BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing

Course Overview

Are you interested in how computing can be used to improve business functions in today’s increasingly tech-driven business world? Our CMI accredited BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing degree will instil fundamental business skills alongside the latest trends in business computing and IT, helping you gain valuable workplace skills across both disciplines.

This course has been designed in close consultation with some of today’s biggest players, such as Google, Coca Cola, and Oracle, ensuring the skills you gain are both in-demand and highly relevant to today’s workplace. You’ll acquire an in-depth understanding of how to successfully run a business, alongside how computing contributes towards this. Not only that, but you’ll be taught all of this by industry experts who will provide you with real insight into the sector.

In addition to this multidisciplinary knowledge, the course is run with your long-term future and employability in mind. Through our business simulation software, SimVenture, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning to practise in a safe environment, allowing you to experience first-hand how to run a business and overcome the challenges you might face along the way. You’ll also have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator, which provides a host of resources aimed at nurturing your business acumen, such as training, coaching, and workshops led by industry experts. Through this, you’ll learn the ins and outs of starting, running, and developing a successful business.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively. 

We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing course, you should normally have:

  • Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent.
  • If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of appropriate work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.
  • We also offer this course with an additional foundation year for those who need extra support when starting their degree studies.

Course fee

International FeeFee
fee per level:£5500
UK FeeFee
fee per level:£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent.
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course details and modules

This joint degree has been designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the connection between business management and computing, developing your ability to apply technical knowledge and data to support effective business decisions. Your modules have been carefully selected to demonstrate the way in which IT systems and technology support varying aspects of business, including operational, management, and decision-making processes. 

You’ll cover topics including marketing, sales and operations, international business, and project management in conjunction with areas of computing such as reading and identifying data patterns, how these contribute towards a successful business, e-business, web design, and much more.

How do we assess you?

Authentic assessments, no exams

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Instead, our assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios, emphasising discovery, digital technology, innovative thinking, and the application of theory to real world business management and computing practice.

Through negotiated assessments and an independent study, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose your topics of interest with your module lecturer, allowing you to align your studies with your ambitions and future career goals. 

Assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through a range of assessments including:

  • Company appraisals
  • Reports
  • Data analyses
  • Presentations
  • Business plans
  • Podcasts
  • Marketing plans
  • Problem analyses
  • Analysing case studies
  • Ethical dilemma exercises
  • Group work
  • Reviews
  • Personal audits
  • Case studies
  • Individual project

Modules

You have 3-9 years to complete this course, meaning you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 3-6 years.

Level 4

  • Productivity and Collaboration Tools for Learning and Work (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Databases (20 credits)
  • People Management (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Web Authoring (20 credits)

Level 5

  • Digital Business (20 credits)
  • Business Start-up (20 credits)
  • Sales Management (20 credits)
  • Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 credits)
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Ethics, Quality and Sustainability in Technological Environments (20 credits)

Level 6

  • Project Management (20 credits)
  • Data Mining (20 credits)
  • International Business Management (20 credits)
  • Information Security Management (20 credits)
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits)
  • Independent Study (20 credits)

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your business management and computing degree, or perhaps you’re still a little unsure. Don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future career options. We prepare you with a range of advanced multidisciplinary skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, enhancing your career options wherever they might lie.

What can I do after Arden University?

Simply put, the possibilities are endless! Graduates from this degree will have advanced skills in two of today’s most in-demand disciplines, giving you a wide range of career options to choose from. And as organisations are becoming more and more reliant on technology, your qualification is sure to set you up for success in almost any sector. Some professional roles you might consider are:

  • IT Manager
  • IT Security Manager
  • IT Solutions Specialist
  • Business Manager
  • Business Development Executive
  • Business Analytics & Modelling Consultant
  • Business Performance & Transformation Consultant
  • Technology Consultant

What will the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing do for me?

Your course will focus strongly on real-world practice, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn to real business management and computing scenarios. In turn you’ll gain a range of transferable skills that will ensure you stand out in the competitive job market. Studying this course with us is your opportunity to:

  • Examine the relationship between business and computing in the contemporary, global business environment.
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of computing within different types of organisations.
  • Understand how technology can be implemented to reach strategic business goals.
  • Gain skills applicable to a wide range of exciting opportunities across the business and computing sectors.

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location. 

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud.  ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy. 

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning. 

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Business Management and Computing degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.
 
Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

  • Office 365 subscription
  • Integrated zoom video conferencing
  • Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
  • Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
  • Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support