BA (Hons) Business Management with Information Systems

Explore how the pieces of the business puzzle come together aided by technology, to boost productivity and organisation. Graduates who understand how technology supports and drives business are in high demand as businesses rely on it more than ever.

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Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,250 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: N150
Course length: Various
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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91.7% of graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2019-20)

Understand the fundamentals of managing a business

Discover how to evaluate and manage information systems in business

Business Management at Herts

Course overview

Enhance your understanding of crucial business principles, organisational dynamics and system tools on this technology-driven, business fundamentals course.

Today, web and mobile systems are incredibly important for organisations. Whilst it is essential to know how to use them effectively, this course isn't overly technical as it is focused on how to optimise processes.

Learn about user-centric system design, technology trends, database management and mobile tech. As you learn how to use technology for strategic planning and operations, develop an understanding of the architecture of business systems.

Develop your Information Systems (IS) skills with a focus on commercial aspects such as the global business environment, finance, marketing, project management and organisational behaviour.

Discover how to build a thriving business by understanding key elements, including sustainability, growth management, innovation, organisational psychology, and ethical considerations related to technology.

Putting it all together will equip you with the management and technical skills you need to plan and organise the large-scale information resources that run modern organisations.

Why choose this course?

Business information systems are getting bigger and more complicated. They help companies handle data about their organisation, finances, personnel and lots more.

Master the pieces of the business puzzle, how to organise them, and how to make the most of IT systems' growing capabilities to serve organisations of all shapes and sizes.

Learn how to set up business processes in a scalable way that identifies and supports organisational information needs. It's important to make sure that technology helps us, instead of getting in our way.

Explore subjects like creativity, the shifting demands of people and advancements in technology, as you delve into the factors that push innovation and evolution in the business world.

Acquire important professional skills like project management, creative thinking, and innovative problem-solving.

By taking assessments that simulate real-world scenarios, you can enhance your skills in composing business reports, giving presentations and elevator pitches, and evaluating case studies.

We maintain good connections with professional organisations and businesses. Come to on-campus events and meet entrepreneurs-in-residence, business ambassadors, and industry leaders. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you are encouraged to enter the ‘Flare Ignite’ annual competition with winners getting support, training and funding to help make their ideas a reality.

Most importantly, you are mentored to set ambitious goals and achieve personal and professional success.

Professional accreditations

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
All Level 4 students' study ‘Understanding Marketing’, which covers 95% of the syllabus for the CIM award in Marketing Principles and students have the opportunity to sign up to take the CIM 90 minute multiple choice Marketing Principles exam.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Exemptions via core accounting modules:

CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting: BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics; BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting; BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting; BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
CIMA Operational Level: E1 Organisational Management

Your future career

Stand out in the graduate marketplace with a well-rounded skillset backed by practical experience. 91.7% of our students are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2019-2020).

Possible roles of employment include:

IT manager
Systems architect
Systems analyst
Databases administrator
Project manager
Cyber security consultant

Graduates have landed successful roles in CGI, GRAYCE, Flextrade, Tesco, and IBM, as well as freelance consultants.

This degree will provide you with a unique perspective on using technology effectively in business today, revealing the beating core of modern organisations. The rounded skill set you develop will prepare you for commercial success.

What you'll study

Our main goal is to help you become a skilled business and information systems professional who has a strong grasp of both theory and real-world applications.

This is done through a combination of in class teaching (around eight hours per week), supported by additional reading and resource recommendations to further develop your learning.

In your first year, you'll learn about the basics of business management and how technology can benefit a company. This will include introductory topics on both tangible and intangible benefits.

During your second year, you'll delve into the realm of technology's influence on businesses and organisations, as well as its effects on individuals. You'll cover subjects like user-centred design and consumer behaviour. You will also focus on your professional skill set.

During your final year, you can delve into a passion by working on your applied business project. This involves researching a business area that you choose, which can often set you apart during job interviews.

