The University for World-Class Professionals. <title> Business and Management

Transcription

1 The University for World-Class Professionals <title> Business and B (Hons)

2 Welcome to the Department of The Department of is housed in the vibrant Business School at the heart of the All Saints Campus, in central Manchester. As well as providing world-class facilities, we are committed to ensuring that our students have a great experience whilst studying with us and are fully equipped as early career professionals as they embark on their future careers. Our academic staff are active in their professions with many holding qualifications from professional bodies and broad experience of working across a number of businesses. Staff research expertise is also reflected in the wide range of academic programmes on offer throughout the Department. Our degrees are designed to provide you with a current understanding of business and management in the 21st Century. As well as providing formal placement and overseas study activity, workrelated learning occurs through a structured programme of volunteering, engagement with professional bodies and a Society, which is run from the Department. The Student Xchange offers opportunities to work with local businesses and organisations on particular projects, to support academic studies and gain vital work experience. Throughout your time at MMU you are also encouraged to develop your own entrepreneurial skills through a variety of initiatives such as the Business Start Up Bootcamp, the Going Freelance programme for future freelancers and the New Directions skills development scheme. The Department of is a great place to study and enjoy student life and we look forward to welcoming you. Dr Diane Wright Head of Department and Associate Dean (International).

3 Contents 4 Courses 13 Consultancy experience 15 Foundation year 18 Entrepreneurial/enterprise 20 Your student experience 22 World-class professionals 24 Global connections 27 International students 28 Come and meet us 30 Courses fact file Business and The subject of business and management is a versatile one that covers all of the key business disciplines. Studying business will equip you with the necessary skills to set up your own business and work for yourself, or take up a career within an existing organisation. Our Business School degrees are designed so that you can develop the essential skills and knowledge to become an effective business leader, manager or entrepreneur. Because the nature of business is complex and constantly changing, your studies may cover subjects such as strategy, management and leadership; marketing; finance and accounting; human resource management and data analysis. Some of our degrees provide the opportunity to specialise in a particular business discipline such as entrepreneurship, legal studies, project management, marketing or financial management, which means you can combine the study of business with both broad and specialised skills. Graduates with broad-based degrees in business and management are very well placed to apply for a range of opportunities in a number of sectors, this could include corporate and private business or organisations owned by the public sector. Studying a Business and degree at the Business School means you will benefit from our excellent links with professional bodies. This means your learning is directly linked with what is going on in today s modern world of business, with opportunities to take part in a number of initiatives and competitions that will sharpen your entrepreneurial skills. mmu.ac.uk 3

4 Our undergraduate programmes Our suite of business and management courses will help you to develop the skills and techniques so you can hit the ground running when you begin your management career. Business BA (Hons) This degree combines the flexibility and choice of a broad-based business degree with the option to specialise during the later stages of the course. Studying this degree will allow you to gain skills in all areas of business and make an informed decision about which area you wish to build your career in. Your studies will draw on disciplines including business planning strategy, creative thinking, accounting and finance, human resources, leadership, marketing and data analysis. Assignments are work-focused so that you can apply the theory you have learned to real-life scenarios and practices. The course focuses on entrepreneurship, as entrepreneurs have to have a good all-round understanding of their company, take a fresh, innovative approach to improving business practices, and identify new opportunities. These skills are highly valued by employers who are looking for corporate entrepreneurs people who will be proactive in making suggestions about how the business can improve. This approach also provides you with the skills to launch your own company or consultancy. Typical units of study may include the following but may be subject to change: Year 1 You will study four, 30-credit units: Dynamic Business Environment This unit will develop your understanding of the general business environment and the factors which organisations may have limited, if any, control over. Topics studied include markets and globalisation, technological development, fundamental macroeconomic elements and concepts, social, cultural and ecological factors. Finance and Accounting Information for Managers This unit provides you with an introduction to the concepts of financial accounting. You will learn about analysing simple financial statements and cover topics such as financial accounting fundamentals, preparing an income statement, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows. You will also attend IT laboratory sessions to demonstrate how transactions can be recorded and processed using Excel model packages. Ideas, Creativity and Entrepreneurship The main aim of this unit is to develop your enterprising behaviours, skills and attributes, build your awareness of entrepreneurial career paths, and highlight to you the opportunities there are in responsible entrepreneurship. You will engage in a series of enterprise workshops and undertake individual and group activities to help develop and embed your learning and you will capture this learning in a business ideas portfolio. Understanding and Managing People The aim of this unit is to learn about aspects of understanding and managing people in the context of organisational behaviour concepts. You will explore the importance of people within modern business organisations and understand the major influences on human behaviour at work. Key themes include the individual, groups and social interaction, organisation and management, as well as personal and professional development. Year 2 You will study four 30-credit units, three which are core and then choose one optional unit of your choice. Managing Effective Organisations Through exploring research and best practice on how people are managed and organised at work, this unit explores the practice of management. You will learn about the ways in which culture, ethics, gender, politics and power come to shape how management is seen and practiced. Marketing and Operations This unit examines the principles and practice of marketing. You will look at marketing and operations strategy; product/service development; operational and marketing planning; consumers and culture; supply chain management and quality and improvement. 4 Business and

