Developing business managers of the future
The business world is evolving and requires highly skilled, flexible leaders in industry, commerce, and the public sector. This degree will provide you with valuable skills that are necessary in today's business world.
You will learn:
In this section
Our course is designed to give you real world experience:
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Duration and Mode of Attendance -The programme can be completed in three or four years dependent on whether you elect to undertake a one year work experience or a one year academic study abroad. This is normally undertaken during the third year of the programme.
During each academic year full time students will complete 120 credit points. If you are joining the programme at level 4 (year 1), you will complete 19 modules (360 credit points) on the programme.
Weekly Attendance - Class-based modules include one three hour session per week (per module) across each 12 week semester.
The Course Committee can consider exemption on the basis of recent, relevant study. The programme is fully compliant with the University’s Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS) and students are eligible to transfer to other relevant programmes. If you have studied a substantial proportion of the material included in the compulsory core modules already, you may be eligible for advanced entry. provided that you have attained the high level of achievement required for entry. The number of places available for direct entry is limited.
There is facility for transfer to other undergraduate degree programmes depending upon the nature of the subject matter of the other degrees and academic achievement.
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:
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 near the start date and may be subject to 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 of attendance will often 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 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 Masters 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 methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . 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 four learning outcomes, and no more than two 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.
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 Masters 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 Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
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 (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
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) by Advanced HE - 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 2021-2022.
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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.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
Introduction to Business Accounting provides an introduction to financial and management accounting. The background to the requirement to produce, and the purpose of preparing accounting statements is examined. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting as it impacts on business and economic activity. In particular it considers the preparation of basic financial statements for sole-traders and introduces the student to terminology used in cost determination and pricing.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module aims to imbed the key foundation academic skills that undergraduates require. This module also provides a hands-on and interactive learning approach that will mirror real world business problems and work opportunities to allow students to identify and develop a foundation of key employability skills in their chosen career.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the study of management, and the role of the manager within the business organisation. The characteristics of organisations (the context for management work) are examined, and following on from this the module provides an introduction to the core functions of management. Topics studied include the functions of planning, organising, managing people and organisational control and culture.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts and applications of economics as they affect individuals, firms and governments, as well as the policy decisions taken in industry, commerce, and local government. An emphasis will be placed on the application of economics to the world around us.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with an appreciation of the nature, scope and breadth of the fundamental concepts and principles of marketing. It represents a key underpinning to subsequent marketing related modules within degree programmes.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will enable students to understand the business environment by developing an integrated perspective of the political, legal, economic, social-cultural, demographic, technological and ethical aspects impacting an organisation's internal and external business environment. Through careful application of key analysis tools and techniques an overall picture of the organisation and their relationship with these environmental aspects will be formed. Knowledge of these analytical processes will empower students to be more strategically focused in their understanding of contemporary business issues as well as becoming global citizens with civic insight on global issues, opportunities and challenges.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to a plethora of potential issues that can arise in business, particularly those pertaining to investment, financing and costing decisions. The module aims, through a variety of teaching and learning mechanisms, to equip students with a knowledge of the main techniques used in accounting and business to competently assess and to understand the main issues and ramifications of decision making in business.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module equips students to understand the issues concerned with managing an organisation's resources and to appreciate the complexity of problems related to monitoring and managing operational performance. The teaching and learning methods incorporate inherently practical activities that are representative of the subject. The module demonstrates the importance of operations management to every organisation's success.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module explores the changing nature of HRM and people management and development in organisation. The impact of changes within the economy, in demographics, in legislation and advances in technology will be considered. Taking a broadly employee life-cycle approach the module covers the core functional areas of HRM to include recruitment and selection; equality, diversity and inclusion; learning and development in organisations; performance management; pay and reward; the employment relationship and employee engagement; and employee health and well-being: the topics are presented via a HRM lens but the importance of their understanding for aspiring line managers is emphasised.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of business in a digital world, and the impact and application of technologies in different organisations. On successful completion of this module students will have an in-depth knowledge of digital business; understand and apply concepts and models underlying digital business; analyse how organisations apply business technologies to improve their operations and to create competitive advantage; critically evaluate the impact of digital technologies on individuals, companies, and wider society.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module aims to address Marketing Communication theories and concepts from a management perspective. The module considers the importance of planning to ensure communication tools are used strategically to meet specified objectives.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces students to Digital Business Skills concepts. The module aim is to enable students to study and develop digital literacy skills in order to collect, analyse and report on data from a variety of digital sources. It seeks to develop the student's ability to identify appropriate methods and techniques for analysis from different data sources in order to report on this and to develop and enhance their employability skills.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module is designed to enable students to acquire diagnostic knowledge and understanding of human behaviour in organisations. Additionally, students are required to become proficient in the practice of key management competencies. The module is taught by a combination of lectures, seminars and directed reading and is assessed by a combination of cumulative assessment and sessional examination.
