About this course
About
The BSc Hons Business Studies with Specialisms meets the needs of those wishing to pursue a career in business with a specialism in accounting, human resource management or marketing, and provides the basis for graduates wishing to take a postgraduate programme up to doctoral level.
The programme seeks to provide the key business knowledge and skills essential for a graduate, seeking a managerial career in general business or a specialist field in accounting, human resource management or marketing.
The development of relevant employability skills is at the core of the BSc Hons Business Studies with Specialism degree and a variety of opportunities exist within the programme and its modules, to develop such skills. These skills include, for example, Creative Thinking, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Business start-up, Problem Solving and Interpersonal skills.
Associate awards
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Find out more about placement awards
Attendance
Three years without placement/Four years including placement year.
Attendance: This is a full time course where you will normally complete three modules per semester, with class contact time approximately three hours per week per module. You will be expected to undertake independent study to supplement that contact of around 10 hours per week per module. You will have 9-10 class contact hours per week on the Magee campus
Start dates
Content
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Principles of Management
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of management and cognate topics, including the business environment, business ethics, motivation, problem solving and decision making, planning, human resource management, organisational structure, change and innovation, and operations and quality.
Students will acquire an understanding of the issues and challenges facing managers in both domestic and global environments.
Academic and Career Enhancement skills
Year: 1
Status: C
The module establishes a solid foundation for students as they make the transition to become effective learners at third level. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important for academic achievement. In this module, student learning, progression and achievement is closely monitored and supported by the module coordinator.
Foundations of Entrepreneurship
Year: 1
Status: C
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the array of issues, which must be considered in relation to entrepreneurship. The module specifically provides students with understanding of the key principles and concepts of entrepreneurship to allow further learning of this strategically important area in the future.
In particular, this module will allow students to be become critical and reflect on their own entrepreneurial traits to allow greater evidence of entrepreneurial adventure in graduate careers and/or intrapreneurship within corporate settings.
Principles of Economics
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of economics and provides an essential underpinning for more advanced study of economics and economic issues.
Principles of Marketing
Year: 1
Status: C
The module specifically provides students with understanding of the key principles and concepts of marketing to allow further learning of the strategic importance of the area in the future.
Principles of Accounting
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
The module establishes a strong foundation for students as they undertake the study of accounting. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important within the context of preparing financial statements, undertaking financial reporting and performing detailed analyses supporting aspects of the internal financial management of a business entity.
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Status: O
Year: 1
This module is optional
The module establishes a strong foundation for students as they undertake the study of accounting. As such, the module identifies, develops and assesses a range of skills that are important within the context of double entry book-keeping, preparing financial statements, undertaking financial reporting and performing detailed analyses supporting aspects of the internal financial management of a business entity.
Year two
Organisational behaviour
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will introduce the fundamental concepts of Organisational Behaviour and encourage students to develop an understanding of managing and developing people in a business context. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate situations and issues relevant to behaviour within organisations.
Professional Skills Development
Year: 2
Status: C
This module is designed to provide students with the necessary tool kit to lead their own professional credibility, during and after their under graduate study. It will provide an interactive and experiential learning environment for students whereby they can learn about the kind of business leader they want to become and how to achieve this
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Year: 2
Status: C
Operations and supply chain management is the planning, design, organization, and control of the flow of information and materials along the supply chain in order to meet customer requirements. The aim of this module is to assist students in the analysis of developments enhancing the role of operations and supply chain management, and enable them to develop and manage operational strategies to meet corporate objectives.
Financial Accounting I
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The form and content of published financial statements; profit and loss account; balance sheet; cash flow statements; introduction to group accounts; analysis and interpretation of financial statements; regulatory framework of accounting.
Management Accounting I
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
An important role of management accounting is to present accounting information to assist managers to plan, make decisions and measure performance. Key elements of practice in the discipline include approaches to costing, use of management accounting information, absorption costing, marginal costing, breakeven analysis, decision making, budgeting, standard costing, variance analysis, investment appraisal, statistical approaches, activity based costing and ethical issues.
Finance for Decision Making
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Financial decisions and their implications are an important consideration for global business'. This module will examine a range of theoretical and practical issues surrounding financial decision making. The module will provide students with an understanding of the key issues and techniques used in financial decision making with particular emphasis placed on ethical corporate governance and business ethics within the context of financial decision making.
New Venture Creation
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students with an opportunity to develop potential new ventures to the point of product/service launch. The overall aim of this module is to engage students in the process of new venture creation and to develop the range of skills required for dealing with the practical elements of innovation and enterprise activities.
