Business Information Technology - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.
The BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology (BIT) course will provide you with knowledge and skills that bridge the gap between IT and Business to drive digital transformation, innovation and growth. It aims to provide you with the skills and experience needed to communicate and collaborate effectively with business users in both technical and non-technical industries....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Computing and Digital Technology
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
The BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology (BIT) course will provide you with knowledge and skills that bridge the gap between IT and Business to drive digital transformation, innovation and growth. It aims to provide you with the skills and experience needed to communicate and collaborate effectively with business users in both technical and non-technical industries. While the course contains a broad underpinning of traditional computing skills, it also focuses heavily on the highly sought-after digital transformation skills critical to keeping companies advancing in an information age.
Throughout your computing degree, you will be supported by expert teaching staff, many of whom have worked in the field of computing, are active in transformational research and are continually innovating with industry partners to achieve success.
Introducing STEAMhouse
STEAMhouse is a centre for technology, innovation, creative thinking
Our brand new £70 million pound building, STEAMhouse, will become the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology from the start of the 2022 academic year.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
What's covered in this course?
This course is for you if you want to combine a highly rigorous academic qualification with real life practical work experiences to make IT work for businesses. The course enables you to think like a coder to influence organisations' design, development, and use of information systems and technology. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of how organisations can harness the data to improve decision-making.
You will be based at our City Centre Campus. You will work collaboratively with tutors, researchers and businesses, applying practice-based skills to real-life case studies and live project briefs, which will develop your problem-solving and analytical skills. The course will help you develop a strategic mindset to address global challenges, leveraging technology to meet business needs. You will have access to virtual learning environments and networking, electronic enterprise systems and business intelligence laboratories.
Studying computing with us puts you at the heart of an exciting, innovative community. Part of your first-year assessment will involve participating in our annual Innovation Fest, where students get together to solve society's problems with sustainable solutions using creative technology.
It is not just about academic and technical knowledge – we'll also help you develop your personal and professional skills so that you can work effectively as a team member to impact many of the challenges facing modern society positively.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
When I first joined Birmingham City University, I became a student ambassador. It was a great feeling to show prospective students the fantastic equipment and technology that's on offer at this campus.
Jenny Powell
Why Choose Us?
- Brand new facilities at STEAMhouse - This £70 million state-of-the-art building will become the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology from the start of the 2022 academic year. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and teaching spaces, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects.
- Top 5 for Information Technology and Systems student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2023).
- Industry-standard facilities - You will be based in Millennium Point, at our City Centre Campus, which has recently undergone a £6.5 million investment, including advanced software development and computer programming labs.
- Optional placement year - We offer the option of a sandwich year, enabling you to undertake valuable work experience. See where our students go on placement.
- Preparation for industry - You will gain experience working in multidisciplinary teams and learn how to apply your skills for industry.
- Highly employable graduates - Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as IBM Mercedes Benz and Microsoft.
- Learn from industry experts - Our academic staff have a wealth of industry experience and are expertise in their field.
Similar Courses
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Day: Saturday 22 October 2022
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
|
112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
||
| LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
|---|---|---|
| GCSE |
|
|
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
|
|
| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
|
|
| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
|
|
| Scottish National 5 |
|
|
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| A level and Advanced VCE |
|
|
| Access to HE Diploma |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
|
|
|
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
|
|
| T- Levels |
|
|
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
|
|
| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
||
Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
||
| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
|
| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. 2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) |
|
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Additional Requirements
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2023/24) £9,250
Professional Placement Fees
The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be £1,850, which is equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
-
TBC
- Full Time
- 4 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
Professional Placement Fees
Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Business Information Systems 20 credits
Computational Thinking and Professional Development 20 credits
This first-year project allows you to develop and cultivate a creative mind-set through collaborative innovative practice, allowing you to bring together knowledge and imagination to construct a viable product. It is an opportunity to express your ideas, skills and talent to the wider community of innovative practice.
The project provides you with an opportunity to be part of a thriving community of innovators that practices connected learning. This is facilitated by putting you into inter-disciplinary project teams supported by innovation mentors, advisers and academics; culminating in you exhibiting your work to an international panel of experts.
This module focuses on the challenge, what are the information needs of organizations that information technology needs to support in the changing international business context? Information technology (IT) is ubiquitous in organizations capturing, creating and communicating data between internal business systems and enabling global communication between external parties such as suppliers and customers.
The module starts by focusing on two fundamental questions that underpin IT: What is information? And why do organizations need information? The specific information that an organization needs is then explored in this module together with the source and characteristics of the data needed to provide the information identified. Structured approaches to analysing and designing information systems are outlined, introducing different ways of modelling and communicating the business information needs.
Network Fundamentals 20 credits
Introduction to Programming 20 credits
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Business Process Re-engineering 20 credits
The shift in operating conditions and the ever-changing business environments has led many organisations to adopt Enterprise Systems (ES) as a mechanism to gain competitive advantage, improve productivity, and facilitate real-time decision-making. The primary objective of implementing these systems was to address the maintenance issues of legacy systems, reduce development risk, provide timely access to information, and improve business efficiency. However, there are a number of instances, where organisations have failed to realise these benefits and end up running into costly implementation, increased maintenance, and operational challenges.
