A joint award of the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex
The information contained within this programme specification is correct as at February 2010
UCAS Course Code / UCS Course Code: N100 BA/BM
For guidance see the UCAS web site at www.ucas.com or contact Admissions on
01473 338833 or e-mail admissionsucs.ac.uk|.
Level of Award
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) Level 6
Course Summary
This excellent programme of study equips the student with business management knowledge and skills to work effectively in the modern workplace.
Students are able to select from a range of options which complements a mandatory core of knowledge. This enables flexibility of learning according to preferred interests.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this course are 140 - 200 UCAS Tariff points. Some students meeting certain criteria without the pre-requisite qualifications may be accepted.
Applications are welcomed from international applicants, who must have competence in English Language. Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification is normally required.
At University Campus Suffolk no applicant judged academically suitable for a course will be refused admission on the grounds of disability without compelling reasons. Applicants who have a disability and would like to know more about available support should contact Student Support in the first instance.
Course Aims
The BA (Hons) Business Management programme aims to:
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Develop students knowledge and skills within a supportive, interdisciplinary learning environment;
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To offer a higher education experience which prepares students for employment and/or further study.
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Make a contribution to the widening of access to business education in the region.
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Enable students to develop autonomy in their learning and self management.
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Assist students to develop the attributes and skills required of a graduate, such as research skills, key skills and critical analysis.
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Develop interpersonal and communication skills that are vital within all organisations.
Learning Outcomes
These course aims are broken down into sets of related skills, which are known as learning outcomes.
A. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of level 4 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with business management.
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Demonstrate the ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements based on module theories and concepts.
By the end of level 5 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of well established principles of business management.
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Demonstrate the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied.
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Use a range of techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis.
By the end of level 6 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of business management, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge.
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Demonstrate an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within business management.
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Demonstrate the ability to devise and sustain arguments, and to solve problems using a variety of ideas and techniques.
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Demonstrate an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
B. Mental or Cognitive Skills
By the end of level 4 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate relevant reading, selection and utilisation of material including critical use of electronic sources.
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Present material in an appropriate manner including accurate use of the Harvard system for academic referencing.
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Demonstrate the ability to analyse information and start to draw rational conclusions.
By the end of level 5 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate a development of the knowledge gained at certificate level, with greater evaluation of the applications of management theory.
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Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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Develop existing skills and acquire new competencies.
By the end of level 6 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate all certificate and intermediate level cognitive skill learning outcomes plus.
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Critically analyse, evaluate, apply and interrelate knowledge and skills developed on the programme.
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Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment.
C. Subject Specific and Practical Skills
By the end of level 4 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate effective and accurate use of appropriate subject terminology.
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Demonstrate an understanding of the main practical skills required of a manager.
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Demonstrate subject specific skills and transferable skills necessary for employment.
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Demonstrate the development of problem solving techniques used in management.
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Understand the principal functions of management.
At the end of level 5 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate all certificate level subject specific learning outcomes plus.
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Demonstrate an ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies in a practical setting.
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Demonstrate the development of problem solving techniques including the ability to accurately collect, collate and analyse information and data.
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Identify and develop themes and interrelationships.
At the end of level 6 you will be able to:
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Demonstrate all certificate and intermediate level subject specific learning outcomes plus;
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Demonstrate evidence of thorough understanding of application of theory in practical situations
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Demonstrate the acquisition of problem solving techniques, including the ability to accurately collect, collate and analyse information and data which will lead to both valid and reliable outcomes.
D. Key Skills
Key Skills, also known as graduate key skills, transferable skills or general skills, comprise communication, information technology, problem solving, numeracy, working with others and improving own learning.
At the end of level 4 you will be able to:
At the end of level 5 you will be able to:
At the end of level 6 you will be able to:
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Achieve Graduate Key Skills in the University Campus Suffolk Graduate Key Skills Programme
Module Framework
The modules currently available within the Business Management Route include:
Level 4
Business Management in Context
Entrepreneurship
Management Skills and Communications
Finance and Data Analysis
Business Economics
Business Law
Level 5
Research Methods
Business Environment
Marketing Practice
Management and Organisational Behaviour
Financial Accounting
Managing for Innovation and Creativity
Personal & Career Development
Managing Information and Resources
Business Management in Practice
Level 6
Dissertation/Management project (40 credits)
Strategic Management
Change Management
Marketing Communications
International Marketing Strategy
HR Strategy
Employment Law
Financial Strategy
Management Accounting
All modules generate 20 credits unless otherwise stated. The precise mix of mandatory modules (those which must be taken) and optional modules varies according to the combination of study selected.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
At Level 4 emphasis is placed on ensuring a sound knowledge of principles underpinning key subject strands, and the development of practical and key skills. The supportive environment encourages students to explore and develop their learning styles and develop basic skills. The main teaching methods are lectures and seminars, some of which will be student-led.
