Information Systems
In a nutshell
In recent years, advancements in information technology have had a massive impact on the way that business operates, creating a huge number of new challenges and opportunities for organisations. The BSc Digital Business programme looks at how future managers can grasp the advantages of technology to run the business of the future.
The degree combines practice-based use of digital tools with a challenging academic curriculum bringing together modules from IT, computing and management degrees. The course is delivered by an academic team who are actively developing digital solutions. You will study your degree at our Salford campus close to Manchester city centre.
In 2019, 100% of students agreed their course had provided them with opportunities to bring information and ideas together from different topics (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data collected from BSc Business Information Technology students. Course now named BSc Digital Business).
You will:
- Develop your skills working with fellow students on live client projects
- Gain real, hands-on experience on a work placement to develop the skills employers value
- Study disruptor organisations who are using technology to change how business is done
options available
students accepted
Course accreditations


This is for you if...
You want to understand how Uber, Airbnb and other digitally-powered businesses work
You want to learn from working on live briefs
You want to develop a mix of business and technical skills
All about the course
The course is for people who want to understand contemporary developments in the digital industry and the future part they can play in this exciting growth area. Supporting your learning and development is a priority at the University of Salford and overall satisfaction for BSc Digital Business was 94.74% in 2019 (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data collected from BSc Business Information Technology students. Course now named BSc Digital Business).
You will study the application of technology and examine key business functions through the use of digital tools and modules that develop an understanding of key business management concepts. Case studies on the emergence and impact of disruptive businesses like Uber and Airbnb will be referenced throughout. Designed to meet the needs of employers seeking high-calibre employees, your academic and industry knowledge as well as your practical and professional skills will be enhanced and fine-tuned throughout the programme.
In your first year of study, you’ll build up an understanding of key business concepts. As the course progresses you’ll have the opportunity to specialise according to your interests. To encourage entrepreneurship and put your skills into practice, you’ll have the chance to get involved with the Multi-level Business Project. This unique offering allows you to collaborate with first, second and third year students on a live project briefed by one of our industry partners.
At the end of your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your industry knowledge and improve your employability through a professional experience year.
This programme was previously called Business Information Technology. The programme was reviewed, updated and the name changed for September 2018.
Find out what our students think: read about Tom and Laura’s experiences of the programme.
Follow us @SalfordBizSch using #passion4digital
You will learn about professional, business and societal issues in the planning and developmental process of information systems.
Data Analysis for Business
In Data Analysis for Business, you will develop an understanding of the concepts required for the use and interpretation of the quantitative methods used to analyse business data. You will practice your essential Excel skills and learn to use Minitab, a statistical software package used by companies to spot trends, solve problems and use data to gain insight.
This module prepares you for entry to more advanced studies dealing with quantitative analysis in business and economics.
Digital and Business Skills
Digital and Business Skills offers an introduction to the fundamental skills you need for high level careers in a range of organisations. Communications, presentation and professional profile tools will be used to develop your knowledge and employability.
In your first semester, you will follow the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) which helps you to develop your digital skills through a series of online challenges and events. This looks great on the CV too!
Principles of Systems Development
This module will introduce the key principles relating to the development of robust, reusable and appropriate information systems. It will introduce the Systems Development Lifecycle to you and the Principles of Systems Analysis. On top of this you will be introduced to the development of web-based software artefacts and their integration with existing popular web-based systems such as blogging, micro-blogging and other contemporary social media.
Multi-level Business Project (year one)
Delivered in your first, second and third years of study, the Multi-level Business Project is a unique module that gives you the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from all three stages of the programme on a client project. Through this module, you will develop your critical thinking and use the knowledge and skills gained on the course to produce practical solutions for a client.
Professional Development
This module will enable you to plan and carry out appropriate professional development activities to increase your employability and performance. These include self-presentation, professional networking, project planning and implementation, team working, influencing and multimedia communication. You will gain all the necessary experience required to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
This innovative module was nominated for the Course and Curriculum Design award in the 2018 Guardian University Awards. One participant commented “It was thanks to this module that I gained a much better understanding of what employers are looking for and where I stand in comparison to that from the marks and feedback received… This proves to me I do have the experience and competencies sought after by employers. Realising this has really boosted my confidence.”
Project Management
This module will help you develop knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of effective project management in a global business context. You will become skilled in project management techniques, methods and tools, and their applications and limitations.