5 Tesco, Aldi, Bentely, Southern Co-op, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, IBM and Deloitte are just some of the employers that came on to campus last year to talk to students about graduate schemes and career opportunities Responsible Enterprise The structure of a business reflects the company s ethos and philosophy which are enshrined in its corporate governance and legal frameworks. This unit looks at how the rise in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the increasing importance of the sustainability agenda are changing business behaviour. Your choice of one of the following optional units: Enterprise in Action Work Based Learning Ideas, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Year 3 If you are on the placement route, you undertake a minimum of 36 weeks paid work experience between Year 2 and Year 3. If you are on the overseas study route, you study at a university in Europe, North America, Australia or China (Hong Kong) between Year 2 and Year 3. If you are on the full-time route, you progress directly to Year 3. You will study two core units and choose two optional units. You can select from a wide choice of units to focus your studies on human resource management, finance, marketing or entrepreneurship. Core units: Global Strategy This unit looks at the strategic challenges faced by organisations operating in an increasingly global business environment. You will examine strategic management concepts and theories and apply them to a wide range of case studies on contemporary multinational firms. This will deepen your understanding of complex management problems and enhance your analytical skills in finding solutions to them. Leadership in Context This unit introduces the concepts and models of leadership and asks how relevant the models are in society today. You will also review different styles of leadership in relation to real world issues. You can select from a wide choice of units or choose to focus your studies on human resource management, finance, marketing or entrepreneurship. Optional units: America: Business and Culture Applied Practice Business Analytics and Decision Making Business Creation Business Ethics and Sustainability Business Research: Consultancy Business Project: Research Business Project: Young Enterprise Business Psychology Contemporary Perspectives in Human Resource Entrepreneurial Practice Entrepreneurs, Business and Society Global and Networked Innovation Global Human Resource Integrated Marketing Communications Performance Project for Business Social and New Media Strategic Operations for Business Development Uniwide Language Work Based Learning (Role of the Manager) mmu.ac.uk/13024 mmu.ac.uk 5

6 Business Integrated Masters (with industrial experience) M.Bus (Hons) While the first three years of this degree are broadly in common with the BA (Hons) Business programme, you gradually integrate your undergraduate studies with work experience before developing higher-level, postgraduate skills and competencies. On completion of the four-year programme you graduate with a Masters level degree in Business. Typical units of study may include the following but may be subject to change: Year 1 The first year is designed to give you a thorough grounding in finance, human resource management, business environment and entrepreneurship. You will study four, 30-credit units: Dynamic Business Environment This unit will develop your understanding of the general business environment and the factors which organisations may have limited, if any, control over. Topics studied include markets and globalisation, technological development, fundamental macroeconomic elements and concepts, social, cultural and ecological factors. Finance and Accounting Information for Managers This unit provides you with an introduction to the concepts of financial accounting. You will learn about analysing simple financial statements and cover topics such financial accounting fundamentals and how to prepare an income statement, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows. You will 6 Business and also attend IT laboratory sessions to demonstrate how transactions can be recorded and processed using Excel model packages. Ideas, Creativity and Entrepreneurship The main aim of this unit is to develop your enterprising behaviours, skills and attributes, build your awareness of entrepreneurial career paths, and highlight to you the opportunities there are in responsible entrepreneurship. You will engage in a series of enterprise workshops and undertake individual and group activities to help develop and embed your learning and you will capture this learning in a business ideas portfolio. Understanding and Managing People The aim of this unit is to learn about aspects of understanding and managing people in the context of organisational behaviour concepts. You will explore the importance of people within modern business organisations and understand the major influences on human behaviour at work. Key themes include the individual, groups and social interaction, organisation and management, as well as personal and professional development. Year 2 In the second year, you will begin to apply what you have learned through a structured work placement. Further work experience occurs in the third and postgraduate years, which aim to deepen your understanding of how business theories can be effectively applied to the workplace. You will study four, 30-credit units: in Practice 1 This is an industry experience based unit that involves an in-house project focusing on the organisation in its environmental context. Managing Effective Organisations Through exploring research and best practice on how people are managed and organised at work, this unit explores the practice of management. You will learn about the ways in which culture, ethics, gender, politics and power come to shape how management is seen and practiced. Marketing and Operations This unit examines the principles and practice of marketing. You will look at marketing and operations strategy; product/service development; operational and marketing planning; consumers and culture; supply chain management and quality and improvement. Responsible Enterprise The structure of a business reflects the company s ethos and philosophy which are enshrined in its corporate governance and legal frameworks. This unit looks at how the rise in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the increasing importance of the sustainability agenda are changing business behaviour. * You will need to achieve a minimum pass rate of 60% at the end of Year 2 to progress onto M.Bus Year 3. If your pass rate is below 60%, you will transfer onto the final year of the BA (Hons) Business degree.