At Level 5 learning is directed towards the application of knowledge and skills gained at level 4. Students are expected to develop an enquiring attitude to their studies and should corroborate or challenge assertions made. They will be taking more responsibility for their own learning through extended personal reading and wider ranging coursework tasks. The main teaching methods are lectures and seminars but there is an increasing expectation that students will contribute actively by reading widely around subject areas and by leading seminars.
At Level 6 students are required to take major responsibility for their own learning, exhibiting autonomy and contribution to the development of their peers through seminar presentations and self directed activities. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing the ability to evaluate and analyse information from a wide range of sources and in a variety of formats, in order to draw conclusions. Students will be gaining skills, knowledge and competences in order to meet the challenges and demands of employment. Lectures and seminars remain part of the teaching and learning strategy but students will be expected to make a significant contribution to their own learning by reading, taking part in discussions and leading seminars.
At all levels students are assessed through a mixture of essays, reports, presentations and examinations, as appropriate for the learning outcomes of each individual module.
Benchmarks / Professional Standards / Competency Frameworks
The design of this course has been guided by the following QAA Benchmarks / Professional Standards / Competency Frameworks:
The broad aims of the programme are informed by, and are in line with the QAA guidelines for undergraduate business and management programmes:
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The study of organisations, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate.
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Preparation for, and development of, a career in business and management.
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The enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large.
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/GeneralBusinessManagement.asp|)
To this end we aim:
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To provide a coherent and integrated programme of study that will satisfy the needs of students and organisations operating within increasingly complex, dynamic and diverse external environments.
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To develop students’ intellectual ability; based on analysis, synthesis and reflection, to analyse complex and changing environments.
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To enable students to be confident and competent in dealing with managerial issues.
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To provide students with the requisite skills for personal and career development.
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To enhance students’ employability.
Further, the programme will deal with key management issues as specified by the QAA Benchmarking Standards (Please refer to Appendix 2 QAA Benchmark Statements Knowledge Mapping Matrix covering)
Markets – development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services
Customers - customer expectations, service and orientation
Finance – sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications
People – management and development of people within organisations
Operations – the management of resources and operations; information systems; development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact upon organisations
Communication and Information Technology (CIT) – comprehension and use of relevant CIT for application in business and management
Business Policy and Strategy - the development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests
Pervasive Issues - these would include sustainability, globalisation, corporate social responsibility, diversity, business innovation, creativity, enterprise development, knowledge management and risk management.
The “pervasive issues”, although not always explicit within module content, will be dealt with as a means of informing discussion, directing reading, independent study and aspects of assessment within all modules.
The above skills and key managerial issues are equally applicable to the private, public and not for profit sectors of the local the economy and most of the course will be equally applicable to all sectors.
Timetable
The teaching is delivered over the whole academic year; hence a full time student is expected to take six modules all commencing in September through to May.
A part-time student will take up to four modules.
Students can expect to attend for 15 hours per week and to spend an equivalent amount of time per week in independent study. Students will be provided with timetables when they join the course.
Course Delivery
This course will be delivered at University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich.
Placements / Work Based Learning / Work Experience
At intermediate level there is a Work Experience module where full time students can undertake a relevant work placement. This helps to develop the skills future employers will be looking for and is often instrumental in students gaining employment after completing the course. At both certificate and intermediate level there are Industry Projects where part time students who work in a relevant area are able to investigate some aspects of their work life. For both full and part time students there is often considerable flexibility in the choice of topics that can be investigated within modules. Therefore, the student’s own work interests, current or aspirational, can be developed within the course. The dissertation is also an opportunity to pursue an area that the student feels is important to their future.
Tutorial and Study Support
At certificate level all modules have timetabled academic tutorial support and students are expected to use this time to explore topics and work on areas of weakness. At intermediate and honours level tutorial time is integrated into each module. Each student will also be allocated a personal tutor who will be able to give guidance on possible study skills, personal development and act as a referral point if more specific help is needed. University Campus Suffolk provides support for Maths and English, Careers guidance and for any additional needs. A counsellor is also available to all students. Students will be expected to attend the study skills seminars e.g. in essay writing, data analysis and or revision workshops.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course
Opportunities exist in a wide range of fields Most students graduating with a BA Business Management from University Campus Suffolk are eligible to progress to one of the following:
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Employment in a variety of public and private organisations.
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Employment with further training, often related to a professional qualification (awarded by, for example, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development)
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A higher degree (e.g., MA, MBA)
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One-year postgraduate teacher training courses (PGCE)
DipHE students are eligible to progress on to the Honours Level of the BA (Hons) Business Management
Alternative format
Should you require this programme specification in an alternative format, please contact us on 01473 338000.
University Campus Suffolk reserves the right to amend the information in this programme specification as and when required.