BA (Hons) Business Studies with Foundation Year - 2+2 Degree Pathway

Course outline

This innovative four year degree programme will help equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to face the business world with confidence, developing practical skills as well as knowledge of essential business concepts. 

Run collaboratively with the University of West London (UWL) this degree programme is split into two distinct but complimentary phases. The first two years of the 2+2 are taught at Stanmore College, where you will develop the skills and confidence to prepare you for the final two years delivered at UWL. 

You will learn from teaching staff with high levels of expertise in a range of business sectors and benefit from the University’s close links with professional bodies. Developed in partnership with public and private local business organisations, this course will give you an up-to-date, real-world understanding of the contemporary business world.

You will be a UWL student from the start of the degree, and whilst most teaching will take place at the College, classes and other activities will also be offered at the University during the first two years. This will facilitate a seamless transition to the UWL campus for the final two years, where you will complete your degree. 

From the beginning, you will be actively developing study skills and extending your knowledge and understanding necessary for working in the business sector. Your studies will give you a rounded understanding of the varied requirements of running a business. 

You will cover topics including:
•    human resource management
•    finance and accounting
•    marketing
•    operations management
•    ICT

For the first two years, you will be studying 10 hours a week at the Stanmore College campus. You will also have access to blended learning via the internet and the library and resources at both the University of West London and the College.

The teaching and learning strategies for this course will reflect a range of approaches in response to different learning styles and your experience. It is recognised that although you will have already attained a Level 3 qualification before starting the course, your previous experience of academic study and the professional context of your practice is personal to you.

You will be expected to carry out independent study preparing for seminars and assignments by doing background reading from recommended texts and personal Internet research.

Teaching strategies include the following:

• lectures to introduce new concepts, models and theories
• task-based learning to develop your problem-solving skills and help you to relate theory to practice
• group work to encourage you to share ideas and experiences discussion and reflection to encourage inquiry
• seminar support, available through group and individual tutorials by arranged appointment
• Blackboard, the University's online learning platform

Course details

Foundation Year – Level 3 – Stanmore College 
There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Modules at Level 3

•    Introduction to Business
•    Recording of Business Transactions
•    Personalised Learning
•    Data Handling and ICT
•    Managing People and Systems
•    Academic Performance 

Level 4 – Year 1 – Stanmore College Modules at Level 4 

•    Principles of Management 
•    Professional Skills
•    Management in Practice 
•    Introduction to Business Finance
•    Employability Skills 
•    Analysis of Real World Issues

Level 5 – Year 2 – UWL 

Modules at level 5 
•    Marketing Theory and Practice 
•    Advanced Presentation and Communication Skills 
•    Business Negotiations in Practice
•    Organisational Behaviour
•    Leadership and Teams
•    Group Business Development Applied Project 

Level 6 – Year 3 – UWL 

•    Strategic Management 
•    Career Strategy and Planning (CSP)
•    Business Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Practice 
•    Theory of innovation
•    Creative problem Solving in Business
•    Business Innovation in Practice

Full details of the module content for all levels of the course can be found on the UWL web site: 
https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/business-studies-foundation-year?start=646&option=33

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include: -

• A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
• Access to HE Diploma
• T Levels

English at GCSE grades C or 4 and above

Maths at GCSE grades C or 4 and above

OR

Equivalent level 2 qualifications in English and Maths i.e. functional skills, key skills

Outcomes

TA Business Studies degree can open the door to many exciting and rewarding careers. Some of the fields our graduates tend to move into include:
•    personnel management
•    marketing
•    business research
•    finance
•    sales
•    sales promotion
•    retail management. Popular careers for our graduates include:
•    junior manager
•    salesperson
•    administration
•    market researcher
•    human resources assistant
•    data analyst
•    marketing assistant.

Alternatively, you could develop a related specialism or explore a new area on one of UWL’s postgraduate courses.

Who this course is aimed at

This course, which has been running successfully for a number of years at UWL, has been adapted to accommodate the 2+2 model of delivery. Starting your higher education journey within the nurturing environment of College HE will help prepare students for the rigor of academic study, with smaller, more personalised learning opportunities in the first two years at College. It also allows students who may not have met the entry criteria for direct entry to University, to develop the necessary academic skills that will be needed to complete the degree programme.

How will you be assessed

Each module undertaken is assessed separately and under the Academic Regulations of the University. Assessment for each module is  presented within each Module Study Guide, with timings and assessment tasks clearly described. A verity of differing assessment methods are sued including: -

Portfolios, case studies, individual and group presentations, reports and practical assessment, all of which are linked to presentation skills required in the business sector.  

Fees

Course Fee: £7,500 for each year of the four year degree programme.

You will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Visit the UWL website for more information on funding your university Studies

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-study/fees-and-funding/help-funding

Is there an interview?

Yes