University of Wolverhampton Business School Undergraduate Guide

University of wolverhampton business school UNDERGRADUATE GUIDE

1 WELCOME

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Contents 2 CONTENTS

3 Welcome from the Dean of the Business School 4 A School to be proud of 5 A supportive, professional study environment 7 Enhancing your career and employment prospects 8 BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance 9 BA (Hons) Business Management

- BA (Hons) Business Management (Economics) - BA (Hons) Business Management (Enterprise) - BA (Hons) Business Management (Finance) - BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resources) - BA (Hons) Business Management (Marketing) - BA (Hons) Business and Accounting - BSc (Hons) Business and Finance - BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management - BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management

10 BA (Hons) Human Resource Management 10 BA (Hons) International Business Management 11 BA (Hons) Marketing Management

- BA (Hons) Marketing and Enterprise Management - BA (Hons) Marketing and Human Resource Management

12 HND Business 12 FD (Arts) Business Management 13 Entry requirements 14 Other courses we offer

3 Welcome

Welcome to the University of Wolverhampton Business School A warm welcome to the University of Wolverhampton Business School, a School with an acknowledged reputation for being a leading provider of vocationally relevant academic programmes and continuous professional development.

For the past 80 years, we have provided business education to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective managers. Our programmes place an emphasis on working with business, innovation and internationalisation and our students are supported throughout their studies to realise their full potential and succeed in the workplace.

Our programmes, which are underpinned by the School’s research, are continually reviewed and updated to ensure they meet the changing demands of the business environment and students regionally, nationally and internationally.

As Dean of the School, I look forward to welcoming you to the vibrant community of the Business School.

Dr Anthea Gregory Dean of School

A SCHOOL TO BE PROUD OF 4

A School to be proud of Established School: great history, growing knowledge The University of Wolverhampton Business School has grown in size and importance over the past 80 years by focusing on the needs of its students and organisations in the region, across the country and worldwide.

The School employs over 60 full-time lecturers and professors drawn from a wide spectrum of management disciplines and backgrounds. Many have held senior positions in multinational and blue chip organisations whilst others have worked in the public sector and in not-for-profit organisations – keeping up-to-date with current trends and practices through research and active projects with businesses.

Partnerships with industry We know how important partnerships with business are and we work closely with organisations to ensure the relevance of our programmes. As the leading UK business school in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (a national scheme that recruits recent graduates to work in companies on a strategically important project, with support and expertise provided by the University) we have worked with a wide variety of regional businesses to advise them in their development.

Our students have a number of opportunities to develop links with business, including guest lectures, real life project work on some modules and placement opportunities. All students on BA (Hons) awards have the opportunity to undertake a placement year or internship after their second year of study.

Active engagement in research We are committed to testing the boundaries of knowledge through applied research. We have a vibrant community of business researchers who investigate issues relating to entrepreneurship and small business management; corporate governance and ethics; Human Resource Management; and industrial relations. This research underpins learning and teaching and ensures that you are aware of current and emerging issues in your areas of study.

Professional body accreditation Many highly regarded professional bodies are pleased to put their names to our courses and offer exemptions from professional qualifications. Students who complete our BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance award may obtain exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) professional qualifications. We are an accredited study and examination centre for the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and we also have links with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM). For up to date information regarding professional body exemptions, please refer to our website.

5 supportive environment

Advanced facilities,

supportive environment Your learning experience at the Business School will be enhanced by: Tutors who know about business – Tutors on our programmes have experience as practising managers, have worked with business in an advisory capacity or will be researching business and management in order that what you learn is current, leading edge thinking which has real relevance to the world of business.

A friendly and supportive environment – We are known for the support we provide to our students. Your personal tutor and course leader are there to give you the support you need, whether pastoral or study advice, when you need it.

Blended learning – The School has developed a blended learning approach where lecture and tutorial activities are supported by online learning to become a seamless learning experience both in and outside of the classroom.

