Business Studies

BSc (Hons)

2023/24 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Faculty:

Ulster University Business School

School:

Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing

Campus:

Belfast campus

UCAS code:

N100
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2023

This course is now closed for International applications for September 2023

With this degree you could become:

  • Business Owner
  • Management consultant
  • Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Human Resource Manager

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • FinTRU
  • First Derivatives
  • Henderson Group
  • Fujitsu
  • Go Power Energy
  • Northern Ireland Civil Service
  • PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Overview

Developing business managers of the future

Summary

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:

  • An in-depth understanding of the key functions in business including, human resources, marketing, finance and accountancy, operations and management.
  • How to develop a business strategy, manage its implementation and adapt in complex and challenging business climates.
  • Core leadership skills including presenting, effective communication, how to influence and manage people and change within organisations.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

Our course is designed to give you real world experience:

  • Learn through projects with real life companies giving you valuable experience.
  • Our course has been designed with industry leaders and is taught by professionals with specialist and global experience.
  • Choose a placement year for hands on experience that will boost your employment prospects.
  • Network and highlight your talent to top firms via guest lecturess and projects with companies and professional bodies.

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 1:

Introduction to Accounting for Business

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.

Design Thinking and Management Skills

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.

Principles of Management

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.

Business and the Economy

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.

Principles of Marketing

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.

Business Awareness and Analysis

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:

Accounting for Business Decisions

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.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

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.

Managing and Developing People

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.

Digital Business Management

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.

Marketing Communications

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.

Digital Analytics Skills

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.

Behavioural Sciences (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:

Professional Practice (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.

International Academic Studies (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:

Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurship

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.

Business Strategy

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.

Leadership and Change

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.

Integrating Marketing Insight (Optional)

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.

Governance, Risk and Ethics

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.

Global Marketing (Optional)

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.

Management of Business Finance (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.

Cybercrime and Forensic Technology (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).

Psychology at Work (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.

Quality Management (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.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

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.

Start dates

  • September 2023

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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.

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 (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.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation  


Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing  


Belfast Campus Location

The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.

Find out more about our Belfast Campus.

Campus Address

Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP

T: 02870 123 456

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

The A Level requirement for this course is BBC.

Applied General Qualifications

*** 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

Irish Leaving Certificate

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.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBCCC.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCD

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 26 - 28 points (13 - 14 points at higher level).

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course) to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma

Overall profile of 15 credits at distinction and 30 at merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

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

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.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • FinTRU
  • First Derivatives
  • Henderson Group
  • Fujitsu
  • Go Power Energy
  • Northern Ireland Civil Service
  • PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Business Owner
  • Management consultant
  • Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Human Resource Manager

Career options

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.

Work placement / study abroad

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.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2023

Fees and funding

Fees (per year)

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,710.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,250.00

International Fees

£15,840.00

Scholarships, awards and prizes

◦ 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).

Red Star Brands - awarded to the highest overall mark in Final year

Additional mandatory costs

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 fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. 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 Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Back to Top