7 The innovative M.Bus programme has been developed in collaboration with industry and fully integrates the student s industrial experience with their academic studies. This unique approach helps develop transferrable skills and applied business knowledge which is so desired by employers. David Taylor Programme Leader, Business, and Enterprise Year 3 Strategy and leadership are important elements of the third year. You may choose to specialise in an area of business by selecting an option unit from a wide range of business disciplines. You will study four 30 credit units, three of which will be core and one which will be an optional unit of your choice. Typical units of study may include the following but may be subject to change. Core units: Global Strategy This unit will introduce you to the strategic challenges faced by organisations operating in an increasingly global business environment. You will examine strategic management concepts and theories and apply them to a wide range of case studies on contemporary multinational firms. This will deepen your understanding of complex management problems and enhance your analytical skills in finding solutions to them. Leadership in Context Assesses concepts and models of leadership and asks how relevant the models are in society today. Key themes include ethics, diversity and leadership, leadership and change, cross cultural leadership and globalisation. in Practice 2 Industrial experience based management practice, building on the in Practice 1 unit and focusing on an organisation s internal processes and operations. Optional units: You will choose one optional unit of your choice. Please refer to the Year 3 optional unit list for BA (Hons) Business on page 5 for these options. Year 4 The Masters level units in your final year enable you to further develop your business ideas and specialise in an area of your choice. You will study four units, worth a total of 120 credits: Core units: Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Sustainability, Business and Leadership Ethics Project Optional units: There is a large choice of optional units available from across the Business School where you can specialise your studies. Here are just a few examples of the types of units available: Business and Performance Corporate Finance and Strategy Ethics, Responsibility and Equality Leading, Managing and Developing People Project Concepts and Practice mmu.ac.uk/13169 mmu.ac.uk 7

8 The Business School is very good at connecting people with their placements; I spent last year with Boots UK Nottingham in the Buying and Trading department. I loved the whole experience of applying to the buying industry and working within it; not only was it different to sitting in a classroom but I was also paid and it has greatly enhanced my CV. Joseph Groves BA (Hons) Business Business with Law BA (Hons) A degree combining business with law offers a valuable opportunity to understand the legal structures within which businesses operate whilst gaining valuable business knowledge and skills. This business programme covers people management, finance, marketing, business environment, strategy, as well as business and company law. Whilst this is not a qualifying law degree, it will give you a significant insight into law that will help you differentiate yourself in a very competitive market place. It is suitable for individuals aiming for a career in business but also offers an advantage to those students wanting management roles within the legal sector, where such knowledge would be highly valued. You may wish to take a four-year placement or overseas study route on this programme where you have the opportunity to spend your third year on industrial placement or studying overseas, after which you will return to study for your final year. Typical units of study may include the following but may be subject to change. Year 1 You will study four, 30-credit units: Dynamic Business Environment This unit will develop your understanding of the general business environment and the factors which organisations may have limited, if any, control over. Topics studied include markets and globalisation, technological development, fundamental macroeconomic elements and concepts, social, cultural and ecological factors. Finance and Accounting Information for Managers This unit provides you with an introduction to the concepts of financial accounting. You will learn about analysing simple financial statements and cover topics such financial accounting fundamentals and how to prepare an income statement, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows. You will also attend IT laboratory sessions to demonstrate how transactions can be recorded and processed using Excel model packages. Understanding and Managing People The aim of this unit is to learn about aspects of understanding and managing people in the context of organisational behaviour concepts. You will explore the importance of people within modern business organisations and understand the major influences on human behaviour at work. Key themes include the individual, groups and social interaction, organisation and management, as well as personal and professional development. Introduction to Business Law The unit explores the types, governance, control and financing of business organisations, especially companies and aspects of contract and tort law relevant to them. Key themes include the following: Terms and discharge of contractual obligations, including employment contracts; liability in tort for nuisance; dangerous escape and as occupier; types of business organisations; the legal requirements for the management, organisation, financing and dissolution of companies; and the options available to companies in crisis. 8 Business and