Excellent facilities – Our Learning Centres provide an effective and efficient blend of learning resources. Open seven-days-aweek, they not only hold textbooks and journals, but give you access to a wealth of online multimedia resources, with everything you’ll need to help you complete your assignments or revise for an exam. The University has one of the largest wireless networks in UK higher education, allowing you remote access to the Internet across the campus when using your own laptop or PDA.

Our online catalogue system means you can renew or reserve books without leaving your home and you can access electronic journals and books remotely. Furthermore, the Learning Centres have laser-printing facilities; video conferencing suite; satellite TV for international business programmes; and individual study rooms for group work or silent study.

Flexibility – The programmes offered give you flexibility over your study options as you progress and develop, whether this is choosing to study abroad, taking an internship or being able to move between the courses we offer.

Internationalisation – Our international student and staff body combined with a curriculum underpinned by internationalisation will enable you to learn how to operate in a global business environment.

Professional support – Both personal and academic support is available through the University Student Offices. So whether it’s an assignment extension, help with funding issues or queries with your timetable, this is where you will find the answers!

Employability Unit – We are at the forefront of employability development. Our dedicated Employability and Placement Unit offers a variety of services including support to find a new job, or advice on securing a promotion.

supportive environment 6

7 employability

Enhancing your

employment and career prospects Our undergraduate business degrees provide the knowledge and practical insight to help you start a career in a wide range of business-related areas. There are also many transferable skills embedded into our courses which will help you with any career.

Studying with the Business School gives you a head start in your career, offering: Professional body exemptions – The School has strong professional body links and these are used to inform the curriculum to ensure they reflect the latest professional thinking and standards and to maximise the exemptions and accreditation you will gain alongside studying your programme.

Internships – You can choose to gain valuable work experience through taking an internship (sandwich placement) as part of your programme of study. Full support in preparing and securing internships is provided through our dedicated support team.

There are many other opportunities to engage with business during your course including working on company projects, guest lectures and site visits.

Study abroad – You can choose to undertake one semester or a full-year of study abroad at one of our EU partners, as part of your programme of study.

Real business skills development – Studying at Wolverhampton will allow you to develop the skills businesses demand including IT, project management, team working and leadership.

Careers support and guidance – You will be able to gain an Employability Award. Having developed your CV and enhanced your interview skills you will be able to undertake a short internship to prepare yourself to gain employment on graduation.

Volunteering opportunities – There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available that allow you to gain valuable employability skills, as well as helping you to make a real difference to the local community.

The opportunity to start your own business – Not only will you develop the business acumen necessary to start and manage your own business but ongoing support is available both during your studies and on graduation to help you make a success of your business start-up.

Management mentors – You will have the opportunity to be mentored by a senior manager from the region through our Institute of Directors mentoring scheme or alumni mentoring scheme.

OUR COURSES 8

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Location: Wolverhampton City Campus Full-time: 3 years Sandwich: 4 years Part-time: 5-6 years (includes daytime study) UCAS code: N400

Prospects As well as openings as an accountant in a professional firm of accountants or in industry, finance expertise is in constant demand in many areas across the private and public sectors and can be a good starting point for a career in general management.

Outline

The degree can also be used as the basis for postgraduate study in the area of finance and general business management.

Confronting some of the key issues surrounding the current economic situation, this degree prepares you for the challenges of modern-day accountancy. You will gain skills and knowledge based on accounting and finance, as well as other business-related areas such as IT and human resources. You’ll become familiar with the latest practices used for budget planning, costing, financial accounting and auditing.

In addition to your academic studies, you will also be trained in the use of accounting software, analytical skills, report writing and further employability skills which will enable you to better adapt to the rapidly changing environment of work.

