Course Structure

In common with all degrees at the University of Sheffield, the undergraduate programmes of study are modular in structure allowing students a certain amount of flexibility in the design of their degrees. The programmes are 3 years in length, and students take the equivalent of six full modules in each year worth a total of 120 credits. Over 3 years a student will therefore complete modules totalling 360 credits.

Modules at level 1 correspond to first year work, level 2 to second year and so on. At levels 2 and 3, a number of the modules offered may be taken at either level, thus giving students choice about when to take them. Students must take all core modules specified, but can choose options from lists of approved and unrestricted modules.

Core modules provide students with the fundamental concepts and theories in the subject of information management and lay the foundations for further study. Approved module choices allow students to select specialisms within the information management subject field. Unrestricted module choices offer students the opportunity to study different subject areas offered by other academic Departments in the University or to select further specialized modules in information management or in business management or accounting and financial management if desired.

Key Information Management Modules

There is a key information management module at each level which progresses students' knowledge of information management. In the introductory module, students cover the fundamental principles of information management in the context of personal, organisational and social processes. At level 2, the concentration is on knowledge management and the way in which being a 'learning organisation' fits in with good information management and encourages information literacy. At level 3, students will build on their existing knowledge to look at deeper aspects of information policy and strategy.

Further Core and Approved Modules

These expand on key subjects and enable students to specialise in areas that particularly interest them.

Level 1
At level 1, students investigate the impact of information and communication networks (intranets and the Internet) within organisations. Single honours students will also learn practical skills in information searching and examine models of information behaviour.

Level 2
A core module for all students examines techniques for organising, searching and processing textual information. Two further core modules look at the methods required to analyse, model, develop and maintain computer-based information systems and the design and implementation of relational databases. (The latter two modules can be taken at either level 2 or 3 by dual honours students).

Level 3
Single honours students investigate the impact of information systems in a global economy, looking at ethical and social issues, and will also undertake a mini research project on an information-related topic or area.

The approved modules available at levels 2 and 3 allow students to develop practical and technical skills, including for instance web searching and website design, the use of basic PC applications, the value of business information together with practical skills in business information searching, leading edge networked information and communication systems (e.g. internet applications, multimedia, distributed databases). Core level 2 and 3 BSc programme modules are also available as approved modules to BA students. As well as becoming technology literate, students are able to develop crucial people skills, including skills in communication, independent and team work, and project management.

Unrestricted Modules

Unrestricted module choice is available at all three levels on the BSc single honours programme, and at some levels on the two BA dual honours programmes and the BSc/MChem in Chemistry with Informatics. This allows students to take modules at the appropriate level offered by other Departments across the University.

Students who are particularly interested in studying a modern foreign language to complement their major degree subject are able to do so by choosing language modules as unrestricted module choices. The University's Modern Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of modules in French, German, Spanish and Italian at levels suitable for complete beginners through to those who have already completed A-level or equivalent studies in their chosen foreign language.

Visit the Modern Languages Teaching Centre website

Unrestricted module choice may also be used to take further modules within information management, business management, accounting and financial management or chemistry if a student wishes. Alternatively, students may study a subject unrelated to their degree programme. In previous years, our undergraduate students have studied modules from a wide variety of departments, such as Psychology, Economics, Sociological Studies, Computer Science, Philosophy, Journalism, History, and Town and Regional Planning.

Teaching and Assessment

A variety of teaching/learning methods are used, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, class websites, practical instruction and student group-work. Case studies are employed in the teaching of concepts of information management. Small group teaching is an essential part of the practical work with computer packages and the online searching for business and financial information.

Assessment at all levels is by a mixture of coursework essays and projects, including group-based projects, and formal written examinations. The proportion of coursework to examinations varies between modules.


22 March 06