Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A019
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
1. Course summary
- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
- Learn to manage the technological solutions at the heart of modern organisations.
- Study data analysis, management, infrastructure and web content management.
- Gain entrepreneurship and enterprise skills and manage full live projects.
- Prepare to undertake professional accreditations such as PRINCE2 (Project Management), AGILE and ITIL (Service Management).
On this course you’ll learn contemporary approaches towards business modelling, supporting you in your analysis, design and implementation of IT solutions. You’ill gain knowledge in using and manipulating contemporary web-based content management systems – plus the opportunity to develop digital marketing strategies that complement web systems.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Information Technology with Business Studies course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You’ll share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

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2. How you learn
The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Information Technology with Business Studies course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.
This course offers a diverse approach towards teaching and learning. You’ll be taught by experts with valuable industry experience in both business management and information technology. The course has been consistently recognised for high levels of student satisfaction and experience.
You learn through
- lectures and seminars
- tutorials and workshops
- practical activity-based sessions
- group and individual project work
- independent study
- work placements
The wide range of methods applied to assessment enables a differentiated approach towards assessing your learning. You’re also able to undertake modes of assessment that simulate typical industry practice within respected business and IT environments.
In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience – developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.
You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include
- access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development
- access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. Previous placements have taken place at organisations such as IBM, BMW, Nissan, Xerox and Boots.
Live projects
We work with industrial advisers to make sure the design of the curriculum is aligned with the needs of industry. You’ll work on client-based projects from the public services sector, private sector SMEs and large corporate organisations. This facilitates a closer connection to industry, where you’re able to apply theory to real projects.
You can also work with our business programme, Venture Matrix, winner of the National Enterprise Educators Award.
Core entrepreneurial modules on the course mean you can engage with external business clients, public sector organisations and voluntary groups. This provides a unique project-based learning experience, and allows you to develop transferable employability skills.
As it’s increasingly popular for graduates to run their own business, we’ve developed a unique series of modules that allow you to develop your entrepreneurial skills and creativity. Both students and graduates have the opportunity to access our enterprise resources – providing office space, office equipment, meeting facilities and tailored business support.
You’ll also have unique certification opportunities through PRINCE2 (Project Management), ITIL (IT service Management) and Business Architecture Expert (LEADing Practice Enterprise Standards Body).
Networking opportunities
As our course has strong links with a range of employers, we’re able to hold employer-specific events to give you opportunities to enhance your placement and graduate career prospects.
3. Future careers
This course embodies employability throughout each academic year. We prepare you for a position in industry or commerce as technically-literate business professionals. When you graduate from the course, you’ll be able to demonstrate acumen in business management, information technology and methods of implementation.
We typically achieve over 80% employment rates among our graduates.
This course prepare you for a career in:
- marketing management
- business analysis
- IT service management
- web design
- supply chain management
- retail management
- human resources
- project management
4. Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Computing facilities tour
Take a look around the facilities and equipment in the Department of Computing at Sheffield Hallam University.
5. Equipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- a registered SAS academy, developing your skills with one of the leading industry technologies in data analysis
- Oracle, a leader in database management software
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities in the last five years, to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students
6. Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Compulsory modules
This module introduces basic computing knowledge and skills to a level that will give you confidence you can study and practice computing at Honours level.
Indicative Content
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Essential concepts of computer programming
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Databases queries
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Web technologies
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Basics of how computers and computer networks operate
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Issues of Security
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Awareness of own pace of learning, and how to learn effectively.
The focus of the module is on helping you gain a well-rounded understanding of computing, on able to see common threads in development methods, and being able to apply your learning about computing, and your learning about study approaches into project work on other areas on the course.
This module extends on “Foundations in Computing 1” (and has study of that module as a prerequisite). You will explore computing to a greater depth - for example further program design and implementation, and explore wider uses of computing used in business, social contexts and embedded into other technologies. .
Indicative Content:
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Programming simple programs effectively
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Understanding example application areas (e.g. IoT, Games)
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Understanding how computing supports businesses
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Further practise of skills in a topic area you are considering selecting for Honours studies
The module maintains the ethos of its prerequisite (Foundations in Computing 1), by provide you with a broad but largely integrated understanding of computing. A further strong aim is to help you make a properly informed choice as to which branch(es) of computing you wish to follow for study at Honours level.
This module develops your mathematics skills relevant to the IT discipline. You choose whether to target an “Advanced” level (which includes topics relevant to degrees in the Computer Science area), or “Standard” level (which includes topics that can occur in any IT-related studies).
You’ll study topics such as:
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Fractions and decimals
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Percentages, rounding, estimations
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Standard form, metric units, indices, powers
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Algebra and solving linear equations
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Factorisations
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Matrices
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Logic gates and truth tables
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Binary number system
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Statistics
Indices and powers (advanced level)
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Factorising and solving quadratic equations (advanced)
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Simultaneous equations and matrices (advanced)
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Correlation and linear regression (advanced)
This module is specifically designed to help support students on the Foundation Year of a BSc Honours course in a computing area. You will develop an understanding of, and practise, skills needed for study at Honours level and for eventual employment.
Indicative Content
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Disability and Inclusiveness
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Understanding learning processes and its relationship to success in assessment
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Finding appropriate information
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Effective communication
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Effective use of IT Tools for clear communications and personal professional organisation
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Academic Integrity
An underlying theme of the module is to help you gain an ability to see for yourself where your study skills lie, and which areas you can make further improvements.
