Program Overview
The University of Derby's Business Management (Top-Up) BA (Hons) equips students with a holistic understanding of business operations, management, and global dynamics. With a focus on practicality, the program engages students in real-world projects through its Business Consultancy Project module. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in the business sector and enjoy support from the university's Careers and Employment Service for up to three years post-graduation.
Program Outline
Business Management (Top-Up) BA (Hons) - University of Derby
Degree Overview:
This top-up degree is designed for students who already hold an HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject. It builds upon and expands the knowledge gained in those prior qualifications, leading to a full honors degree in BA (Hons) Business Management. Students can join at either stage 2 or 3 of the program. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of organizations, their management, and the global environments in which they operate. It emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world business and management scenarios, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Outline:
Year 3:
Core Modules:
- Global Business and Strategy: This module examines global business through a combined strategic and economic approach. It explores recent major global economic shifts, analyzes current international business events, and delves into the theoretical underpinnings, trends, and challenges of international trade and foreign direct investment. Students will also analyze the role of government and institutions in regulating international business behavior and consider the long-term sustainability of businesses in a dynamic global environment. The module emphasizes the importance of strategic management in navigating complex issues like culture, leadership, and corporate governance. Students will develop practical skills such as data interpretation, problem-solving, decision-making, positioning analysis, and strategic option development and evaluation.
- Developing Leadership and Management: This module focuses on the development of leadership and management skills, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to effectively lead and manage in diverse organizational contexts. It explores various leadership styles, theories, and practices, and examines the challenges and opportunities associated with leading and managing in a globalized and rapidly changing business environment.
- The Business Consultancy Project: This module is a cornerstone of the program, providing students with a practical and immersive experience in applying their knowledge and skills to real-world business challenges. Students will undertake a consultancy project for a real business, working in teams to identify and analyze problems, develop solutions, and present their recommendations. This project allows students to put their learning into practice, gain valuable experience, and demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.
Optional Modules:
- Financial Statement Analysis: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial statements and their analysis, equipping them with the skills to interpret financial data, assess financial performance, and make informed financial decisions.
- Economics of Sustainable Business Growth: This module explores the economic principles and practices that underpin sustainable business growth, examining the relationship between economic development, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
- Creating Business Opportunities: This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to identify and develop new business opportunities, exploring various methods for generating innovative ideas, conducting market research, and developing business plans.
- Comparative International HRM: This module examines the complexities of human resource management in a global context, comparing and contrasting different approaches to HRM across various cultures and countries. Students will gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a diverse workforce in a globalized business environment.
- Managing the Evolving Employment Relationship: This module explores the changing nature of the employment relationship in the 21st century, examining the impact of globalization, technology, and demographic shifts on work and employment. Students will learn about various employment models, explore the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a flexible and diverse workforce, and develop strategies for building effective and sustainable employment relationships.
- Supply Chain Strategy: This module focuses on the development of supply chain strategies, examining the role of supply chains in achieving organizational goals and objectives.
- Brand Impact and Popular Culture: This module explores the role of brands in popular culture, examining how brands are created, communicated, and consumed in a globalized and digitalized world. Students will learn about various branding theories and practices, explore the impact of social media and digital marketing on brand building, and analyze the relationship between brands and popular culture.
- Marketing Across Cultures: This module examines the challenges and opportunities associated with marketing products and services in diverse cultural contexts.
Assessment:
The program primarily assesses students through practical coursework assignments, simulating real-world tasks that they might encounter in the workplace. These assignments can be individual or group-based and may include:
- Business reports
- Research and consultancy projects
- Presentations
- Design of digital materials such as videos, blogs, or augmented reality posters
- Computer-based assessments
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of interactive and engaging teaching methods, including:
- Formal lectures, sometimes involving guest speakers
- Tutor-led and student-led seminars
- One-to-one and small group tutorials
- Self-directed study The program also features a diverse range of guest speakers from industry and professional bodies, providing students with valuable insights and perspectives from experienced professionals.
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess sound business acumen and a wide range of practical skills, making them well-prepared for a variety of career paths in areas such as:
- Operations manager
- Business analyst
- Business development manager
- HR officer
- Project management
- Consultancy
- Accountancy
- Operations
- Human resource management
- Marketing
- Sales
- Logistics
- Finance Graduates have secured positions with prominent employers such as Deloitte, PwC, Capita, the BBC, DHL, Barclays, Tata, Mott MacDonald, and IBM. Some graduates have also chosen to start their own businesses. The program also provides students with support from the Careers and Employment Service, which offers guidance and resources throughout their studies and for up to three years after graduation. The Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme encourages students to reflect on their learning and develop their career ambitions.
Other:
The program emphasizes the importance of global perspectives and encourages students to work with peers from other countries through joint projects with overseas partner universities. This fosters cultural awareness and understanding of how different cultures approach business issues. The University of Derby is building a new Derby Business School, which will serve as an international center of excellence for business education and research. The new facilities will enhance the program's reputation for inspirational teaching and research excellence, shaping the next generation of qualified business leaders.
UK students
- Full-time: £9,250 per year
- Part-time: £1,155 per 20 credit module
International students
- Full-time: £14,900 per year
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Campus and Facilities:
While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.Fees and Finance:
The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.Entry Requirements:
- UK Students:
- An HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject.
- At least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.
- A transcript of the modules already studied must be sent to the university to ensure compatibility with the top-up program.
- International Students:
- The same requirements as UK students apply.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
Language Proficiency Requirements:
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
