Project work

The student centred approach will require the students to acquire the following skills:

• effective communication skills designed to emphasise written and oral capabilities.
• effectively apply personally developed study skills, time management and planned study strategies
• analysis and interpretation of practical information in a logical and sequential written format
• discussion skills and the ability to convey information accurately
• information gathering skills from a variety of sources
• the ability to collate information in an appropriate structure which will enable analysis and decision making to be undertaken
• acquire design capability in a problem-solving context.
• The development of a student centred approach will be acquired in the context of the following learning process:
• lectures which keep students actively engaged both visually and orally
• tutorial and problem solving exercises
• laboratory activities with the designed requirements for preparatory work
• activities involving research investigations and literature searches individual project work

Added value

CIMTech (The Chartered Institute of Marketing's Technology Interest Group) hopes to accredit all of BITE's professional and academic marketing with technology-related courses. Plans are in place to give BITE's students Continuing Professional Development points, according to the number of hours study they complete.

This should help BITE's students to find employment once they leave us for the world of employment within the industry. BITE is also currently negotiating with other professional bodies to include exemptions and or professional certification for some of the units and BITE is already an Oracle and Sun academic provider and a Cisco network academy.

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in...

• Networking
• Operating Systems
• Designing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Databases
• Programming
• Security
• Management & Business Economics
• Software Engineering
• Communications.

If you enjoy...

• A challenge,
• Working in groups,
• Field work,
• Using computers,
• IT communications,

If you want...

A sound theoretical and practical knowledge in technologies and techniques related to the application of computer systems, information technology and E-commerce. The course is designed to develop and enhance the practical, critical, analytical and intellectual abilities of the student that is focused on an approach of creative and independent thinking and the ability to communicate clearly and coherently at the appropriate level.

The course will stimulate a rigorous and critical approach to data collection and analysis combined with the development of a broad knowledge and understanding of the utilisation of computer technology in E-commerce, software development and systems engineering. Students will work collectively to enhance team-building skills as well as working independently on major projects in which their individual knowledge and capabilities can be demonstrated.

The course design provides a combination of IT units developed mainly within the

E-commerce discipline. This will provide a breadth of knowledge and understanding that spans programming methodology, analysis and design, system integration, management of IT projects and resources to an appropriate depth based on specialist E-commerce applications and advanced learning.

The course will allow students to explore how the orthodox approaches to computing and business are being affected by the development of Technology & E-commerce. Further it will provide an environment where students can develop approaches to solving business problems by making use of modern communications technology.

There is an increasing demand from employers for more specialist graduates, and in particular, our graduates typically will follow one of these career patterns:

• The hybrid manager; combining business knowledge with technical skills and additional emphasis on one of the following;
• IT strategy issues for business, or; Issues in management and technology policy
• The infrastructural manager; dealing with the technology associated with communications and data services within and between organisations.
• The analyst/designer; involved in the design, analysis and implementation of Information Systems projects.
• The software engineer; involved in the production of complex, rigorously specified and verified software.
• The qualified professional whose work requires an understanding of IT systems design or development

Your future career

Students who successfully obtain this qualification can work in Software Development Companies, Multimedia Companies, IT and non-IT firms who require web technologist to maintain and manage their business websites, Freelance Consultants, Network Administrators, Support staff, Communications Development as well as progressing into Post Graduate education and further specialised research.

How we support you

The School of Technology & E-commerce strives for excellence in supporting students in many ways. You will always be able to find a sympathetic person who will try to help you if at all possible.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor. This is a member of the academic staff who they can go to individually for general guidance and advice.

'Self-help' manuals and books on study skills and a wide range of other materials that are helpful in maximising your efficiency and effectiveness as a student are held in the library.
The Institute can also offer some support to those whose English is not their first language or who may have specific learning difficulties (dyslexia).

In addition to general feedback and advice given by unit tutors, the Institute does provide some extra support. This ranges from advice on structuring essays through to help for those needing additional support for Mathematics and in their use of the English language. In most cases students are referred to such extra support following diagnostic exercises.

The Institute Careers Service is based in the main building and provides presentations and skills workshops, one-to-one guidance, a library and information service (including vacancies and help with preparing for job-search).

