BA(Hons) in Business Information Systems - WD122 - Waterford Institute of Technology

BA(Hons) in Business Information Systems
Course code WD122

What is Business Information Systems?

Business Information Systems (BIS) involves the development, application and management of information systems in business. The evolution of information systems has significantly altered the competitive landscape of modern business. BIS is now recognised as a critical value creating component within business across all industries and sectors. Knowledge based industries and the effective use of e-business, internet technologies and data management now provide many and varied career opportunities to graduates. A significant demand exists for Business Information Systems (BIS) professionals across many different business environments nationally and internationally.

What is the BA in BIS course?

The BA BIS is a 2 year add on degree to a Higher Certificate in Business Studies. The main objective of the BA in BIS is to provide graduates with a strong business and information technology skill set so that they have the ability to make a significant and immediate business impact in the workplace. The six-month paid work placement in semester 3 provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a business environment while also further developing their learning and experience. This work placement is organised by the Work Placement Director who also assists students in their preparation for interviews and placement in association with the Careers Support Centre.

The BA in BIS is very student focused and a very team oriented approach to learning is adopted. There is significant interaction between students and the programme management team on a regular basis. Group work, projects and significant hands-on learning are central to this approach. Significant resources have been invested in providing the latest in software, hardware and learning resources in the new state of the art Library and Information Technology Centres, which are among the best in Ireland. Close links have been established with many organisations who contribute to the development of the BA in BIS, ensuring that the programme meets the current demands of industry while also providing our students and graduates with work placements and full-time employment.

Students who enter the BIS programme have already successfully studied two years of general business on an undergraduate business programme such as the Higher Certificate in Business Studies or the Bachelor of Business Studies or equivalent. The two year BA in BIS programme develops skills relating to the application of business information systems in the critical areas of database management, IS analysis and design, electronic business, programming, project management and strategic management while also developing the students personal and communication skills. The up-to-date programme content combined with industry experience gained during paid work placement, gives the student a distinct competitive edge when seeking employment after graduation.

What career paths exist for the Business Information Systems Graduate?

The combination of business and information technology skills gives the BIS graduate a broad range of career opportunities. Graduates from this programme can pursue a career in the following areas: Business/Systems Analyst, IT Project Management, Business Consultant, Programming, Web and eCommerce Development, Database Development and/or Administration, Information Systems and Business Management.

It consists of the following modules:

Semester 1
Information Systems (for the BIS Professional)
Database Development & Design
Event Driven Programming
Systems Analysis & Design 1
Internet Development & Networking
Business Finance for BIS professional

Semester 2
Project Management
Database Application Integration
Advanced Event Driven Programming
Systems Analysis & Design 2
Programming Objects with Java
The Professional Individual

Semester 3
6 month's paid work placement

Semester 4
E-Business (BIS)
Strategy in the digital firm
Systems Management
Informations Systems Strategy & Management
Programming Client/Server Applications
Project

What are the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems (BA in BIS)?

The BA in BIS is a 2 year (4 Semester) add-on degree to a Higher Certificate in Business Studies or equivalent. Alternatively, applicants must have already successfully studied two years of general business on an undergraduate business programme. Applicants must be competent in the use of Microsoft Office products and have sufficient knowledge of the underlying concepts of Information Technology. Mature students with significant appropriate experience are also eligible to apply.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information on the Bachelor of Arts in Business Information Systems (BA in BIS), contact:

Programme director: Aidan Duane
Tel. 051-302686. E-mail aduane@wit.ie