BSc (Hons) Digital Business and Information Systems with a Year in Industry
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- N2GP
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
As technology becomes the backbone of industry, all businesses need skilled professionals who understand both the language of business and the power of information systems (IS).
Businesses use IS to support their day-to-day operations, enable strategic planning, and manipulate data to gain a competitive advantage. Our dynamic BSc in Digital Business and Information Systems with a Placement Year is carefully designed for those aspiring to succeed in the tech-driven business world.
On this programme, you’ll study a comprehensive range of topics across business management, computer science, information systems, and software engineering. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to design, implement, and use computer-based systems in business environments. You’ll also spend your third year on an industry placement, gaining invaluable real-world experience to enhance your CV. This degree also prepares you for a broad range of careers in business analysis, project management, technology management, and consultancy.
At UEA you’ll benefit from the combined expertise of Norwich Business School and the School of Computer Science. This interdisciplinary approach gives you the flexibility to tailor your studies by selecting topics that align with your interests and future career goals.
You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in both business and technology, ensuring you’re well equipped to embark on a successful career in these rewarding fields.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement, and in the first two weeks of your second year you’ll be asked to write a CV and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but it'll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We'll offer our guidance and support whilst you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial supervisor will feedback during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers and is based on individual student’s choices.
If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to apply to be transferred onto the final year version of the course.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll follow a programme of compulsory modules designed to establish a foundation across the subject areas, thus equipping you for your second and third years where you’ll have a lot of choice on what you study.
You'll get a thorough grounding in quantitative methods, programming, and databases, while also learning about core business management topics.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In all modules, you’ll be introduced to key topics through a lecture programme, supplemented by smaller seminar and lab classes, enabling you to further explore and apply the lecture material. You’ll also study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics.
Individual and team-based learning activities will be used as you build your experience and understanding of business, programming, and database systems. Hands-on exercises are also provided, where you can apply industrial practices and use industry tools.
Assessment
Your first year will have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These may include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and in-class tests (closed and/or time-limited assessment). These assessments will combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll study compulsory modules introducing information systems and project management. Your remaining modules will be optional, so you can choose from a range of subjects across both the business and computing science disciplines.
Choosing from a wide range of optional modules allows you to tailor your degree to further build your computing expertise, business knowledge, or a valuable balance between the two.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Aside from working on a real-world project to make recommendations around analysis, design, and implementation to UEA or a local organisation, you’ll have the opportunity to focus your study on specific areas. You’ll have the chance to meet IT professionals and talk to them about their role and experience.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and practice professional skills such as report writing and oral presentations.
Assessment
Like your first year, you’ll have a mixture of individual and group assessments. The balance of assessment types varies according to the optional modules you choose.
Structure
Subject to successfully passing your company of choice’s selection procedure, you’ll spend 9-12 months working in industry to gain real life experience of Business and IT. Our well-established commercial connections can help you secure the best possible placement for you. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts may vary.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Typically, you’ll spend between 9 to 12 months out on industry placement. You’ll apply what you’ve learned on your course so far, in practice. In addition, you’ll learn and receive guidance from industry peers as part of your work experience. You’ll be supported by a UEA year in industry mentor as well.
Assessment
Your year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during your placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement.
Structure
In your final year, you'll study compulsory modules further deepening your understanding of information systems and systems engineering.
You could also complete an individual project that will bring together the business and computing aspects of your degree. This may be a project of your own making or provided from a list of projects proposed by Norwich Business School or the School of Computing Sciences.
The remaining study will comprise optional modules, allowing you go further in topics introduced in your second year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year affords further opportunity to focus your study on specific areas of business or computer science. An individual project could culminate your study, which will involve developing high quality solutions for real problems, a skill that is highly valued by employers. You can explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under faculty supervision.
Should you choose it, your final year individual project is your ultimate opportunity to show how well you can take on a problem, research it, prepare a plan, manage yourself, and achieve your objectives. You’ll have a project supervisor to guide you, but the project is your own work. It's an excellent opportunity to put into practice what you’ve learned throughout your time at university and is often instrumental in your job interview success.
Assessment
In your final year, you’ll have a mixture of individual and group assessments. Similarly to your second year, the balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. If you undertake a final year project assessment, this can take a dissertation format. If the project is for an external stakeholder, then there will be a team presentation element.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
General Studies A Level is not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual Offer: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual Offer: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
Acceptable subjects: Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Accounting, Finance, Legal Services and Management and Administration.
LIBF Diploma
LIBF Diploma is accepted as equivalent of 1 A Level.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
General Studies A Level is not accepted.BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
As a BSc Digital Business and Information Systems graduate, you’ll possess a well-rounded set of skills with a range of enviable employment positions open to you with local, national and global organisations. Some of our graduates even go on to start their own businesses while others continue their study with a postgraduate course.
You’ll develop your employability throughout the course by hearing from industry guest speakers, going on company visits and potentially participating in the local tech community (NorDev) and start up community (SyncNorwich).
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Business Analysis
- Cyber Security
- Digital Marketing
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Software Engineering
Discover more on our Careers webpages.