9 The University business incubator, Innospace, works with the Business School, collaborating with students so they have an opportunity to work closely with start-up businesses. Louise Kenworthy Incubation Services Manager, Innospace Year 2 You will study four, 30-credit units: Business Law This unit will examine the principles underpinning choice of business media. In addition to enhancing your knowledge, you will develop your presentation and legal drafting skills as well as your commercial awareness; Key themes include legal structures, ownership, finance and taxation, trading and commercial contracts. Managing Effective Organisations Through exploring research and best practice on how people are managed and organised at work, this unit explores the practice of management. You will learn about the ways in which culture, ethics, gender, politics and power come to shape how management is seen and practiced. Marketing and Operations This unit examines the principles and practice of marketing. You will look at marketing and operations strategy; product/service development; operational and marketing planning; consumers and culture; supply chain management and quality and improvement. Responsible Enterprise The structure of a business reflects the company s ethos and philosophy which are enshrined in its corporate governance and legal frameworks. This unit looks at how the rise in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the increasing importance of the sustainability agenda are changing business behaviour. Year 3 If you are on the placement route, you undertake a minimum of 36 weeks paid work experience between Year 2 and Year 3. If you are on the overseas study route, you study at a university in Europe, North America, Australia or China (Hong Kong) between Year 2 and Year 3. If you are on the full-time route, you progress directly to Year 3. You will study four, 30-credit units, three of which will be core and one which will be an optional unit of your choice. Company Law in a Global Context The unit charts the rise of the corporation, looking at capitalism, globalisation and responsible governance. Domestic company law is scrutinised in detail, with key learning themes including corporation power in the UK and the US, corporate social responsibility and globalisation. You will also explore case law and company legislation. Global Strategy This unit will introduce you to the strategic challenges faced by organisations operating in an increasingly global business environment. You will examine strategic management concepts and theories and apply them to a wide range of case studies on contemporary multinational firms. This will deepen your understanding of complex management problems and enhance your analytical skills in finding solutions to them. Leadership in Context Assesses concepts and models of leadership and asks how relevant the models are in society today. Key themes include ethics, diversity, leadership and change, cross cultural leadership and globalisation. Optional units: America: Business and Culture Business Analytics and Decision Making Business Creation Business Ethics and Sustainability Business Project: Consultancy Business Project: Research Business Project: Young Enterprise Psychology at Work Contemporary Perspectives on Human Resource Entrepreneurial Practice Entrepreneurs, Business and Society Global and Networked Innovation Global Human Resource Social and New Media Work Based Learning (Role of the Manager) mmu.ac.uk/12982 mmu.ac.uk 9