Compulsory modules
This module develops the skills needed to analyse competitive market situations to better understand customers, competitors and marketplace developments. You’ll create market responses in terms of the product or service solutions required through a market-led analysis approach that considers customer and competitor changes.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Changing roles of consumers
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Marketing environment
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Market research / market information
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Segmentation, targeting & positioning
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Consumer decision making process
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Marketing mix
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Competitor analysis
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Consumer psychology & consumer retention
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Customer demographics
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Customer orientation
This module develops your ability to analyse the external and competitive environments of organisations and how to evaluate their internal resources and functions. You will also reinforce your academic and employability skills as you develop your digital citizenship.
You’ll study topics such as:
Resource conversion processes
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Composition of external and competitive environments
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Analysis of the external environment
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Analysis of the competitive environment
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Identification of and analysis of stakeholders
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Organisational structure and organisational culture
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Functional areas of a business: marketing, finance, human resources management and operations management
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Change in an organisation and the impact of the external environment on change
Report writing and research
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Critical thinking
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Effective communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, organisation and management, conflict management and resolution)
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Professional CVs and social platforms (e.g. LinkedIn)
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Personal and Professional Development Plans (PPDP)
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Effective group work
This module introduces the complete development cycle from modelling and agreeing user requirements through to implementation and delivery of a prototype software system. It will progress your understanding of the importance of group working as you develop an information system using CASE tools design software.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Functional activities and business processes and their supporting documentation
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Communication and information flows within organisations and the role of the information systems that support them
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Computer-based information systems, the problems involved and the need for systems concepts methods and tools to address these problems
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Analysis and modelling of information systems requirements and tools for the design of a database system to support information needs
This module introduces computer technology and how it can be used to collect and analyse data.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Computer technologies
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Emerging digital technologies
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Internet of Things (IoT)
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Technology-driven automation of processes and data collection
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Understand ‘data’ and analysis
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Strategic business decision making
Compulsory modules
This module develops your knowledge and practical business analyst skills that contribute to the implementation of enterprise systems using appropriate tools.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Business process and business functions
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Business analysis – theoretical foundation, tools and techniques
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Business analysts – requirement analysis
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Enterprise system (ES) benefits
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Implementation and Critical Success Factors (CSF)
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The future, intelligent ERP, and smart technologies
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SAP S/4 HANA and Fiori
This module develops your professional portfolio and employability skills. It will build your confidence in understanding and undertaking assessments and interviews as you work on real-life project briefs and deliver business cases.
You’ll study topics such as:
Business case fundamentals to analyse and resolve business or service problems
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Project planning and management
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Professional skills and behaviours through management of the project and working with people
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Communicate skills
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Reflection and recognising professional behaviours
This module introduces you to the cloud and emerging technologies including available services and deployment models as well as applications on the cloud. It will contextualise cloud computing within the current business environment and awareness of management principles associated with delivering cloud solutions. You will also be introduced to content management systems (CMS) and develop knowledge in designing, configuring, installing and building a web-based system.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Cloud computing analysis within business context
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Advantages and disadvantages of contemporary deployment models
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Cloud migration plans
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Evaluation of cloud design solutions: reduced energy consumption, cost savings, flexibility, scalability, risks, legal ownership of data, privacy, security, and accountability
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Cloud service layers and services
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Cloud providers
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Management of cloud projects
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Emerging technologies
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Content Management Systems (CMS)
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HTML & CSS
This module develops your understanding of IT service management through recognition and application of the information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) best practice standards within a business environment. You will build your understanding of service operation and service transition of the ITIL framework and critically evaluate and reflect upon real-life IT infrastructure scenarios and present solutions within the context of ITIL.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Service management
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ITIL framework
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Service operation and transition
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Service desk
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Access management
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Incident management
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Problem management
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Request fulfilment
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Service asset & configuration management
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Change management
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Release & deployment management
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Service validation & testing
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Compulsory modules
Aims:
To familiarise students with Business Intelligence tools and techniques, specifically Data Mining and Data Visualisation.
Indicative Content
A range of Business Intelligence tools and techniques with associated technologies that will include some or all of the following:
Exploratory data analysis and visualisation of large data sets
Basic statistics and manipulation of data
Unsupervised and Supervised learning techniques
Evaluation of Business Intelligence tools and techniques
Application areas may include customer retention, finance and fraud detection and others
The discussion and evaluation of Business Intelligence and its application to various areas of decision making within an organisation
This module develops your skills across business modelling, strategy development, enterprise technologies and architecture methodologies. Business architecture enables businesses to develop a formalised description of how they can utilise their competencies, in order to manifest their strategy and objectives.
You’ll study topics such as:
● Enterprise architecture frameworks
● Evolution of the discipline and its relevance to industry
● Industry demand
● Solutions and problems addressed by business architecture
● Objects and relationships
● Artefact development
● Modelling principles and development
● Engineering principles and development
● Business ontology and semantics
Aims
This module provides an opportunity for an in-depth study, at level 6, of a topic within an area appropriate to the student's overall course, which will culminate in the submission of a final written report which adheres to the normal academic conventions for dissertations.
Indicative content
The content of the dissertation will be dictated by the student's course of study, experiences and interests and will be negotiated at the start of the module.
The outcome of this work will be a project report (dissertation) that describes, reflects on, and evaluates the work undertaken. Students will also be expected to critically assess the experience by reviewing what has been learned and the skills they have developed.
This module is your work experience for this level of study – an employer-led research project. You’ll develop entrepreneurial capabilities to enable you to undertake real-world consultancy.
You’ll apply skills and learning such as:
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Business and strategic management concepts
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Exploration of the client’s business or service challenge
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Research analysing and developing strategic change
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Solutions towards ‘real’ business/service problems
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Deliver solution and change resolutions to the client
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Presentation of a report demonstrating knowledge
8. Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for School of Computing and Digital Technologies (PDF, 131.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.