Professional body exemptions This course has been designed not only to provide an excellent academic experience but also the skills, knowledge and abilities which are recognised by the professional accountancy bodies. Students who graduate from this course can obtain exemption from all nine Association of Chartered Certified Accountants fundamental papers (the maximum available for exemption); five certificate level papers and two professional papers of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants accountancy qualification. In addition, students may be eligible for exemptions from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales professional qualifications and a further 12 modules of this course are accredited by the Association of International Accountants.

You may also study Accounting or Finance as part of the following joint awards: BA (Hons) Business and Accounting (NN14) BSc (Hons) Business and Finance (NN13)

What our students say “The standard of lectures was high, with the majority of lecturers having previously been in practice or industry before moving into education. They were able to bring real-world examples into the classroom. By the time I had completed my degree, I felt ready to enter the workplace. Over my time at Wolverhampton, I have really grown in confidence and feel I have developed as a person.”

Peter, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduate

For more information, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs or contact us on tel: 01902 321789

9 OUR COURSES

BA (Hons) Business Management Location: Wolverhampton City Campus Full-time: 3 years Sandwich: 4 years Part-time: 5-6 years (includes daytime study) UCAS code: N202 Outline This course is designed for students wishing to embark on a professional career in business and management. It will help you develop analysis and evaluation skills which can be applied to real-world situations. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the various functional areas of business, including management, marketing, human resources, finance and operations management within a global context. You will also be equipped with the skills required to be successful in business, such as entrepreneurship, digital literacy, collaborative working and communication skills.

Bracketed Awards The course offers you the option of specialising in your final year by opting for a bracketed award in one of the following areas: • Economics • Enterprise • Finance • Human Resources • Marketing Prospects On completing the course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge for a wide variety of positions in business. There is also an increasing need for business management skills in government,

international commerce, health care, and non-profit organisations.

Recent graduates have gained employment in human resources, product management, business analysis, market research. A number have gone on to set up their own businesses. This degree can also be used as the basis for postgraduate study in more specialist areas, such as Marketing or HRM. You may also study Business as part of the following joint awards: BA (Hons) Business and Accounting (NN14) BSc (Hons) Business and Finance (NN13) BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management (NN16) BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management (NN15)

What our students say “The interview for my current job was based on a presentation that I had to conduct in front of the Managing Director. I was able to deliver this with confidence because I had the opportunity to familiarise myself with this throughout my course”.

Poonan, BA (Hons) Business Management graduate

For more information, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs or contact us on tel: 01902 321789

OUR COURSES 10

BA (Hons) Human Resource Management Location: Wolverhampton City Campus Full-time: 3 years Sandwich: 4 years Part-time: 5-6 years (includes daytime study) UCAS code: N602 Outline This course provides you with the knowledge and understanding of human resourcing theories and their strategic application to organisations operating within a changing global environment.

During your studies you will look at specific issues relating to international human resourcing, strategies for people management and contemporary issues in HR. You will gain a thorough grounding in contemporary employee relations, together with an understanding of current employment law.

You will benefit from a wider appreciation of general business and management topics including marketing, accounting, entrepreneurial creativity and innovation.

Through the use of a range of concepts, approaches, research techniques and e-learning forums, the course will equip you with a range of personal and intellectual skills in preparation for a career in the human resourcing or general management fields.

Prospects The course is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in a variety of people management related areas including training and people development, human resource management, reward practice, personnel strategy or more general business roles.

The course provides the underpinning for postgraduate study in human resourcing leading to full membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Students can choose to follow postgraduate programmes leading to either an MA Human Resource Management or MA Human Resource Development and Organisational Change.

You may also study Human Resource Management as part of the following joint awards: BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management (NN16) BA (Hons) Marketing and Human Resource Management (NN65)

BA (Hons) International Business Management Location: Wolverhampton City Campus Full-time: 3 years Sandwich: 4 years Part-time: 5-6 years (includes daytime study) UCAS code: N120 Outline One of the phenomena of the 20th and 21st centuries has been that of globalisation. This course will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to manage within this global framework. As globalisation increases, more organisations have to work beyond their regional boundaries, compete in diverse global environments and find that their traditional domestic markets are open to global challenges.

