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Foundation Degree in Business Information Technology - Learning Outcomes

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Educational aims

The Foundation Degree in Business Information Technology enables you to:

  • understand the knowledge and skills that you need to work effectively with IT in a business context
  • explore the technological and business aspects of working with IT
  • learn about the key business functions and processes within organisations
  • learn how IT can be used to improve personal and organisational effectiveness
  • gain an understanding of change management and project management through real work-based activities
  • develop practical and professional skills that will enhance your employability and career prospects
  • learn how to plan for and manage your personal and professional development and develop a commitment to life-long learning
  • develop a critical and reflective awareness of your own learning styles and preferences
  • acquire the ability to critically analyse, synthesise, be creative and open to new possibilities.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Of:

  • the principles on which IT systems are based
  • the impact that IT systems have on individuals and organisations
  • business structures, cultures and context
  • how key business functions and processes interact and contribute to organisational success and development
  • change and project management.

Cognitive skills

You will be able to:

  • learn how to select relevant information about IT systems, analyse the information critically, and use it to make comparisons between different systems
  • assess different ways to address issues and problems arising with IT systems
  • critically evaluate information, arguments and assumptions, being aware of the limitations of techniques and the limits of your knowledge
  • frame and address problems, questions and issues, taking into account the environment and context in which the problem exists
  • use established ideas and techniques of analysis and enquiry appropriate to your studies.

Practical and/or professional skills

You will be able to:

  • set up and use, as appropriate, IT applications and systems software
  • use the workplace to learn, practise and develop as a business information technology professional
  • develop an awareness of ethical issues and professional standards relevant to your job role
  • develop and practice a wide range of employability skills.

Key skills

You will be able to:

Application of number

  • interpret numerical data and present it in a way appropriate to the context

Communication

  • use appropriate written and verbal forms of communication to disseminate information, ideas and arguments about IT in a business context to people with different interests and levels of expertise

Information technology

  • develop your understanding of how IT can be used to improve personal and organisational effectiveness

Improving own learning and performance

  • plan, monitor and evaluate your own learning and performance, being aware of your own learning styles, strengths and personal and career development needs

Problem solving

  • use problem-solving skills and techniques in relation to the operation of IT in a business context

Working with others

  • work effectively as part of a team and as a team leader

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

The main teaching is offered through supported open learning using specially written study materials, study guides, assignments and project guides; through a range of computer-based activities; through CD-ROM, web- and text-based resource materials; and through tutor feedback on assignments. Additional support will be available in electronic forums where you can deepen your understanding through discussion with your tutor and other students. Some face-to-face tutorials will also be available.

Cognitive skills are introduced in an explicit way during the first block of the Level 1 work-based learning module (T122), which encourages reflective practice and a focus on how you learn and your preferred learning style.

Key skills development is integrated throughout the programme and, given the distinctive work-based nature of the foundation degree award, you will also develop – and plan the future development of – a wide range of employability skills.

There are regular activities to help you assess your key/employability skills development progress and engage in action planning for further development in specific skills areas that are relevant to you in your career.

An essential feature of a foundation degree is that it is rooted in the workplace. Through the work-based learning part of the programme you will be encouraged to see the workplace as a place to learn, practise and develop as a business information technology professional.

Professional skills will be developed within your reflective work-based practice and as part of an increased awareness and understanding of what constitutes good practice in working with IT in a business context.

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