The Business Plan
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module provides students with an opportunity to develop business enterprise skills through team working on an entrepreneurial business proposal. It takes an 'action learning' approach and is 'student-driven'.
Business Law
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
The module deals with the main principles of the law of contract and law of tort as well as providing explanations of the legal structures within which businesses operate. These legal formats of business organizations are critically explored as are the methods whereby businesses are managed and analysed and how the external environment, in terms of legal regulation, impacts on the operation of businesses. The topics under examination provide a solid framework for understanding of the legal basis in which businesses operate and enable students to undertake further study of related Business and accounting subjects.
Consumer Behaviour
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning Consumer Behaviour; stemming from the economic and philosophical constructs of consumer behaviour, through to contemporary consumer research techniques.
Marketing Management
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning Marketing Management; stemming from the management techniques and philosophies that underpin the subject, through to their application to contemporary marketing management issues.
Year three
Diploma in Professional Practice
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Study Abroad
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
The Diploma in International Academic Studies complements and extends the student's programme of study and provides the opportunity for each student to pursue specific learning objectives by studying in a different cultural and educational environment. It is a key facilitator in support global and cultural awareness and creating graduates who are ready to embrace international career opportunities more effectively.
Year four
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Year: 4
Status: C
This module aims to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurial and innovation processes, and their relationship with business and economic development. It will enable students to develop the skills necessary to participate in business venturing projects. Assessment is by coursework and examination
Global Business Environment
Year: 4
Status: C
This module explores the complexity of forces that make up the global economy. In particular, it aims to understand the impact of these forces on the activities of the firm, and the decisions they must take if they are to survive and prosper. The module will focus on the national, regional, and international contexts, and will aim to give students an understanding of an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous global business environment.
Leadership and Strategy
Year: 4
Status: C
This module equips students with an understanding of leadership dynamics and strategic vision in organisations and the challenges associated with leading organisations through strategic change. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate leadership and strategy in organisations.
Research Methods for Business
Year: 4
Status: C
In the course of this module, students will develop an understanding of, and the ability to use, the core theories and techniques underpinning business research - both academic research and applied research. This will be supported by providing students with the knowledge required to utilise appropriate software for the analysis and presentation of research
Taxation Policy and Practice
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides insight into the theory, concepts, procedures and practices of UK taxation with particular focus on income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and VAT.
Management Accounting II
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module traces the development of management accounting theory and practice in the context of change in the modern business environment. The module examines the social, technological and international challenges to management accounting.
Financial Accounting II
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The nature and purpose of accounting theory; the role of accounting regulation including the development of the latest accounting standards; contemporary issues in accounting; recent and future trends in financial reporting; accounting for transactions in financial statements and group financial statements.
Audit and Assurance
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces the student to the conceptual and theoretical fundamentals of auditing combined with the practical application of auditing principles and the issues encountered in a financial reporting and audit environment. It identifies the skills that a professional auditor must have and how best to utilise those skills in today's challenging commercial environment.
Managing the Digital Enterprise
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module considers the impact of E-Business and Information Systems on established business practices and strategies. It evaluates the latest developments in Information Technology and places them in the context of the marketplace. It considers the impact of IT on organisational structure and consumer behaviour in a comparative international context.
Managing Innovation in Enterprises
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module equips students with an understanding of the fundamental principles and practices that influence the management of innovation in enterprises. The module will present and examine a range of topics on the subject matter, which will be used to analyse and evaluate the issues that surround decisions, strategies and approaches to managing innovation.
Managing and Leading People
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module equips students with an understanding of the dynamics of people management and the strategic vision of organisations for the management of their people. It also addresses the challenges associated with leading people management initiatives through strategic change. The module will examine a range of theoretical approaches that will be used to help analyse and evaluate people management approaches in organisations.
International marketing
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module explores the complexity of forces that underpin the international marketing decisions made by organisations. In particular, it aims to understand the impact of these forces on the activities of organisations, and the nature of the decisions that organisations must take if they are to survive and prosper in a dynamic international marketing environment. The module will focus on the regional, national and international contexts and provide students with practical and academic knowledge where they will have an opportunity to showcase their ability to interpret, synthesise, apply and evaluate knowledge and understanding.
Digital Strategy and Communications
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module aims to explore a range of contemporary issues facing organisations operating in a digital world. Teaching provided will allow students to fully appreciate the impact and influence of the dynamic digital landscape.
Additional information for students from United Kingdom