These organisations need experts who can work across multicultural barriers, develop effective international strategies and source products internationally. This course will develop your skills in key business areas.

You will develop your understanding of international business theories focusing on topics including managing international operations, international strategy and risk analysis, and principles of international business. You may also gain valuable international experience by spending a year overseas during a work placement (with the sandwich route), subject to availability.

For more information, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs or contact us on tel: 01902 321789

Alternatively, students on this course have the opportunity to study for one year with our partner institution in Finland and gain degrees from both institutions.

Prospects This course could lead to rewarding career opportunities, both in international companies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Recent graduates have gained employment in international marketing and sales and more general business roles with leading international companies.

Additionally, the course provides a sound basis for postgraduate studies in international business, such as MSc International Business Management.

11 OUR COURSES

BA (Hons) Marketing Management Location: Wolverhampton City Campus Full-time: 3 years Sandwich: 4 years Part-time: 5-6 years (includes daytime study) UCAS code: N501 Outline This course equips you with an essential toolkit of the latest marketing theories and practices including strategic marketing, marketing planning and international marketing. You will learn varied aspects of marketing principles essential to the work of marketing professionals including: marketing planning, product development, consumer behaviour, advertising, communication with customers, pricing, distribution, selling techniques, building relationships with stakeholders and researching markets.

The diversity of topics covered will allow you to develop your understanding of collective responsibility as global citizens within local, national and international communities. Throughout the course, you will develop key employability skills, including IT, numerical, and communication skills.

Much of this will be underpinned by real life examples drawn from our wide consultancy and Knowledge Transfer Partnership network.

Prospects The course will prepare you for career opportunities in a variety of marketing related areas including product and brand management, account management, sales promotion, marketing research, advertising, interactive marketing and customer relationships within manufacturing, retailing and service sectors.

On successful completion of the BA (Hons) Marketing Management, graduates will be able to obtain exemptions from a number of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications or you may choose to study at Master’s level such as our MSc Marketing.

Professional Body Accreditation The course has been designed to provide maximum exemptions from Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications. The course offers the Dual Award scheme, which means that upon the successful completion of the BA (Hons) Marketing Management degree you need only do two specific CIM modules to gain the Professional Diploma in Marketing, bypassing the Professional Certificate stage.

You may also study Marketing as part of the following joint awards: BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management (NN15) BA (Hons) Marketing and Enterprise Management (NN52) BA (Hons) Marketing and Human Resource Management (NN65)

What our students say “I gained a good understanding of marketing strategy, alongside the role of marketing in a broader business context; this provided me with a lot of skills that I use on a daily basis.�

Karl, BA (Hons) Marketing Management graduate

For more information, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs or contact us on tel: 01902 321789

OUR COURSES 12

FD (Arts) Business Management

HND Business Location: Wolverhampton City Campus Full-time: 2 years UCAS code: 422N Outline The HND Business is a widelyrecognised and highly-valued business qualification that allows you to develop a range of skills necessary to pursue a career in business, and provides a solid platform for further study in the subject area. In addition to developing skills valued by employers, you will study the key business functional areas of marketing, human resource management, and finance, as well as the operational and planning dimensions associated with business decision making.

A distinctive feature of the course is its international focus, within which you will develop your abilities as a business practitioner through a

range of work-related learning and assessment opportunities. You will therefore have the opportunity to distinguish yourself in the labour market, by offering potential employers a highly relevant skill set and contemporary knowledge base.

Location: City of Wolverhampton College or Sandwell College Full-time: 2 years (second year at the University of Wolverhampton City Campus) Part-time: 3 years (all delivered at college campus) UCAS code: N200

Prospects The HND prepares you for a wide range of administrative and management careers in business.