This module will develop your core skills and knowledge to support organisations in the management of ES and redesigning of the business processes...
Database Systems Development 20 credits
Applied Programming 20 credits
In this module will you will focus on combining theoretical concepts around user experience design with practical “hands-on” approaches widely used in industry and academia to create effective interactive experiences. Current technology developments involve humans using information centred applications, both physically and cognitively. With the advent of ubiquitous computing and connected products, digitalisation has enabled information architectures that are not solely focused in software based applications, but also in tangible computing devices. In this context, you will learn about the user-centred design process that places a core emphasis on designing products and applications for “people”.
In particular, you will learn techniques for gathering and understanding a target audience’s requirements, the importance of universal design and accessibility, methods for undertaking rapid prototyping, core principles around aesthetics and visual design, and a range of techniques for designing, running, and analysing user evaluations.
Enterprise Practice Project 20 credits
Professional Placement Year (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology with Professional Placement Year a student must successfully complete the following module.
Professional Placement Year 120 credits
Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module enables you to gain an understanding of the processes, scope and role when providing guidance or advice in a professional consulting capacity. It will also assist you if you join a larger organisation with the aspiration to become a leader and manager. The module provides awareness on the wider consulting profession and practice, the consulting role in computing and the management of client relationships. The focus will be to analyse and evaluate the frameworks, processes and techniques applied by computing consultants, managers and leaders.
Business Intelligence 20 credits
This module focuses on the challenge, how can information systems align with business strategies to enable organisations to successfully sustain and develop their positions in the global digital economy? Information, information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) are valuable organisational resources that must be effectively managed to help the organisation achieve its objectives. Strategic alignment directs the development of IS and the deployment of IT to provide continued support to the attainment of business objectives.
This module explores how to formulate a robust IS strategy that enables an organisation to harness the value of its information resource to support attainment of the organisation’s strategy.
Application Solutions Development 20 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Download course specification
Download nowYou will experience a wide variety of subjects and methods, all reinforced by practical, hands-on learning activities. You will be encouraged to undertake self-directed study, enhancing your organisational and management skills.
Our teaching philosophy revolves around you both learning by doing and transferring acquired knowledge to others by teaching others. Activities will occur both individually and in teams, with tutors providing leadership and mentoring aimed at supporting your transition into independent learners. In this partnership we will be encouraging you to become proactive, so that you can develop your confidence to undertake a range of progressively complex and challenging tasks.
You will demonstrate acquisition of these work-related skills by using an assessment strategy that is reflective of industry needs. Assessments will be varied and include knowledge and skills tests. However, the focus will predominantly be on the use of coursework. Here you will learn to present your ideas and showcase your work to a variety of audiences, both as members of a team or individually. You will also learn to present your ideas through written pieces of work for example by formulating proposals and reports.
Attendance requirements
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.
Professional Accreditation
Some of the course modules will provide the taught element of professional accreditations like SAS (business intelligence), Oracle, Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA. This preparation will allow you to extend the learning outside the classroom, to a possible qualification.
Student stories
Jaspreet Phagura
Our students also use their skills to develop commercial applications. Jaspreet Phagura launched a new application that allowed users to buy tickets to local events via their mobile phone.
The ‘iRaver’ application was designed to save students time when searching for upcoming events in their local area. Once registered, users can book tickets for events in a few simple steps, use the ‘call a taxi’ function, which instantly identifies local taxi companies in the surrounding area, and identify public houses, bars and nightclubs in a specified area via its ‘near me’ function.
Jenny Powell
Dedicated student Jenny Powell has surprised herself with her own success. She didn’t expect to find herself at university – now she’s planning her postgraduate studies! Jenny’s “thoroughly enjoying” her time here, making use of the great support on offer to give her studies everything she’s got.
Jenny’s aiming high – and putting in the hard work to achieve her goals, alongside 21 hours a week of part-time work. "I am shocked, as I wouldn't have expected to get here when I was at school, “ she admits. Now, she’s aiming for a first. “I love learning and studying,” she says. “I would like to get a job at the end as a business analyst or web development.”
Trips and Visits
We continually organise student trips to various external events and organisations. In the past, trips have been organised for our students to careers events, to help engage our students with their future employers and increase their employability.
Trips have included a visit to ‘The Gadget Show’, a television series which focuses on consumer technology which is broadcast on Channel 5, and Bletchley Park, the home of British code breaking and the birthplace of modern IT.
International Opportunities
Our Erasmus scheme will allow you to undertake part of your studies abroad, allowing you to experience life and studying in another EU country.
It is open to undergraduates in their second year (or above) and offers a unique opportunity to enhance a student’s CV and experience new cultures.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Athena Swan Bronze Award
We have successfully secured the Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award recognising a commitment to gender equality.
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
You will be given the practical, technical and academic skills that will help you to stand out when you step onto the job ladder.