You will be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities to enhance your knowledge and practical experience through our Go Herts programme and Future Success events.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Accounting Aspects of Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint, providing an insight into the role of accounting as a decision-making tool for business and managerial decision-making.
Analysing and Managing Business Data	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the tools and techniques necessary to uncover information in data sets in order to be able to make suitable decisions based on this information.
Business and Markets	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the value of economic approaches, principally through examining the role and functioning of the market. The market is of principal importance in the modern economic environment in which business, citizens and governments operate. The basic concept of the market will be explored along with economic analysis such as demand and supply, competition and macroeconomics (e.g. inflation). As the proper use of any tool or approach requires an appreciation of its limitations as well as its power, the limits of the market will also be explored when considering: equity; the emergence of new technology e.g. the digital economy; social responsibility; and environmental concerns.
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to the nature of organisations in relation to both theory and practice. Students will identify and summarise relevant theory relating to management, leadership, motivation and performance. This will be applied to workplace examples. Students will compare leadership and management practices and the relationship between management style and motivation and performance. Understanding of the difference types of organisational structures and cultures will be developed and the formal and informal influences which determine structure and culture in different organisations. Students will explore how structure and culture contribute to business success as well as identifying the impact of teamworking on organisational performance. Factors that influence the behaviours of individuals in organisations will be reviewed and the significance of these individual behaviours for management practice and motivation will be highlighted.
Technology in Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
Today's technology is critical on business operations. Therefore, no matter the size of the business, technology brings both tangible and intangible benefits to businesses. It also helps businesses to increase efficiencies, and profits while developing new services. This module helps students to understand importance of emerging technologies for the growth of business.
The Business Professional	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Students will be able to identify a variety of study strategies to enhance their learning and maximise the opportunities offered to them by the virtual learning environment. These will include Harvard referencing, academic writing, time planning and revision techniques. Students will also investigate the skills and behaviours pertinent to the professional manager within a business environment in preparation for the work place. Themes which will include professional communication, presentation skills, team working, methods of enquiry, and IT literacy. Students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.
The Global Business Environment	15 Credits	Compulsory
Advances in technology, communications and transport are key forces behind globalisation. Decreasing costs and increasing ease of access mean increasing numbers of businesses are operating internationally and globally. This has resulted in a substantial increase in intercultural contact. To succeed in this context managers must have sensitivity to, and a critical understanding of, issues arising out of cultural difference. This includes the ability to manage in the diverse and complex contexts including legal, political, ethical and sustainability issues. The module explores two interrelated areas. Firstly, debates surrounding globalisation are considered. Students will explore national similarities and differences, and their impact on business. This includes tensions between global standardisation and local differentiation and the extent to which the world is characterised by an increasing levelness and convergence or increasing disparity and divergence. Secondly, students will consider culture and cultural differences.
Understanding Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This marketing module assumes no prior knowledge of marketing and aims to introduce students to some of the key concepts of marketing. It is designed for Business students to gain an overall appreciation of the field of marketing. Students will understand the importance of marketing within the organisation and how other functions interact it. Students will explore key marketing theories and planning tools in the context of current practice.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Managing People	15 Credits	Compulsory
Managing People aims at providing students with an introduction to the management of people in organisations. Content includes: The development of HRM, theory and practice, contextual factors, strategic approaches. Recruitment and selection (R&S) including role of R&S, models of R&S and their application. Equality and diversity (E&D) including the case for E&D, approaches to implementing E&D policies, and tackling discrimination in organisations. Flexibility and managing flexibility. Performance and reward management including managing people for performance, motivation and the link with reward management. Employee participation and involvement Factors affecting the success of employee involvement (EI) and effective communication. Learning and development (L&D) including identifying the need for L&D, evaluation of the outcomes, and the contribution L&D can make to people's performance and business success. Managing people activities from both strategic and operational perspectives. Exploring the role of HR function and line manager.
Mobile Business Technologies	15 Credits	Compulsory
In today's digital age, mobile phones have become an integral part of daily life used by millions of people and businesses around the world. Increasingly sophisticated technologies from Apple, Google and Blackberry, in both the hardware and the software, are turning mobile phones into communications devices that are taking over from the desktop PC as the most important piece of business equipment. Furthermore, some of the most important benefits of different mobile technologies are improved communication with staff, clients, suppliers, reduced downtime, increased productivity and improve customer service. Therefore, this module looks at the heart of the power of mobile business technologies for different areas of the organisation.
Consumer Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
The cognitive versus behavioural approach to consumer analysis are compared and evaluated. An understanding of consumers and their behaviour will enable students to have a greater understanding of target customer segmentation and product/brand positioning for the development of product, pricing, distribution, and marketing communication strategies. Perception of the self and brands is considered along with the social issues of behaviour, beliefs and personality and their longer-term impact on consumer learning. The module offers an introduction to the psychology of the consumer, and the impact that this has on the Marketer in creating, developing, and delivering customer-valued products and services.
Financial Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered will include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk; portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
Business Analytics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The explosion of high-quality data has provided organisations with opportunities to make data-driven decisions. This has increased the interest in the use of analytics and businesses are now looking for those with analytical skills to understand, analyse and draw insights from the data. The aim of this module is to equip students with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist business decision-making.