The breadth of subject coverage, coupled with the development of international business perspectives, equips you to move into a variety of positions in organisations operating in global markets. Alternatively, on completion of the course you have the opportunity to do a one year top-up in the form of either a BA (Hons) in Business Management or BA (Hons) International Business Management qualification.

Outline This course seeks to develop a balanced mix of academic knowledge and understanding of business organisations, alongside a range of relevant vocational skills and competencies. A key aspect of the programme is the emphasis on work-based learning, designed to reinforce application of theory and facilitate the achievement of relevant transferable vocational skills.

The FD (Arts) Business Management course provides a great opportunity to apply these skills as part of a work-placement module in both the first and second years of study. In the second year, students enhance their expertise in a variety of general business, management and functional areas. A major facet of the learning is the development of entrepreneurial and innovative

For more information, please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs or contact us on tel: 01902 321789

capabilities, which combined with academic knowledge and a range of transferable skills, creates graduates with a unique set of attributes.

Prospects Upon successful completion of the course you will have the skills to secure employment in a variety of jobs and business organisations.

Alternatively, you may wish to develop your understanding of business and management further by progressing onto the final year of the BA (Hons) Business Management degree at the University of Wolverhampton Business School.

13 2012 Entry requirements

2012

Entry requirements BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance Students are required to have gained a pass in GCSE Maths at grade C or higher and be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency to at least GCSE grade C level (or equivalent).

All other BA and BSc (Hons) awards Applicants must be able to demonstrate Maths and English Language proficiency to at least GCSE grade C level standard .(or equivalent).

AND • 220 UCAS points with a minimum of 180 points from A-levels (or equivalent) or • BTEC National Diploma grade MMM or • Access to HE Diploma full award (Pass of 60 credits - of which a minimum of 45 credits must be at level 3 including 18 at Merit or Distinction).

AND • 220 UCAS points with a minimum of 180 points from A-levels (or equivalent) or • BTEC National Diploma grade MMM or • Access to HE Diploma full award (Pass of 60 credits - of which a minimum of 45 credits must be at level 3 including 18 at Merit or Distinction).

Consideration will be given by the School to applicants with accounting experience and/or qualifications.

HND and Foundation Degree • 120 UCAS points with a minimum of 80 points from two A-levels (or equivalent) or • BTEC National Certificate grade PPP, BTEC National Certificate grade MP or • Access to HE Diploma full award.

If you’ve got other qualifications or relevant experience please consult the UCAS tariff tables or contact us before applying.

International student language requirements and application guidance can be found at: www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

OTHER COURSES 14

Other

courses we offer The University of Wolverhampton Business School also offers a range of postgraduate and professional courses, including: •

•

• • • • • •

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) – Operational, Managerial and Strategic levels Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) – Introductory Certificate in Marketing – Professional Certificate in Marketing – Professional Diploma in Marketing – Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) Master of Business Administration (MBA) MA Coaching and Mentoring MA Human Resource Management MA Leadership MA Management

• MSc Finance and Accounting • MSc Healthcare Leadership • MSc Human Resource Development and Organisational Change • MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship • MSc International Business Management • MSc Marketing • Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education • Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management • Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Development and Organisational Change Please visit our website: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs for the most up-to-date details of our postgraduate and professional courses.

Contact: University of Wolverhampton Business School City Campus North Nursery Street Wolverhampton WV1 1AD

Tel: 01902 321789 Email: uwbs-marketing@wlv.ac.uk Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/uwbs

Disclaimer The University of Wolverhampton can accept no liability for the accuracy or otherwise of statements in these publications. It is a general guide and there may be changes following publication, which affect the contents. Courses and modules may be altered or withdrawn without notice. Before accepting any place offered on a course, prospective students should be aware that the provision of education services by the University of Wolverhampton is subject to written terms and conditions of contract set out in full on the University’s website at: www.wlv.ac.uk MAC799-0112