
Business Information Technology with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2022/23 Entry
Want to keep the wheels of commerce turning? Our BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology degree with a foundation year will equip you to support the computing needs of commerce and industry A Business Information Technology degree is your passport to an absorbing career in some of the world's biggest, most exciting companies....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- School School of Computing and Digital Technology
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
Want to keep the wheels of commerce turning? Our BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology degree with a foundation year will equip you to support the computing needs of commerce and industry
A Business Information Technology degree is your passport to an absorbing career in some of the world's biggest, most exciting companies.
While studying our course, you will use dedicated facilities as well as work with tutors, researchers and business partners to apply information technology to serve business needs. Theory will be combined with practical skills which you can exercise in case studies and live projects, ensuring you graduate with a sound understanding of business and system analysis.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year course option enables you to study for our BSc (Hons) degree over an extended full-time duration of four years by including a Foundation Certificate (year one of four). The Foundation Certificate provides a broad study programme that underpins the follow-on degree. In order to progress to the next year of your degree, it is necessary to achieve a pass in all of the modules of the Foundation Certificate.
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.
What's covered in this course?
The efficient and effective management of information, IT, people and processes is critical in the digital corporate arena.
You will work collaboratively with tutors, researchers and businesses, applying practical skills to real-life case study materials and live project briefs which will develop your problem-solving and analytical skills.
Learn how to think like a coder, to influence the design, development and use of information systems and technology in organisations. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of how organisations can harness the data captured in business systems to improve decision-making and for and IT strategic planning. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to make IT work for businesses.
We will develop your technical, research, design and organisational ability, and leave with the skills employers want. This includes technical, organisational and soft skills including planning and undertaking tasks and projects, and communicating effectively through writing and presentations.
Work in our advanced software development and computer programming labs, using dedicated facilities for systems analysis, networking, process modelling and business intelligence – all of which reflect advanced professional practice.
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 student satisfaction for Information Technology - Complete University Guide 2022
- 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
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 25 June
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
BB or 80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels |
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LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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Scottish National 5 |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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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 | ||
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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. |
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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. |
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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 based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
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 based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, 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
- 4 years
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TBC
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
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
The Foundation Mathematics module provides the basic knowledge and mathematical skills which will equip the students to continue their studies to an undergraduate programme. The module will be focused on mathematics related to the field of computing. The interactive taught sessions will use fundamental mathematical in discussions to broaden understanding of the theory and practice introduced in the module. Additional support materials will be made available on the module Moodle website.
20 credits
Academic and personal study skills are essential elements which should be applied in order to be successful in Higher Education. This module aims to help you in developing basic research skills, academic writing and reflection skills. These skills are inevitably important and will support your transition to the higher education levels of study associated with your chosen degree programme.
Within the module, you will learn various academic skills that should facilitate both academic knowledge and enhance your learning development.
This module will be supported with 2hrs of extra module support session.
20 credits
This module provides the skills necessary to design a web based application around a clear understanding of the business information requirements, a structured design of an interface and the development skills necessary to implement a solution.
This module focuses on varied technologies relating to the design and development of application to meet the information needs of a business. The module will analyse and design an application that meets current web standards.
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to digital media technology and will allow you to explore technology-driven change in the media industry.
This module will introduce the fundamentals of audio / video capture and editing allowing you to explore workflow practices. You will document your development process, including aspects such as storyboarding and risk assessments and will create an artefact that relates to technology in your chosen degree or industry.
20 credits
During the journey within higher education, developing your independent study is an essential skill to support shaping the knowledge to become more useful and applied within practice. This module aims to provide you with necessary skills and tips that should support you to work independently within your discipline and to successfully apply project management tools and techniques to a mini project related to your subject discipline.
20 credits
Foundations of programming aims to provide you with the fundamental principles and practice-based activities needed to begin developing software programs. The module details the anatomy of a structured software program that includes the creation of a program algorithm, a logical, simple and organised program flow and the generation of pseudo and programming code. The module uses a combination of theory and practice-based sessions designed to engage students in group and individual activities to identify the components of a software program and to apply their knowledge into hands-on software programming activities. During the module sessions you will acquire the basic skills to design and create software programs.
This module will be supported with 2hrs of extra module support session.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 credits
Within the Computer Systems Module, you will gain knowledge and experience of computers and computer hardware. This module presents a holistic view of how computer systems work and it also provides the underpinning knowledge required:
-For the design of computer architecture
-To show how software interacts with hardware
-To apply electronics principles
-To use number systems for computer technology
20 credits
In the modern business environment, the use of data to generate information to improve business processes, generate sales, reduces costs and generally give the customer a more engaging experience is becoming more important than ever. Having the people with the skills and knowledge to process this data to maximise its benefits is essential. This module aims to provide students with the essential skills, underpinning knowledge and confidence to be able to manage the processing of data to generate useful information, a vitally important core IT topic (information storage and retrieval)
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.