Support for students with a variety of personal, domestic and financial problems can be obtained from counsellors and advisors in the Student Support Centre of Apex House Campus.

Bonus factors

At BITE we provide a learning experience that matters.

Located in the heart of East London , we are well placed to work with the thriving businesses of Canary Wharf and London City , and Academics from recognised institutions around the world have reviewed our specialised degree and research programmes with interest and excitement.

BITE is well known for combining academic theory with a hands on practical approach to a high standard of delivery and academic achievement, with many of our programmes offering you the chance to gain work experience that is invaluable when it comes to getting the job you want on graduation. All of our programmes give you the opportunity to develop the IT, research and business skills that we know employers are looking for.

Return to top

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

• Develop skills in analysis, design, implementation and evaluation appropriate to their chosen pathway.
• Become proficient in relevant computer skills.
• Be aware of trends in the subject area.
• Be able to learn and work both independently and within groups.
• Develop effective communication skills.
• Produce work of a professional standard.
• Be equipped to pursue further study.
• Acquire knowledge of the management, economic, legal, social and ethical issues relating to information systems.

What will you learn?

Knowledge

• To partake in active discourse around the adoption of E-commerce Technology, with particular pertinence to the impact on the changing context of business and how management may develop and analyse the options available in response to the fluidity of this context
• To elaborate the technology requirements and facilities for remote, distributed electronic communications.
• To communicate at an advanced level demonstrating evidence of higher organisational skills and reasoning to produce persuasive arguments.

Thinking skills

• To analyse and critically evaluate the issues and problems concerning organisations and management which may arise from the adoption of E-commerce
• To critically evaluate how an organisation's existing information systems will be affected by the adoption of Technology & E-commerce and analyse the solutions.

Subject-Based Practical skills

• To design, develop, enhance, and implement existing and new information systems that will enable an organisation to fully exploit the potential of Technology & E-commerce.
• To form a, reasoned, independent judgement on complex and controversial issues.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Organisational skills
• Time management
• Working with and Relating to Others
• Communicating
• Managing Tasks and Solving Problems
• Applying Numeracy
• Applying Technology

Return to top

The programme structure

Introduction

At the University of East London all programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

• 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
• 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
• 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
• 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
• M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.

Typical duration

The typical duration of this programme is 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time.

It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. A typical full-time student will study three 20 credit units per semester and a typical part-time student will study one or two units per semester

What you will study when

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. The University offers subjects in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three with minimum of 40 credits drawn from University wide options
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme

Requirements for gaining an award

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 320 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 80 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification

Additional information...

Return to top

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Knowledge is developed through

• Hands on instructor led training
• Practical exercises set in classroom
• Projects
• Workshops

Thinking skills are developed through

• Lectures
• Assignments
• Projects
• Directed self study

Practical skills are developed through

• Projects
• Assignments
• Course work
• Workshops

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Workshops
• Class projects
• Group work
• Self managed study

Assessment

Knowledge is assessed by

• Observed ongoing monitoring
• Projects
• Practical assignments
• Exams

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Exams
• Projects
• Continuous observed assessment

Practical skills are assessed by

• Workshops
• Projects
• Group work
• Practical assignments

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Workshops
• Projects
• Group work
• Practical assignments
• Observed ongoing monitoring

Return to top

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before this programme started the University checked that:

• there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
• adequate resources would be in place;
• the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
• the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
• the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
• the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

• external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
• statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
• student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee.

Once every six years the University undertakes an in-depth review of the whole field. This is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

The role of the programme committee

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

• To ensure the standard of the programme
• To ensure that justice is done to individual students

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

• Approving exam papers/assignments
• Attending assessment boards
• Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
• Ensuring that regulations are followed
• Providing feedback to UEL through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

• Unit evaluations
• Student representation on course committees (meeting 4 times a year)
• Student/Staff consultative committee (meeting 2 times a year)

Students are notified of the action taken through:

• circulating the minutes of the course committee
• publishing the outcomes on the student message board
• providing details on the programme notice board

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

• Questionnaires to former students
• Industrial liaison committee
• Placements Officer

Return to top

Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

• The BITE web site
• The UEL web site
• The student handbook
• Module study guides http://neted.bite.ac.uk
• UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
• UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
• Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/

Return to top