BSc (Hons) BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS WITH A YEAR IN INDUSTRY
BSC (HONS) BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS WITH A YEAR IN INDUSTRY
All modern businesses depend upon sophisticated information systems. They are used to support day-to-day operations, to plan strategically for the future, and to manipulate gathered data to gain a competitive advantage.
On this course you will study computing, information technology and business. You will cultivate the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a career designing and implementing computer-based systems in a business environment. You’ll also be well equipped for a career as a consultant or manager, with expertise in information systems and their use in business.
You’ll also spend a year in industry, giving you first-hand knowledge of how your chosen field operates as well as valuable career-building contacts.
Throughout your course, you’ll benefit from the combined expertise of the School of Computing Sciences and Norwich Business School. Our flexible approach enables you to choose subjects that interest you and that are aligned with your career aspirations.
About
This course will ensure you’re fully equipped for a career in business information systems and are totally up to date on what the industry needs right now.
This programme combines in-depth teaching on the capabilities of business systems and a thorough grounding in the operations of contemporary businesses. By studying these crucial and exciting subjects you will also develop skills applicable to the wider employment sector, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation, and time keeping.
The relatively recent move to more iterative computer systems development methods has had a knock on effect on the skills and knowledge required from developers. As a developer, you are now expected to be able to work in small multi-skilled teams alongside your business users. That means you don’t just need technical competence but also the ability to be flexible, creative and a good communicator.
Above all you need to be able to speak your customer’s language – with an understanding of businesses and how they operate. Our external visiting speakers emphasise this point again and again – so we ensure that our business information systems courses give you this important mix of skills.
In your first year you will get a thorough grounding in systems development, programming and databases, while also learning about business and organisational behaviour. Over the next two years you’ll explore systems analysis, operations strategy and management, systems engineering and organisational information systems.
You will also be able to select from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your own degree to concentrate on your computing expertise or your business knowledge – or more often than not, a valuable balance between the two.
Popular options include project management, software engineering, consulting, marketing, and information retrieval.
In your year in industry you’ll put what you’ve learnt to practice, gaining new skills and building links with potential employers such as Aviva, Bloomberg and IBM. Another benefit is that you’ll pay a much reduced tuition fee for your placement year and you’ll be paid – a great way to help fund your studies.
In your final year you’ll complete a final year project pulling together the business and computing aspects of your degree. You also have the option to work together with an external company on this project.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Accreditation
This course has been accredited by the British Computer Society for partial CITP. Accreditation means that a candidate has partially fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).
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Placement Year and Study Abroad
You will be expected to seek your own work placement and in the first two weeks of your second year you will be asked to write a curriculum vitae and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.

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After the Course
You’ll leave as a well-rounded graduate with a range of enviable employment opportunities open to you. Our recent graduates have secured roles at IBM, Logica, Capgemini, Marks & Spencer, and Aviva.
You’ll develop your employability throughout the course by hearing from industry guest speakers, going on company visits and participating in the local tech community (NorDev) and start up community (SyncNorwich).
Our students have been very successful in the annual 54-hour start up event, called Sync the City. Taking part in events like this will boost your confidence, employability and contacts book.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Business analysis
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Project management
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Systems development
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Systems analysis
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E-Marketing
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Business management

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Assessment for Year 1
We’ll use a wide range of methods to assess your learning – including project work, programming assignments, essays, written reports, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, and seminar presentations. Which one we choose will depend on the module content and learning objectives. You will also complete group-based coursework.
Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams (usually 40% examination and 60% coursework), while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.
Assessment for Year 2
We’ll use a wide range of methods to assess your learning – including project work, programming assignments, essays, written reports, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, and seminar presentations. Which one we choose will depend on the module content and learning objectives. You will also complete group-based coursework.
Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams (usually 40% examination and 60% coursework), while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.
Assessment for Year 3
Year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Assessment for Year 4
We’ll use a wide range of methods to assess your learning – including project work, programming assignments, essays, written reports, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, and seminar presentations. Which one we choose will depend on the module content and learning objectives. You will also complete group-based coursework.
Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams (usually 40% examination and 60% coursework), while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.
Assessment for Year 1
We’ll use a wide range of methods to assess your learning – including project work, programming assignments, essays, written reports, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, and seminar presentations. Which one we choose will depend on the module content and learning objectives. You will also complete group-based coursework.
Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams (usually 40% examination and 60% coursework), while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
We’ll use a wide range of methods to assess your learning – including project work, programming assignments, essays, written reports, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, and seminar presentations. Which one we choose will depend on the module content and learning objectives. You will also complete group-based coursework.
Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams (usually 40% examination and 60% coursework), while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
Year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 4
We’ll use a wide range of methods to assess your learning – including project work, programming assignments, essays, written reports, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, and seminar presentations. Which one we choose will depend on the module content and learning objectives. You will also complete group-based coursework.
Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams (usually 40% examination and 60% coursework), while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB/ABC including one A-level in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, Business or Economics. Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element.T Levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable pathways: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Digital Production, Design and DevelopmentBTEC
DDM acceptable in an IT, Business or Science-based subject. Excludes Public Services and Business Administration.Scottish highers
AABBB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.Scottish highers advanced
CCC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.Irish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Business, Electronics or Economics.European Baccalaureate
70% overall with 7 in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.International Baccalaureate
31 including HL5 in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.GCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Science A Levels must include a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year.
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Foundation in Business Economics Society and Culture
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during the year in industry. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee page.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Many of the course texts are available from the library but it’s likely you will need to purchase at least some of them.
If you are required to undertake re-assessment a charge will be made.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is an 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 application 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 is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

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