20 credits
This module focuses on the challenge, what are the information needs of organisations that information technology needs to support in the changing international business context? Information technology (IT) is ubiquitous in organisations 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 organisations need information? The specific information that an organisation 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.
20 credits
The module gives students the opportunity to learn and reflect on the knowledge and skills required for a networked information system that is optimised and secure. This module builds on the previous IT knowledge and reviews the requirements from a network engineering context.
The research challenge is to investigate how an organisation can provide authorised users access to data on demand without compromising data security?
20 credits
The information needs of an organisation and the ability to provide information by designing innovative applications is essential to drive innovation and growth in the modern global organisation. This module is intended to introduce you to current development tools and techniques, providing the skills required to develop applications that meet the rapidly changing needs of organisations.
The module will explore key internet technologies, protocols and programming languages required to create working applications that meet the requirements of the user. You will engage in lab sessions to apply programming principles in order to solve problems. You will also develop interactive applications involving both server side and client-side data processing.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
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...
20 credits
This module provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of: conceptual data modelling (entity relationship models), relational theory and relational algebra, CASE tools for designing a database and its interface, database design and normalisation.
It also looks at SQLPlus to for querying data in a relational database system. The module will make use of practical sessions to practice database design theory and apply the techniques to producing a quality database design.
Application Systems 20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to equip you with the relevant skills and knowledge which are required for the role of the IT professional. The module will provide you with an understanding of the general principles and concepts underlying ethical theories and the relevance of IT when applied to it.
This module examines the role of different ethical theories and explores the relationship between theory and practice within computing / business contexts. The module will familiarise you with different ethical theories (normative, deontological, processional codes) relevant to the IT / business. The module will also help you to appreciate the integration and inter-relationships of different perspectives in ethical theory which contribute to the applied area of business.
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.
20 credits
This module focuses on the challenge, how can organisations and society harness the opportunities of emerging information technology? The rate of advancement of information technology (IT) continually challenges organisations to assess the potential opportunities and risks that emerge from technological-driven change.
The aim of the module is to encourage you to explore the latest developments in IT and understand the processes of IT innovation in order to formulate a proposal for your final project. There are three strands to the IT Innovation module: environmental scanning, theories of innovation and technological adoption, and problem formulation.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
20 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.
20 credits
Data intelligence is the field of applying intelligent computational methods on data generated by organisations to inform the decision making process. It is inevitable in the digital economy to make use of the data captured by and about the business entities. Data can be modelled using descriptive models that help us better understand the customers and/or can be used to build predictive models that inform our decision making in all aspects of the business (e.g., directed marketing through more accurately predicting those that will respond positively to marketing materials).
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
20 credits
The module explores the information security principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s information systems. The module will look in detail at information security management architecture and design, risk management, business continuity, and embedding information security within the organisational culture for the longer term.
Students examine the key information security principles, concepts, theories, standards and frameworks. The module aims to develop a sound basis on which to the students can design and deliver information security strategies for implementing and managing organisation’s information security requirements.
40 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.
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.
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.
OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
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
Professor 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 SharonDeborah Evans
Associate Professor
Deb Evans is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Digital Transformation at Birmingham City University. She is the Academic Lead for the Digital Systems and Change Team within the Centre for Digital Transformation. She teaches Strategic Information Systems Planning, Enterprise Systems, IT Innovation, Business intelligence and Technology...
More about DeborahGeorge Squires
Associate Professor
George is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing and Digital Technology. From 2009 until 2015, George was the Associate Head of the School of Digital Media Technology (DMT), responsible for academic matters. His responsibilities included managing the student experience for the School and new curriculum development. In...
More about GeorgeAsh Mahmood
Programme Leader
Ash Mahmood has been the Programme Leader for a group of postgraduate courses in the School of Computing and Digital Technology. He has also been involved with the delivery and project management of industry based projects through the whole lifecycle from initiation to closure. He works with web technologies which include web standards and...
More about AshMr Chris Maguire
Programme Leader
Chris’s previous experience includes extensive work in web development as well working as a trainer in Microsoft technologies, carrying out professional training for many years across a multitude of programs as part of the Microsoft Academy.
More about ChrisDr Jagdev Bhogal
Acting Head of Computing & Data Science Department; Associate Professor Database Systems
Jagdev is an experienced lecturer whose main teaching area is Database Systems. She is the Course Leader for MSc Business Intelligence and the MSc Big Data Analytics courses. Jagdev has published conference and journal papers on relational/object/nosql database systems, ontologies, text mining and cloud computing...
More about Jagdev