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School of Computing Sciences Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
BSc Business Information Systems
UCAS Course Code
GN54
Attendance
Full Time
Award
Degree of Bachelor of Science
Why Take This Course?
All modern businesses depend upon sophisticated information systems. These systems are used to support organizations’ day to day operations, provide information to assist with their decision making, and to enable them to plan strategically for the future. The vast amounts of gathered data can be analysed in order to gain competitive advantage, for example by personalising web pages to encourage customer retention. For businesses, the pace of technology led change over recent years has been stunning. They need employees who can help them take advantage of these opportunities: employees who have a thorough understanding of the capabilities of the technology as well as a sound knowledge of the operations of contemporary businesses. The Business Information Systems degree is specifically designed to integrate these crucial and exciting subject areas, while at the same time developing the skills needed in all walks of life, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation and time keeping.
The Business Information Systems degree combines material on computing, information technology and business and is designed for students who either envisage a career designing and implementing computer based systems in a business environment, or who wish to become consultants or managers with a full knowledge of what information systems can do for business. The degree is delivered using modules from both the School of Computing Sciences and the Norwich Business School. The course has a compulsory first year that develops your basic skills in business and information systems. In the second and third years you can choose the balance between computing and business that is most suitable to your interests and your career aspirations. You will complete a substantial individually supervised research project in your final year. The majority of our graduates gain related employment in IT or management consultancy, programming or business analysis.
This programme has been accredited by the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT) leading to Chartered IT professional status.
I really enjoyed studying Business Information Systems. It provided me with a great understanding of how computing can be used to enhance business operations. The course allowed me to be flexible when choosing modules between key business and computing topics according to my own career aspirations. I recommend this course to anyone who has a keen interest in computing and has ambitions to work in technology management in the future.
James Trett
Contact time
Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with an understanding of both the potential of information technology and the businesses in which it is applied, are highly sought after. The majority of Business Information Systems students gain employment in UK industry. Frequently occurring job titles are IT consultant, management consultant, systems analyst, systems developer,
trainee project manager, and trainee manager. Some graduates choose to go on to postgraduate studies and a few move into the teaching profession.
BIS was a fantastic course and the ability to pick modules to your tastes was great – I even managed to do a module in sign language!
Will Pook
Contact: admissions@uea.ac.uk
School of Computing Sciences Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
The School of Computing Sciences (CMP) has an excellent reputation in teaching. 90% Satisfied with teaching in Guardian University Guide 2013.
The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in Computing Science and subject areas allied to it that include computer graphics, computer systems engineering, actuarial sciences, business information systems and computational biology.
- All of our degree courses are designed to give you a flexible structure that enables you to choose subjects that interest you and that are aligned with your career aspirations.
- You will be taught by academics at the cutting edge of their respective fields. In the last research assessment exercise 95% of our research was regarded as world-leading or as internationally excellent or recognised.
- The School of Computing Sciences has an excellent reputation in teaching having been awarded the top grade of ‘commendable’ in all categories from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
- Our undergraduate computing degrees have full Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation (many of the Masters programmes also have the Further Learning Element status)as well as leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status from the (BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT).
- Much of our work is concerned with real-world problems and applications and we have excellent links with industry both for our teaching and research.
- The facilities and student experience in the school are excellent. We have a range of different laboratories for students that cater for the different disciplines taught in the school. We also have a Help Desk that provides support for our students, as well as a student common room and a Staff Student Liaison Committee.
- Our teaching is delivered in a variety of ways including lectures, laboratory classes, seminars and group projects. Our laboratory class and seminars are run with a 1-to-16 staff to student ratio ensuring you can obtain good support.
- The School of Computing Sciences leads the university in utilizing its internationally recognized research commercially, through SYS Consulting, its Consulting company and through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
- Our students also use their technical and entrepreneurial skills to play influential roles in the creation of companies such as Travel Republic, Evoke systems, Fyfo and Shoretech systems.
