COURSE: D igital Busin ess
DIARY
What will my first year of university be like?
Will I get support with my assignments?
How much independent study will I have to do?
What kind of teaching can I expect?
Whether or not you’re moving away from home, going to university is a significant milestone in your life. It can seem like a big step up from sixth form or college, so naturally you’ll have a lot of questions about life as a university student. We’ve put together a snapshot of what your first year as a Digital Business student at the University of Salford might look like. As well as taking a detailed look at the modules you’ll study, we’ve enlisted Paul, a current Business School student to take you through an average day on campus. Our Digital Business programme is delivered predominantly on the Peel Park campus. If you have joined us at an Open Day or Applicant Visit Day, you might have already had the chance to explore. However, there are plenty of hidden gems, places to eat and useful facilities to be aware of if you’re joining us in September. We’ve listed a few for you to learn more about below.
Welcome to Salford Before getting stuck into your studies, you’ll have the chance to get a taste of all the amazing activities and clubs you can get involved with during Welcome Week. University isn’t just about what happens in the lecture theatre and Welcome Week means you can experience everything the university has to offer. Packed full of events, socials and parties, your first week on campus is a great opportunity to make new friends and seek out new experiences. If you’re still feeling a little lost on campus, or in the city, there are tours and trips every day to help you get your bearings. Keep up to date with the latest info, events and any changes to activities by following us on Twitter and Facebook. @UoS_Students
@salfordsu
What will I study in my first year? In your first year of Digital Business you’ll study the following modules:
- Informa tio
n Systems
- Data An alysis for Business - Digital a nd Busine ss Skills - Principle s of Syst ems Deve lopment - Multi-lev el Busines s Project (year on
e)
But what do I actually study in those modules? Whether by offering exemptions on industry qualifications, helping you develop practical skills or providing opportunities for real-world experience, we ensure you graduate with far more than just your degree. In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits, so these modules are worth 20 credits each. Academic years are divided into two semesters and for the most part you’ll study three 20 credit modules in each. In this section, we are going to give you a bit more information on each of those modules, so you have a better understanding of not just what you will study, but how and the assessments involved. The amount of time you spend in lectures and seminars can vary throughout the year, you are expected to do assignments, reading and independent study as well as your scheduled activities. All your activities should add up to about 35 - 40 hours a week (the same as a full-time job).
MODULE: Information Systems On this module, you will look at business organisations from an Information Systems perspective. This allows you to develop an understanding of the concepts, principles and technologies that underlie the management and application of data, information and knowledge. You will also consider key contemporary issues relating to security, ethics and standards of information systems. Using a range of digital technologies to communicate and collaborate in virtual spaces, you will develop your practical skills in project management, time management and analysis. You will learn to use a range of digital literacy tools and applications to research, analyse and communicate findings to a non technical audience. You will also look at key contemporary issue relating to ethics and security of Information Systems. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. All lectures are followed by a seminar at which you will solve problems and tackle exercises on topics covered in the lecture. Guided study is your time either one-to-one or in a small group with your tutor to look at your individual questions and review your learning.
Aims and objectives of the module: To develop an understanding of the essential role of Information Systems within a business context To introduce techniques and modelling tools necessary to analyse the information that flows into, out of, within and between organisations To demonstrate an appreciation of a range of approaches to Information Systems Development To develop an understanding of the key issues related to management of data, information and knowledge To develop an understanding of professional, business and societal issues in the planning and developmental process of Information Systems
What will the assessments be like? Business Essentials is assessed through a group assignment and an individual digital portfolio based on a real-world case study.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and usually depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Data Analysis for Business In today’s business environment, data and insight are increasingly important to the way organisations operate. 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. This module prepares you for entry to more advanced studies dealing with quantitative analysis. Throughout the module you will learn to recognise, recall and apply specific quantitative facts and techniques, select appropriate methods for solving business-related problems and identify the limits to accuracy in quantitative modelling. Data Analysis for Business is delivered via formal lectures, tutorials in a computer room and problem-based drop-ins in a classroom.
Aims and objectives of the module: Develop your quantitative literacy, including the ability to make numbers meaningful, focusing on conceptual understanding and recognising the demands for dealing with big data Improve your grasp of the fundamental concepts needed to use and interpret quantitative methods Develop the concept of mathematical and statistical modelling in business, finance and economics Prepare you for entry to more advanced modules dealing with quantitative analysis
What will the assessments be like? Data Analysis for Business is assessed through a computer-based assessment which forms 30% of your mark and a written exam forming the remaining 70%.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: 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. This is a hands-on module designed to help you learn practical and transferrable skills. Teaching for Digital and Business Skills is delivered through lectures, student-led seminars, discussions and a mini-conference.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce fundamental business and digital business skills Introduce specific digital tools for communications, professional profiles and presentation skills Develop an understanding of digital and business skills for professional practice Encourage the development of face-to-face and digital collaborations
What will the assessments be like? Over the course of the module you will build a digital portfolio of work along with a summary of the work completed and a 500-word self-reflection.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Principles of Systems Development This module grows your understanding and develops your practical use of the key information systems used in business. You will look at the relationship of an information system to the wider business context, analysing and identifying the key elements of successful information systems. You will also learn to recognise and make appropriate use of key technologies in web development. The module is highly practical too. You will develop your hands-on skills by creating an interactive website and developing a blogging platform, while using wikis and social networking sites for study groups and discussion to share practical skills. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, field trips, practical sessions and guided study. All lectures are followed by a seminar at which you will solve problems and tackle exercises on topics covered in the lecture. Guided study allows you time with your tutor to look at your individual questions and review your learning.
