BSc (Hons) Business and Computing

The course brings together core business elements – such as management, marketing and finance – with key aspects of computing such as programming and managing data, to help you tackle complex business challenges in an increasingly technology-driven world.

University of Essex
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BSc (Hons) Business and Computing

START DATE

October 2026 / January 2027

DURATION

4 years

LEARNING MODE

100% online, expertly facilitated

LANGUAGE

English

CERTIFIED

Certificate on completion

What Will You Learn?

The business world is undergoing a digital transformation, so develop your knowledge of these changes with our BSc Hons Business and Computing.
The course brings together core business elements – such as management, marketing and finance – with key aspects of computing such as programming and managing data, to help you tackle complex business challenges in an increasingly technology-driven world.
You’ll explore a range of interesting business and computing topics, including:

  • Designing and implementing relational databases
  • Programming applications
  • The importance of budgeting in business and evaluating performance
  • Practical business theories
  • Computer security and the role of user authentication

Optional business modules allow you to tailor your degree to your personal interests – and by the end, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a Capstone computing project to showcase your new-found knowledge and skills. 

What Will You Study?

Level 4/ Year 1

Core Module:

Research and professional practice (15 credits): Develop the fundamental skills required to engage in research activities, project management and professional conduct. This module incorporates relevant themes – including how to adopt sustainable development goals, minimise impact and promote social responsibility. You’ll also begin building your entrepreneurial skills and understanding of research methodologies through theoretical discussion, practical exercises and real-world case studies.

Fundamentals of programming (15 credits): Gain a comprehensive introduction to programming. By writing, testing and debugging through Python, you’ll develop a strong understand of coding and the impact on software development. There’s also a strong emphasis on inclusive and sustainable software, as you explore the role of software in society and beyond.  

Introduction to data modelling (15 credits): Discover how to work with data in this exciting module. You’ll analyse the key concepts of SQL – such as relations, keys and normalisation – through the design and implementation of relational databases, ensuring you have a solid understanding of database design principles. 

Introduction to maths and statistics (15 credits): How do maths and statistics affect decision making in sustainable practices? Find out in this informative module. From summary statistics, hypothesis testing and linear algebra, to permutations, probability and parametric and non-parametric tests, you’ll cover a range of mathematical and statistical applications. And by the end, you’ll have a strong understanding of how they’re integral to the role of a computer scientist. 

Business and management skills (15 credits): Distinguish between the role of leader and manager and understand how to establish effective teams to increase motivation in the workplace. This valuable module will also develop your understanding of effective communication channels leaders employ, as well as the overall communication process. 

Business environment (15 credits): How do businesses work within an international economy? In this insightful module, you'll learn about the internal and external environment of organisations and explore how it impacts people, technology and resources. This module will also provide you with a grounding in approaches to organisation management.

Fundamentals of marketing (15 credits): This valuable module examines the modern marketing environment and the four main decision-making areas to consider in business. You’ll then progress into interesting psychological aspects, such as buyer behaviour and consumer influence, while developing an understanding of the role of marketing in society as a whole.  

Introduction to finance (15 credits): What role does finance play within an organisation? Find out in this valuable module. You'll cover topics such as budgeting, cost management and capital investment analysis, while developing your ability to analyse and evaluate performance. That way, you can make decisions based on financial information. 

Level 5/ Year 2

Core Module:

Research and professional practice 2 (15 credits): Build the skills you need to succeed in your future computing career. Following a team-based projects framework, you’ll choose a team project that aligns with specific attributes that fit with your chosen topic. That way, you’ll develop a strong understanding of various professional competencies and ethical standards in project development. 

Computer security (15 credits): Gain a thorough introduction to cybersecurity with this informative module. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you’ll explore cryptography, user authentication, operating system security, malware forensics and more – ensuring you’re well prepared for a career in this sector.  

Introduction to AI (15 credits): Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing area – and this module offers an introduction to all facets of AI. You’ll explore the methodologies and techniques of search algorithms, knowledge representation and learning mechanisms – as well as the role of AI in computer games and robotics. And at the end, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of systems bult upon interacting intelligent acts. 

Introduction to data science (15 credits): Did you know data science plays a key role in medicine, climate science and business analytics? Discover the fundamental concepts of this rapidly growing field, as you explore key tools and techniques – as well as ways to analyse both textual and numerical data. By the end, you’ll have developed strong analytical skills and be ready to explore various application domains where data science is relevant. 

Business investigation (30 credits): Explore a wide range of practical and theoretical issues relating to research in business, their applications and how they can be employed by different organisations. This fascinating module also allows you to conduct your own research into an area of interest, using appropriate methodology and professional research material.  

Consumer behaviour (15 credits): What is consumer behaviour and how does it impact marketing strategy? In this valuable module, you'll analyse the concepts of consumer research, market segmentation and motivation – while focusing on individual personality, perceptions, attitudes and learning. Identify the influence of groups on consumer behaviour and evaluate the consumer decision-making process. 

Operations management (15 credits): Gain a foundational level of knowledge covering the concept and significance of strategic Human Resource Development (HRD) in a global context. This helpful module critically engages strategic HRD – as well as learning and talent development practices and policies –at individual, group, organisational, national and international levels. 