10 International Business BA (Hons) International trade is an increasingly important area of work for many companies and the most successful businesses understand the cultural, political and financial differences involved when dealing across different countries and continents. This degree provides you with the skills and knowledge to be able to play an important part in developing and maintaining international business relationships. You will cover the core business areas of strategy, crosscultural human resource management, international accounting and finance, global business and politics, international trading relations and marketing and operations. Case studies and contemporary business examples enable you to see how different types of business organisations operate and succeed in UK and international markets. Assignments are work-focused so that you can apply the business theory you have learnt to real-life scenarios and work practices. You can choose to include a language as part of your studies. This can be a language which is completely new to you or which you have previously studied. Typical units of study may include the following but may be subject to change: Year 1 You will study four, 30-credit units: Global Business Environment This unit aims to develop your understanding of a range of factors in the global business environment organisations may have limited, if any, control over. Topics studied include political and legal fundamentals, micro and macro-economic elements, social and cultural factors, technological developments and theories of the firm. International Accounting and Finance Alongside developing your technical accounting and analytical skills, this unit also provides practical and upto-date knowledge of accounting and finance in an international context. Understanding and Managing People The aim of this unit is to learn about aspects of understanding and managing people in the context of organisational behaviour concepts. You will explore the importance of people within modern business organisations and understand the major influences on human behaviour at work. Key themes include the individual, groups and social interaction, organisation and management, as well as personal and professional development. Ideas, Creativity and Entrepreneurship/A Language This unit will develop your enterprising behaviours, skills and attributes, build your awareness of entrepreneurial career paths, and in-part highlight to you the opportunities there are in responsible entrepreneurship. You will engage in a series of enterprise workshops and you will capture this learning in a business ideas portfolio. You will also have the choice to study a language as part of this unit if you wish, worth 15-credits. Year 2 You will study four 30-credit units: International Marketing and Operations You will examine international marketing principles and practice and explore topics such as business operations strategy, service/product development, capacity planning and consumer culture. Other key themes in this unit include quality improvement and responsible management in addition to international market selection. International Political Economy This unit allows you to think critically about the relationship between states and markets, and assesses the impact of institutions of global governance on the dynamics of the global economy. Key themes include trade, ethics, sustainability and international security. Managing Across Cultures Exploring research and best practice on how people are managed and organised at work, this unit looks at how these practices vary in different cultures and societies. This unit will also help develop your skills as a reflective practitioner. You will also select one of the following 30-credit optional units: Enterprise in Action A language selected from the Uniwide language scheme Ideas, Creativity and Entrepreneurship Responsible Enterprise Work Based Learning (Policy, Procedures and Practice) 10 Business and

11 Overall 96% of students were satisfied with the quality of their International Business course National Student Survey, 2015 I am a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource and Organisational Behaviour. We use interactive and innovative teaching and learning methods that develop students teamwork, communication and presentation skills. These essential employability skills are relevant to their university studies and when they start work. Shahida Choudhary Year 3 If you are on the placement route, you undertake a minimum of 36 weeks paid work experience between Year 2 and Year 3. If you are on the overseas study route, you study at a university in Europe, North America, Australia or China (Hong Kong) between Year 2 and Year 3. If you are on the full-time route, you progress directly to Year 3. You will study four, 30-credit units: Core units: Business in Emerging Markets You will consider the historical economic and socio-political development of major emerging markets throughout this unit, looking at their current business environment and examining the key issues of doing business in those countries. International Business Theory and Strategy Providing you with an in-depth analysis of strategic development, this unit will examine a range of practical perspectives in the international business context. Focusing on core themes of foreign direct investment, foreign market entry as well as strategies and structures in the multinational enterprise, you will develop knowledge in international competitive strategies. Two optional units* *You can select from a range of optional units that will enable to you specialise in a particular subject area. Optional units: America: Business and Culture Applied Practice Business Analytics and Decision Making Business Creation Business Ethics and Sustainability Business Project: Research Business Project: Consultancy Business Project: Young Enterprise Psychology at Work Contemporary Perspectives in Human Resource Entrepreneurial Practice Entrepreneurs, Business and Society Global and Networked Innovation Global Human Resource Integrated Marketing Communications International Sports Ownership and Governance Performance for Business Project Social and New Media Strategic Operations for Business Development Uniwide Language Work Based Learning (Role of the Manager) mmu.ac.uk/12829 mmu.ac.uk 11

12 Business (top-up) BA (Hons) This is a versatile business degree lasting one year, where you build on your existing qualifications. There are seven different routes you can choose from, which means you can graduate with either a BA (Hons) in Business (generalist route), or choose to specialise in a strand of business, which means you graduate with joint honours. The specialist routes include strands in entrepreneurship, finance, human resource management, I.T., marketing and international business. Depending on the route you choose, you will take a combination of core and optional units, giving you further flexibility in shaping your degree. Typical units of study may include the following but may be subject to change: BA (Hons) Business (generalist route) Core units: Global Strategy Leadership in Context Business in Emerging Markets Optional units: America: Business and Culture Business Analytics and Decision Making Business Creation Business Ethics and Sustainability Business Project Young Enterprise / Consultancy Contemporary Perspectives on HRM Entrepreneurial Practice Entrepreneurs, Business and Society Global and Networked Innovation Global Human Resource International Sports Ownership and Governance 12 Business and Psychology at Work Social and New Media Work based Learning (Role of the Manager) Specialised routes: BA (Hons) Business with Entrepreneurship Core units: Global Strategy Entrepreneurs, Business and Society Optional units: Entrepreneurial Practice Business Creation Business Project Research BA (Hons) Business with Finance Core units: Global Strategy Business in Emerging Markets Optional units: Corporate Financial Planning Personal Financial Planning Performance for Business BA (Hons) Business with Human Resource Core units: Global Strategy Business in Emerging Markets Optional units: Business Ethics and Sustainability Psychology at Work Global Human Resource Contemporary Perspectives on HRM BA (Hons) Business with Information Technology Core units: Global Strategy Business in Emerging Markets Optional units: Developing a Digital Business Business Intelligence and Strategy Digital and Social Media Marketing Communications BA (Hons) Business with Marketing Core units: Global Strategy Business in Emerging Markets Optional units: International and Global Marketing Strategic Communications and Advertising Planning Strategic Marketing BA (Hons) International Business Core units: International Business Theory and Strategy Global Human Resource Business in Emerging Markets Optional units: America: Business and Culture Global and Networked Innovation Contemporary Perspectives on HRM mmu.ac.uk/12986

