Business with Specialisms
BSc (Hons)

About this course

About

The BSc Hons Business Studies programme meets the needs of those wishing to pursue a career in business and allows those with an interest in accounting, management or marketing to choose these subjects as specialist areas. The programme also allows students to follow a general business studies path or take a specialism from one of the three pathways namely Accounting, Enterprise or Marketing. This enables students to develop the skills and expertise necessary for an aspiring professional career in accounting, management, entrepreneurship or marketing. In addition, it provides the basis for graduates wishing to take a postgraduate programme up to doctoral level.

The programme provides key business knowledge and skills essential for a graduates seeking a managerial career in general business or a specialist interest in accounting, enterprise or marketing. The programme develops knowledge around key business functions, the economic business environment, research knowledge and skills, and strategy development and planning amongst others.

The development of relevant employability skills is at the core of the BSc Hons Business Studies 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 as well as general management skills.

All staff delivering the business studies programme have strong links with industry. Many have secured professional recognition with a variety of industry bodies relevant to their discipline such as Chartered Institute of Marketing, Institute of Exporters and Chartered Accountants Ireland, and ACCA. In addition, all staff within the Department of Global Business and Enterprise are fellows/senior fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Three years without placement or four years including placement year. This is a full-time course where you will normally complete six modules per year, 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.

Start dates

• September 2022

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, practical workshops, case studies, problem-solving techniques, team projects, individual research, oral presentations, non-book media, visiting lectures with industry practitioners, applied projects, and 'real' live assignments. These methods allow students to have a high degree of involvement and participation in learning, equipping participants with concepts, skills and experiences necessary for career and personal development, in addition to supporting the application of knowledge in practice.

Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including individual essays/reports, class tests, case studies, group projects, oral presentations and end of term examinations.

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:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

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.

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.

Standard entry conditions

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.

A level

Grades CCC

Applied General Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of DMM

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma(2016 Suite)

Award profile of MMM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate(2016 Suite)

Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC

Irish Leaving Certificate

96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

Grades CCCCC

A minimum of grade C in Maths and English is required at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades DDD

A minimum of grade C in Maths and English is required at Intermediate Level if not studying at Higher Level.

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 24 points (12 at higher level) including English and Maths

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 45 credits at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Essential Skills Level 2 Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

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.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

Acceptable alternative qualifications include:

Pass HND with overall merit to include 15 distinctions in level 5 credits.

Pass HNC with overall merit to include 45 distinctions in level 4 credits.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University.

Exemptions and transferability

Most students enter Year 1. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer System, (CATS), may be considered for exemption from particular modules or entry to later years.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Bank of Ireland
• McCambridge Duffy
• Moy Park
• KPMG
• Deloitte LLP
• Kerry Group
• Allstate

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Banking Official
• Business Analyst
• Graduate Management Programme
• Human Resource Administrator
• Accountant
• Consultant
• Sales Marketing Executive

Career options

Business studies graduates are well placed for a management career in the business arena or to take advantage of opportunities in the public sector due to the options pathways. Depending on the choice of business specialism, graduates will have generic skills in management functions including management accounting, finance and project management and specific specialist skills in accounting, entrepreneurship or marketing. Graduates may also proceed to postgraduate study or research in related areas. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop their personal skills and abilities in order to maximize their career potential. In addition students will be supported and encouraged to reflect on career choices and plan their graduate career path through employer engagement, career fairs and careers staff counsel and advice amongst others.

Work placement / study abroad

In Year 3 you will have the option of a paid placement year in a range of local and international locations. This will provide a link between the subjects you have studied and their application in a 'real world' setting. Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice or Diploma in Professional Practice (International) if you complete your work placement internationally. You also have the option to study abroad for a year; satisfactory completion of a study abroad year will lead to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2022

Contact

Admissions:

Philomena Grant

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5434

E: ap.grant@ulster.ac.uk

Lorraine Coyle

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5379

E: l.coyle@ulster.ac.uk

International Admissions Office

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5379

E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Ulster University Business School
• Department of Global Business and Enterprise

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.