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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our Information Technology for Business course equips you with the range of skills you need to manage IT for a diverse job market, including:
 technical knowledge
 business understanding
 interpersonal skills
 project skills.
You will learn about programming, information systems, business and practical management skills. You will have access to excellent facilities and state-of-the-art technology.
You will hone key professional skills through:
 technical presentations
 team exercises
 interviews
 mock assessment centre days.
In Year 3 you have the opportunity of a work placement, with a wide range of organizations. Many graduates go on to work for their placement employers. Students from Oxford Brookes University have obtained placements at the following companies, among many others;
 IBM
 BT
 Procter & Gamble
 Cisco
 Deloitte
 Hewlett-Packard
 SAS
 Unilever.
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 112
A Level: BBC
IB Points: 30
BTEC: DMM
Further offer details
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
• Basic Communications and PC Networking
This is a foundational module designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of communication networks and their application in a real-world context. This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of computer networking, focusing on layered network models, and the design, connection, configuration, and testing of computer networks that involve PCs, switches, and routers. Hands-on laboratory experiments will allow you to implement and validate network designs using a range of analytical and simulation tools, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Upon successful completion of this module, you will have a firm grasp of the principles that underpin communication networks. This module is an engaging introduction into the world of communications and PC networking and a first step towards becoming a proficient network designer and operator.
• Problem Solving and Programming
• Digital Technology and Mathematics for Business
• Networking and Multimedia
• Professional Applications of Communication Theories
• Exploring International Business & Management
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• Business Intelligence Programming
Delve into the realm of Business Intelligence Programming and uncover the foundations of Business Analytics. Explore a wide range of methods, tools, and techniques that enable the development of applications for complex decision making. This module utilises a dynamic online learning approach to deliver engaging and comprehensive content. Throughout this module, you will gain a deep understanding of data, information, and knowledge within the organisational context. Develop the skills to create strategic decision-making plans by harnessing an organisation's valuable information assets. Design, implement, test, debug, and review applications that facilitate decision making based on diverse and fragmented information.
By the end of this module, you will possess the expertise to apply Business Intelligence Programming techniques and tools, enabling you to make informed decisions based on complex data sets.
• The Human Computer Interface
• Databases
• Web Application Development
• Innovative Product Development
• Foundations of Security
Optional modules
• Management Information Systems
Year 3 (placement year)
Optional modules
• Optional Work Placement Year
We encourage you to take the optional, supervised work placement in the computing industry for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. You will need to apply for your placement position yourself; however you will be taught about how to apply for jobs effectively in a second year module, and we have a placements office with dedicated staff to provide information and advice to help you secure a placement. We maintain links with industry and most students who go on placement obtain their position through the Department. More and more students are finding that a placement benefits their final-year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Microsoft and PepsiCo. On returning to University for your final year, the experience you have gained will improve your academic performance. In addition, we have an excellent record of students gaining full-time employment on graduation, often with their industrial placement company or organisation.
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
Compulsory modules
• BSC Computing Project
Embark on an individually supervised project to delve into a chosen problem, conducting an extended study in your specialised area of study. This project will challenge you to solve a practical problem, showcasing your breadth and depth of knowledge. Throughout this module, you will showcase your project management skills by creating, designing, planning, and carrying out a project that addresses a practical problem within a social and economic context, while considering factors like risk. Applying your practical and analytical skills, you will investigate a substantial topic and employ the scientific method to report your findings using accepted formalisms. You will also demonstrate proficiency in utilising appropriate technologies and trustworthy information sources, such as the ACM Digital Library, to locate and critically evaluate both technical and non-specialist information relevant to your project.
• Software Engineering
• Software Project Management
• Cloud Computing & The Internet of Things
Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge realms of Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). You’ll gain a critical understanding of recent trends and developments, empowering you to design, construct, and evaluate innovative Cloud Computing solutions. Additionally, you’ll delve into the Internet of Things, unlocking insights into its latest advancements and programming frameworks. Furthermore, explore the management of distributed data, privacy, and security considerations.
By the module's end, you will possess the expertise to critically analyse, design, and evaluate Cloud Computing and IoT solutions. You’ll also develop team working skills by collaborating effectively within groups, applying your knowledge and skills to practical scenarios.
• Artificial Intelligence
• Business at the cutting edge
Optional modules
• Communicating and Teaching Computer Science
This module offers a valuable opportunity to develop marketable and transferable skills in effectively communicating their knowledge of the subject within a challenging educational setting. Throughout the module, you will enhance their understanding of their own expertise in computer science by articulating core ideas and concepts to others. Emphasis will be placed on addressing individual needs and employing appropriate presentation methods for different target audiences.
This module will focus on developing communication, collaboration, organisation, reliability, self-management, initiative, creativity, and critical evaluation skills. You will demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, organise and manage your responsibilities, show initiative and creativity, identify educational needs, and engage in self-analysis and reflection.
• Business Ethics
• Independent Study
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: grade 4/C minimum in Mathematics; grade 4/C minimum in English Language normally required.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
In Year 1 you will learn programming and information systems. You will also gain key business and practical management skills. These encourage your professional development and introduce you to key business, management and computing technology.
In Year 2 you will continue your studies in business and management. You will also study subjects which are key to working in IT management, including;
 business intelligence programming
 computer security
 database management.
In Year 3 you can take a work placement. We encourage professional working practices and we support you through our involvement with international companies.
Learning and teaching
Our teaching methods include:
 lectures
 practical activities
 problem-solving classes
 tutorial support.
We supplement these with materials produced by the relevant departments in the University.
Assessment
We assess your core modules through a mixture of coursework and examination. Our assessment methods vary according to course content.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this course will give you excellent employment prospects. The profile of students from this programme has been tailored to match the requirements of some of the biggest employers of IT graduates.
The combination of technical knowledge, business awareness, and interpersonal and project skills will make you especially well qualified for an increasingly diverse job market in managing IT applications.
A number of our students go on to work for companies involved in the course.
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