13 Valuable Experience in Business Consultancy I graduated with a 1st Class Honours in Business and not only did the activities conducted in the Business Research: Consultancy unit contribute greatly to my academic success, they provided me with valuable experience which has helped me get my first job. At my interview, I talked about the business project itself and the employer was particularly impressed that it was for a real business client. The business project provided me with confidence going into my interview, and plenty to discuss with the interviewer. Not only was the work enjoyable, but the experiences taken from it have benefited me greatly. I have friends studying Business at various universities in the UK, but it seems very few have had the unique opportunity to work on such an interesting final year project. It was a pleasure to work on something that was a little bit different and required different skills The project requires plenty of effort and commitment from all group members, and from a personal perspective, I had a solid group, a very interested and co-operative client who supported our project, and a tutor who was flexibly available to answer any queries and direct our project forward. Most of the other assignments I completed in the final year were very academic, it was a pleasure to work on something that was a little bit different and required different skills. I hope others can benefit from this unit in the future. Andrew Spink, BA (Hons) Business graduate If you are studying Business, International Business or Business with Law, you should choose the Business Research: Consultancy unit in your final year to gain similar consultancy experience. If you are on the M.Bus route you will gain consultancy experience in your in Practice 1 and 2 core units. mmu.ac.uk 13

14 Both private and public sector organisations are today facing unprecedented change. The environment is turbulent and complex requiring adaptable and flexible organisations capable of responding effectively to the challenges of globalisation, increasingly sophisticated consumers and advances in technology. Dr Diane Wright Head of Department and Associate Dean (International). 14 Business and

15 Foundation Year Each year we accept students onto Foundation Year courses who have the potential ability to study at degree level but who don t have the qualifications to enter directly onto an Honours degree. Each Foundation Year is an integral part of a specific degree course. The content of the Foundation Year is tailored to prepare you for your chosen degree so that you start Year 1 of your linked Honours degree with confidence. Two of our single honours business degrees are available with a Foundation Year: BA (Hons) Business UCAS code: N203 BA (Hons) International Business UCAS code: N128 If you choose the Foundation Year route, you will apply for a four-year course. Once you have passed your Foundation Year you will progress directly onto Year 1 of your linked degree and, if you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course. Develop your academic and study skills All Foundation Year students study the Academic Skills for Higher Education unit, which will help you to develop the academic and study skills required for degree-level work. You will also study topics in business, business statistics and economics. International students are placed on the Foundation Year International Route which offers additional English language study skills and tutor support through the English and Academic Practice unit. Successful completion of the Foundation Year guarantees automatic progression onto Year 1 of the degree you have chosen to study. Please note that the English for Academic Practice unit is only available to international students. Entry requirements for a Foundation Year The typical minimum entry requirements for a degree that includes a Foundation Year are UCAS tariff points. The points must come from full A levels (not AS) or equivalent qualifications, for example BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ Extended Diploma, CACHE Level 3 Diploma. Other vocational qualifications at level 3 will also be considered, for example NVQ. If you have other qualifications that are not included in the UCAS tariff we are happy to consider the suitability of these qualifications. You will also need to have a grade D or above (or an acceptable alternative) in GCSE English language and mathematics. For full details of Foundation Year entry requirements, please visit mmu.ac.uk. If English is not your first language you will also need to have IELTS 5.5 (or an equivalent English language qualification). You will be placed on our Foundation Year International Route which provides additional English language, study skills and tutor support through the English and Academic Practice Unit. Applying for a Foundation Year Honours degrees with a Foundation Year have their own unique UCAS codes which can be found in the grid at the back of this brochure, on the UCAS website or by using Find a Course on our website at mmu.ac.uk. mmu.ac.uk/foundation ucas.com mmu.ac.uk 15

