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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
This top-up year is for people with a higher diploma in a business and I.T. subject. By studying this course, you will graduate with a BSc in Information Technology for Business awarded by Oxford Brookes University. You will study this course at the Oxford Brookes Wheatley Campus.
This course has been designed to meet the needs of the industry. You will investigate the vital role of computing in a Business environment.
You will develop the high level technical abilities and knowledge needed to solve complex problems using computing technologies. You will have access to highly specialised computer laboratories where you will learn cutting-edge theoretical skills and techniques. You will also study specialist business modules to further understand what businesses require from their computing and I.T.
The modules you will study will equip you with a good mix of technical, business and project-based skills. This will enable you to play a key role in the application of computing
technology to tomorrow’s businesses.
Modules
Compulsory modules
• Software Engineering (15 credits)
• Software Project Management (15 credits)
• Business at the Cutting Edge (15 credits)
• Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (15 credits)
• Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
• Business Ethics (15 credits)
• Computing Project (30 credits)
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
This top-up year has been designed as a progression route from a Foundation Degree in Business and Information Technology.
In order to progress onto the top-up year, Foundation Degree students will need to achieve a Merit in a Foundation Degree in Business and Information Technology.
It will also be open to students from other Computing related programmes that possess the following qualifications:
 At least Merit (55%) in a Foundation Degree in Computing or a Business and IT subject.
 Direct entry after having completed level 5 at university level in a computing related subject.
Students for whom English is not their main language also need to show that their English is at a high enough level to succeed in their studies.
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
Learning and assessment
This course builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in your Foundation Degree. You will continue to develop and expand your knowledge of business and IT through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical work.
During this 1 year course you will develop core computer science and business skills. You will study:
 computer programming
 project management
 the software development process
 computer networks and multimedia content
 business ethics.
Learning and teaching
You will learn relevant theory and strong practical skills.
Our teaching methods include:
 lectures
 practical sessions
 apprentice style learning (a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises).
Assessment
All your modules will include continuous assessment. Assessment is primarily coursework based with some in-class tests too.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates enjoy great success in finding employment in business, industry, research and education. Career opportunities include all aspects of software development, computer applications in organisations, and managing information technology.
Jobs in computer science are highly varied, and range from developing interactive TV, to network security testing, to games development, to risk management, and much more. Some roles are highly technical, and involve programming, or computer systems design, or mathematical methods. Other roles have a greater focus on business objectives, strategy, communication, people management, or finance.
Information technology related jobs can be found in virtually every type of organisation, both those that develop computer software, such as Microsoft, and those that involve complex IT infrastructures, such as BP, the NHS, and telecommunications companies.
Whatever career interests you, the Information Technology for Business Top-up course at Brookes is designed to provide you with the foundations you need for a lifetime, as well as the specialist study for your particular interests at the moment.
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