Undergraduate 2015-16 The undergraduate experience at Henley
1 2 3 4 5 5 reasons why You ll be coming to a top business school and university consistently ranked among the best in the world, with a truly international perspective. You ll make life-long friendships studying with students and staff who are committed to building a friendly, supportive sense of community and responsibility. You ll get the support and opportunities you need to secure a good job. Employability is at the heart of everything we do; alongside teaching the skills, we have great access to placements, networks and relationships with industry. You ll be living and studying in one of the most exciting and beautiful campus sites in the UK, plugged in to the best that Reading has to offer. You ll be studying on a programme founded on our world-class research and driven by faculty members with international reputations.
Welcome I am delighted that you are considering a degree programme at Henley Business School, at the University of Reading. This is an important time in your life and choosing the right university can be daunting. To help make the decision a little easier, we want to give you all the information you ll need to make the best choice for you one that we believe will provide you with a unique, enjoyable and rewarding student experience, and ultimately allow you to achieve your personal and professional goals. Come and take a look! Our Open Days are designed to help you decide if we are right for you: --Look around the Business School and the wider University --Go on a tour of the accommodation and facilities --Listen to presentations from key staff and faculty --Meet students and lecturers so you can find out more about the courses --Chat with staff about student finance, admissions and any concerns you have Check our website for dates Henley Business School s undergraduate programmes span the subject areas of: Accounting Business & Management Finance Real Estate & Planning We re great at developing outstanding business professionals and leaders and our strong focus on employability and practical skills for today s business world means that we give you the best chance of securing a job after you leave. We re ranked among Europe s top business schools by the Financial Times and we have world-class faculty members and research facilities that you ll have access to during your time here. Plus our beautiful campus is a fantastic place to live, study and enjoy an exciting student life and we think that makes for a winning combination. But don t just take our word for it. Come along to an Undergraduate Open Day and explore our parkland campus and facilities with your family and friends. Just a short bus ride from the centre of Reading, you ll find everything you need on your doorstep from great shopping, restaurants and bars, to the world famous Reading Festival. We re confident that you ll love it here and look forward to meeting you. If you can t visit us, go to our website and watch our videos, read about other students experiences and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Joe Doak Head of Undergraduate Programmes Henley Business School Undergraduate degree programmes 3
National league tables show that Henley Business School consistently provides satisfying and rewarding student experiences. Professor John Board, Dean, Henley Business School The undergraduate experience at Henley Business School The Henley experience We have a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise and are proud to have triple accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, placing us in the top 1% of business schools in the world. Part of the University of Reading, Henley Business School is based in one of the largest, best-known and most successful campus universities in the UK with some 17,500 students. In 2013-14, we welcomed just over 500 new undergraduate students to Henley Business School. We attract highly capable applicants and we receive approximately eight applications per available place. Your classes will be filled with enthusiastic and ambitious students who will prove invaluable throughout your degree and as you develop your career. Henley is triple accredited and in the top 1% of business schools in the world. Time and time again student surveys rate the Henley experience highly on factors including programme content, faculty quality, research, learning support, and teaching and assessment methods. We rank alongside the UK s top business schools across all the relevant subject areas by subject, and based on overall student satisfaction and graduate career prospects. 4 Undergraduate degree programmes
Truly international Henley Business School is an international institution. As well as welcoming overseas students, we ve embedded internationalisation at the core of our teaching and research programmes. Henley has offices in Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, South Africa, Ireland, Malta, Denmark and Trinidad, and we re excited about new steps in our increasingly international approach with the opening of our Malaysia campus and new programmes that are delivered in China. Study abroad We have also expanded our Study Abroad programme, meaning that all undergraduate students at Henley Business School now have the opportunity to spend one year studying overseas. You can be confident of being well prepared for increasingly global challenges. Research and expertise Many of our academic staff have achieved international renown and are widely published in their respective fields. They take part in ongoing academic and applied