BSc(Hons) Business Computing (with Foundation Year)
This course is open for applications
Page last updated 12 May 2023
Introduction
Develop an attractive mix of skills, a strong network and practical experience that will prepare you brilliantly for a career in computing, web, data analytics or marketing.
Why study business computing?
Businesses need good IT people - and that means people who understand the technology, but also how to apply it to real business challenges.
Web, programming and data analysis are all important strands. So is data analytics, with businesses increasingly using it for consumer research, marketing and social media.
Having a solid base of IT knowledge across all these areas, with a relevant mix of business skills thrown in, will put you in a strong position for current and emerging roles in the digital industry.
Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Business Computing teaches you the fundamentals of computer science, with a particular focus on applying different technologies to the needs of businesses.
Gain core knowledge of programming, web development, databases and information systems, as well as technical skills in data manipulation and software design. Learn about data analytics, and specialise in aspects of marketing, business or advanced computer science topics. Develop broader skills employers value in IT professionals, from teamwork and leadership to problem-solving and project management.
Supported by UWE Bristol's engineering and computing partner employers, this course is strongly rooted in industry. Guest lecturers from businesses will regularly share their insights with you, and you'll have the chance to work on live briefs to apply what you learn to actual business scenarios. Depending on where you want to specialise, work placements are available in a choice of organisations.
Where can it take me?
As a graduate, you'll have a strong mix of computing and data analytics skills within a business environment.
This will put you in an excellent position for a wide range of IT-focused careers including business analyst, software developer, data analyst and marketing analyst, to name a few.
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Foundation year (year zero)
You will study:
- Computational Thinking and Practice
- Information Practitioner Foundations
- Creative Technology Studies
- Web Foundations.
You need to pass your foundation year before going onto Year one.
Year one
You will study:
- IT Practice: Skills, Models and Methods
- Information Technology
- Business Applications
- Understanding Organisations and People (Marketing, Events and Tourism)
- Understanding Business and Financial Information (Business, International and Management).
Year two
You will study:
- Data, Schemas and Applications
- IT Practice: Collaborative Project
- Foundation of Business Analytics.
Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
- Object-Oriented Systems Development
- Project Management
- Marketing Planning and Practice
- Advanced Topics in Web Development
- Technical Writing and Editing.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.
You'll complete a placement learning module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Final year
You will study:
- Software Development Project or Information Systems Dissertation
- Business Intelligence and Data Mining
- Security Management in Practice
- Ethical and Professional Issues in Computing and Digital Media
- Sustainable Business and Computing.
Plus, one optional module from:
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- Digital Marketing Communication
- Requirements Engineering
- Professional Development.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
Learning and Teaching
We want to make your learning experience as interesting and stimulating as possible. You'll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, lab classes and workshops, as well as through our online learning environment and working with student mentors. You'll also take part in group projects to develop your technical and soft skills.
Students on this course will come from a variety of backgrounds and the foundation year and Year one bring everyone to the same level of knowledge in computer science subjects (programming, web development and databases). You'll be introduced to business subjects such as organisation and people, and business analysis.
In Year two, you'll undertake a group project to further develop your teamwork and communications skills, and explore data analytics more fully, focusing on a particular area of interest (such as software development, project management or marketing).
In Final year, you'll explore further advanced topics on data analytics, and gain an overview of the management security aspects of software systems, as well as ethical and professional issues that affect your practice. You'll undertake a project or dissertation, and take optional modules to specialise in either business, marketing or advanced computer science topics.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 32% | 68% | 0% |
| 1 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 3 | 15% | 85% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Study time
You'll need to devote around 150 hours to each 15 credit module on the course. For each module, this includes around 36 hours of tutor-led class contact time, with the rest of the time spent on absorbing and developing your knowledge independently, and preparing for exams and coursework
Assessment
We use a variety of assessments such as exams, practical work, reports and portfolios to assess your learning.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 31% | 61% | 8% |
| 1 | 32% | 48% | 20% |
| 2 | 38% | 58% | 6% |
| 3 | 12% | 69% | 19% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Features
Placements
Students who get work experience are more likely to gain a better degree and obtain higher quality work on graduation. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, increasing your chances of getting the job you want.
Our organisational partners often provide placements for students, as do a host of companies from all over the world.
Past students on our computing courses have worked for companies ranging from dynamic start-ups, to large corporations such as Intel, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and CERN. Others have taken up teaching placements in schools, or gone on to work with their family businesses.
Study facilities
Our industry standard facilities will help you develop practical skills and bring ideas to life.
Access over 500 workstations in our 24-hour computing laboratories. Create and test software on dedicated servers with Windows, Linux and Unix based operating systems.
Collaborate with classmates and discuss ideas in our well-equipped studios, designed to reflect a real-world development environment.
Access our extensive online library and resources with free software, tools and industry journals. Develop your web design skills at free Adobe workshops in our multimedia labs.
A mix of traditional and creative learning environments will enable you to learn essential knowledge and real-world skills, standing you in good stead for your professional career.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Get a feel for the Computer Science and Creative Technologies facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Life
Accommodation
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
You'll graduate with an attractive set of skills and knowledge, that will help you move into a wide range of IT roles including business analyst, software developer, data analyst, marketing analyst and many more.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
Fees
Indicative Additional Costs
Full-time; sandwich course
Supplementary fee information
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the five year course and then transfer to the four year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 72
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- T Levels: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Business Computing.
International Applicants
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644