Course summary

We have consulted widely with prospective employers on the content and design of this completely revised programme to ensure that the skills students are learning are industry-standard. The foundation degree is designed for students to develop as versatile learners. The first year of the course provides students with a grounding in a variety of business disciplines, which underpin later learning. In year two, students have a choice of optional modules, providing the opportunity to tailor their course with specialist knowledge. Teaching staff have strong professional profiles, and our close partnerships with local businesses allow us to draw on their expertise and resources for both input and assessment. Assessments are designed to prepare the learner for the real business world. Case studies will be used for the learner to apply higher level intellectual skills in their analysis and problem solving. In some modules a group presentation made in the form of a pitch to senior management will form the assessment. Students will be encouraged to be active learners whose knowledge and understanding is gained through a positive relationship with academic staff, who will act as mentors, rather than ‘lecturers’. The involvement of industry specialists will also be crucial, and again they will not be seen purely as ‘guest lecturers’, but as part of the university community. The courses at University Centre Peterborough are studied in smaller class sizes compared with other universities, a typical class size is under 30 students. After completion of the FD Business Management, students have the option of completing a further year study of either the BSc (Hons) Business Management, BSc (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource), BSc (Hons) Business Management (Marketing) or BSc (Hons) Business Management (Management Accounting). Guidance will be provided to students making this decision.