Aims and objectives of the module: A curriculum and delivery co-created with industry where learning is both active and collaborative A programme that is inclusive, introducing key principles relating to development of robust, reusable and appropriate information systems Introduction of the Systems Development Lifecycle, Principles of Systems Analysis and understanding of contemporary development environments Development of digital artefacts to be integrated with other web systems Alignment of deliverables to industry employability requirements and assessment of students against authentic industry practice.
What will the assessments be like? Principles of Systems Development is assessed through individually produced blogs and development of a prototype website.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and usually depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Multi-level Team Project On this innovative module you will work on a real business project with other first year students and along with second and final year students. Working in a mixed-skill group environment, you will receive a brief from the client then use what you have learned to research, scope and deliver a project. Using this group approach, you will develop your team working skills in a realistic work environment. Bringing your own knowledge and strengths, you will together discuss, present and implement the group’s business ideas, learning how to set individual and team goals, monitor progress and review outcomes. The module is delivered through a combination of team and client meetings with support from an academic supervisor. You will have support on the technical aspects of the project through drop-in sessions or surgeries and you will have time either one-to-one or in a small group with your tutor to look at your individual questions.
Aims and objectives of the module: To support you to meet the requirements of a real-world client project To encourage a critical awareness of theory and practice by using recognised business techniques To provide the opportunity for you to demonstrate how you pull together information, ideas and action in the development of an innovative and creative solution to meet client expectations.
What will the assessments be like? The Multi-level Team Project is assessed through a portfolio of the group’s work, with your contribution assessed partly by peer review by student colleagues and partly by reflective review meetings with the supervisor.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and usually depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
How does my week look? Don’t put these in your calendar just yet, timetables change each year and you will get your actual timetable during your induction week! And remember that every academic has 4 hours office time each week when you can drop in to ask questions.
9
MORNING 10 11 12
AFTERNOON 2 3 4
1
Mon
Multi level project group work 2-4
Library!
Tue
ess sin Bu udy, and d st al git guide i D , -11 ills 10 Sk
5
Digital and Business Skills 11-1 Lu
nch with Chaz
Group project with Info Sys team
Wed Football training 2-4
Study Day
Thu
tion Informa s 9-11 System
Informat ion Systems guided study, 1112
Multi level project, group work 1-3
Digital and Business Skills seminar 4-6
Fri
Sat Sun
tion Informa s System 9-11 g in comput
Bandioke night! Coffee with Mo n Nehreem
Lectures
Seminars
Day in the life
aul Meet P
d
usiness an
year B umbu, 3rd Paul Waih t student en Managem
How does your typical day start? On the days I have a class at 9am, I start my day at 7 after snoozing the alarm a few times. Have a shower and get ready after my morning reflection routine. I then take the train from Victoria station to school and gladly so, for Salford happens to have a train station – saving time that would have been taken on other modes of transport.
What lecture/seminar does your day start with? My Tuesday for instance starts with Service and Relationship Marketing. This module deals with how different businesses deal with customer service and the impact it has on customer loyalty and company revenue. It is interesting to learn about how different industries take the time to think about how best to treat a customer and to reflect on the various personal experiences we have had with different businesses and how that impacted whether we spent our money with them again or not.
Lunch time For lunch, my classmates and I regularly go to Maxwell Building to grab a sub from Subway, it is pretty convenient that they are on campus plus the area has sitting space to unwind after class and catch up.
Afternoon lectures/seminars Some of my afternoon lectures include strategic management, where we discuss how companies plan long term goals to be better than their competitors. It is quite interesting to learn the ways companies strive to differentiate themselves in a world where so many things are competing for our attention. Such modules also help me reflect on certain principles I would want to use when I set up my own company.
Just a t en minute t rain ride to the centre o f Manches ter
After university Being part of the University society Enactus Salford is rewarding as we strive to create social impact in the community around us. The University provides various ways for students to exert themselves in ways that fulfil them. Wednesday has always been a good day, getting to play football for the University team and creating great bonds with the lads. On nights that are not spent in the library or doing anything school related, I unwind through various social activities in Manchester with friends. For example, a great excuse to go eat out was the January 50% offer by the best restaurants in Manchester for the entire month.
Peel Park campus Our main campus, Peel Park, offers you the best of both worlds: state-of-the-art learning facilities within minutes of a world-class city, set against beautiful green spaces to relax and socialise in. As well as being home to the ornate Peel Park Building which opened in 1896, the Maxwell, Lady Hale and Chapman Buildings, where most of your classes will take place, are all on campus. With student shops, cafés, study spaces and computer labs, the Peel Park campus is a great environment for study and downtime.
Here are a few places to look out for:
rary The Lib
Clifford Whitworth Library We’ve given our main library a £6.2million refurbishment to bring you the ‘library in the park’ – a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, laptops available to loan, bookable work rooms and café. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can study at a time that suits you. You’ll also find study spaces across the University, so a quiet place to study is never far away.
Peel Park Peel Park was the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription, to officially open. Created in 1846, it was free to use and brought all Salford residents together. Benefiting from a recent £1.6 million transformation, the park provides a beautiful green space to relax outside of lessons.
Peel Park
Student Union
Atmosphere Kitchen and Bar The central social hub of your Students’ Union! Atmosphere is open every day until late serving up amazing food and drink right in the heart of campus. Atmosphere is the place to go to get some tasty food or your favourite beverage, all at student friendly prices. Grab the best coffee on campus or head to the café for a quick bite to eat and chill after a day of studying.
Want to see more? Follow a video of a typical first day on campus
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Digital Business at the University of Salford now! Remember, this is just a sample of the information you’ll receive in your induction week so some of the information may change a little, especially the timetable! Meet other applicants, ask questions, share your thoughts; join the applicant Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/ salfordstudents2020
What Happens Next? Learn about your next steps at: beta.salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/ applied-what-next