UniStats Information
Compulsory Study (100 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 100 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMPUTING SYSTEMS 1 The module is designed to introduce students to some of the principal technologies of contemporary computing systems and to software development in a web context.A basic knowledge of Java progranmming is required; this module is usually taken with a suitable programming module More... | CMP-4006A | 20 |
| INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS The module provides a broad perspective on the world of management and the activities of managers who drive these businesses forward. The module explores the business environment generally including major issues e.g. sustainability, globalisation and corporate social responsibility, and takes into consideration a wide range of business sectors; from ���for profit��� to social enterprises; from private, public and not for profit /voluntary sector organisations. The module develops awareness of various organisational structures and processes for the development of appropriate policies and strategies. There is consideration of how different businesses are managed, developing students understanding and ability to apply key concepts and to develop management practices, thereby improving their employability, their career prospects, their effectiveness in job roles and their ultimate career success. | NBS-4002Y | 20 |
| INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING This module provides a foundation in the theory and practice of accounting and an introduction to the role, context and language of financial reporting and management accounting. The module assumes no previous study of accounting. It may be taken as a stand alone course for those students following a more general management pathway or to provide a foundation to underpin subsequent specialist studies in accounting. | NBS-4001Y | 20 |
| INTRODUCTION TO ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR The overall aim of this module is for students to develop an understanding of the structure, functioning, and performance of organisations with particular reference to the behaviour of the individuals and groups who work within them. Specifically, the module aims are to: ⢠Develop an appreciation of the nature and historical development of organisational behaviour ⢠Introduce key concepts, theories, and methodologies in organisational behaviour ⢠Develop an understanding of the linkages between OB research, theory, and practice ⢠Develop analytical and academic writing skills | NBS-4005Y | 20 |
| PROGRAMMING 1 The purpose of the module is to give the student a solid grounding in the essential features of object-oriented computer programming using the Java programming language. The module is designed to meet the needs of a student who has not previously studied programming, although it is recognised that many will in fact have done so in some measure. On completing this module the student should be capable of developing, testing and documenting simple but non-trivial object-oriented programs, and of using the appropriate technical terminology in discussing these programs. More... | CMP-4008Y | 20 |
Compulsory Study (40 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 40 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DATABASE SYSTEMS This module introduces most aspects of databases, database manipulation and database management systems. The module is based on the relational model. The students will explore the tools and methods for database design and manipulation as well as the programming of database applications. Part of the practical experience gained will be acquired using a modern relational database management system. Students will also gain programming experience using SQL, and using the Java JDBC interface. A high level language programming module is a pre-requisite. More... | CMP-5005B | 20 |
| SYSTEMS ANALYSIS This module considers various activities associated with the development of all types of computer based information systems including project management, feasibility, investigation, analysis, logical and physical design, and the links to file design, software design, and user interface design. It makes use of a number of analysis and design tools and techniques in order to produce readable system specifications. Students are introduced to a number of development methods including structured, object oriented, soft systems, participative, iterative and rapid approaches. More... | CMP-5003A | 20 |
Option A Study (80 credits)
Students will select 80 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APPLIED STATISTICS A ACTUARIAL SCIENCE AND BUSINESS STATISTICS STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE CMPC2S12, APPLIED STATISTICS B, DUE TO THE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR COURSE. This is a module designed to give students the opportunity to apply statistical methods in realistic situations. While no advanced knowledge of probability and statistics is required, we expect students to have some background in probability and statistics before taking this module. The aim is to introduce students to R statistical language and to cover Regression, Analysis of Variance and Survival analysis. Other topics from a list including: Extremes and quartiles, Bootstrap methods and their application, Sample surveys, Simulations, Subjective statistics, Forecasting and Clustering methods, may be offered to cover the interests of those in the class. More... | CMP-5017B | 20 |
| BUSINESS ETHICS As business in the 21st century assumes a position of unprecedented power and influence throughout the world, understanding its moral significance - in particular the impact on stakeholders - becomes increasingly important. This module explores some of the ethical questions raised by modern business practice in a global context. The module draws upon a range of ethical theories based on the philosophy of Aristotle, Kant, Mills and others but no prior knowledge of philosophy is required. | NBS-5006Y | 20 |
| FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING The general aim of the module is to study the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting. This includes an examination of current and legal professional requirements as they relate to limited liability companies in the UK. Some international issues, for example in relation to the US and the European Union, are also considered. | NBS-5002Y | 20 |
| FURTHER COMPUTING SYSTEMS The module is designed to provide students with: an overview of the organisational, cultural and technical context of current software development, experience of developing software in a web context, and an introduction to the principal architectures of contemporary computing systems. More... | CMP-5016B | 20 |
| MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING The module aims to develop studentsâ understanding of the theory and practice of management accounting. The course develops some underpinning competencies in management accounting. It builds on topics introduced in the first year to extend comprehension of the role and system of management accounting for performance measurement, planning, decision making and control across a range of organisations. It also emphasises recent developments in management accounting practice, particularly those which underpin its growing strategic role. | NBS-5007Y | 20 |
| OPERATIONS STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT This module deals with the key operations strategy and operational management functions in a work setting. The core theme is the relevant knowledge and management skills necessary to effectively and efficiently develop strategies for the delivery of high quality services and/or goods in complex and dynamic environments. Students will examine the strategic importance of operations, the core input, transformation and output functions of any business and management situation, and the latest international strategic developments across numerous commercial sectors and organisations. | NBS-5010Y | 20 |
| PROGRAMMING 2 This is a compulsory module for all computing students and is a continuation of 1M0Y/1X04. It contains greater breadth and depth and provides students with the range of skills needed for many of their subsequent modules. We recap Java and deepen your understanding of the language by teaching topics such as nested classes, generics, swing and threaded programming. We will also broaden your programming knowledge by giving you a basic grounding in Matlab and C++. More... | CMP-5015Y | 20 |
| SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 1 Software Engineering is one of the most essential skills for work in the software development industry. Students will gain an understanding of the issues involvedin designing and creating software systems from an industry perspective. They will be taught state of the art in phased software development methodology, with a special focus on the activities required to go from initial class model design to actual running software systems. These activities are complemented with an introduction into software project management and development facilitation. More... | CMP-5012B | 20 |
Compulsory Study (60 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 60 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROJECT This module is the project for Business Information Systems students and is reserved exclusively for those students. It will give you experience of independent project work and, via the lecture programme, will provide a primer on the law, ethical and professional behaviour, project management, reporting and other aspects of being a business information systems professional. You will be allocated a supervisor and will be expected to work closely with him or her on a mutually agreed project. The project choice will normally take place in the summer preceding the module and will be based around a list of approved projects provided by members of Faculty and, occasionally, external customers. If you want to work on your own project then this may be possible but you should discuss this with the module organiser at an early stage. More... | CMP-6012Y | 40 |
| SYSTEMS ENGINEERING This module draws together a wide range of material and considers it in the context of developing modern large-scale computer systems. Topics such as Outsourcing, Process Improvement, System Failure, Project Management, Configuration Management, Maintainability, Legacy Systems and Re-engineering, Acceptance and Performance Testing, Metrics and Human Factors are covered in this module. The module is supported by a series of industrial case studies and includes speakers from industry. More... | CMP-6003B | 20 |
Option A Study (60 credits)
Students will select 60 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APPLIED STATISTICS A ACTUARIAL SCIENCE AND BUSINESS STATISTICS STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE CMPC2S12, APPLIED STATISTICS B, DUE TO THE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR COURSE. This is a module designed to give students the opportunity to apply statistical methods in realistic situations. While no advanced knowledge of probability and statistics is required, we expect students to have some background in probability and statistics before taking this module. The aim is to introduce students to R statistical language and to cover Regression, Analysis of Variance and Survival analysis. Other topics from a list including: Extremes and quartiles, Bootstrap methods and their application, Sample surveys, Simulations, Subjective statistics, Forecasting and Clustering methods, may be offered to cover the interests of those in the class. More... | CMP-5017B | 20 |
| BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS OF MARKETING This module builds upon the Principles of Marketing module taken in Year 2. It introduces the student to the field of consumer behaviour, a major sub-discipline within marketing that is concerned with understanding what meanings products, brands and possessions have in consumersâ lives and identity projects. Thus, the moduleâs overall aim is for the student to develop a detailed knowledge and deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and main theories behind the two dominant paradigms of âBuying Decision-Making Theoryâ (BDT) and âConsumer Culture Theoryâ (CCT). Further attention is paid to how the application of such knowledge and insights would benefit the development of suitable marketing strategies. It thereby aims to demonstrate that a customer focus within the organisation is not only the key to any successful marketing strategy, but is also highly dependent on a thorough in-depth understanding of both BDT and CCT. The lectures will be supported by a series of seminar sessions, whose aim is the practical application of the module syllabus. | NBS-6008Y | 20 |
| BUSINESS ETHICS As business in the 21st century assumes a position of unprecedented power and influence throughout the world, understanding its moral significance - in particular the impact on stakeholders - becomes increasingly important. This module explores some of the ethical questions raised by modern business practice in a global context. The module draws upon a range of ethical theories based on the philosophy of Aristotle, Kant, Mills and others but no prior knowledge of philosophy is required. | NBS-5006Y | 20 |
| ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS This module aims to provide students with knowledge of the significance of entrepreneurship and the small business sector within the economy, and research-led understanding of the factors that affect the small business birth, growth, success and failure | NBS-6010Y | 20 |
| FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING The general aim of the module is to study the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting. This includes an examination of current and legal professional requirements as they relate to limited liability companies in the UK. Some international issues, for example in relation to the US and the European Union, are also considered. | NBS-5002Y | 20 |
| FURTHER COMPUTING SYSTEMS The module is designed to provide students with: an overview of the organisational, cultural and technical context of current software development, experience of developing software in a web context, and an introduction to the principal architectures of contemporary computing systems. More... | CMP-5016B | 20 |
| INFORMATION RETRIEVAL Nowadays, millions of people worldwide make use of IR systems every day via search engines, and the exponential increase in the number of websites and documents available means that these systems have been developed to be highly efficient. In this module, we will cover the essential theoretical ideas that underpin modern information retrieval (e.g. the vector-space model, probabilistic approaches, relevance feedback etc.) and examine how they are practically implemented in current systems. Lecture material is re-enforced by a set of laboratory exercises and an assessment that enable you to implement some of these ideas practically. We also examine natural language processing techniques that are increasingly used in IR, and the emerging technologies of audio and video retrieval. More... | CMP-6008A | 20 |
| MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING The module aims to develop studentsâ understanding of the theory and practice of management accounting. The course develops some underpinning competencies in management accounting. It builds on topics introduced in the first year to extend comprehension of the role and system of management accounting for performance measurement, planning, decision making and control across a range of organisations. It also emphasises recent developments in management accounting practice, particularly those which underpin its growing strategic role. | NBS-5007Y | 20 |
| MANAGEMENT CONSULTING AND DEVELOPMENT This module is aimed at those students who are considering pursuing a career in management consulting and/or organisational development. It introduces the conceptual frameworks, theories and processes associated with management consulting and organisational development outlining its impact within a business context. Students will examine management consulting from the descriptive, practitioner and client perspective. Students will discuss the critical issues regarding the delivery of successful consulting projects, including theoretical, practical and research challenges, and further examine issues such as ethical considerations when delivering consultancy projects and consultancy as a career. Students will participate in groups in a âliveâ consultancy project where they will deliver against a specific brief. | NBS-6014Y | 20 |
| MARKETING: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE LAW This module aims to critically analyse modern marketing practices in a hard hitting way by exploring some of the myths and abuses of marketing that not only damage the wider society, but also the public and private sectors that exercise such practices. The module examines socially irresponsible marketing practices by governments and businesses, taking national and international perspectives, and looks at the effect on the public, consumers and other businesses. Legal, moral and ethical concerns are investigated in an exciting and stimulating way, through case studies that are regularly updated to reflect the continual developments within the field of socially responsible marketing. This module will of interest to those who have studied Principles of Marketing, as well as those who have taken or are taking Legal Issues in Business and Business Ethics and for any students that have genuine concerns for what is wrong with current marketing practices. | NBS-6011Y | 20 |
