Business with Information Systems

About the course

The foundation degree in Business with Information Systems will give you an excellent grounding in Business while allowing you to study specialist modules in Information Systems.

In year one you will develop your knowledge of business including Finance, Promotions, managing people and Business Law. 

in your second year you will continue to study a mixture of modules focusing on aspects of Business including e-Business, Enterprise, Global business as well as Information Systems within the business environment.

Once you have completed your foundation degree you may be eligible to progress on to a BA (Hons) top-up year at the University of Hertfordshire, subject to obtaining appropriate grades in your foundation studies.

Why choose this course?

• knowledge, understanding and vocational skills in Business and Information Systems, relevant to the needs of a wide range of organisations
• an opportunity for work based experience and learning
• an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification in two years of full-time study
• progression routes to appropriate degree programmes at the University of Hertfordshire

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Part Time, 2 Years
• Full Time, 2 Years
• Full Time,

Locations

• Hertford Regional College
• West Herts College
• North Hertfordshire College
• Oaklands College

Careers

This foundation degree is a standalone qualification that will prepare you for a career in a broad range of businesses in a variety of sectors. You may also choose to continue your studies to obtain a full bachelor degree.

Teaching methods

You will study in a variety of styles including a significant amount of worked based learning alongside standard lectures, tutorials and group work.

Work Placement

not applicable

Professional Accreditations

Not applicable

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Business Applications HRC

  This module introduces students to the utilisation of information technology in a business environment. It also introduces students to basic report structure important to business and the analysis and incorporation of primary data into such reports. By concentrating on these areas of information technology, students are provided with a framework to build upon in the second year of their studies.

• Business Applications NHC

  This module introduces students to the utilisation of information technology in a business environment. It also introduces students to basic report structure important to business and the analysis and incorporation of primary data into such reports. By concentrating on these areas of information technology, students are provided with a framework to build upon in the second year of their studies.

• Business Applications OAK

  This module introduces students to the utilisation of information technology in a business environment. It also introduces students to basic report structure important to business and the analysis and incorporation of primary data into such reports. By concentrating on these areas of information technology, students are provided with a framework to build upon in the second year of their studies.

• Business Applications WHC

  This module introduces students to the utilisation of information technology in a business environment. It also introduces students to basic report structure important to business and the analysis and incorporation of primary data into such reports. By concentrating on these areas of information technology, students are provided with a framework to build upon in the second year of their studies.

• Business Law HRC

  This module is designed to introduce students to key aspects of business law. It introduces students to the structure of the English legal system, the sources of English law and methods of dispute resolution. It also introduces students to the contract law and the law of negligence, both important to business. It recognises the importance of international influences including European law on English law. By concentrating on these areas, students are provided with a framework to build on in the second year of their studies.

• Business Law NHC

  This module is designed to introduce students to key aspects of business law. It introduces students to the structure of the English legal system, the sources of English law and methods of dispute resolution. It also introduces students to the contract law and the law of negligence, both important to business. It recognises the importance of international influences including European law on English law. By concentrating on these areas, students are provided with a framework to build on in the second year of their studies.

• Business Law OAK

  This module is designed to introduce students to key aspects of business law. It introduces students to the structure of the English legal system, the sources of English law and methods of dispute resolution. It also introduces students to the contract law and the law of negligence, both important to business. It recognises the importance of international influences including European law on English law. By concentrating on these areas, students are provided with a framework to build on in the second year of their studies.

• Business Law WHC

  This module is designed to introduce students to key aspects of business law. It introduces students to the structure of the English legal system, the sources of English law and methods of dispute resolution. It also introduces students to the contract law and the law of negligence, both important to business. It recognises the importance of international influences including European law on English law. By concentrating on these areas, students are provided with a framework to build on in the second year of their studies.

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills HRC

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will enable them to identify their academic and personal skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and plagiarism. The transferability of these and skills such as team-work to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP)

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills NHC

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will enable them to identify their academic and personal skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and plagiarism. The transferability of these and skills such as team-work to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP).

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills OAK

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will enable them to identify their academic and personal skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and plagiarism. The transferability of these and skills such as team-work to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP)

• Developing Professional and Employability Skills WHC

  This module is designed to prepare students for the course and for the workplace they will eventually enter. It will enable them to identify their academic and personal skills, and assist in the development of strategies for building on areas of strength and for identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There will be appropriate emphasis on standard academic practices including note-taking, writing, presentation skills, critical thinking, formulation of an argument, finding and using sources of information, referencing and plagiarism. The transferability of these and skills such as team-work to the workplace will be discussed, as will the expectations of employers with regards to these skills. To aid career planning, the module will introduce processes and models by which career decisions are made and influenced. Topics will be introduced such as career identification, planning for progression, looking at job hunting techniques and self promotion including Personal Development Planning (PDP).

