Digital business degree launching in Birmingham thanks to new partnership

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Left, Suki Gill, Principal of School of Coding & AI and right, Dr Simone Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students, Harper Adams University, welcomed the new partnership.

Leading computing and AI educator School of Coding & AI has announced a partnership with a world-leading specialist university to open a new urban hub in Birmingham.

School of Coding & AI (SoC) is working with Harper Adams University to offer a new Digital Business Management Degree.

The degree will be delivered at SoC’s Birmingham campus and is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate business and technology in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours from Harper Adams University.

Harper Adams University has been named one of the top 100 institutions globally for the study of agriculture and forestry and is ranked first in the UK for graduate employment and career prospects.

Collaboration

In 2024 it opened a new base in Telford for digital skills and innovation, future-focused learning and business collaboration, with degrees in data science, robotics, automation, and engineering.

The new Digital Business Management Degree begins with a Foundation Year that provides students with the skills, confidence, and resilience required to succeed in higher education. From there, learners progress into a comprehensive curriculum covering core business disciplines such as marketing, finance, and people management, alongside a strong emphasis on digital competencies including digital marketing, e-commerce, data analytics, and emerging technologies.

This integrated approach ensures that graduates are not only grounded in traditional business principles but are also equipped to navigate and lead within the digital ecosystem shaping modern industries.

The final year of the programme focuses on advanced topics such as digital sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, preparing students for higher-level management roles or further postgraduate study.

Suki Gill, Principal of School of Coding & AI, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch this Digital Business Management Degree in partnership with Harper Adams University.

“Employers today are looking for individuals who not only understand business fundamentals but can also confidently apply digital tools and technologies to solve complex problems. This programme has been designed to bridge that gap, giving students the skills, mindset, and real-world experience they need to thrive in the modern economy. Our flexible delivery model also ensures that education can fit around the lives of ambitious learners from all backgrounds.”

Excellence

Dr Simone Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students from Harper Adams University, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, future-focused education.

“By combining Harper Adams’ track record of educational excellence and deep connections with 1000 employers - developed over the past 125 years - with the School of Coding & AI’s innovative and industry-driven approach, this programme offers students a unique opportunity to develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills required for success in today’s digital business environment.

“All industry sectors are going to need access to a talented workforce which is digitally capable and adaptable.  This includes the specialist industries connected to Harper Adams who, collectively and globally face the challenge of ensuring we can feed a human population of up to 10 billion people, whilst ensuring that other species and environments can thrive. 

“Digital skills and capabilities will be an essential aspect of achieving this.

“We are pleased to be working together to support the next generation of digital leaders.”

Student intakes will be in May, September, and January. Entry requirements include a minimum age of 17½, alongside 6 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, maths, and science, or 5 GCSEs with an additional Level 3 qualification such as A-levels or BTEC. Applicants over the age of 21 will be assessed through an interview and assessment day.