| NETWORKS This module examines networks and how they are designed and implemented to provide reliable data transmission. A layered approach is taken in the study of networks with emphasis given to the functionality of the traditional OSI 7 layer reference model and the TCP/IP model. Week-by-week the module examines the functionality provided by each layer and how this contributes to the overall reliable data transmission that the network provides. Underlying theory behind each layer is studied and then examples given as to how this is used in practice - for example within voice over IP (VoIP). An emphasis is placed on practical issues associated with networking such as real-time delivery of multimedia information and network security. The coursework tends to be highly practical and underpins the theory learnt in lectures. More... | CMP-6009B | 20 |
| OPERATIONS STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT This module deals with the key operations strategy and operational management functions in a work setting. The core theme is the relevant knowledge and management skills necessary to effectively and efficiently develop strategies for the delivery of high quality services and/or goods in complex and dynamic environments. Students will examine the strategic importance of operations, the core input, transformation and output functions of any business and management situation, and the latest international strategic developments across numerous commercial sectors and organisations. | NBS-5010Y | 20 |
| PROGRAMMING 2 This is a compulsory module for all computing students and is a continuation of 1M0Y/1X04. It contains greater breadth and depth and provides students with the range of skills needed for many of their subsequent modules. We recap Java and deepen your understanding of the language by teaching topics such as nested classes, generics, swing and threaded programming. We will also broaden your programming knowledge by giving you a basic grounding in Matlab and C++. More... | CMP-5015Y | 20 |
| SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 1 Software Engineering is one of the most essential skills for work in the software development industry. Students will gain an understanding of the issues involvedin designing and creating software systems from an industry perspective. They will be taught state of the art in phased software development methodology, with a special focus on the activities required to go from initial class model design to actual running software systems. These activities are complemented with an introduction into software project management and development facilitation. More... | CMP-5012B | 20 |
| SOFTWARE ENGINEERING II Industrial software development is seldom started from scratch, companies generally have large systems of legacy software that need to be maintained, improved and extended. This module focuses on advanced software engineering topics, such as reverse engineering to understand legacy software, refactoring and design patterns to improve the design of software systems and developing new software products using third-party software components. Assessment will be done by a group project which consists of a design and analysis task, and the group implementation task of a software project. Confidence in Java programming language skills as well as software engineering practice (phased development with agile methods, Unified Modeling Language, test-driven development) are pre-requisites. Software Engineering I (2M02) is required for this module. More... | CMP-6010B | 20 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Entry Requirements
- Qualification:
- BTEC National Diploma: DDM
- A Level:
- ABB
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32 points overall inc. 3 HL subjects at Grade 6
- Scottish Highers:
- AABBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- ABB
- Irish Leaving Certificate:
- AABBBB
- Access Course:
- See below
- European Baccalaureate:
- 75% overall
Entry Requirement
2014
Typical A level offer: ABB including one subject from preferred choice
Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 32 points including one HL subject from preferred choice at 5 and one other HL subject at 5
All equivalent qualifications considered, please contact the university for further information
Students should also have GCSE English (grade C) and Mathematics (grade C)
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
- IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
- TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
- PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.
Special Entry Requirements
We ask our applicants to have at least one of the following A Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Electronics, Economics or a Business related subject.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Science, Business or Economics related subjects.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have Mathematics and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.
Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees
We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £12,300. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support.
International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international.
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
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