Multi-level Business Project (year two)
In your second year of the Multi-level Business Project, you will adopt a more senior role within the multi-level group you are working in. You will be expected to make supportive suggestions regarding the techniques for scoping the project and identifying project objectives.
Optional modules:
Mobile Application Development
You will learn to create robust, reliable and appropriate cross platform mobile applications, along with skills in the evaluation, design, development and testing of dynamic mobile applications and web pages. You will also examine the key technologies required for cross-platform mobile application, such as CSS, JQuery and HTML5.
The Digital Workplace
The Digital Workplace develops your understanding of the application of digital technologies in organisations. The module helps you to develop a critical awareness of the relationship between people and workplaces in the future, together with the opportunity for exploration of implementation issues of digital strategy.
Sport in a Digital World
In Sport in a Digital World you will be introduced to the concepts that underpin digital technologies in sport, in addition to contemporary issues in the rapidly changing areas of digital practice, research and development. The module gives you the knowledge to critically appraise and respond to future technological developments applicable to sport.
Legal Aspects of Business
This module introduces you to the operation of global legal systems and the areas of law that underpin the practice of effective business management. You will develop a working knowledge of law relating to contracts and their effective negotiation in different business environments.
Applied Business Research and Analysis
You will develop your understanding of the sourcing, evaluation and application of available business information in a variety of formats, while also improving your skills in the design and analysis of primary research methodologies. In particular, the module aims to develop your capacity to evaluate published business research and consultancy and prepare viable proposals for future research-based business consultation.
Professional Experience Year
All of our BSc students can apply for a one year professional placement, which takes place between your second and last years of study.
This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of and over the last five years, 90% of Salford Business School undergraduates taking a one year placement secured a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree.
We will help you find out about vacancies and make the right connections with high profile employers through regular events and presentations.
Here is just a small selection of the companies our students have enjoyed placements with so far: NatWest, Barclays and the Cooperative Bank; BP, Esso and Shell; IBM, Hewlett Packard and Compaq; Ford, Vauxhall, Jaguar and Nissan; Marks & Spencer, Selfridges and Sainsbury’s; Eli Lilly, Glaxo and ICI; Fujitsu, Marriott and Virgin.
Business Ethics and Sustainability
This module equips you with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the implications of Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability within national and international organisations. This module will also develop your knowledge with respect to the importance of the balance between shareholders, stakeholders and the purpose and values of the organisation. It will explore the roles of social and technological innovation in global ethical organisations in order to prepare you for future employability.
Strategic Management
This module offers an organisational perspective by exploring strategy techniques and processes. You will apply your knowledge and understanding of strategy to a variety of real world organisations, using analysis and enquiry techniques at the forefront of strategic research and practice. This will prepare you for a career in business and management and enable you to reach your potential as a next generation manager.
Digital Consultancy
In this module, you will explore the technical and organisational implications of digital business. You will also develop your understanding of how to source, analyse and make use of business intelligence and critically address the issues surrounding the creation of high-quality internet-based applications.
Multi-level Business Project (year three)
In the final stage of the Multi-level Business Project, you will continue to demonstrate your skills and knowledge through the development of creative solutions for your client. You will be expected to critically compare techniques, refine objectives and scope the final project requirements.
Optional modules:
Social Media and Analytics
In this module, you will examine search and social media marketing and its strategic benefits to organisations operating within a digitally connected global marketplace. You will develop an understanding of the latest strategies, theories, trends and techniques in the use of search engine optimisation (SEO) and social media optimisation (SMO) in marketing communications.
Technology Innovation
In this module, you will analyse the impact of digital technologies on organisations and critically appraise a range of technologies in the rapidly changing areas of digital practice, research and development. Technology Innovation gives you the requisite skills and knowledge to respond to future technological developments personally and for organisations.
Business Model Generation
This module equips you with an appreciation of the fundamentals of business modelling via the process of critiquing existing concepts, assumptions and theories of business modelling. The module provides insights into how disruptive business models are radically transforming established business sectors, generating value, creating new markets and changing consumer behaviour.
Dissertation SBS UG
As a 40 credit module, the Dissertation takes up two of your final year options. Choosing to undertake a dissertation allows you to identify and focus on a specialist area of research related to an aspect of your degree programme. Through this module, you execute a substantial piece of independent research and produce a scholarly and critical dissertation as a result. As well as being a great way to prepare you for postgraduate study, your dissertation can also be presented to potential employers as evidence of your analytical and research skills.
