Business Computing BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Business Computing BSc (Hons)

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: G503 (BSc), G504 (BSc with Foundation)
• Level: Undergraduate (UG BSc (Hons))
• Duration: Full Time (3 years), Full Time Foundation (4 years), Part Time (4-6 years)
• Starting: September
• Entry Requirements: BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC
• UK Fees 25/26: Full Time (£9,535), Part Time (£1,585 per 20 credits), Integrated Foundation Year (£9,535)
• International Fees 25/26: Full Time (£15,700), Integrated Foundation Year (£15,700)
• Location: Waterside

Overview

The University of Northampton's Business Computing BSc approaches computing from a professional perspective and is designed to tackle the application of technology in a commercial context. It explores the design, implementation, and application of technical solutions to industry's challenges.

Highlights

• Emphasis on hands-on practice
• Employability and computing industry focused
• Strategic application of technology
• Optional industry placement available on the Business Computing BSc degree
• Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise
• HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible students*

Entry Requirements

• A typical offer for a Business Computing BSc course would be:
  • BCC at A-Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level
• No prior computing experience is required
• In addition to the standard University of Northampton entry requirements, applicants will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above

Optional Placement Year

You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career.

Course Content

• Stage 1:
  • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
  • Digital Footprints (20 Credits)
  • Computer Systems (20 Credits)
  • Web Development (20 Credits)
  • Software Engineering Fundamentals (20 Credits)
  • Databases Design and Development (20 Credits)
• Stage 2:
  • Quality and User-Centred Systems (20 Credits)
  • Website Design (20 Credits)
  • Server Administration and Security (20 Credits)
  • Group Project (20 Credits)
  • Web Programming (20 Credits)
  • Object-Relational Databases (20 Credits)
  • Systems Design and Development (20 Credits)
• Stage 3:
  • Business Intelligence (20 Credits)
  • IT Project Management (20 Credits)
  • Media Technology (20 Credits)
  • Modern Databases (20 Credits)
  • Cybersecurity and Applied Cryptography (20 Credits)
  • Computing Project Dissertation (40 Credits)

Student Perks

• Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise
• HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible students*
• Access to the Computing Society, with activities and talks all year round

Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in Business Computing, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees:
  • UK – Full Time: £9,535
  • UK – Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
  • International – Full Time: £15,700
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700
• Scholarships and funding available

Careers and Employability

• The skills that you will learn in this degree in Business Computing will enable you to embark on a range of careers, with examples of roles including:
  • Systems Analyst
  • Programmer
  • Database Developer
  • Database Manager
  • Test Engineer
  • IT Support or management of web based systems, new developments and projects
• Master's Opportunities:
  • Computing MSc
  • Computing (Software Engineering) MSc

Facilities and Special Features

• Emphasis on hands-on practice
• Flexible programme and study route
• Employability and industry focused, with an optional placement year available
• The Computing Society, with activities and talks all year round
• Staff are professionally trained and actively engaged with ITIL, itSMF, Prince2, SFIA, APM, and BCS

Related Courses

• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Computer Networks Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Computing MSc
• Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Program Outline

Business Computing BSc (Hons) - University of Northampton

Degree Overview:

The University of Northampton's Business Computing BSc (Hons) program approaches computing from a professional perspective, focusing on the application of technology in a commercial context. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to design, implement, and apply technical solutions to industry challenges. The program emphasizes the growing reliance on computing solutions in today's business environment and the need for individuals who can create robust, reliable, and user-friendly systems that drive organizational solutions. It develops practical skills and knowledge in areas like data analysis, web design and development, databases, programming, systems analysis, and IT management, fostering entrepreneurial skills as well.

Outline:

The Business Computing BSc (Hons) program shares a common first year with other Computing pathways, offering flexible progression into the second year. Students can tailor their second and third years to specialize in areas that align with their career aspirations and interests.

Course Structure:

• Stage 1 (Year 1): Focuses on foundational computing concepts and skills.
• Compulsory Modules:
• Problem Solving and Programming (CSY1020)
• Digital Footprints (CSY1030)
• Computer Systems (CSY1061)
• Web Development (CSY1063)
• Software Engineering Fundamentals (CSY1064)
• Databases Design and Development (CSY1065)
• Stage 2 (Year 2): Expands on Stage 1 concepts and introduces more specialized topics.
• Compulsory Modules:
• Quality and User-Centred Systems (CSY2041)
• Server Administration and Security (CSY2085)
• Group Project (CSY2088)
• Web Programming (CSY2089)
• Systems Design and Development (CSY2094)
• Stage 3 (Year 3): Delves deeper into strategic skills and emerging technologies.
• Compulsory Modules:
• Business Intelligence (CSY3034)
• IT Project Management (CSY3037)
• Modern Databases (CSY3059)
• Computing Project Dissertation (CSY4022)
• Designate Modules:
• Media Technology (CSY3058)
• Cybersecurity and Applied Cryptography (CSY3062)

Optional Placement Year:

Students can choose to undertake a year-long placement between Stages Two and Three, gaining valuable industry experience and building professional connections. The university provides support in finding placements, both in the UK and overseas.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical implementations
• Reports
• Essays
• Demonstrations
• Examinations
Most modules are designed to develop problem-solving techniques and interpersonal skills, with many offering opportunities for group work.

Teaching:

The program employs a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
The faculty is professionally trained and actively engaged with industry standards and certifications, such as ITIL, itSMF, Prince2®, SFIA, APM, and BCS.

Careers:

The Business Computing BSc (Hons) program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the IT industry, including:

• Systems Analyst
• Programmer
• Database Developer
• Database Manager
• Test Engineer
• IT Support or management of web-based systems, new developments, and projects.
• Computing MSc
• Computing (Software Engineering) MSc

Other:

• The program emphasizes hands-on practice and flexible study routes.
• The Computing Society offers support and networking opportunities for students.
• The university's Northampton Employment Promise guarantees a paid internship for eligible students.
• The program includes a bespoke HP laptop and software for eligible students.
Some sections may be missing or incomplete.

UK – Full Time: £9,250 UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 International – Full Time: £15,200 International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200