BSc HONOURS BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT DEGREE

Overview & facilities

The BSc Honours Business Information Systems and Management delivers a foundation of business information systems modules and appreciation of management areas. If you wish to acquire skills necessary for the management of IT projects, this is the ideal course for you. You will also gain a useful knowledge of areas such as commercial web design and enterprise database systems.

The BSc Honours Information Systems and Management degree is focused on strategy, quality management and legal and regulatory implications of information systems. The curriculum provides you with a grasp of business information systems, management, marketing, human resource management and economics.

Our guest lecturers on our London campus come from relevant professionals such as the information quality managers of Virgin Atlantic and General Electric.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Database Management Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module emphasises the fact that the success of information systems in any organisation is largely dependent on the quality of the underlying database. It is designed to introduce students to the principles of data management and to allow them to gain experience in designing and manipulating databases.

  Introduction to Business Computing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to become confident users of PC applications in business, particularly spreadsheets, word-processing and presentation software. Students will gain an understanding of the potential uses of these applications in different organisational contexts. The module will enable students to use PC applications at an advanced level to solve business problems, and to process and represent business information. Students will acquire mathematical and statistical skills to analyse quantitative data, and to represent that data in spreadsheets. Through practical tasks and assignments, students will also gain an understanding of the design principles in creating effective spreadsheets, presentations and reports.

  Organisational Behaviour and Analysis (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module explores a variety of factors influencing attitudes and behaviour in organisation. It is based on a theoretical framework which aims to answer the question, What factors enable or prevent people in doing a good job at work The range of factors explored will firstly relate to individuals and their performance within organisations, secondly to those which relate to groups within the organisation, and thirdly to those which relate to organisations as structures within society at large. Through this the module aims to describe, illustrate, analyse and evaluate concepts, strategies and theories to maximise the potential and resolve problems associated with an organisation s most significant and valuable resource: it s people.

  Principles of Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. More specifically, the module aims to develop students knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise; the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation; the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice; and methods of identifying consumer targets and competitors.

• Year 2

  Database Systems: Design and Online (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Building on from an introductory module, this module focuses on deepening the understanding of database design, implementation and efficient use of facilities provided by a modern Database Management System. Emphasis is on the design of Business Systems using the relational model but other conceptual models including object-oriented and object-relational are introduced. Both theoretical and practical topics relating to database modelling and use are covered, including Internet technologies and tools for rendering databases for display to the client, enabling students to construct dynamic Web-based applications which access back-end databases.

  Object Oriented Analysis and Design (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module should provide a firm grounding in Business Systems Analysis and Design using: The Unified Modelling Language to model Information Systems, The Unified Process - a disciplined approach to assigning and managing tasks and responsibilities in a development environment. Learners on satisfactory completion of the module will have knowledge of information systems modelling and associated development life cycle issues. It would also impart skills of applying these techniques to real-life scenarios.

  Operations Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to broaden and expand students knowledge of the concepts and techniques required for the design, operation and control of business processes. Cases and practical exercises are relevant to a variety of commercial, manufacturing and service organisations. The module builds on the IT and quantitative skills developed in the first year.

  Strategic Business Environment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide an integrated view of internal and external business environment of organisations and to serve as an introduction to strategic analysis. The module also aims to evaluate elements of complexity in the business environment and to begin exploration of contemporary issues in business and management in preparation for more advanced study at level 3.

• Year 3

  Innovation and Technology Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to offer an up-to-date overview of the role of technology and innovation in firms and in the general economy; to present current approaches developed in business studies on the nature of and relationship between technology and innovation, as well as on the relationship between strategic leadership and innovation; to show how firms exploit technological opportunities by using technology and new product development processes to manage change; to discuss and critically evaluate the role of project management in managing technology and innovation.

  Project Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding, based on professional work in the field, of the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of projects in a variety of sectors, to show how projects are managed using up-to-date project management tools and technologies, to develop awareness of the role of projects in the wider economy, to enhance individual effectiveness in the world of work through practical work on project management processes from a range of sectors.

  Social, Professional and Ethical Issues in Information Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  With the increasing use of information systems in all areas of life it is increasingly important for today s graduates - who are tomorrow s professionals - to understand and appreciate the ethical implications and social impact of current technologies, to have a working knowledge of the legislation that applies in this area, and to apply their expertise in a professional way. This module encourages students to develop an awareness of their role in the implementation of new technologies, and the knowledge and skills necessary for a professional approach. The module will take an ethical perspective to computer technology, focusing on UK legislation and standards as they relate to IS practice for example Intellectual Property Rights in web design, database systems etc. , and will include considerations for design and the responsibilities and requirements of the IT profession - for example, as identified in The British Computer Society Code of Conduct: Promote equal access to the benefits of IS by all groups in society. Have regard for the legitimate rights of third parties. Promote public understanding of IS - its benefits and pitfalls. Have knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

  Strategic Management and Information Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide the student with a clear of understanding of the issues that impact on the interface between the information provider and the information consumer. Students will develop a feel for the disparity between the provider and user within the overall management context. In particular the student will appreciate the management on-cost of such disparity. This module will provide the students with an understanding of the framework within which information assets are used to enhance the decision making processes with the organisation. The importance of understanding this framework and all the participants within the framework. The importance of distinguishing between information and knowledge at the organisational level. Students will be given an understanding of the importance of consensus between provider and user in terms of information provision. The overall value, strategically, of good information delivery. The role of strategic alignment in trying to make good information provision more of a certainty within the business environment. This module will provide the student with an understanding of the importance of good change management in relation to the increased reliance of companies on IT as a means of ensuing good information provision. That change is a human as well as an organisation issue. That understanding change issues can help to ensure full and productive use of information assets within the organisation. Students will learn the importance of protecting information assets especially with the outsourcing scenario. How outsourcing impacts on information quality and why security is strategically essential for information assets.

Download the course specifications.

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 200 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based. We also offer a Foundation Year in Computing.

We also offer a Foundation Year in Computing.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.