Business Data Analytics BSc (Hons)

Develop your practical IT abilities, learn how to extract information from systems in business, government and society, expertly develop models and uncover previously unknown trends and patterns to support organisational decision-making.

Entry Criteria
Structure and assessment
Facilities and features
Opportunities and careers
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Overview

Please note: this course was previously titled 'Computing for Business BSc (Hons)'

The field of data analytics is becoming increasingly more relevant and important. Insight-driven businesses are said to be growing at an average of more than 30 per cent each year, creating a demand for professionals skilled in data analytics.

This course provides a broad understanding of information systems coupled with in-depth exploration of analytics knowledge and concepts to help you derive valuable information and insights from data. The course covers a range of subjects to prepare for a career in the sector, and benefits from insight from DMU’s internationally-renowned research institutes, embedding ethics and the impact of computing and technology within the modules.

Professionalism within an industry context is emphasized throughout, with strong links to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Students are exposed to industry-standard concepts, tools and technologies, exploring the fundamental underlying principles of data analytics. Our teaching staff contribute to the field through internationally-recognised research or industrial consultancy, and many are members of centres that pioneer cutting-edge research.

On graduating from this course, our students are equipped with the skills needed for successful careers in industry or academia, as competent and independent lifelong learners. The programme will prepare you for careers in fields such as data and systems analysis and design, system, security, project and knowledge management, big data architect roles, data consultant roles and business consultancy.

Key features

Gain an industry-recognised qualification and a skill set sought by employers across the industry.
Learn from our computing experience built over more than 50 years, a long-standing history allowing you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise.
Computer science and informatics research at DMU was ranked third for its research power among modern UK universities in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), which is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
Our computer science and engineering and technology subjects have scored highly in the Times Higher Education’s 2020 World University Rankings, meaning you can benefit from the outstanding level of research, teaching and learning on offer at DMU.
Enhance your employability and gain industry experience by undertaking an optional work placement. Previous students have benefited from placements at leading organisations including at Hewlett-Packard, Intel Corporation, Thomson Reuters, E.ON, GlaxoSmithKline, TNT Express, and AstraZeneca.
Develop your practical skills in our specialist facilities, with 100 computer workstations on campus divided into five interconnected laboratories, each with 20 high-specification PCs running Windows/Linux.

"I enjoyed the course because it prepared me for the field in which I would like to work. My placement year provided hands-on experience and allowed me to put theory into practice. I would definitely recommend this course."

Chiyanjo Kazuwa, Computing for Business BSc (Hons)

Graduate success and news

DMU student secures work placement with global IT giant

DMU's just the job for our Technology graduates

DMU graduates picked by tech giant IBM to be among first staff of new multimillion pound Leicester base

UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G530

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G530

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

International students can apply to study at DMU directly using our online applications portal.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent, plus one of the following:
Normally 104 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM or
Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
International Baccalaureate: 24+ points
Foundation Year in Computing: Pass Foundation, and progression is at the discretion of the programme leader. Refer to the Foundation team for further guidance.

Portfolio Required: No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

Year one

Introduction to Computing and its applications
Data Analytics 1
Information Systems Analysis
Foundations of Python Programming
Computer Ethics
Data Analytics 2
Database Design
Programming in Python 2

Year two

Information and Database Development
Integrated Project
Management Decision Making
Advanced Data Analytics
Data Visualisation
Analytics and Business Modelling
Mobile Application Design and Development
Introduction to Information Security

Year three

Project
Advanced Statistics for Business
Business Systems Solutions
Advanced Business Modelling
Information & Communication Technologies for Development (optional*)
Professional and Academic Research Development (optional*)
Information Security Management and Governance (optional*)
Data Mining (optional*)
Database Management and Programming (optional*)

Click here for more detailed module information.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Course modules are informed by current industrial practice and our own cutting edge research, ensuring that you are at the forefront of the latest developments.

You will be taught through a variety of methods including formal lectures, tutorials, computer laboratory sessions and self-directed study.

Assessment is typically through a combination of individual assignments, group work, projects, tests and exams.

The final year includes an individual project and a range of modules you can choose from, with options ranging from technical subjects, such as web information management and network systems, to more business oriented topics, including information systems strategy and services, security management, data mining and advanced management decision making.

You will normally attend around 12-16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 24 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Facilities and features

Computer Science Laboratories

The Computer Science laboratories in Gateway House provide over 100 computer workstations for students to use. The space is divided into four interconnected laboratories each with 20 machines, and a fifth laboratory with 23 machines.

There are printing facilities available, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. All the machines are connected via the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media network to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source which means students can download and run software at home.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate Careers

Sainsbury's partnership kick-starts careers for 16 DMU students.

Sixteen De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) students have secured sought-after jobs with Sainsbury’s before graduating this summer, thanks to a fruitful partnership.

DMU has been working closely with the supermarket giant to raise awareness of the software engineer positions available at the company’s store support centre in Coventry.

Inviting Sainsbury’s to a networking event last June resulted in three DMU graduates being hired. This year representatives from the company - including those graduates - addressed more than 200 students in the School of Computer Science and Informatics.

"Computing has given me fundamental knowledge in different areas. The course has taught me programming skills that are attractive to employers, such as visual web development, HTML5, C# programming, database management and reporting." Egle Sciglinskaite, Computing BSc (Hons)

DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Previous DMU Global trips have seen Computing and Computer Science students explore the Silicon Docks in Dublin and be inspired by the educational and networking opportunities at the SAS Global Forum in Dallas.

Placements

Placements can enhance your career prospects and give you the chance to use theory from the classroom in a real-world scenario before you have graduated.

Our Computing for Business students have recently secured placements at companies such as GE Aviation, Next Plc, Automotive Insights Ltd, Go Inspire and Onvu Retail Ltd.

Valuable placement year kick-starts Karishma's career.

Graduating with a First and embarking on her dream career during a global pandemic is thanks to completing a placement year, according to Karishma Samani.

The Computing for Business graduate, who joined De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) through Clearing four years ago, secured a job in February with Kainos, an award-winning company specialising in digital solutions for commercial, public and healthcare clients worldwide.

Business Data Analytics BSc (Hons)