Level 6/ Year 3

Core Module:

Capstone project (45 credits): What role does operations management play in the success of an organisation? Find out in this exciting module. You'll learn how to maximise scarce resources to produce goods and services in an efficient and cost-effective way, while developing the skills required to recommend changes and improvements to strategic operations and supply chain.  

Advanced programming (15 credits): Develop your programming skills in this comprehensive module. From multiprocessing, threads and messaging to input/output operations, remote method invocation, web services and server architecture, you’ll gain a thorough introduction to various programming topics – while honing your use of cloud technologies, such as Google Cloud.

Computer vision (15 credits): This module helps you gain practical experience in basic computer vision tasks. By actively writing computer programs to tackle various vision tasks – and exploring core principle and methods through visual data – you’ll begin building your own practical skills and experience in this area. 

Information retrieval (15 credits): Discover how to design energy-efficient information retrieval (IR) systems in this inspiring module. You’ll learn all about the theoretical foundations of IR systems – such as text processing, indexing and querying – while considering how to minimise the carbon footprint of digital information processing during design and development. That way, you’ll have a strong understanding of the role IR systems in building environmentally responsible systems that drive social and economic value. 

Natural language processing (15 credits): How do computer programs perform everyday language tasks? Find out in this exciting module. You’ll be introduced to the three fundamental concepts of natural language processing (NLP): understanding the structure and grammar of language; considering language processing tasks that are simple for humans but challenging for computers; and using intelligent computing techniques to solve these challenges. 

Network security (15 credits): Learn how to keep computer networks safe from cyber-attacks in this informative module. You’ll begin by exploring the principles, techniques and tools used to secure computer networks – before moving on to network analysis, threat assessment and cryptographic approaches, and how these apply to real-life scenarios. 

Business strategy (15 credits): Hone your strategic management skills with this exciting module. You’ll benefit from an engaging introduction to the key theories, approaches and concepts which form business strategy. Not only that, you’ll learn to critically evaluate the limitations of emerging schools of thoughts and how to they best work in practice.

Global business environment (15 credits): Immerse yourself in the key elements of the global business environment with this comprehensive module. You'll review international trade theories, the global financial marketplace and discover the organisations which support it. You’ll also learn to critically analyse the motives for and barriers to internationalism. 

Business finance (15 credits): Develop an understanding of business finance and its applications to the decision-making process in organisations. In this valuable module, you’ll work through the theoretical concepts and approaches to finance management within a domestic context – before critically analysing opportunities for expansion and divestment. 

Business law (15 credits): In this engaging module, you’ll identify the core foundations of law that regulate businesses and evaluate the changing legal environment and how this affects businesses on an operational level. Dive into the fundamental issues that face all businesses, contract, employment, tort and business operations. 

E-business and marketing (15 credits): Identify the key concepts of e-commerce and e-business marketing in this exciting module. You'll learn how to attract customers through digital media channels; develop a solid understanding of search engine marketing, campaign performance and metrics; and discover how each of these channels interacts with the overall customer journey.  

Strategic human resource management (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

What you need to apply?

Academic entry route

Applicants must hold a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent qualifications to meet the academic entry requirements for admission to the BSc (Hons) Business and Computing programme.

Work experience entry route

Applicants must have GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications, along with at least three years of relevant work experience to meet the work experience entry route requirements.

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS (Academic) 6.0. If they do not have IELTS, a free online English test is available to assess their proficiency.

How much you invest?

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

How much you invest?

£21,701 UK /£21,701 International (2026-27)

Our course fees are fully inclusive, with teaching materials and required reading provided at no extra cost. Flexible monthly payment options are available, or pay upfront to secure your total tuition cost. Scholarships and discounts are available, including Global Scholarships of up to 15% for eligible international students. Please be in touch to find out more.

Application and Admission Process

“Know the Steps. Secure Your Future.”

“Follow our step-by-step admission process, from submitting your application“

  1. Check your eligibility

    Check your eligibility and confirm that you meet the required academic, English language, and entry criteria before proceeding with your application.

  2. Submit your application

    Complete the online application form with your personal, academic, and programme details. Ensure all required information is accurate before submitting your application.

  3. Accept the offer

    Review your admission offer and confirm your acceptance within the given timeframe. Complete any required formalities to secure your place on the programme.

  4. Pay the tuition fee

    Complete the required tuition fee payment through the available payment options. Once payment is confirmed, proceed to the final stage of your enrolment.

  5. Start your study

    Begin your learning journey with access to your programme, learning resources, and academic support. Get ready to learn, engage, and achieve your goals with us.

What Will You Become?

Your future

What Will You Become?

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024 Career and Employability Survey showed:

  • 7 in 10 undergraduate students would recommend us to a friend
  • 4 in 5 undergraduates said their studies helped career progression
  • 2 in 5 students feel ready to make a career change
  • 90% of students felt better prepared for their career after studying with us
University of Essex
University of Essex

University of Essex

The University of Essex has a powerful global outlook. They’re one of the top 12 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026) and were named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018 for their determination to do things differently. All University of Essex Online degrees are awarded and validated by the University of Essex. This means you’ll get to benefit from world-class research, ground-breaking teaching, and become part of a truly global community. At the end of your degree, you’ll be invited to celebrate your achievements among family and friends at a graduation ceremony held on the beautiful Colchester campus. You’ll also receive the same certificate as students who studied on campus. Learn more about graduation.

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