Modules

In year 1 (level 4) of the 3-year programme, the common first year gives you the opportunity to gain thorough grounding in the world of business. At level 4 all our students are taught together and study 4 x 30 credit modules. Level 4 provides an excellent foundation for you to develop a broad understand of business theory, academic and study skills and an appreciation of some of the debates and challenges facing contemporary business. As you move into levels 5 and 6, your knowledge and skills will be built on through the modules you will study and the opportunities you will be given to apply your knowledge. We have a varied approach to learning and like to bring realistic contexts to learning through case studies, problem solving exercises, business simulations and games. The programme integrates theory and practice by providing inputs to the student learning from guest speakers, lectures, practising managers and through supporting assessment. Students will have opportunities to give and receive peer review on formative assessment and will be guided throughout in developing their skills in this vocational aspect of their personal development. At level 6, students are supported into the employability cycle through such activities as application preparation and mock interviews. Research skills are developed at all levels culminating in students designing and undertaking their own research project in Level 6. The Level 6 project is not a traditional dissertation, and is instead a Consultancy project which might be the foundation of a new start-up, a practical project with a partner organisation, or a transformative organisational development initiative. Year one

• Operate

• Lead

• Communicate

• Collaborate

• Simulate

• Projects

• Markets

• People

• Innovate

• Transform

Assessment method

On the programme we use a variety of assessments to test both knowledge and skills. Where possible, across the programme we have designed authentic and applied assessments. This means that we have designed assignments to reflect the demands of business and the workplace and which will require you to apply your learning to ‘real life’ business problems and scenarios. Modules are typically assessed by asking you to apply your knowledge and understanding to a business problem or scenario. Alongside formal (summative) assessment and feedback, there will also be opportunities within the module to practice and apply your knowledge and understanding and receive feedback which will help you progress (known as formative feedback). There will also be occasions when you receive feedback from your peers (e.g., in presentations). It is important that you take note of all types of feedback as they can all help you develop. In all modules we will introduce you to and develop professional and employability skills (often known as key, transferable or graduate skills). Examples of the types of assessments you are likely to encounter include:

• Written work is central to a degree course and many of the learning approaches and emphasis is put upon clarity of style and argument as well as presentation. Different forms of written language will be explored to ensure appropriate critical skills and creative authorship are examined. Written work can be either formatively or summatively assessed and this is always made clear in the assessment brief.

• Digital Portfolios are a method of presenting a collection of your work. For example, you might be asked to develop a ‘professional development’ portfolio whilst you are on programme. In the portfolio you might be encouraged to record examples of academic and professional training and development courses you have completed, application forms and an up-to-date CV.

• Presentations provide an alternative way of conveying research and offer an opportunity for all learning types to develop their verbal communication skills. Confidence in being able to speak about your work is absolutely necessary in the workplace. Practicing these skills will contribute to your confidence and personal development.

• Posters are one method to share your ideas with a wider audience. In each year of your degree you will be invited to produce a poster.

• Business Reports