Course information form (CIF) PMB

Course information form (CIF) PMB CIF13/14 The CIF provides essential information to students, staff teams and others on a particular course of study and is designed to meet the University s own expectations and those of external bodies such as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in respect of programme specifications. Please refer to the University s Guidance notes on completing Course Information Forms before completing the details below SECTION 1 - General Course Information Qualification (award type) Course Title Intermediate Qualification(s) Awarding Institution Location Delivery of Academic Credit PreMasters in Business Not available University of Bedfordshire Luton, Duration of Course one year Level FHEQ Level Level 6 Professional Statutory Body accreditation Accreditation Renewal Date (Month and Year) Route Code (SITS) UCAS Course Code Relevant External Benchmarking The British Council (Language elements), Not applicable TBA Not applicable QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) Level 6 Descriptor (2008) QAA General Business and Management Benchmark Statement for Honours Degrees, (2007) Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 1 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

Published Summary Course This pre-masters course is designed to allow students who have previously studied to BTEC HND level or equivalent to complete a one-year programme that leads to a specialist MA or MSc qualification in a business-related area. This course is aimed at developing advanced knowledge and skills in the area of business, with a focus on bringing knowledge up to the level of a UK honours graduate. Throughout this course you will develop a combination of business-facing and transferable communication skills as well as developing business-related expertise for your future career. We have specifically designed this course for those who may have completed one of the following:- A BTEC HND in a business specific subject and completed relevant (businessfocused) two year work experience. 14 years of education to degree level plus two years of relevant (businessfocused) work experience A 3 year diploma in a business-related subject You will need a minimum English Language competency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or above. During the year you will undertake a series of undergraduate units and a workshop project in order to bring your academic qualifications up to Masters level. Successful completion of the course will then allow you to progress onto a specialist MA or MSc, e.g. ELT Management, International Relations, MBA, Business and Management or International Human Resource Management SECTION 2 Entry Requirements, Student Support and Further Opportunities Entry requirements Standard: Standard entry requirements for UK students http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply This is a level six course designed for students with HND or equivalent level qualifications and which aims to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities to enable them to progress onto Masters Business programmes at UoB. Students with BTEC HND or equivalent or relevant work experience will take 90 credits at level 6. The language requirements are a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in any skill band for the 2 semester duration, and IELTS 6.0 for the single semester duration. Student Support during the course Bedfordshire offers a broad range of support services and mechanisms for all its students. If you come from overseas, there is a dedicated International Students' Support Team which is here to help you settle in to University life and give advice on a range of issues such as: part-time work, how to open a bank account, places of worship and local places of interest. Before the start of the course, there is also an international student induction programme designed to enrich your time of study at the University as well as help you settle in, adjust to your surroundings and get to know your way around. Further induction sessions will cover areas such as administrative arrangements, academic study in the UK, financial regulations and personal safety. There will be a wide variety of forms of support throughout your studies. If you have questions or problems with academic matters, support is provided by the Course Manager. In the event of an illness during the course, or if you have significant personal or family problems, the Student Mitigation Team can offer you independent and confidential advice. The Mitigation Team are also the only people who can give you extensions to hand in dates for assignments, provided that you have a good reason. Further support is provided by the Student Information Desk (SiD), and by the Students Union. If you have queries or difficulties with particular subject areas, Unit Tutors can deal with them. Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 2 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

