UCC offers Leaving Certificate students new Business Information Systems course 

University College Cork (UCC) is giving Leaving Certificate students the opportunity to try out a new course that brings together the worlds of business and information technology ahead of the CAO deadline.

Business Information Systems (BIS) is part of the Cork University Business School.

There will be demonstrations, presentations and opportunities to tour the dedicated BIS labs as well as a chance to speak to lecturers and current students.

BIS is a practical course that provides students with a diverse set of skills and a broad understanding of business problem domains and emerging technologies. Graduates are employed in diverse roles across the financial services, pharmaceutical, logistics, IT, health, education, agriculture and semi-state sectors.

The most recent graduate outcome survey carried out by the UCC Careers Office shows that 93% of the BIS class of 2021 were in employment nine months after graduating. No graduates were seeking employment at the time.

Co-director of the BIS degree programme, Dr Ciara Fitzgerald who is also a graduate of the UCC course, said: “We understand how difficult it can be for students to pick the course that is right for them. The taster day is an opportunity for students to get a taste of college life and experience the course for themselves before they complete their CAO application.

“Our advice for students is to think about the type of career you would like to have in eight or 10 years, that job may not even exist right now. Consider courses that have lots of transferable skills, courses that help you to develop personal agility and the flexibility to change.” 

The course is informed by an industry advisory board comprising senior IT and business executives.

Managing Director of Laya Healthcare, Dónal Clancy, who is chair of the advisory board, said: “There is strong demand for technically competent graduates with a broad business perspective. Advances in technology means the world of work is changing however the business principles remain the same.

“Students can opt for focused degrees however the broad approach, adopted by courses like BIS, opens a world of opportunities for graduates. We find the graduates are more rounded and better placed for the workplace as well as being able to effectively manage and lead change.”