• Finance and Accounting for Business HRC

  This module will introduce students to the range of sources of finance available to businesses and how to distinguish between them. Students will learn how to produce basic financial statements and how to analyse business performance. The content will include: internal and external sources of finance; choosing a source of finance; the implications of sources of finance; the cost of finance, flow of finance, finance for decision-making; finance on the balance sheet; interpretation of accounting statements; ratio analysis; introduction to capital investment appraisal; project appraisal.

• Finance and Accounting for Business NHC

  This module will introduce students to the range of sources of finance available to businesses and how to distinguish between them. Students will learn how to produce basic financial statements and how to analyse business performance. The content will include: internal and external sources of finance; choosing a source of finance; the implications of sources of finance; the cost of finance, flow of finance, finance for decision-making; finance on the balance sheet; interpretation of accounting statements; ratio analysis; introduction to capital investment appraisal; project appraisal.

• Finance and Accounting for Business OAK

  This module will introduce students to the range of sources of finance available to businesses and how to distinguish between them. Students will learn how to produce basic financial statements and how to analyse business performance. The content will include: internal and external sources of finance; choosing a source of finance; the implications of sources of finance; the cost of finance, flow of finance, finance for decision-making; finance on the balance sheet; interpretation of accounting statements; ratio analysis; introduction to capital investment appraisal; project appraisal.

• Finance and Accounting for Business WHC

  This module will introduce students to the range of sources of finance available to businesses and how to distinguish between them. Students will learn how to produce basic financial statements and how to analyse business performance. The content will include: internal and external sources of finance; choosing a source of finance; the implications of sources of finance; the cost of finance, flow of finance, finance for decision-making; finance on the balance sheet; interpretation of accounting statements; ratio analysis; introduction to capital investment appraisal; project appraisal.

• Managing People HRC

  This module will consider management and leadership, and how these influence the structure and work culture of an organisation. Students will start by examining how leadership in an organisation directs and motivates people, and will then consider the strengths and weaknesses of various leadership and management styles and their relative value in different types of organisation. The role of human resource management activities will be introduced, including those relating to equality and diversity legislation.

• Managing People NHC

  This module will consider management and leadership, and how these influence the structure and work culture of an organisation. Students will start by examining how leadership in an organisation directs and motivates people, and will then consider the strengths and weaknesses of various leadership and management styles and their relative value in different types of organisation. The role of human resource management activities will be introduced, including those relating to equality and diversity legislation.

• Managing People OAK

  This module will consider management and leadership, and how these influence the structure and work culture of an organisation. Students will start by examining how leadership in an organisation directs and motivates people, and will then consider the strengths and weaknesses of various leadership and management styles and their relative value in different types of organisation. The role of human resource management activities will be introduced, including those relating to equality and diversity legislation.

• Managing People WHC

  This module will consider management and leadership, and how these influence the structure and work culture of an organisation. Students will start by examining how leadership in an organisation directs and motivates people, and will then consider the strengths and weaknesses of various leadership and management styles and their relative value in different types of organisation. The role of human resource management activities will be introduced, including those relating to equality and diversity legislation.

• Understanding and Promoting a Business HRC

  The business environment changes constantly and organisations need to be able to adapt their practices in order to survive. This module, which assumes minimal knowledge of understanding and promoting a business, aims to introduce students to key principles of business practice with the integration of functions, strategies, marketing, costs and communication skills. It will allow students to develop an understanding of the ways in which business theory is used in a range of situations, organisations and locations, and will provide a foundation for more specialised study at Level 5.

• Understanding and Promoting a Business NHC

  The business environment changes constantly and organisations need to be able to adapt their practices in order to survive. This module, which assumes minimal knowledge of understanding and promoting a business, aims to introduce students to key principles of business practice with the integration of functions, strategies, marketing, costs and communication skills. It will allow students to develop an understanding of the ways in which business theory is used in a range of situations, organisations and locations, and will provide a foundation for more specialised study at Level 5.

• Understanding and Promoting a Business OAK

  The business environment changes constantly and organisations need to be able to adapt their practices in order to survive. This module, which assumes minimal knowledge of understanding and promoting a business, aims to introduce students to key principles of business practice with the integration of functions, strategies, marketing, costs and communication skills. It will allow students to develop an understanding of the ways in which business theory is used in a range of situations, organisations and locations, and will provide a foundation for more specialised study at Level 5.