In addition to this, you will have a Personal Academic Tutor with whom you will be able to discuss any relevant problems you may be experiencing and who will help you seek the appropriate support provided by the university. The full range of University support services is available at: www.beds.ac.uk/sid You may also be required, at the discretion of the Course coordinator, to undergo diagnostic testing for academic English language abilities, and may further be required, at the Course coordinator s discretion, to participate in academic English support workshops or classes laid on by the University Students with disabilities All teaching is undertaken on premises that provide reasonable access for students with disabilities. Colleagues on the course team are very conscious of the requirements of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001 and seek to ensure that the practice that the Act seeks to encourage is adopted. Concerning special educational needs (e.g., unseen needs such as dyslexia) special provision is made for assessment for course work and through the administration of central examinations. The Course team endeavour to make course materials available to you in formats that you feel comfortable using. Advice on the nature of specific disabilities and the reasonable adjustments which can be made to accommodate disabled students is available from the Disability Advice Team - see http://www.beds.ac.uk/studentlife/support/disabilities Distinctive Features of the course The Business School provides excellent academic and general support for all its students, international, home and EU passport holders alike. We designed this course to help you adjust to university life and to familiarise you with UKbased approaches to higher learning, especially if you are unfamiliar with British university culture or you come from another country. You will find that the course gives you an opportunity to gain knowledge of a broad range of social, cultural and career related contexts and introduces you to business principles and practices. The course also enables you to develop your communication skills, which will be central to your personal, academic and professional development. The discussion of learning styles and ways to improve your study skills will be particularly helpful. The business-related elements have been carefully chosen to provide the background, experience and knowledge to enable you to progress successfully towards a business undergraduate course at the University of Bedfordshire, and beyond. Career/further study opportunities Further study: On successful completion of this course, students may progress to a range of PG courses at the University of Bedfordshire, such as: MBA (FT) MSc Business and Management (including pathways) MSc International Human Resource Management MA International Relations MA ELT Management Careers: Upon graduating from Masters degrees, graduates find employment in a wide variety of business-related areas. Graduates may work for large multinational organisations, or small or medium-sized enterprises, in the public, private or third sectors. Alternatively, they may consider undertaking a research degree, e.g., PhD. Although this course is specifically designed to align students for further study, those that wish to enter the world of work would typically work in the fields of: Advertising & Marketing Management & HRM Accounting & finance Law International Relations Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 3 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

SECTION 3 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Educational Aims This Pre-Masters course enables you to progress to Masters level study from BTEC HND or equivalent subdegree programmes, by equipping you with relevant communication skills, intellectual skills, and subjectspecialist knowledge in business. You will therefore achieve parity with honours degree graduates accessing Masters awards. The course also enables international students to experience British education, preparing you for successful postgraduate study. In addition the course will: Develop critical analysis and evaluation skills so that you can solve subject-specific problems in challenging contexts Enhance your transferrable skills such as communication and presentation so that you can present technical and non-technical information to non-specialist and specialist audiences Increase your subject knowledge to take into account the latest developments in global business practice and to ensure you are aware of the latest emerging technologies relevant to your intended specialist field of study Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the course, you should be able to:- LO1: Use English fluently and confidently in a wide range of intercultural contexts to effectively convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to a wide range of audiences. LO2: Demonstrate advanced knowledge, understanding and application of theoretical and practical business concepts and strategies. LO3: Critically analyse and appraise problems and issues and be creative in attaining relevant solutions to given business scenarios and matters. LO4: Assess and synthesise information from a variety of sources and be able to rationalise, justify and support conclusions. LO5: Evaluate, research and differentiate between competing solutions and concepts in the area of business so as to implement a professional and informed decision in a given application scenario. LO6: Formulate and communicate ideas both in written and oral forms to appropriate academic or professional standards. LO7: Manage your own learning, drawing on work and/or educational experience, and deploy a range of personal and interpersonal skills that will facilitate individual and team effectiveness in academic and organisational contexts LO8: Be aware of, and attempt to contribute to best practice within the field. Teaching Strategy The teaching and learning strategies used in this Pre-Masters course are designed to enable you to achieve challenging subject-specific knowledge, independent learning, communication and personal development skills equivalent to Honours degree level. In order to achieve these objectives, a wide range of teaching and learning strategies will be used. Key features of the strategies are: Developing your ability to study independently; Opportunities to practise communication and business-related transferable skills in a supportive, multicultural environment Extensive use of small group work to develop your teamworking and interpersonal skills Use of formative assessments to provide you with constructive feedback The use of e-portfolios, blogs, wikis and other online tools to enhance and share your learning in Business units Problem-based learning, to develop your initiative, ability to manage a complex project, critical thinking and Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 4 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