Business Operations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to provide a solid understanding of business operations methods. Students will gain experience together with knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of business operations in a contemporary environment.
User Centric Design for Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
The experience gained in this module will give students the underpinning knowledge and skills required to design user centric applications combined with the experience of examining issues associated with human computer interaction and its impact on interface design. Students will be introduced to theories for effective design and given the opportunity to investigate in detail the principles behind successful user interfaces. Students will understand the need to identify user groups for systems and create a persona for each group to ensure that the proposed design is suitable for all user groups. The need to identify and implement accessibility options will be explored. By the end of the module, learners will have good knowledge on design principles and guidelines when designing applications that are focussed on usability and accessibility. Underlying usability principles and theories will be examined and applied. This will focus on heuristics, design principles and accessibility principles and standards.
Project Management in Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to project management principles, tools and techniques that may be used in a business project to fulfil client needs. Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project planning process. The module content and assessment strategy allows students to apply generic techniques thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to business. Students will develop a project initiation document using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables and activity network diagrams. Stakeholder and risk analysis will also be considered as these are key considerations as part of project management. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and workshop seminars as well as on-line discussions. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Creative Problem Solving for Managers	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is very practical and hands-on. It is aimed at students intending to become an effective manager, consultant or business analyst. The really important problems and crucial decisions faced by professionals in their work are often complex and ill-defined. They are known as wicked problems or messes. Problem-structuring (or soft systems) methods have been developed to help us cope in these challenging, unstructured situations. Often much of the difficulty is due to people's differing perspectives, the worrying uncertainties or the multiple interacting and dynamic factors. Imaginative approaches are needed to rigorously analyse messy, qualitative issues. Problem-structuring methods take a holistic view and are highly effective. The three methodologies selected are: SODA Soft Systems Methodology System Dynamics With the right expertise and a suitable toolkit of methods, the manager or consultant can choose appropriate techniques, and creatively combine and tailor them to tackle any problem with confidence.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students first gain insights into the role and importance of entrepreneurs and the traits, attitudes, and skills they possess. A wide range of theoretical models and frameworks will be considered, evaluated and critiqued. They then learn about the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation for organisations to continue to prosper, to remain competitive and for economic growth. Students will consider what drives innovation, including creativity, evolving human needs, technology, and changes in the competitive and macro environments. Students will creatively explore how to develop products and services, including planning how to turn an innovative idea into commercial/social reality.
Advanced Project and Risk Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Projects are one of the principal means by which organisations implement change and manage challenges arising from the business environment. Public and private sector organisations are increasingly managed by projects to improve internal operations, respond to external opportunities and threats rapidly, achieve technological breakthroughs, and design and develop new products and services.
Applied Business Project	15 Credits	Compulsory
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate and undertake an industry-related project for a business problem and establish through the use of business models and techniques and secondary research, a report with recommendations. It will prepare students for business projects in the workplace where they will need to use a variety of concepts learnt on different aspects of their programme on projects allocated to them. Students will initially work in teams to discuss and evaluate the project and will apply business concepts to the project in order to present their initial findings. Further individual investigation and research will be undertaken in order to develop a report with conclusions and viable recommendations based on rigorous and in-depth secondary research.
Databases for Strategic Decision Making	15 Credits	Compulsory
The experience gained in this module will give students the necessary underpinning knowledge and skills to investigate the data requirements of a business problem and establish, through the use of data modelling tools, the structure of the database. A complete database design and development process will be undertaken and documented, to include entity relationship diagrams, data dictionary, development using SQL, testing and evidence of SQL code being used to create queries. A very practical module which develops students business analysis skills as they develop a logical database design model based on a set of requirements. The acquisition of skills in database design concepts and SQL exposes students in a very practical way to the means by which information is extracted from databases and manipulated for presentation to the user, underpinning a more theoretical understanding of information requirements at different levels of management decision-making.
Professional Development for the Workplace	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students analyse the interrelationship between the learning that they have gained on their programme, and the applicability of the knowledge and skills that they have acquired to the challenges of the workplace. Through their work, students will have opportunities to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research. Work-based learning opportunities include: placement, part-time work, internship, project work, involvement in research or volunteering.
Strategic Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of a diverse range of organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implement them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module identifies the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. It also focusses on the development of student s professional skills critical to effective strategy development and implementation. In particular, the module focuses on analytical and critical research skills, team work, leadership and professionalism.
Leadership Theory in Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module encourages students to explore leadership theory and practice from both a personal and organisational perspective. The theoretical underpinnings of leadership and a range of models and theories are explored. Personal styles, the organisation s impact and responsibilities held by leaders are also considered. The impact of leaders on employee motivation, organisational culture and change are addressed.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from an academic support team, wellbeing team and a personal tutor to help you adjust to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team focused on inclusive learning and our dedicated Future Success network who will help you with work experience, placements and graduate jobs.