Year: 3
Status: C
This is a dynamic module which provides students with an opportunity to develop potential new ventures and develop their capabilities to recognise, assess, and plan new venture creation opportunities.
Year: 3
Status: C
This integrative core module, which places particular emphasis on achieving a balanced understanding of strategic management theory and practice, introduces the concept of Business Strategy. It aims to develop students' awareness and understanding of the means by which viable business strategies can be developed and implemented in a complex and challenging competitive climate.
Year: 3
Status: C
Managing and leading change are increasingly important aspects of the manager's role. This module equips students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to recognise and understand the need for change and the nature of the change required, and to deploy a range of measures (tailored to the diagnosis) to ensure that the change process is managed and led effectively and efficiently.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is concerned with introducing students to a number of theories, concepts and practice around creating and applying marketing research information in to strategic plans. It allows them to critically evaluate and synthesise the literature in this area and to identify ways in which organisational performance might be enhanced.
Year: 3
Status: C
In an increasingly global environment this module seeks to develop students' understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, legal and political variables which will impact on the international decision making and planning processes of an organisation and influence international marketing mix strategies.
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.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module informs and equips students to effectively respond to the governance challenges organisations face today. The module aims to investigate the key components for securing the highest standards of effective corporate governance.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is concerned with the study of business finance, with a distinctly corporate focus, examining issues mainly from the viewpoint of the corporate manager. The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to study at a more advanced level aspects of the management of business finance; investment, the balance between risk and return and the measurement and control of both, the operation of capital markets and the distribution of wealth between stakeholders.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
In today's increasingly networked digital age, a knowledge of cybercrime and its impact on the operations of businesses is important. Delivered in association with Grant Thornton's forensic technology specialists this module provides insights into cybercrime and forensic technology from both a theoretical perspective (the legal, professional and ethical issues relating to the cybercrime) and a technical perspective (gathering, reserving and presenting digital evidence).
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module is designed to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the principles of psychology at work. Students will develop a further awareness of both their own and others' behaviour and how to apply this awareness to maximise effective performance.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Total Quality Management is a holistic approach to managing organisations, which focuses on continual improvement in all areas, achieved by the active involvement and participation of all employees. At its core are the processes involving customer/supplier chains, supported by the 'hard' elements of Teams, Systems, and Tools, interwoven with the 'soft' elements of Culture, Commitment, and Communication, all combined into an effective whole.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
The A Level requirement for this course is BBC.
*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(inc. course if appropriate)(2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(inc. course if appropriate)(2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma (inc. course if appropriate) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(inc. course if appropriate) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(inc. course if appropriate) (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (inc. course if appropriate) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma(inc. course if appropriate) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (inc. course if appropriate)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate(inc. course if appropriate)(2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level, including English and Maths at O4/H6 or above.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBCCC.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCD
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 26 - 28 points (13 - 14 points at higher level).
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 15 credits at distinction and 30 at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
GCSE Profile to include Mathematics with a minimum Grade C or above.
GCSE Profile to include English Language with a minimum Grade C or above.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Experience over many years indicates that graduates in Business Studies possess a combination of knowledge and skills which is attractive to a wide range of potential employers. The career opportunities available include management level posts in finance, production, purchasing, personnel and marketing in industry. Previously, students have secured employment locally, nationally and globally. Each year a number of graduates also elect to proceed with postgraduate studies.
Students may elect to undertake a period of paid work experience or academic study abroad in the third year. Students who have successfully completed years one and two, and who do not wish to complete a work experience year, or a year of academic study abroad, may proceed directly to the final year of the degree.
◦ Deans List Award (First Year)
◦ Chartered Accountants Ireland - Ulster Society - awarded to the student with the highest mark in the Business Strategy module (Final Year)
◦ Chartered Institute of Management Accountants CIMA (Ireland) Achievement of Excellence Award in Business Accounting - awarded to the student with the highest mark in the Business Accounting module (First Year)
◦ First Trust Bank - awarded to the final year student with the highest mark in any Accounting and Finance optional module (Final Year).
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition feesWhere a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering)vaccinations , security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi are also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Admissions: Jacqui Neill
Course Director: Paul Dickson
T: +44 (0)28 9036 6254
