Course summary

Our undergraduate degrees with a foundation year are an alternative entry route into university for those without more traditional qualifications or grades, or are entering university after a notable period of time out of education. The programme offers support and guidance in developing the skills required for degree-level study. The foundation year will focus specifically on communication (oral and written), critical thinking, research, independent study, digital and employability skills. The modules are designed to embed the development of these skills within the broad areas of business, communications, humanities and social sciences. Students will study and research the fundamental principles of the business environment, and the functioning of global cities and the economics of globalisation. Successful completion of the foundation year will allow progression onto our Business Management programme. Businesses – indeed most organisations – succeed because they get the balance right between the financial and material resources, trained staff and the production output. Successful organisations use resources as inputs into their manufacturing/service operations or as assets in which they invest to get a profitable return. It’s the job of finance personnel to help manage the efficient, effective and ethical transformation of assets into outputs that customers need. Without financial expertise, even the best businesses will experience severe operational problems, but when the finances of a business are well managed and aligned with other business functions (such as marketing, human resources and technology) the results can be excellent. Successful graduates of this Business Management and Finance course will be able to apply skills, concepts and knowledge gained to manage a prosperous business. This degree builds on contemporary financial management skills and approaches to give you everything you need to secure and succeed in a finance-based management career. We aim to give you practical experience through our extensive placement and mentoring programmes, which will equip you with hands-on skills and guidance from industry professionals. A placement year enables students to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between their second and final year. It is a substantial piece of paid experience where you can make a real contribution to your employer and it can really make you stand out from the crowd! Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and careers teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities. You will need to attend some preparatory workshops which will explain all aspects of the placement year and give you the skills to find the placement of your choice. With access to our jobs board, careers events and employer contacts you will be able to approach companies confidently and find the right opportunity for you. Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the 3 year version of your degree programme.