16 Studying The academic year is divided into three terms, starting in September. Students can expect to devote around 35 hours to study each week. Each year you will study four units of 30 credits each. These will be made up of either core or optional units that you can select from. Timetabled classes Teaching techniques vary from formal lectures to practical sessions, presentations and group activity, supported by the use of our online Moodle system which will also give you access to your own personalised timetable so you know where you re supposed to be and when. You may find that this is a big shift from 6th Form and A level study: the emphasis at University is on your management of your working week, though we are here to help and guide you. Assessment The range of assessment in our business and management courses reflects the nature of skills required to work in a business organisation. Year 1 and 2 assessments include group work, presentations, and the production of various forms of written work including essays, reports, seminar papers and more extended pieces in the form of project and journal articles. Year 3 you may be required to complete a research project, as well as final examinations. Placement year A Placement year can be an excellent opportunity to acquire high quality work experience and structured onthe-job training whilst earning a salary. There are also opportunities for you to undertake a placement based project where you research a business issue for your employer. This project can count towards one of your final year units and reduces your workload in your final year. The placement must be a minimum of 36 weeks but it will usually last for 12 months and takes place after your second year of study. We have an award-winning placement team, who advertise vacancies and can help you find a placement. The team has over 25 years experience of matching students to employers. They advertise over 1,000 vacancies each year, organise an annual placement fair where you meet employers who are actively recruiting placement students, deliver CV workshops, provide one-toone advice, and will conduct a mock interview with you so you can practice your interview technique. The placement jobs market is competitive and it is your responsibility to be pro-active and apply for vacancies. We recommend that you start researching companies and opportunities during your first year and apply for positions at the start of your second year. Finding the right opportunity and the right position is important because if you are a good match to your placement, your employer could offer you a full-time position when you have graduated. 16 Business and

17 Opportunity to meet employers who are actively recruiting Award winning placement team to help you My placement year at IBM has been an extremely useful insight into the operations of a global company. I have developed as a professional and the responsibility I have been given has been an enjoyable challenge. I would encourage prospective students to undertake a placement especially with the graduate market becoming more competitive year on year. Alex Burton BA (Hons) Business graduate 91% of business and management students studying at the Business School who took a placement year graduated with a first or 2:1 degree in 2013 mmu.ac.uk 17

18 Developing enterprising expertise and entrepreneurial spirit As a Business School student, you will be encouraged to get involved in initiatives that accelerate your business acumen and improve your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills. A Centre of Excellence for entrepreneurial teaching and learning The Business School was named a Centre of Excellence for entrepreneurial teaching and learning by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs in Presented to teaching staff from MMU business programmes at the House of Lords, this title reflects years of work to nurture a hub of student enterprise and the growth of entrepreneurial study options and support available to students. The Ideas, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) unit, available to all business students, aims to develop enterprising behaviours and a reflective approach to the business start-up process. Students on this unit take part in creating a real business and have the opportunity to compete at regional and national level against other young enterprise companies. The Start-Up Final showcases the talents of North West students and their universities who are integrating a hands-on, real life business experience alongside academic studies. Many of our alumnus tell us the programme has improved their employment prospects and we re now pleased to be working in partnership with employers who are looking for graduate talent Andy Firr, Young Enterprise Start-Up Manager. Young Enterprise In 2015, the Business School hosted both the North West University Start-Up Final and the Greater Manchester Schools Young Enterprise Finals in partnership with Young Enterprise and a host of corporate supporters from industry. Over 100 entrepreneurs from across the North West put their business heads on to compete in the regional heat of the Young Enterprise Start Up competition at the University. 18 Business and

19 Innoflux Challenge Innoflux is an annual challenge held at the Business School that allows students to take a business idea and, during the course of a day, work it up into a full business plan with help and support from ten successful entrepreneurs. Xing is used for the challenge, which is a business scenario tool used by companies across the world to develop ideas into fully costed business cases By using Xing, each team receives a real-world insight into the decisions that need to be made to turn a great idea into a profitable business. Dr Claire Giddens, North West Higher Education Enterprise Champion. Innospace Business Incubator Innospace is the University s business incubator for start-ups and new enterprises. Based on campus, Innospace provides dedicated business premises and supports both graduates and new start-up businesses. This includes Professional start-up office space at low cost Access to experienced mentors and professional networks Free bookable meeting spaces Free broadband Telephone line rental Informal, café-style meeting area In-house specialist staff Business support with agency links and networking events Find out more at We are a recognised leader in providing support for small businesses, gaining the prestigious Small Business Silver Charter Mark in 2014 mmu.ac.uk 19