research research that informs the broad range of core and optional modules we can offer you. They bring to the School a wealth of professional experience from employment with leading organisations across the globe, and they make regular media contributions. Henley Business School s research and expertise spans six academic areas: Business Informatics, Systems & Accounting Finance (ICMA Centre) International Business & Strategy Leadership, Organisations & Behaviour Marketing & Reputation Real Estate & Planning Our curriculum is highly responsive to the current business and professional environment and is enhanced by the School s close connections with senior industry leaders. Speakers from organisations including British Airways, BNP Paribas, CBRE, Deloitte, DTZ, BSkyB, Telefónica O2, GE Healthcare, PwC, Barclays, J Sainsbury, Virgin Galactic, Microsoft, Savills, and the Royal Town Planning Institute have all addressed audiences of students and business leaders at Henley in the past few years. Your background Our undergraduate degree programmes are designed for students with or without prior knowledge and experience of their chosen subject. We don t usually ask for any specific A Levels, but subjects like business studies, economics, geography, IT and mathematics may be relevant depending on what you choose to study. A supportive environment Our attention to detail in every part of the Henley experience will always be personal to the needs of each student. Our students are highly self-motivated and determined individuals, but it s not always plain sailing. We understand that university life can bring additional pressures and problems. That s why we offer academic support, personal support, careers advice and professional development. We also offer support for those moving from other countries, with all the complexities that go with this new challenge. To make sure you gain as much as you can from your time at university, you ll receive dedicated support throughout your studies, from the moment you apply. Freshers week at the start of the year features a wide range of welcome events, designed to familiarise you with everything university life has to offer. You can also discuss any questions related to programme content, teaching and assessment with relevant lecturers. The School s wider team are always on hand to provide additional support. Undergraduate degree programmes 5
Our style of learning is designed with your development and success in mind The structure of your degree We offer a mix of three- and fouryear degree programmes, with our four-year programmes incorporating a one-year paid work placement or the option to study abroad. Students on three-year programmes also have the option for a study abroad year by extending their study to four years. During each year of your degree you ll take modules amounting to 120 credits. Most modules equate to 20 credits or 200 hours of student effort. Teaching contact varies from module to module but most will also involve a high level of private study and reading as part of your learning. The first year of your degree will consist of core modules designed to provide you with a broad and solid foundation in your chosen subject. Your second and final years of study will feature an increasing proportion of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your degree towards your individual needs, strengths and interests. UK/EU 71% Overseas 29% 8 applications per available place Teaching and assessment You ll be taught through a mix of lectures, project workshops and interactive tutorials, giving you the opportunity to discuss, explore and apply the subject material in depth with your lecturers and fellow students. You ll be introduced to the latest thinking and research findings and be invited to tackle realworld projects so you can test, extend and refine your knowledge and skills. You ll be assessed through written assignments, group presentations and formal examinations, all designed to test your knowledge and abilities and to develop the transferable soft skills that are highly sought-after by leading graduate employers. The University s exam period falls between April and June in the summer term, while other forms of assessment take place throughout the academic year. Female 41% Male 59% Rankings Undergraduate degree programmes Accounting & Finance --For subject: 9th in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide League Table, 2014) --Graduate career prospects: 12th in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide League Table, 2014) --Overall student satisfaction: 87-92% (National Student Survey, 2013) Business & Management --For subject: 14th in the UK (The Complete University Guide, 2014) --Graduate career prospects: 6th in the UK (The Complete University Guide, 2014) --Student satisfaction: 8th in the UK (The Complete University Guide, 2014) --Overall student satisfaction: 90-94% (National Student Survey, 2013) Real Estate & Planning --For subject: 2nd in the UK for Land and property management (The Complete University Guide, 2014) --For subject: 7th in the UK for Town and country planning and landscape (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide League Table, 2014) --Graduate career prospects: 1st in the UK for Land and property management (The Complete University Guide, 2014) --Overall student satisfaction: 95% (National Student Survey, 2013) 6 Undergraduate degree programmes
The facilities at Henley Business School are state-of-the-art, providing a perfect environment for learning. Waki Chowdhury*, BA Accounting & Business * Not pictured here.
