Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business and ICT

Course Summary

This three year honours degree provides students with the skills to identify business challenges, find technological solutions, manage technology projects and analyse business data. Businesses today are finding it difficult to see how they can use the opportunities presented by digital technologies to transform their business. We have designed this programme to equip graduates with the skills to help support and lead a business through this digital transformation.

WHAT IS BUSINESS AND ICT?

This degree integrates two disciplines to create unique graduates who are in high demand. Studying Business and Information Communications Technology (ICT) together allows students to identify the role of information systems in business management and operations, and embed contemporary ICT systems to maximise productivity, efficiencies and success in a business.

Graduates of this programme have a unique advantage; not only will they have the knowledge and practical capabilities of IT infrastructure and information systems but they will also have the business acumen to understand and appreciate the business. This allows for the best systems to be developed with this crucial mix of knowledge.

SKILLS STUDENTS WILL GAIN

This degree gives students the skills to work in a dynamic and challenging, technology-driven business environment. Graduates of this programme have a deep understanding of the pivotal role of ICT in business both nationally and internationally. They are able to use that knowledge to influence and manage change in a variety of industries and organisations.

This degree is an ideal choice for students who want to be a part of the digital transformation era. Organisations everywhere are grappling with technological advances, this programme prepares graduates to lead and manage the digital transformation process. 

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION AND MORE

This degree not only combines two disciplines to create unique graduates in high demand. It also comes with the added benefit of further study options in teaching, plus exciting professional accreditations.

Teaching Council

The degree has been designed so graduates are equipped to teach both Business and Computer Science subjects in secondary schools. The modules on the degree have been mapped to the Teaching Council of Ireland’s registration requirements. A 2023 report, published by the Irish Independent, highlighted a significant shortage of Computer Science teachers in Ireland. There were just 34 accredited Computer Science teachers before the start of the school year in August 2022.

Microsoft Accreditation

Students on this programme have the opportunity to attain Microsoft Certifications, which are industry-recognised worldwide and differentiate graduates in the job market by giving them a competitive edge. Students become Digital Champions, acquiring Digital Badges that promote credentials and validate skills. Badges can be shared online, are linked to live job markets, and verified in real-time by employers.

Google Analytics Accreditation

Students complete a Google Analytics accredited course and have the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised Google Certification. 

WHY BUSINESS AND ICT?

1. Graduates are prepared for a number of industry roles in high demand both nationally and internationally.
2. Use this programme as a stepping stone into a post-primary teaching career for both Business and ICT subjects. 
3. Gain a BA Honours Degree in just 3 years.
4. Pick up professional accreditations throughout this programme to differentiate your CV.
5. Scholarships are available for highly engaged students throughout this programme.
6. Supports are available to ensure students have access to the technology they need to succeed on this programme.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Below is a brief outline of this three year Level 8 honours degree. Visit the Course Format tab for a more in-depth review of each subject which will be studied.

YEAR 1

Students begin by studying introductory modules in the core areas within Business and ICT. Some modules include Skills for Success Marketing, Organisational Behaviour, ICT Applications, Web Design and Computer Networking. 

YEAR 2

Students develop their skills in Business and ICT. Modules include Management, Finance, Law, Data Visualisation, Computer Programming and Internet of Things.

YEAR 3

In the final year, students enhance their skills by studying modules such as Strategic Management, Digital Transformation, Economics, Cloud Computing, Computer Security & Cryptography and Artificial Intelligence. A research project on a topic of choice concludes the final year.

Please note that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on student demand and course updates.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Career Opportunities

We have designed this degree to give students a broad range of knowledge and skills valuable for any modern company. Graduates are prepared for a number of roles including as an ICT Project Manager, Data Security Manager, Digital Transformation Consultant, Information Resource Manager, Technology Consultant or Systems Analyst.

INDUSTRY DEMAND FOR GRADUATES OF THIS PROGRAMME

‘This degree ticks many boxes from the perspective of the Local Enterprise Office and, indeed, the wider economic development role of Sligo County Council. It has a lot of potential to upskill some of our client companies and to ingrain in them the growing importance of continually evolving technologies in the conduct of business.’

Mr. John Reilly - Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Sligo County Council

‘‘The multidisciplinary approach of the BA (Hons) in Business and ICT at ATU Sligo is an important step in supporting enterprise to address the many and varied forces of change, as they compete in a rapidly changing and ever more competitive global arena.”

John Nugent - IDA Ireland’s Regional Business Development Manager, North West

Further Study

Graduates can apply to undertake a Professional Master of Education (PME) to teach both Business and Computer Science subjects in post-primary schools.

Further study options include post-graduate studies by research to either Masters (Level 9) or PhD (Level 10). We offer have a range of Postgraduate study options here at ATU Sligo.

Postgraduate options at ATU Sligo

Testimonials

Watch below as Ellis Mc Guinness talks about why he chose Business and ICT at ATU Sligo.

Did you know?

This is a three year Level 8 honours degree which integrates two disciplines to create unique graduates who are in high demand. 

Use this programme as a stepping stone into a secondary school teaching career for both Business and Computer Science subjects. A 2023 report, published by the Irish Independent, highlighted a significant shortage of Computer Science teachers in Ireland. There were just 34 accredited Computer Science teachers before the start of the school year in August 2022.

Graduates are prepared for a number of industry roles which are in high demand both nationally and internationally.

Students can gain both Microsoft and Google Analytics accreditation throughout their studies.

Scholarships are available for highly engaged students throughout this programme.

A research project on a topic of choice concludes the final year.

Supports are available to ensure students have access to the technology they need to succeed on this programme.

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6