Teaching and learning methods will include: teaching in small groups, as well as larger lectures and seminar groups; analysing substantial, complex business problems/issues; guided reading; lectures to introduce key concepts; case studies. Skills will be developed in a variety of ways, such as through the use of active participation in study sessions, oral presentations, group activities and online activities. State-of-the-art information technology facilities (both general and specialist) will be widely available. Assessment Strategy A wide range of assessment methods are used throughout the course. You will be required to undertake a variety of group and individually based assessments. These assessments include individual essays, reports, presentations, in-unit tests, case studies, reports and presentations, group based and individual. The assessments are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to assess a wider range of communication, interpersonal and learning skills. The underlying assessment strategy concerns research and independent thinking, critical knowledge of theory and practice, the ability to make informed decisions and communicate these under time pressure and, finally, the all-important skills of teamwork and oral communication of ideas. In order to provide feedback, formative and summative assessment is a continuous process. Assessments are designed to evaluate your extensive and up to date theoretical knowledge, concepts and approaches relating to aspects of business-related and intercultural communication, but also to demonstrate your range of transferable skills. Assessment of these activities is based on tasks, which develop vocational skills, whilst testing its underpinning subject knowledge. Please note that there is a no compensation policy on this course, meaning you have to pass every element. To progress from this course, you must be able to demonstrate that the exit level of English satisfies standard university entry requirements for PG courses. Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 5 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

Unit Code Level Unit Name Credit Core / Option Contributing towards the Learning Outcomes Assessment Methods* (Taught (T), Practised (P) and/or Assessed (A)) 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 LNG022-1 4 English Language Development 15 C PR OT T/P T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A LNG XXX-3 6 Introduction to Research Skills 15 C OT DI T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A T/P/A LNG003-3 6 Business 3- Negotiations Curriculum Structure, Assessment Methods and Learning Outcomes 15 C PO PF T T/P T/P/A LNG013-3 6 Intelligent Rapport Management 15 C RE PF T/P/A T/P/A T/P T/A T/P/A BSS008-3 6 Applied E-Business 30 C RE GR EX T/P T/P/A T/P/A T/A T/A T/A MAR005-3 6 Marketing in Contemporary Contexts 30 C CS / GR /LR / PR /CS CS/GR /LR/PR /CS CS T/P/A T/A T/A T/A T/P/A LNG992-1 4 Communication Skills 0 C PR OR T/P T/P/A T/P T/P/A T/P/A *The following codes for assessments methods apply:- AR artefact PC practical CB computer-based PF performance CS case study PL placement DI dissertation or project PO portfolio EX Exam PR presentation GR group report RE individual report IT in-unit test OR oral LR literature review OT other Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 6 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

Section 4 Learning and Employability Skills Development Strategies Mandatory Guided Language Study This 3-hour session of guided language study in semester 1 is designed to support your studies in the English Language Development unit and ensure that you are able to achieve the required IELTS 6.0 in all macro-skills by the end of semester 1, and to cope with the units in semester 2. While this session is non-credit bearing, attendance is compulsory. Mandatory Guided Research Skills This 2-hour session of guided research skills in semester 2 is designed to support you in the techniques and research methods which will prepare you for the assessment requirements of your subject-specific units, and for your future Masters course. While this session is non-credit bearing, attendance is compulsory. Communication To help with the development of this you will:- Exchange ideas and arguments with your peers on a variety of business issues Become skilled at preparing and delivering high quality presentations in English Become adept at dealing with a full range of communication skills required in business contexts speaking, writing, and listening. The Business units, and the subject-orientated CS classes, will help you develop your communication skills, by using group interaction, and a variety of different teaching and assessment methods, which together will enable you to become a broad and sophisticated communicator. Information Literacy To help with the development of this you will:- learn how to identify appropriate sources of information for a particular industry or academic task evaluate information presented in reports, academic journals, websites and other sources for their usefulness in commercial or academic work select and use information appropriately, using correct referencing Research and Evaluation To help with the development of this you will:- learn how to select appropriate information to use for a particular task apply theoretical models to given case studies and draw conclusions learn how to develop an argument through the selection and logical presentation of information and ideas in essays and reports learn to develop your own point of view about a business problem or academic question based on evidence Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 7 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

