BSc (Hons) Business and Computing · Essex OnlineBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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University of Essex Online · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Business and Computing Bachelor's degree at Essex Online

BSc (Hons) Business and Computing at Essex Online combines business and computing knowledge, allowing you to develop expertise across both disciplines.

BSc (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
UK
Location

About this course

Discover the role of technology in the business world, with our 100% online, part-time BSc (Hons) Business and Computing. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Business and Computing is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Essex Online. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, see the sections below.

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Level 4 8 modules
  • Research and professional practiceCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 programmingCore15 credits
    Module details

    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 modellingCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 statisticsCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 skillsCore15 credits
    Module details

    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 environmentCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 marketingCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 financeCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 7 modules
  • Research and professional practice 2Compulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 securityCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 AICompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 built upon interacting intelligent acts.

  • Introduction to data scienceCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 investigationCompulsory30 credits
    Module details

    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 behaviourCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 managementCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 12 modules
  • Capstone projectCompulsory45 credits
    Module details

    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 programmingOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 visionOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 retrievalOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 processingOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 securityOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 strategyCompulsory15 credits
    Module details

    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 environmentOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 financeOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 lawOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 marketingOptional15 credits
    Module details

    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 managementOptional15 credits

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This degree explores how technology shapes modern business, combining business fundamentals with computing knowledge. You'll usually start with core modules covering management and organisations, marketing principles, and business economics with data skills. As you progress into your second year, you'll typically study operations and supply chain management, organisational behaviour and human resources, and strategy. In your final year, you'll choose from specialisations such as entrepreneurship, international business, digital business, consulting, marketing, or people and HR, before completing a capstone project or consultancy assignment that integrates your learning with a real client brief or dissertation.

Who it's for

This course suits working professionals and those balancing study with other commitments, as it is delivered part-time. It is designed for people seeking to combine business acumen with computing knowledge, whether you are looking to advance in your current role or transition into a new field. The flexible format allows you to study whilst maintaining employment or other responsibilities.

Careers & job market

Across Business & Management courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £24,000 to £32,000, rising to £26,350–£37,200 after five years.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) is delivered entirely online by University of Essex Online, a UK degree-awarding body whose degrees are nationally recognised. The course is studied part-time in English, allowing you to combine study with work or other commitments. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

2026 entryLive availability check

Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.

Entry & how to get in

Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Essex Online's official course page for the current offer.

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Essex Online whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

International£20,987 / yr

Provider fee page. The cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; the provider's page is authoritative.

Check fees at Essex Online →

Check the finance route that applies to you

Support depends on ordinary residence, assessed fee status, course and provider nation. The provider nation is unresolved here, so no national cap or loan amount is being guessed.

Find your official student-finance route →

Paying for it

  • Tuition fee loan: applied for through the student-finance body for the UK nation you live in.
  • Living-cost support: means-tested on household income, from your nation's student-finance body.
  • Repayment: only above the income threshold set by your nation's student-finance system.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

Each UK nation runs its own student-finance system; check gov.uk for the rates that apply to you.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Essex Online funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

  1. 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£21,250 – £30,000
After 5 years LEO
£26,350 – £37,200
national rangeaxis £20,000 – £38,500

National figures for Business & Management graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

Job market & outlook

How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Business & Management courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
81%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine reporting and data pulls
  • First-draft decks and copy
  • Standard forecasts and reconciliations
  • Scheduling and admin workflows

More human than ever

  • Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
  • Leading, negotiating and selling
  • Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
  • Relationships with clients and teams

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Business & Management graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Consultancies
  • Corporate graduate schemes
  • Retail & FMCG
  • Startups & scale-ups

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Kaplan Open Learning (Essex) Limited

All students1,805
International0.3%
Aged 25+77.3%

Business and management across the UK

Students586,710
Aged 25+44.3%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Is Business & Management right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to Essex Online from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £20,987 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Essex Online’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Essex Online and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by Essex Online. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
See the career and earnings data for Business & Management below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
Home tuition is regulated and the cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Eligible students can apply for a tuition fee loan and living-cost support from the student-finance body for the UK nation they live in. Repayment thresholds differ by nation. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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