Business Computer Systems (Top Up) - BSc (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2023-07-01 | 2023-04-28 |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-05-25 |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Why study this course?
This is a fast-track route to a degree if you already hold a Higher National Diploma (HND) or have completed a foundation year in computing or a similar subject. Built-in opportunities for work placements give you a career edge even before you graduate and the course is taught by staff with industry links who ensure the content remains up-to-date every year.
Program Outline
More about this course
This course will help you develop your foundation year or Higher National Diploma into a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Computer Systems. Lectures and seminars are complemented by hands-on work experience provided by our in-house agency.
You’ll have the opportunity to study in our state-of-the-art computer labs, including some of the most advanced Cisco labs in London. Here you’ll develop your knowledge of everything from e-commerce to database management and learn both the practical skills required for a career in computer networks and the ethical, social, legal and professional issues related to the industry. You’ll explore topics relevant in your field today, such as cloud security, advanced Structured Query Language (SQL), content management systems and how to identify, analyse and thwart hacking attempts. Our teaching staff have strong connections with the industry and review the course content every year to ensure you’re kept up-to-date with the latest information and practices.Assessment
You'll be assessed through individual and group project work, essays and written reports, and examinations.
Your individual computing project will be assessed through practical project work and a final dissertation.
You'll receive regular supportive feedback throughout the course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 3 modules include:
This module currently runs:
This module builds upon the student's general understanding of database design and implementation from prior learning. It discusses the key issues underpinning database management systems and their development, provides a strong coverage to advanced SQL which helps preparing for professional certification, and introduces some current topics in database technology. In addition, the module contains a substantial practical element utilising advanced SQL and database application development tools (e.g. Oracle SQL developer, Oracle.NET developer), enabling students to gain transferable skills in designing and developing relatively complex ‘real life’ database applications.
The module will enable students to:-
• gain in-depth understanding of various key issues pertinent to the management and development of modern database applications. • acquire skills in advanced SQL which provides an opportunity for gaining professional certification. • be introduced to current developments in database technology thereby raising students’ awareness and understanding of the future trend in database systems development. • design and develop relatively complex business database systems and applications using industry-standard database products (e.g. Oracle SQL developer, Oracle.NET developer).
This module currently runs:
CS6004 Application Development 30 weeks: This module will equip students with essential knowledge and skills to become efficient software developers. The module will consolidate and integrate programming concepts and techniques which students have learned earlier in the degree for the purpose of application development for the real world. The module will also extend students’ knowledge and skills for them to be able to tackle issues pertinent to realistic application development projects.
The module delivery will be conducted in a practical fashion through exposing the student to one exemplar of modern development platform/technologies in depth and then requiring them to develop a significant software artefact using the exemplary toolset/development platform, and to reflect on the process and the solution. (Exam, course work and practical exam). It will cover risk assessment to identify and implement appropriate security.The module aims are:
● to provide students with a disciplined understanding of the state of the art of application development in terms of development technologies, development platforms and toolsets, risk assessment and security in the broader context of the IT industry business;
● to consolidate the techniques and concepts introduced in earlier programming modules in order for students to be able to employ them in an integrated fashion in realistic application development projects; ● to introduce students to a major contemporary software development platform, including its programming languages and toolsets for application development such as those of Microsoft .NET; ● to train and equip students with necessary hands-on skills in using a major development platform and environment to design and implement a significant software application; ● to prepare students for a professional certification exam e.g. of Microsoft technologies.
This module currently runs:
The module enables students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills through a systematic and creative investigation of a project work in accordance with their course requirements. The topic of investigation will cover a broad spectrum of various analysis and techniques and will lead to a comprehensive and concise academic/industry-related report. Students will be assisted in exploring areas that may be unfamiliar to them and encouraged to develop innovative ideas and techniques. Students will be able to choose a project that may require the solution to a specific problem, creation of an artefact in a real-world environment or an investigation of innovative ideas and techniques related to an area within their field of study. Collaboration with outside agencies and projects with industrial, business or research partners/ sponsors will be encouraged.
Assessment: Project Report Interim Submission (25%) + Project process (25%) + Project Report Final Submission (40% - Pass on component) + Viva (10% - Pass on component).
The module aims to develop a wide range of subject specific cognitive abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including practical skills and additional transferable skills of a more general nature and applicable in many other contexts.
Particularly, the module aims to:
• Provide an opportunity to learn, through supervised experience, how to plan and carry out a project through a systematic and creative approach;
• Encourage innovation and originality in approach to investigating a problem in an area that may be unfamiliar to the student; • Provide opportunity for in depth study of some specialised area of suitable scale and complexity relevant to their course of study; • Raise awareness in potential business development opportunities in connection to the project work undertaken and of any ethical, legal and professional issues; • Develop reporting skills as well as the ability to communicate results, conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialists and non-specialist’s audiences, clearly and unambiguously; • Encourages reflection upon the relationship of design decisions to the appropriateness of the finished task; • Enhance professional and personal development.
This module currently runs:
The module enables students to undertake an appropriate short period of professional activity, related to their course at level 6, with a business or community organisation and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity can be a professional training, a volunteering activity, employment activity, an activity within the School of Computing and Digital Media Virtual Business Environment (VBE), placement or business start-up activity.
For the purpose of this module – the VBE will be also be recognised as ‘the employer’. It is expected student should work for 150 hours which should be recorded clearly (in a learning log for instance) in the portfolio. The 150 hours can be completed in 25 working days in a FT mode, or spread over a semester in a PT mode. Students should register with the module leader to be briefed on the module, undergo induction and Work Based Learning planning and to have the Work Based Learning approved, before they take up the opportunity. It is essential that students are made aware that both the “Work Based Learning agreement” and relevant “health and safety checklist” where applicable need to be approved before starting the learning activity.The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to:
• Gain a useful experience of the working environment and the career opportunities available on graduation. • Undertake a work-based project appropriate to their academic level. • Enhance and extend their learning experience by applying and building on their academic skills and abilities by tackling real life problems in the workplace. • Enhance professional and personal development.
This module currently runs:
The aim of the module is to explore how projects are analysed, developed and managed in a business setting and the types of project methodologies that are used. Students will engage in using a methodology such as Agile in a team setting to understand the different roles within the Agile methodology. The module will examine the role and value of UML and other project management tools. The module will use case studies to gain a deeper knowledge of how projects are analysed, developed and managed. The module will be assessed by means of a 3000 word report based on a chosen case study.
Where this course can take you
On completion of this course, you'll be equipped to pursue a career as a developer for databases and e-business applications or in software development and project management.
This course also prepares you to continue your studies at postgraduate level.