BA (Hons) Business Studies (incorporating one year paid work experience) | |
The BA (Hons) Business Studies programme is designed to give a clearly structured business education that provides a solid foundation for success in a business career. The course provides a strong grounding in fundamental business concepts, ideas, practices and methodologies. It features a rich learning environment that involves students in comprehensive and critical analysis of business organisations, functions, processes and management techniques.
This course not only provides students with a good understanding of general business theory and practice; it also provides the critical knowledge and skills that will enable an effective contribution to the resolution of business problems and will prepare students for the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of the modern business environment.
As the course progresses, the emphasis shifts from foundation knowledge to in-depth study of particular areas of the major disciplines. There is also a greater emphasis on independent work and on the development of a critical and analytical approach to the subject matter, which gives students the confidence to critically evaluate information, ideas and opinions. Structure and Content As a general business degree, this programme offers students considerable flexibility in their choice of second and third year subjects. This allows students to orientate their studies towards preferred subjects or to choose disciplines in which they have demonstrated strength in years one and two. Year 1 Six mandatory subjects provide foundation knowledge in core business areas and disciplines Year 2 Three core subjects further develop student knowledge and understanding of the key business disciplines. Students are also introduced to critical analysis of business situations and issues. In addition to the three core subjects, students choose two further subjects from a range of four options. Year 3 Work Placement Year and Project** Year 4 The core focus is on three mandatory subjects, one of which (Business Strategy) is designed to provide a strong integrative influence on final year studies. Students choose a further two subjects from a range of four options - this allow students the opportunity to focus on preferred business areas and disciplines. ** Work Placement (Year 3) One of the most attractive aspects of the BA (Hons) Business Studies degree is the opportunity to gain practical work experience over a forty-eight week period. Students commence work in the third year of the programme and can specialise in an area that reflects their course preferences and career ambitions. Students are paid by the company for the duration of their placement and are treated as full-time members of staff.
Our Careers Officer is in regular contact with employers, developing placement opportunities in industry, commerce and professional offices. Since our first placement year in 1991 there has been a 100% success rate in placing students from this programme. Students are employed in areas including marketing, finance, sales, personnel, production, computing, customer service and general business administration. Students are paid a trainee salary by the company. - The placement enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in a challenging work environment.
- Students are assigned a tutor who visits during the placement to discuss progress.
- Whilst on placement, students are required to complete a project, which forms a part of the overall assessment of the final year.
- The opportunity for a full-time position upon graduation may arise. (NB: Students must achieve a pass in all subjects at Level 2 in order to be eligible for the placement programme).
Transfer Students
Students holding a relevant certificate, diploma or other relevant qualifications may qualify for entry to the second or final year of this degree programme.
Career Opportunities Because of the broad spectrum of subjects studied, career opportunities for business studies students are numerous. The wide-ranging nature of knowledge and skills gained by business graduates makes them an attractive proposition for any prospective employer. A range of employment opportunities is possible in areas such as marketing, sales, operations, information technology, finance and general management.
Graduating students wishing to pursue further qualifications can proceed to post-graduate programmes up to Masters level or to programmes leading to professional qualifications. Teaching and Assessment The BA (Hons) in Business Studies is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with students taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class contact times. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including essays and reports, individual and group assignments and formal examinations. The majority of subjects are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination.
Programme Content Year 1
| Core - Business Organisation
- Business Maths & Research Techniques
- Communications & Personal Development
- Economics
- Information & Communications Technology
- Introduction to Marketing
| Year 2
| Core - Business Economics
- Management
- Business Information Systems
Options (Choose 2) - Business Finance
- Business Law
- Selling & Sales Management
- Organisational Behaviour
| | Year 3
| Work Placement Year and Project
| Year 4
| Core - Business Strategy
- Global Business Environment
- Human Resource Management
Options (Choose 3) - Corporate & Commercial Law
- Information Management
- Management Accounting
- Services Marketing
| Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.
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