Service Sector Entrepreneurship
Service Sector Entrepreneurship provides you with a course of study in entrepreneurship, business risk analysis, legislation ethics and social responsibility in small business development. The programme is designed to allow you to critically evaluate environmental, operational and strategic factors involved in the setup of a service business.
Search and Social Media Marketing
This modules provides an introduction to search and social media marketing and its strategic benefits to organisations. Through Search and Social Media Marketing, you will develop a critical understanding of the strategies, theories, trends and techniques used in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Social Media Optimisation (SMO) as well as the practical skills required for the implementation and evaluation of these activities.
Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
This module gives you a systematic understanding of purchasing and supply chain management within a global marketplace. It is designed to help you understand the various activities that make up purchasing and supply chain and appreciate the use of the different methods adopted by companies to generate a competitive advantage.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Salford Business School
Salford Business School aims to be the most business-informed, industry-relevant business school in the UK. Industry shapes everything we do, from informing our students’ learning to providing work placements, driving our research and influencing our academic staff.
We want you to gain the best academic and personal experience possible. As a student here, you’ll have access to a range of experiences and opportunities, including internships and work placements in the UK or internationally so you graduate with much more than a degree.
Our facilities
Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings, which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. A dedicated Employability team will help you with work placements and access to work skills.
Throughout campus, there is a choice of individual study areas, communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a selection of food outlets.
Getting Here
If you’re planning on commuting, both our MediaCityUK and Peel Park campuses are perfectly placed. Whether by bus, rail, bike or car, we’re easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond.
Get more information about your options for commuting, or hear about the experience from current students.
What about after uni?
Studying digital business equips you with an extremely desirable set of skills. Not only will your practical and academic knowledge be enhanced, over the duration of the programme your team working, project management, presentation and interpersonal skills will all be developed.
Graduates of this course have gone on to enjoy managerial careers in a wide variety of organisations, from software houses to local government.
The breadth of knowledge acquired over the course of the programme opens doors to high-level careers across multiple sectors. By exploring innovative businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship throughout the programme, this course equips graduates with the skills and ambition to embark on their own ventures. We work alongside companies like Apadmi, Wakelet, Salford Red Devils and Manchester City to ensure you graduate with the practical skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
Ramal’s professional experience year landed her a graduate job at IBM. Read about her experience on the programme in our Made in Salford blog.
Career Links
Industry experts are involved in the design and delivery of the programme. Guest talks are delivered by some of the leading digital organisations from across the country, from cutting edge small companies to large businesses.
Digitangle, MEC Global, Training 2000, Sigma and MediaCom are just a few of examples of the industry relationships you will benefit from as a Digital Business student.
Mobile app development and user experience companies also provide guest lectures and share their experiences of app project development, user interface design, user experience, promotional video design and much more.
Briefs on the Multi-level Business Project are provided by external clients and involve everything from initial planning through to presentation of agreed deliverables.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course offers excellent scope for any student wanting to start a career in tech, marketing, information systems management and many other areas. Knowledge and expertise in these areas are highly sought after by employers across a wide variety of sectors. This course will appeal to a range of applicants and there is no need to have studied these subjects before to be successful.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
GCSE
Maths and English at grade C/grade 4 or above
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
BSc: 112 points
With professional experience year: 120 points
A level
BSc: BBC with a minimum of two A2 passes
With professional experience year: BBB with a minimum of two A2 passes
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
International Baccalaureate
Indicatively 30 points for International Baccalaureate Diploma (31 points with experience year)
Scottish Highers
3 year programme: 112 points with a minimum of two Advanced Highers. 4 year programme: 120 points with a minimum of two Advanced Highers.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 year programme: 112 points with a minimum of two Higher Level Subjects. 4 year programme: 120 points with a minimum of two Higher Level Subjects.
European Baccalaureate
Pass Diploma with 60% or above
Access to HE
104 Points – Pass with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home/EU | 2019/20 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2019/20 | £13,740per year |
Full-time home/EU | 2020/21 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2020/21 | £14100per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students 2020/21
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships worth up to £5,000. Our international scholarships include the Salford International Excellence Scholarship.
For more information go to International Scholarships.