• Understanding and Promoting a Business WHC

  The business environment changes constantly and organisations need to be able to adapt their practices in order to survive. This module, which assumes minimal knowledge of understanding and promoting a business, aims to introduce students to key principles of business practice with the integration of functions, strategies, marketing, costs and communication skills. It will allow students to develop an understanding of the ways in which business theory is used in a range of situations, organisations and locations, and will provide a foundation for more specialised study at Level 5.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Business Environment HRC

  This module focuses on the link between businesses and their environment. It aims at helping learners to understand how businesses react and should react to their dynamic environment. Part of the unit analyses critically the impact of the environment on business activities and strategies. Learners will be using tools such as the PESTLE analysis to critically examine the impact on the main functional areas of businesses. The module is mostly concerned with the impact of the economy on businesses and considers the influence of both macro and micro economics on businesses. The main focus of the unit will be to examine basic economic theory to help learners explore the close link between businesses and their economic environment. Learners will also examine how economic theory can be used businesses inform decision making.

• Business Environment NHC

  This module focuses on the link between businesses and their environment. It aims at helping learners to understand how businesses react and should react to their dynamic environment. Part of the unit analyses critically the impact of the environment on business activities and strategies. Learners will be using tools such as the PESTLE analysis to critically examine the impact on the main functional areas of businesses. The module is mostly concerned with the impact of the economy on businesses and considers the influence of both macro and micro economics on businesses. The main focus of the unit will be to examine basic economic theory to help learners explore the close link between businesses and their economic environment. Learners will also examine how economic theory can be used businesses inform decision making.

• Business Environment OAK

  This module focuses on the link between businesses and their environment. It aims at helping learners to understand how businesses react and should react to their dynamic environment. Part of the unit analyses critically the impact of the environment on business activities and strategies. Learners will be using tools such as the PESTLE analysis to critically examine the impact on the main functional areas of businesses. The module is mostly concerned with the impact of the economy on businesses and considers the influence of both macro and micro economics on businesses. The main focus of the unit will be to examine basic economic theory to help learners explore the close link between businesses and their economic environment. Learners will also examine how economic theory can be used businesses inform decision making.

• Business Environment WHC

  This module focuses on the link between businesses and their environment. It aims at helping learners to understand how businesses react and should react to their dynamic environment. Part of the unit analyses critically the impact of the environment on business activities and strategies. Learners will be using tools such as the PESTLE analysis to critically examine the impact on the main functional areas of businesses. The module is mostly concerned with the impact of the economy on businesses and considers the influence of both macro and micro economics on businesses. The main focus of the unit will be to examine basic economic theory to help learners explore the close link between businesses and their economic environment. Learners will also examine how economic theory can be used businesses inform decision making.

• E-business HRC

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organisations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria

• E-business NHC

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organisations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria

• E-business OAK

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organisations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria

• E-business WHC

  This module will explain the range of activities which constitute e-business and provide a detailed insight into why organisations need to adopt e-business practises as an alternative or sole channel for their operations. Students will be able to reflect on the impact of e-business in organisations and on society. Areas covered will include: links with the BIS systems and databases in an organisation; investigation of the information needs within an organisation and how this information can impact on business performance; CRM, SCM and sales as a means of extending marketing; markets and the overall success or failure of a business; and web design criteria

• Enterprise HRC

  In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing entrepreneurial skills provides. Students will work in teams to identify new business opportunities and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Students may also have access to entrepreneurial game play /simulation software which can be used to enhance entrepreneurial decision-making and understanding.

• Enterprise NHC

  In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing entrepreneurial skills provides. Students will work in teams to identify new business opportunities and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Students may also have access to entrepreneurial game play /simulation software which can be used to enhance entrepreneurial decision-making and understanding.

• Enterprise OAK

  In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing entrepreneurial skills provides. Students will work in teams to identify new business opportunities and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Students may also have access to entrepreneurial game play /simulation software which can be used to enhance entrepreneurial decision-making and understanding.

• Enterprise WHC

  In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing entrepreneurial skills provides. Students will work in teams to identify new business opportunities and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Students may also have access to entrepreneurial game play /simulation software which can be used to enhance entrepreneurial decision-making and understanding.

• Global Business HRC

  This module will explore the reasons why growing globalisation has allowed multinational companies (MNCs) to become dominant in global trade. It will consider the development of globalisation from the exploration of multilateral trade agreements through to economic unions and reviewing some operating in different continents. The module will consider the role of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the development of economic policies aimed at the developing world and how this impacts on developing nation equality in world trade. Students will consider and evaluate the MNC growth strategies most commonly adopted, and the impact and power they exert over the host nation’s resources. Using case studies, they will analyse the growing consumer interest in MNC activities.