Life on campus Campus life at Henley Business School Our beautiful Whiteknights campus was voted one of the best open spaces in the UK and awarded the prestigious Green Flag in 2013. We have 320 acres of green parkland surrounding a central hub of key buildings. The campus is at the centre of university life and provides a special sense of community. Sports facilities Our on-campus sports centre has outstanding indoor and outdoor facilities, including: 100+ station fitness studio Multi-purpose indoor courts Rugby and cricket pitches Full-size, all-weather hockey and football pitch Aerobics, dance and martial arts studio Squash courts Hard and grass tennis courts The sports centre also offers a wide choice of exercise classes, circuit training and fitness courses. Extracurricular activities There are also plenty of opportunities for you to get involved with extracurricular activities during your time at Henley Business School. We participate in the UK Universities Business Challenge and host the Henley Challenge, a Henley football tournament and a Graduate Garden Party next to the River Thames at our Greenlands campus. Outstanding location Many campus universities are located miles from anywhere, but our parkland site is actually located an easy bus ride or short walk from the centre of Reading. Reading itself offers some of the best retail and entertainment experiences in the UK. The Oracle Centre, with its riverside setting, about a mile from campus, features shops, bars, restaurants and a large multiplex cinema, while the town s popular nightlife has everything from world music to theatre. Our local amenities include the Concert Hall, traditional and outdoor theatres and the Madejski Stadium, home to Reading Football Club and the London Irish rugby team. Reading also has a vibrant live music scene and hosts the world famous Reading Festival. With so much going on, you are guaranteed a great time. If you prefer the countryside to city life, then there are lots of attractive riverside towns and villages to discover along the Thames, as well as country walks in the beautiful local Chiltern Hills. You couldn t be better situated for travelling here, going home, visiting friends around the UK or exploring the capital and surrounding region. London is just 25 minutes away by train, and there are direct links with both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. You can also catch direct trains from Reading to cities across the UK. 8 Undergraduate degree programmes
Dynamic employment hub We re at the heart of one of the most dynamic economies in the UK: the employment-rich Thames Valley corridor, where top global brands are based, including Vodafone, Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle and Intel. The Business School There are two state-of-the-art buildings: Opened in 2009, the 25-million Business School is one of the newest and most visually impressive buildings on campus. It houses a 250-seat conference-standard lecture theatre, seminar rooms equipped with the latest technology, dedicated research space, a popular café and visitor area and the Academic Resource Centre (ARC). Right next door is the ICMA Centre, home to our programmes in finance, which houses three cutting-edge dealing rooms equipped with more than 100 Thomson Reuters-supplied terminals. We were the first business school in Europe to introduce dealing rooms and remain the only university with a facility on such a scale. The centre offers two further conferencestandard lecture theatres, high-quality seminar rooms, meeting areas and two café bars for students and visitors. Home away from home We are a residential university: the majority of undergraduates and many postgraduates live in halls, which provide close to 5,000 rooms. All halls are located on or within easy walking distance of campus and close to local bus routes and facilities. Each hall is a vibrant community offering you a safe and inclusive environment in which to study and relax. Halls vary in style and size so you can choose between a wide range of study, domestic and social facilities where you can meet and relax with other students. The majority of those who apply for accommodation receive a place. If you are a new undergraduate student, Henley is your firm choice, you apply for accommodation by 1 August and meet the conditions of your academic offer by 31 August, the University will guarantee to offer you a room in halls. We can t guarantee a place if Henley is your insurance choice but we ll usually be able to accommodate you. Our campus facilities - Library with more than 10 million items, refurbished in Summer 2013 - Extensive PC and wireless internet access and the latest e-learning tools - Award-winning catering facilities - Sports centre, with the latest indoor and outdoor facilities - Thriving Students Union (RUSU), with cafés, bars, shops, amenities and the largest nightclub in town - Hundreds of sports clubs and societies you can join Over 250 million is being invested across campus over the next 10 years, with the aim of making our academic, social and sporting facilities among the best in the country. Our Whiteknights campus was voted as one of the best open spaces in the UK and awarded the prestigious Green Flag in 2013. Undergraduate degree programmes 9