Creativity and Critical Thinking To help with the development of this you will:- use critical thinking in case studies, exercises, projects, academic essays and reports formulate and express novel solutions to business problems develop a research project which will give you practical experience in a business situation Team Working Teamworking is key to effective management. To help develop your ability to contribute to and lead teams, team and small group working is used in units where this supports the learning process. Some of the unit assessments are based on teamwork and require written and verbal presentations. There will also be emphasis on developing your ability to work in cross-cultural teams, where appropriate, acting sensitively and constructively in relation to cultural differences. Improving Learning and Performance As an international student, you may not be familiar with the roles you are expected to perform as a university student in Britain. Developing a sense of learner autonomy is an obvious example. Through the tasks we set and the examples given in class, we encourage you to become an active learner. Consequently, the course will emphasise a variety of student-centred approaches (such as enquiry-based learning for research methods) in which students are supported to achieve greater independence as learners. The concept of learning styles will be introduced to enable you to gain an awareness of your own learning preferences and develop a plan for further improving your strengths and developing your areas of weakness. You will also have regular tutorial opportunities with your Group Study supervisor, and also with your personal tutor. This will prepare you for Masters study. Career Management Skills Although the primary purpose of the course is to enable access to Masters study rather than to enter employment, there will still be interaction with the careers department. This will take place at appropriate junctures including induction and in annual careers conferences. This will allow graduates from the course, in successful completion, to enter a career of their choice within the appropriate area of the business sector. Progress Files You will be supported and encouraged to maintain an ongoing record of your learning and achievement in an e-portfolio. This is a personal online space which is intended to support your learning and enable you to gather important data together with reflections and feedback, in an easily accessible place. You can use the e- portfolio for a variety of purposes, including: preparation for assessment by recording notes and reflections and assembling material from the workplace developing awareness of your own learning process personal and career development; CV building Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 8 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

sharing your learning with peers and tutors, at your discretion presenting and showcasing your managerial skills and capabilities You will also be expected to fully engage with the Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR). Professional Standards Professional Standards refers to the attitudes and behaviours we value as a Course Team and hope to share and hold to with our students. As future postgraduate students and businessmen and women you will occupy an influential position and inevitably act as a role model for others. The course will be more fulfilling, enjoyable and effective if we act courteously and considerately to each other. A professional environment is an important prerequisite for effective learning. To achieve this, standards of conduct are expected from all members of the university staff and students alike: Staff and students will work with professional integrity at all times; Staff and students will abide by the Code of Conduct as stated in the University s Student Regulations; Staff and students should ensure contact details are current; staff should ensure that their availability is publicised and appropriate communication channels are agreed; Students are expected to attend all classes; where there are mitigating circumstances staff must be informed promptly; Staff and students must arrive on time for classes; In all situations students and staff should dress and act appropriately; Staff and students should work to sustain a culture of mutual respect; All assessed work should be a student s own and correctly referenced where material is taken from other sources; Electronic devices must not be used during classes without express permission, and mobile telephones must be switched off. Student concerns should be raised promptly, through the appropriate channels You will be expected to develop not only your academic skills, but also your soft-skills (teamwork, oral and written communication, inter-personal skills etc.). As such we expect you to adhere to a code of conduct that is commensurate with what is expected of a business professional. Strategy for Developing and Embedding the Professional Standards The encouragement and maintenance of the behavioural standards mentioned above are embedded in the teaching and atmosphere of the work done in the university as a whole. To ensure that standards are maintained, the course has been designed so that students will be educated about the professional standards of their field. SECTION 5 Administrative Information Faculty Business School Portfolio Department/School/Division Language and Communication Course coordinator Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 9 of 10 2012-13 MSKI

Version Number 1 Body approving this version Date of University approval of this version (dd/mm/yyyy) Form completed by: Alison Hancock Date: April 2013 Authorisation on behalf of the Faculty Teaching Quality and Standards Committee (FTQSC) Chair: Date:... Course Updates Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Nature of Update FTQSC Minute Ref: Validation docs Foundation and PreMasters Courses in Business Page 10 of 10 2012-13 MSKI