20 An award-winning and outstanding student experience We work hard to provide you with a first-class student experience, ensuring that the combination of integrated learning, student support services, a focus on graduate employment and a great social life provide you with a well-rounded education to get you ready for the world after you graduate. First-class learning facilities Throughout your studies you can take advantage of a wide variety of flexible learning opportunities from face-to-face group work, lectures, seminars and tutorials. We have created some of the best learning environments of any university in the UK, from 25-seat tutorial suites to 300-seat lecture theatres, all featuring the latest technology to ensure you get the most out of every lecture, seminar and tutorial. MyMMU Our virtual online learning environment, Moodle, is sector-leading and brings everything together in one place: your student , your personalised course timetable, coursework, teaching materials, assessment deadline reminders, exams schedule, study materials, reading lists, online articles, audio and video clips, along with your assessment marks and feedback on your work from your tutor. It also provides a channel for keeping in touch with your tutors and fellow students outside of class and you can also use it to check updates on your fees and finance, the library and career development resources. University IT and technical suites Our technical suites are of the highest standard and you ll have access to training on technology and equipment that is industry-standard and used by the professionals. We ve recently invested over 2 million in student PCs and software and regularly update our learning and teaching equipment to ensure you have access to the very best equipment and support for your studies. Our IT Zones have extended opening hours for your convenience, and printing facilities and WiFi are available to you across the entire University. Library Libraries are a key part of your academic experience and ours have been winning annual awards for Customer Service Excellence since In addition to over 750,000 books you ll have access to a huge digital library of journals, e-books and research papers to support your studies. Open all year round and 24/7 at peak study and exam times, our main All Saints library has recently benefited from a multi-million pound refurbishment, with a new helpdesk, electronic book returns, chat zone and access to café facilities. Our library staff run regular information skills training sessions to ensure you can locate, access and select the most appropriate resources from the wealth of material available. Food and drink We have a superb selection of good value catering facilities across the campus, from grab-and-go barista-style cafés to spacious self-service hot food outlets. They are open at convenient times to fit around your studies and serve a range of economically priced hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals. We are one of only seven UK universities to have been awarded the Investors in People Gold standard. Winner of the 2013 Guardian newspaper s award for Best Student Experience. Awarded in recognition of the University s commitment to support and advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics. 20 Business and

21 Student support services We re here to help you get the most out of your studies, with personal support from your tutors and advice and guidance from specialist student support staff. Personal tutor You will be allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress and be there to support you when you need it. Each year, this tutor will be a lecturer who teaches one of your units and therefore knows you and your work. Student hub The Student Hub, centrally located in the faculty, is your first port of call for face-to-face information, advice and guidance on a wide range of courserelated matters, and also for information about services and facilities. They can answer your questions about accommodation, student finance, careers, and accessing support if you have dyslexia or a disability. Student support officer Our student support officers can provide you with confidential and impartial advice on academic and pastoral issues. They advise on assessment problems, time management, exam technique, finance, employment or personal difficulties and work closely with the University s Counselling Service and the Students Union, to ensure that students have access to specialist advice and assistance if needed. Counselling The Counselling Service offers you the opportunity to talk to a professionally trained counsellor, in confidence, about any personal problems you may have. Both individual and group counselling is available free to all students who are registered with the University. The Counselling Service also runs workshops and courses on themes such as relaxation, stress management and confidence-building. Disability support We are committed to providing equal opportunities in education for all students. Our Learning Development Service provides a range of support for disabled students and students with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. Our advisers act as a contact within the University for current and prospective disabled students to provide support, information and advice on the resources which are available to them, both within the University and from external support agencies. Student accommodation You ll find an excellent choice of residential student accommodation in our university-owned, leased or partnership halls of residence. The halls are based on campus, or nearby, and others are a short bus ride away in residential areas of the city. Feeling safe and happy in your new home are important considerations when coming to University and our Welcome Teams will help you settle into your student accommodation when you arrive. Students Union As a student with us you will automatically become a member of the Students Union which is led by a team of student officers who are elected by our students to ensure that the needs and views of all students are considered. Our brand new 10 million Students Union building, located in the heart of the All Saints campus, offers a range of services, including over 100 student clubs and societies, advice and representation, shop, café, bar and hot food outlet, events and much more. mmu.ac.uk 21