Careers and after graduation Career guidance Career guidance and support is embedded within all of our degree programmes. You ll receive practical support ranging from CV and application advice to workshops and graduate careers fairs. In addition we welcome guest speakers from a wide range of organisations and sectors, who will offer you unique insights and important networking opportunities. We want to make sure that our graduates are fully effective in their chosen careers when they leave the School. Work placement or internship opportunities will help you to apply and further develop your knowledge and skills in a working environment. Volunteering Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award The RED Award is a University scheme that rewards students for undertaking extracurricular activities as well as helping them get the most from their experiences in terms of professional and personal development. Volunteering is a key component of the scheme. Students complete a chosen 35- hour core activity, which may be working part-time, organising work experience or volunteering in the community, and everyone takes part in a further 10-hour community work project and five hours of training and development. These activities, plus many more that the School offer, make a great addition to your CV and help you stand out when you leave and apply for jobs. Industry placements Most of our undergraduate degree programmes in Accounting and Business & Management provide you with the opportunity to take a oneyear paid industry placement between your second and final year of study, which we encourage students to do. Other programmes offer opportunities for shorter work placements and internships. This work experience is integrated into your programme as an optional module. You ll get an enormous range of benefits from a placement both during your degree and beyond. After two years studying with us you ll be able to put your learning into practice and experience business as it really is as well as earning a competitive salary. And you ll be able to further develop skills including time and project management, teamwork and communication all of which will considerably enhance your CV. Your industry placement will give you the knowledge, experience and contacts to make you highly sought-after by graduate employers in a competitive market. A successful placement may lead to a job offer with your placement company upon graduation. You ll also have lots of opportunities to develop excellent professional contacts that will stand you in good stead for the future. You may even consider gaining a competitive edge in the international business market by studying overseas. We have study abroad arrangements with universities in France, Australia, the USA and South Korea and plan to expand the network considerably over the next few years. Connect to our global alumni network Your graduation from Henley Business School is just the start. Our alumni network connects graduates across all Henley programmes and will give you access to a vibrant, truly global community of 60,000 alumni in 150 countries: a powerful, diverse and dynamic network that also offers life-long education and professional development opportunities; and specialist alumni associations for recent graduates as well as groups focusing on areas ranging from real estate to finance and many international alumni groups. Our alumni are our lifeblood, acting as ambassadors for Henley Business School and supporting us in a wide range of ways. You ll also be a member of the University of Reading s 270,000-strong international alumni community. Henley Business School is consistently ranked among the top schools in the UK for both Accounting & Finance and Business & Management by subject, and based on graduate employability and overall student satisfaction. 10 Undergraduate degree programmes
Programmes Degree programmes in Accounting Our accounting programmes have secured an international reputation for delivering high-quality degrees that reflect the changes and developments in today s fast paced business world. All of our degree programmes provide the detailed knowledge, critical understanding and a range of technical application skills relating to the key business function of accounting that give our students an excellent grounding for a wide range of careers. Developing the skills sought after by employers is integral to every degree. Degree programmes in Business & Management Henley Business School has remained at the forefront of teaching and research in international business for over 40 years, with our global reputation for developing managers and leaders spanning more than 65 years. We continue to evolve and to adapt our programmes and our approach in order to reflect the rapidly evolving needs of organisations of all sizes worldwide, and to make sure that you are equipped with the right skills for the workplace, whether working for a major multinational company or starting your own business. Degree programmes in Finance (ICMA Centre) The ICMA Centre became Europe s first active collaboration between the securities industry and a university finance department when the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) established its relationship with the University of Reading over 20 years ago. It s now a crucial part of Henley Business School, and