When you study with us you’ll learn all the key aspects of business information technology that will help you to get a job, from underlying concepts and principles to the relationship between theory and practice.
You’ll use advanced software development and computer programming labs, as well as dedicated facilities for systems analysis, database design and development, e-commerce, and business intelligence.
You will also benefit from our strong links with companies such as SAS, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Samsung and IBM, which keep your course relevant, real-life, and respected by employers.
We ensure that you’ll graduate with the skills, creativity and experience needed to succeed in employment.
Placements
We aim to have you employer-ready by the time you graduate and as part of this commitment we encourage you to further enhance your career prospects by including an industrial placement in your course.
You will do your placement after the second year of study, which will extend the duration of your course to four years.
Thanks to our excellent partnerships and strong relationships with industry, you could join the ranks of our students who have gained exceptionally high quality work experience at companies including Cisco Systems, IBM, 3M, and Airbus.
Placements provide the workplace experience that many employers look for and give you an invaluable opportunity to develop your practical expertise, earn money and try out a potential career path.
The Faculty's placements team will give you every support throughout the placement process.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
As a student in the School of Computing and Digital Technology, you will have access to our labs, software, professional sound studios, computer games labs and industry-standard facilities to develop your practical skills in audio, video and multimedia application development, content creation and more.
We are currently undertaking a £340 million investment programme in our facilities, including a major expansion of our City Centre Campus. This includes our brand new £70 million development, STEAMhouse, which will be the new home to Computing and Digital Technology students. This state-of-the-art centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and equipment, as well as opportunities to collaborate with businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects.
Our facilities in Millennium Point have undergone a £6.5million investment with a new maker area, engineering labs/equipment and IT equipment.
Thanks to our partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Juniper, SAS and LPI you will have access to the latest technology and facilities that reflect advanced professional practice. Our students also have access to software such as the Adobe Suite including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
Our staff
Fiaz Afsar
Programme Leader / Senior Lecturer (Business Information Technology)
Fiaz has worked in the HE for past 20 years. He initially spent 7 years working in industry as a Technology Transfer Consultant providing IT/Network based solutions to SME’s within West Midlands. He then moved to Birmingham City University teaching network technologies/ infrastructure and more recently Business Systems Solutions and Enterprise...
More about FiazDr Gerald Feldman
Lecturer in Information Systems
Gerald Feldman is a Lecturer in Information Systems at Birmingham City University, in the School of Computing and Digital Technology. He teaches Business Information Systems and Enterprise systems at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. He has over six years’ industrial experience in managing information systems, designing and implementing...
More about GeraldLiam Matthews-Dibbins
Assistant Lecturer in Computing
Liam is an Assistant Lecturer in the School of Computing and Digital Technology and joined the University in 2016, having graduated from the Information and Communications Technology course. Liam first worked in a Student Success Advisor role, focusing on student engagement, employability and certifications. He has been teaching on Linux...
More about LiamProfessor Sharon Cox
Professor of Information Systems
Professor Sharon Cox’s research in information systems and information management is based on her industrial experience. While developing the corporate data model at Jaguar Cars, Sharon was offered a fully funded studentship from Aston University to embark on doctoral research. Her research focused on developing models to explore the information...
More about SharonDr Waldo Cervantes-Solis
Senior Lecturer
Dr Waldo Cervantes has over 20 years of experience in tech, industry, and academia. He has led and collaborated in a variety of projects ranging from start-up development, Internet of Things, Energy, Transport and Enterprise. He holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Birmingham and is currently a Lecturer in Distributed at...
More about WaldoRehan Bhana
Senior Academimc - Strategic Academic Alliances
Current activity: Rehan is the founder of Innovation Fest, formulating a community of practice, servicing the regional economy and international partners with creative digital mind-sets and the next generation of technology. Rehan has sparked a productive ecosystem in teaching and learning for contemporary research, with 20 years of practice-led...
More about RehanDr Jason Hockman
Associate Professor
Jason Hockman is Associate Professor of Audio Engineering at Birmingham City University. He is a member of the Digital Media Technology Laboratory (DMT Lab), in which he leads the Sound and Music (SoMA) Group for computational analysis of sound and music and digital audio processing.
More about JasonDr Martyn Ratcliffe
Senior Lecturer
Martyn graduated with a physics degree and started his career at British Aerospace. After several changes of department and the completion of an M.Sc. in Digital Systems he settled in the software department, designing real-time software for weapon systems. After eight years Martyn left British Aerospace to take up a teaching post at Birmingham...
More about MartynMichael Bickerton
Lecturer
Michael has been producing and teaching film for over twenty years. He has international production experience and has taught on prestige courses (such as the UK Film Council’s Introduction to Screenwriting). He is a member of BECTU, GTC, and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
More about MichaelWil Vincent
Assistant Lecturer
Wil Vincent is an Assistant Lecturer in the Built Environment, having graduated from both our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Planning at Birmingham City University. He is Programme Leader for the Faculty’s Generalist Degree programmes, offering remedial support to student to maximise their chance for successes on their degree programme....
More about Wil