You can also join and reach out to the Business School Student Voice community, a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure teaching remains effective.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is open to all Business School students, for extra support with academic writing, numeracy and referencing.

Optional sandwich year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our groundbreaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Disney, Volkswagen, Ocado and Amazon.

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now working internationally, the experience of living in another country will make a great impression on future employers. Put knowledge into action, learn how a business operates and make professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Disney, Volkswagen, Ocado and Amazon.

Find out more about work placements

You can take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a huge personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world really is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office advises you on your options, to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee, either to the partner university or us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

You will be taught by a diverse group of specialists, including experienced academics and successful commercial leaders, each one a subject expert, sharing their knowledge with you.

The teaching team has a number of published authors and experienced researchers. Additionally, learn from seasoned professionals from both public and private industries who will offer insights and practical examples to you.

The staff's research interests involve using technology to solve issues in important areas of human resource management like wellness, diversity, environmental management, culture, and consumer/organizational behaviour.

Your teaching and support teams are here to help you reach your full potential. They work together to help you recognise and make the most of your unique abilities.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112–120
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BBB
Typical IB offer	112–120
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112–120
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2024	Full time	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS
	Full time with study abroad year	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Management with Information Systems	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business Management	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Business Management with Information Systems

Explore how the pieces of the business puzzle come together aided by technology, to boost productivity and organisation. Graduates who understand how technology supports and drives business are in high demand as businesses rely on it more than ever.

Typical offer: 112–120

Fees: £9,250 per year (UK)

UCAS code: N150

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional sandwich year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate subjects

Student Life at Herts

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield