Course Summary

This course will provide you with an advanced, broad based education for a career in business, and will develop your general intellectual competence. Graduates will be equipped for a career in industry, commerce or the public sector, and you can expect to progress quickly to higher levels of responsibility.

The course will enable you to progress to honours level study and is ideal for students from overseas to experience British education and obtain a British honours degree without the costs associated with a 3 year sojourn in the UK.

Why choose this course?

This course will help give you a footing in all areas of business including finance, marketing and HRM. Many graduates go on to work for large multinational organisations but increasingly they go to smaller organisations where there are opportunities to work across a number of functional areas.

During the course you will:

• Study vocationally useful, challenging and varied components to support careers in business, or within a business setting


• Develop the understanding and skills related to business which will promote your ability to interrelate a wide range of business activities


• Develop a critical awareness of current business practice

BABAT-S

Assessment

A range of assessment methods is used throughout the course. Students are required to undertake a variety of group and individual based assessments throughout the course.

These assessments include individual essays, reports, presentations, and examinations, and group based reports and presentations. The assessments are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to demonstrate a range of skills identified elsewhere in this document.

Depending on their previous experience students will be directed to take either Advances in Business of the Project.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should:

1. Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the subject disciplines and main functional specialisms relevant to the study of European business activity.

2. Appreciate the interrelatedness of the functional disciplines and understand the way in which European business decisions in one area affect other areas of the business.

3. Be able to access, evaluate and utilise relevant data.

4. Be able to apply skills of rational argument, objective interpretation of evidence, judgement, decision making and planning, to the analysis and solution of complex business problems.

5. Display qualities of enquiry, reflection, imagination, creative thinking and innovation in the approach to the management of European business enterprises.

6. Wield a well developed range of personal and interpersonal skills that will facilitate individual effectiveness in the organisational context.

7. Exercise a critical awareness of current European business practice.

External Benchmarking

QAA General Business and Management Subject Benchmark

Educational Aims

The aim of the course is to provide advanced, broad based education for careers in business, and to develop students general intellectual competence. Graduates will be equipped for a career in industry, commerce or the public sector, and should expect to progress quickly to higher levels of responsibility.

More specifically the aims are:

• To build on a students existing knowledge and experience and enable them to progress to honours level study


• To provide vocationally useful, challenging and varied components to support careers in business, or within a business setting


• To develop students understanding and skills related to business which will promote students ability to interrelate a wide range of business activities


• To encourage a critical awareness of current business practice


• To equip students for a career in industry, commerce or the public sector, and for progression to senior levels of decision-making


• To encourage the habit of continuous learning, and to provide a firm grounding for further academic or professional activity within the business studies area

Student support

There are no elements of the courses delivered within the university that should cause particular difficulties for students with disabilities. Documents such as course notes, exercises and examination papers can be produced in larger fonts and on different coloured paper and students may be given additional time to complete assessment. As advised by the Special Needs Adviser other adjustments can be made or other allowances given.

Individual student requirements will be considered, particularly with respect to trips and/or Work Placement.

Team working

One of the critical skills sought by employers in potential employees is the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Because of this, the course emphasises group working.

In level 3 as part of the project unit student complete a 5000 word essay which is based on problem based learning. Although the final report is the students own, those whose groups work effectively, perform better.

Career Management Skills

Throughout the course there is interaction with the careers department at appropriate junctures including induction and in annual careers conferences in which local and national employers are invited to come in to the university and talk both formally and informally with students.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

Graduates find employment in all areas of business including finance, marketing and HRM.

Many work for large multinational organisations but increasingly they go to smaller organisations where there are opportunities to work across a number of functional areas. Some graduates work in charities and others pursue careers in teaching.

Further study:

• Masters degree in specific areas of business e.g. Finance, HRM Marketing


• Professional courses, for example: CMI, CIPD, CIM, ACCA, CIMA


• PGCE Applied Business


• Research degrees

Entry

Additional:

This is a level three top-up programme designed for students coming directly in to the final year of the programme. The title reflects the fact that Business Administration is more widely known and accepted outside the UK. The course presupposes a high level of English capability and focuses on European business activity.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The teaching and learning strategies are designed to enable students to achieve level 3 general and course specific objectives. The objectives cover a wide range of knowledge, skills and personal development. In order to achieve these objectives it is necessary to use a carefully balanced mix of teaching and learning methods.

Key features of the strategies are:

• Developing the ability of the student to study independently


• The use of a variety of methods within and across units


• Extensive use of sustained group work on substantial business problems


• Formative use of the assessed assignment programme


• The development of a range of transferable and personal skills

Teaching and learning methods will include: teaching in smaller, coherent groups (cohorts) rather the use of large lectures and seminar groups, substantial, complex business problems / issues; guided reading; lectures to introduce key concepts; case studies and desk research. Skills will be developed in many ways for example through the use of oral presentations, group activities and online activities. Information technology facilities will be widely available to students. They are seen as a highly flexible learning resource with many applications across the course.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

There are no elements of the courses delivered within the university that should cause particular difficulties for students with disabilities. Documents such as course notes, exercises and examination papers can be produced in larger fonts and on different coloured paper and students may be given additional time to complete assessment. As advised by the Special Needs Adviser other adjustments can be made or other allowances given.

Individual student requirements will be considered, particularly with respect to trips and / or Work Placement.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Write a variety of reports in an appropriate business format


• Write analyses of case studies


• Write essays in an appropriate academic style with referencing


• Practise presentations in a variety of formats as a group member, as an individual with and without visual aids


• Develop negotiation skills


• Work in groups, learning to listen effectively and to influence and persuade a small group of colleagues

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Learn to identify appropriate sources of information for a particular business or academic task


• Use business research reports


• Use academic journals


• Use information from a number of sources as a base for making decisions on business tasks set in relation to real businesses


• Use a range of information sources to write an essay on a given topic

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Learn to select appropriate information to use for a particular task


• Carry out quantitative analysis of data provided and draw conclusions about the nature of the problem presented


• Apply theoretical models to given case studies and draw conclusions


• Learn to develop an argument through the selection and logical presentation of information and ideas in an essay


• Learn to develop your own point of view about a business problem or academic question based on evidence


• Participate in business research methods classes

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Practise techniques of lateral thinking and brainstorming in given exercises


• Use brainstorming to generate options as solutions for given business tasks


• Use critical thinking in case studies, exercises, business projects and academic essays

Improving learning and performance

In level 3 reflection on performance is a part of both the Strategic Management unit and the Advances in Business Unit.

Progress files

At the outset of the programme you will be introduced to the universitys documentation on Progress Files and encouraged to use these. Additionally, several of the course units include personal records and personal development programming-related tasks as part of the assessment: Project level 3.

Professional standards

• Staff and students will work with professional integrity at all times


• Staff and students will abide by the Code of Conduct as stated in the Universitys Student Regulations


• Staff and students should ensure contact details are current; staff should ensure that their availability is publicised and appropriate communication channels are agreed


• Students are expected to attend all classes; where there are mitigating circumstances staff must be informed promptly


• Staff and students must arrive on time for classes


• In all situations students and staff should dress and act appropriately


• Staff and students should work to sustain a culture of mutual respect


• All assessed work should be a students own and correctly referenced where material is taken from other sources


• Electronic devices must not be used during classes without express permission and mobile telephones must be switched off


• Student concerns should be raised promptly, through the appropriate channels

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

These standards will be shared with all new students and reviewed annually within the Field Committee. All students will be reminded of the course professional standards in the annual induction period.

The course team will seek to encourage students to adhere to the above course professional standards.

The course is informed by the codes of conduct and professional standards of the following professional bodies:

• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)


• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)


• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)


• Association of Certified Chartered Accounting (ACCA)


• Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA)

Students are introduced to the codes of practice in Year 1, in order for students to plan their personal development and recognise the skills, values and behaviour required of professional practitioners. The professional body standards are referenced and used in later years, within the relevant subject units.

With the focus on career management and lifelong learning, students are made aware of the post-graduate professional courses available through the CMI, CIPD, CIM, ACCA and CIMA; many of which are available within the University, at Bedford and Putteridge Bury.