the Centre s growing reputation, collaborative links with industry and 4,000 graduates from over 115 countries have made it Europe s premier institution for undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive education tailored specifically for the capital market and corporate finance industry. Degree programmes in Real Estate & Planning Our School of Real Estate & Planning enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research and has been offering programmes of a high academic and professional standard for more than 45 years. We are proud of our outstanding employment record, with more than 95% of our students entering graduate-level jobs within six months of leaving. Many of our graduates achieve partner status or director level at a relatively early age and our alumni can be found occupying highly influential roles in leading organisations worldwide. --BA Accounting & Business --BA Accounting & Management --BSc Accounting & Economics --BSc Accounting & Finance --BA Business & Management --BA Entrepreneurship --BA Entrepreneurship & Management --BA International Business & Management --BSc International Business & Finance --BA International Management & Business Administration with French, German, Italian or Spanish --BSc Management with Information Technology --BSc Finance & Investment Banking --BSc in Finance & Management with the University of Venice --BSc Finance & Psychology --BSc Mathematics with Finance & Investment Banking --BSc Real Estate --BSc Investment & Finance in Property --BSc Real Estate with Dip/MSc Urban Planning & Development --BSc Rural Property Management --BA Accounting (Beijing Institute of Technology, China) --BSc Finance & Business Management (Henley Business School, Malaysia) --BSc Real Estate (Henley Business School, Malaysia) Real Estate & Planning is consistently ranked in the top three positions in all major league tables, and the USbased Urban Land Institute ranks us as the leading real estate centre in Europe. Undergraduate degree programmes 11
How to apply Competition for places on our undergraduate degree programmes is strong, so we advise that you apply as early as possible. If you have any questions at any stage of your application, please don t hesitate to contact us. UCAS All applications, whether you are from the UK, EU or overseas, should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please apply online using the University of Reading s UCAS code: READG R12. You should aim to submit your completed application between 1 September and 15 January for admission in October of that year. We don t normally interview individual applicants, so please ensure that your UCAS application features appropriate information highlighting your academic and extracurricular achievements. A strong personal statement is also essential. This should demonstrate an informed interest in the degree programme you have applied for, explain why you have chosen a particular programme, provide examples of your past achievements and reflect on how you will use and further develop your knowledge and skills throughout your time at university. Applicants for BA Accounting & Business, please note that in addition to meeting the School s standard entry requirements you will be required to complete a supplementary application form and may be invited to attend an assessment centre, run in conjunction with PwC. Further information UCAS For enquiries about applying through UCAS www.ucas.com International Office For enquiries from students outside the EU and information on where you can meet us international@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/international International students Henley Business School is home to a diverse and inclusive international community. Last year the University of Reading welcomed over 5,000 international students from 140 countries, building on its history of providing international education which dates back over 100 years. The University s International Office provides support and advice to students including pre-departure briefings, an airport meet and greet service, welcome events and an orientation programme, and specialist advice on matters ranging from student finance to accommodation. 12 Undergraduate degree programmes
Entry requirements Academic requirements Entry requirements vary depending on your chosen degree programme but generally you are expected to achieve grades AAB from three A Levels (excluding General Studies and Key Skills). A minimum of GCSE Mathematics and English may also be required for some programmes. Unless otherwise stated, applicants completing the International Baccalaureate must pass the Diploma and achieve 35 points. Please see the information in our subject brochures or go online for specific entry requirements. We also welcome applicants with equivalent UK and international qualifications. Language requirements Studying in a second language can be challenging. If English is not your first language, you will be required to attain the International English Language Test Scores (IELTS) or equivalent qualification accepted by the University, as defined below, to enter a programme. However, for students who successfully complete one of the pre-sessional English language courses run by our International Study and Language Institute, a half-band credit will be