BSc Business Information Systems

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a compelling BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems degree, designed to equip students with the essential skills to bridge the gap between business strategy and information technology. This program focuses on how organizations utilize technology and data-driven decision-making to innovate, optimize operations, and achieve strategic goals in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The curriculum provides both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze business problems, design and develop IT systems to solve real-world challenges, and manage related projects effectively. CCCU emphasizes hands-on learning with modern and commercially relevant software, and encourages a practical, agile problem-solving approach to creating IT solutions.

Curriculum: The BSc Business Information Systems curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a strong foundation in both business principles and information technology. Core modules typically cover fundamental concepts such as "Deployment Technologies for Computing," "Business Improvement using Technology," "E-Business Systems," and "Cybersecurity." Students also delve into areas like "Digital and Social Media Marketing" and "Strategic Management," integrating business acumen with technical expertise. The program emphasizes practical application, with coursework largely practically-oriented, including group projects often sourced from industry. Students gain experience with modern software like Microsoft Office Suite (including Project), web-based content management systems, database systems (e.g., Oracle), and rapid prototyping software (e.g., Balsamiq). A key feature is the development of skills to effectively communicate between IT and business stakeholders.

Research Focus: The Business Information Systems program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by highly qualified academics who possess a range of expertise and experience. While specific detailed research specialisms for every faculty member are not always extensively publicized, the teaching is rooted in an understanding of how IT and business work together. The faculty's expertise likely spans areas such as the application of information systems to organizational and societal problems, commercial and business awareness, data analysis and digital skills, programming and design skills, ethical considerations in IT, effective communication, collaboration, project management, and strategic use of information systems. This ensures that students are exposed to current thinking and real-world challenges within the field, informed by both academic rigor and practical understanding.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant component of the BSc Business Information Systems program at CCCU, designed to enhance students' employability and practical skills. The program encourages group projects, often sourced from or akin to problems encountered in industry, providing students with real-world experience in creating IT solutions. The curriculum's focus on using modern and commercially relevant software ensures that students develop skills directly applicable in professional settings. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry after their second year, allowing them to develop their knowledge and skills in a business or industrial setting. The university's Business School maintains good links with businesses, offering students opportunities to interact with industry stakeholders, gain work experience, and build professional networks, directly supporting their future career aspirations.

Global Perspective: The BSc Business Information Systems program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging that modern businesses operate in an interconnected global economy heavily reliant on information technology. The curriculum explores how information systems enable businesses to cooperate with suppliers and customers worldwide, providing mutual benefit. Concepts of e-business systems and digital marketing naturally extend to international markets. The program prepares students to understand how technology can be leveraged to improve business sustainability across different organizational and cultural contexts. By addressing the universal role of IT in business operations and the global nature of digital transformation, graduates are equipped to work in multinational companies or contribute to globally-focused projects where an understanding of diverse business environments and technological standards is crucial.