A business qualification can provide you with many opportunities after graduation, but how can you ensure that you stand out from the crowd? If you want to progress into senior management you need to acquire a high level of personal skills and competencies, together with sound knowledge and the ability to initiate and respond to change.
We offer a core degree, Business and Management, which is perfect if you do not wish to specialise in one aspect of management. This is also the recommended option if you are not yet sure whether you want to specialise. You can then opt for one of the named degrees towards the end of your first year should you wish. It is only necessary to apply to one of the named business degrees, you will then be able to change to any of the other named business degrees.
The course
The Business and Management degree aims to prepare you for a career in business and management, or related areas, by allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills while practising business techniques. You will embark on practical business tasks such as preparing business plans, undertaking negotiations, working with spreadsheets, devising strategies and tactics in competition with other teams, giving presentations, analysing an organisation's competitive position. In Year 1 the focus will be on developing an overview of business and management, on familiarisation with some of the skills necessary for effective business operation and developing the critical-thinking skills necessary for academic study and management decision making.
Core modules in Year 2 and your final year will build upon this foundation by providing an introduction to strategic thinking. Emphasis is placed on the integration of management resources and functional tools in achieving organisational objectives within a complex environment. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of business management from a strategic perspective at a corporate level and to reflect on business from a number of contemporary perspectives. In your final year you will undertake a dissertation, or other extended piece of individual study, such as a business plan, synoptic module or consultancy project. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to develop an analytical and enquiring mind which can respond creatively to the problems and opportunities facing business now and in the future, as well as those problems facing themselves and society at large. You will be expected to exercise initiative and personal responsibility in order to develop qualities such as flexibility, adaptability and independence. Such qualities will enable you to cope in a rapidly changing economic, social and technological environment.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The course utilises a variety of teaching and learning styles. Knowledge content is covered through lectures, workbooks and guided reading. You will also work in smaller groups and workshops, where you will encounter case studies, business games, simulations, problem-solving, business report writing, student presentations and role play. Such tasks will help you to develop the attributes you need for success in business management, such as logical thinking, clear communication, the ability to analyse problems and to work well with others. We recognise the importance of information technology, and its use is an integral part of our teaching and learning approach.
Some modules are assessed entirely by examination while others rely wholly on coursework, but most include an element of both. Coursework assignments may include case-study analysis, group-work projects, videoed role play and oral presentation.
Learning outcomes
As a Business and Management graduate you will be able to:
recognise the integrated nature of business and the importnace of an holistic approach to business management
understand the current and projected context, nature, role and significance of management activities as undertaken by managers in a range of organisations
examine and appraise management concepts and frameworks through analysis of complex, multifaceted business problems encountered by managers within organisations
recognise the importance of effective financial management of business
explain the importance of key functions, transformational processes and practices which contribute to the effective management of business
demonstrate strategic awareness and analyse and evaluate options open to organisations involved in the process of formulating business strategies
appreciate the uncertainty of the external environment and its effects upon the management and strategic direction of business
understand the importance of effective individual and corporate behaviours and cultures in management and organisational development
demonstrate awareness of business research methodology and techniques and its role in the developing of ideas and thinking at the forefront of the discipline.
You will have acquired the ability to:
apply business-specific tools of research, analysis, decision making and evaluation to a wide range of scenarios and problems and use them to devise, substantiate and sustain arguments
use key financial and management accounting techniques
use and practise business-specific communication techniques
develop competences in planning, control and integration of business-related activities
reflect on experiences leading to personal and professional development.
On successful completion of the course you will have developed transferable skills in the following areas:
self management
learning
communication
teamwork
problem solving
information technology.
Students on specialist pathways will have additional outcomes relevant to the specialism.
Study abroad
You can take advantage of the many and varied exchange programmes that are available. This means that you could spend a semester with one of our partner institutions in the Europe.
Specific entry requirements
GCSE Mathematics (grade B preferred) and English.
Modules
Year 1
Foundations of Accounting and Finance
Critical Thinking in Business
Business Economics
Academic Listening and Speaking
Raising Individual Financial Awareness
The Context and Development of Business
Elements of Business Law
Introduction to Marketing
Year 2
Strategic Finance
Business in Context
Strategic Management (2)
Developing Management Capabilities
Entrepreneurial Business Planning
Consultancy Project (2)
Perspectives on Business
Self Awareness and Career Management
Year 3
Understanding Financial Reports
Corporate Financial Accounting
Management Information Systems
E-Business
Managing Human Resources
International Management
International Management of Human Resources
Dissertation in Business and Management