applied to their English language condition. For example, programmes requiring IELTS 6.5 will accept students with IELTS 6.0 providing the student has completed the relevant English course with us. Further information Admissions Office For enquiries about entry requirements and your application ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) For enquiries about English language support isli@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/isli For more information, go to www.reading.ac.uk/study/international Qualification full title Qualification short name Score required International English Language Test Score IELTS 6.5 Test of English as a Foreign Language (internet-based version) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English TOEFL (internet-based) CPE 88 C Test of English for Educational Purposes TEEP 6.5 Undergraduate degree programmes 13
Fees and financial support Tuition fees UK/EU Following the UK government s changes to higher education funding, the University of Reading announced its fee level for UK and EU students as 9,000 per academic year from 2012. This will allow us to continue to provide all our students with the highest quality experience. Students completing a fouryear degree programme with a one-year work placement will be charged 15% of the full fee during their placement year. For students taking BA Accounting & Business, which contains placements in years two, three and four, the fee level will be set at 80% of the full fee in these years. International Fees for students from outside the EU are slightly higher and set by the University on an annual basis. Please see our website for further information. Living costs Please note that tuition fees do not include accommodation and other living costs. Students are advised to budget for between 200 and 300 per week depending on their accommodation charges. International students should allow for additional accommodation and living costs during three vacations and are also advised to make an extra allowance of up to 600 for other expenses on arrival. More information at www.reading.ac.uk/moneymatters Financial support University funding We believe that fees must not be a barrier for talented young people applying to university so we have a strong record in providing financial support to students from all over the world and a wide range of backgrounds through scholarships, bursaries and other awards. There are a number of undergraduate scholarships available for students applying for programmes at Henley check out the website for up-to-date information www.henley.ac.uk/ugscholarships UK government funding Students who normally live in England may be entitled to apply for funding. If you normally live in another UK region or outside the UK, different rules will usually apply. Please visit www.gov.uk/ studentfinance for further information. Tuition fee (student) loan Students who have not studied a higher education programme before can apply for a loan to cover the full cost of their tuition fees. This loan is paid directly to the University and graduates only start to pay it back once they are working and their salary is above the minimum threshold. EU students from outside the UK who meet certain conditions are also eligible to apply. Maintenance (student) loan Students can apply for an annual maintenance loan that is assessed on household income. The amount of maintenance loan available is reduced if a student is receiving a maintenance grant. Repayments will be made in the same way as a tuition fee loan. Further information Student Finance For enquiries about fees and financial support helpdesk@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/moneymatters Gov.uk For enquiries about student loans, grants and other sources of funding +44 (0) 845 300 50 90 www.gov.uk/studentfinance Maintenance grant Students from families with low incomes may be eligible to receive a non-repayable maintenance grant, while those from families with incomes above the threshold can apply for a partial grant. These grants are available to help cover living costs such as accommodation, food, travel and materials. Students don t have to pay these grants back. Students apply online at the same time as applying for the tuition fee (student) loan. Grants are paid in three instalments, at the start of each term. National Scholarship Programme The government is currently undertaking a review of the National Scholarship Programme which may impact upon the funding available to undergraduate students in 2015-16. The University s website will be updated with the latest information when this becomes available. 14 Undergraduate degree programmes
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Undergraduate degree programmes at Henley Business School For more information, please contact: Henley Business School University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6UD United Kingdom ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0)118 378 8372 www.henley.ac.uk/ug HenleyBusinessSchool @HenleyBSchool +HenleyBusinessSchool HenleyBSchool company/henley-business-school EFMD This brochure is correct at the time of going to print (2014). Henley Business School reserves the right to amend any aspects of this information. For the latest information please see our website. HEN_2493 UG EXP APR14