• Global Business NHC

  This module will explore the reasons why growing globalisation has allowed multinational companies (MNCs) to become dominant in global trade. It will consider the development of globalisation from the exploration of multilateral trade agreements through to economic unions and reviewing some operating in different continents. The module will consider the role of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the development of economic policies aimed at the developing world and how this impacts on developing nation equality in world trade. Students will consider and evaluate the MNC growth strategies most commonly adopted, and the impact and power they exert over the host nation’s resources. Using case studies, they will analyse the growing consumer interest in MNC activities.

• Global Business OAK

  This module will explore the reasons why growing globalisation has allowed multinational companies (MNCs) to become dominant in global trade. It will consider the development of globalisation from the exploration of multilateral trade agreements through to economic unions and reviewing some operating in different continents. The module will consider the role of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the development of economic policies aimed at the developing world and how this impacts on developing nation equality in world trade. Students will consider and evaluate the MNC growth strategies most commonly adopted, and the impact and power they exert over the host nation’s resources. Using case studies, they will analyse the growing consumer interest in MNC activities.

• Global Business WHC

  This module will explore the reasons why growing globalisation has allowed multinational companies (MNCs) to become dominant in global trade. It will consider the development of globalisation from the exploration of multilateral trade agreements through to economic unions and reviewing some operating in different continents. The module will consider the role of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in the development of economic policies aimed at the developing world and how this impacts on developing nation equality in world trade. Students will consider and evaluate the MNC growth strategies most commonly adopted, and the impact and power they exert over the host nation’s resources. Using case studies, they will analyse the growing consumer interest in MNC activities.

• Information Management HRC

  This module will explain how appropriate information management can facilitate business decisions. The module introduces project management techniques and their application to business. Students will also be introduced to techniques enabling them to identify and validate the data requirements for a management information system (MIS) and will apply a methodical approach to the development of a suitable data driven MIS.

• Information Management NHC

  This module will explain how appropriate information management can facilitate business decisions. The module introduces project management techniques and their application to business. Students will also be introduced to techniques enabling them to identify and validate the data requirements for a management information system (MIS) and will apply a methodical approach to the development of a suitable data driven MIS.

• Information Management OAK

  This module will explain how appropriate information management can facilitate business decisions. The module introduces project management techniques and their application to business. Students will also be introduced to techniques enabling them to identify and validate the data requirements for a management information system (MIS) and will apply a methodical approach to the development of a suitable data driven MIS.

• Information Management WHC

  This module will explain how appropriate information management can facilitate business decisions. The module introduces project management techniques and their application to business. Students will also be introduced to techniques enabling them to identify and validate the data requirements for a management information system (MIS) and will apply a methodical approach to the development of a suitable data driven MIS.

• Systems Analysis and Design HRC

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business problem and identify system requirements and utilising a range of data modelling techniques. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input and output, and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, and expert systems.

• Systems Analysis and Design NHC

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business problem and identify system requirements and utilising a range of data modelling techniques. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input and output, and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, and expert systems.

• Systems Analysis and Design OAK

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business problem and identify system requirements and utilising a range of data modelling techniques. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input and output, and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, and expert systems.

• Systems Analysis and Design WHC

  The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate a business problem and identify system requirements and utilising a range of data modelling techniques. A complete systems specification will be documented to include relational data analysis, input and output, and process specification. Students will also be introduced to styles of solution including transaction processing, management information, decision support, and expert systems.

• Work Based Learning Project HRC

  The Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt on the course, with a local employer in a work based situation. Students will be encouraged to develop the necessary employer links for their project with the help of the college. Part-time students may choose to dovetail the project into their work. The amount of time spent in the workplace will be negotiated between the student, the employer and the college. For part-time students, the project will usually be hosted by their employers. Local employers will usually be SME (small to medium sized enterprises) and may include charitable and voluntary organisations. It may also be possible to carry out a project within the colleges or university (as an employer).

• Work Based Learning Project NHC

  The Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt on the course, with a local employer in a work based situation. Students will be encouraged to develop the necessary employer links for their project with the help of the college. Part-time students may choose to dovetail the project into their work. The amount of time spent in the workplace will be negotiated between the student, the employer and the college. For part-time students, the project will usually be hosted by their employers. Local employers will usually be SME (small to medium sized enterprises) and may include charitable and voluntary organisations. It may also be possible to carry out a project within the colleges or university (as an employer).

• Work Based Learning Project WHC

  The Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt on the course, with a local employer in a work based situation. Students will be encouraged to develop the necessary employer links for their project with the help of the college. Part-time students may choose to dovetail the project into their work. The amount of time spent in the workplace will be negotiated between the student, the employer and the college. For part-time students, the project will usually be hosted by their employers. Local employers will usually be SME (small to medium sized enterprises) and may include charitable and voluntary organisations. It may also be possible to carry out a project within the colleges or university (as an employer).

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,000 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply