in the workplace.

Graduate success

Sunderland has a good reputation with employers - 93.4% of our graduates are in employment, further study or training within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (based on full-time, first degree, home leavers). The top type of job gained by our graduates is ‘information and communication technology professional’.

Career options

Our graduates have gone on to become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

The Enterprise Place

If you have a good idea for a new business and have the dedication and motivation to make it happen, then we want to hear from you. The Enterprise Place, based on-campus at St Peter's Gate Business Centre, is the perfect environment for entrepreneurial students and graduates to turn their business ideas into reality. You will have access to free hot desk space, IT facilities, specialist advice and support and business mentors and networking opportunities.

Meet the team

Simon Kendal

Senior Lecturer

Siobhan Devlin

Principal Lecturer: Learning and Teaching

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Applied Business Computing (Top-Up) via Study Centres

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 15 February 2019

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