The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies (Top-Up) course seeks to add a rigorous analytical edge to the practical business skills developed in previous study. The degree provides an overview of the strategic function of the business and the role of the individual in achieving this aim. The award, through its innovative teaching and learning approaches, encourages learning by actions and reflection in order to develop the employability of the award students.

The general objectives of the programme aims to:

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies (Top-Up) : Course Structure

The modules included in the one-year (final year) programme are:

- Global Business

Global Business Environment, in particular those aspects which impact upon the Business Internationalisation Processes.

International Trade and Investment issues, particularly the identification and management of exchange-rate related risk.

Global Business Management Issues, focusing on the international aspects of traditional management functions (such as marketing, Human Resources and Purchasing and Supply), as well as strategic decision making related to issues such as social innovation and sustainability related to energy production and use, impacts of the connected society, local-global relationships, and how this can affect the entrepreneur in international contexts.

Global Industry Issues, highlighting the different environments and issues created by global business in different industries (for example, Agri-Foods; Clothing; Automotive; Semi-conductors / Computing; Financial Services)

- Business Strategy

This module is an introduction to business strategy. It has been designed for students who are not following the University's business studies degree programme, e.g. Accounting; Leisure; Sport; Tourism, Business & Management etc.

The first element of the module develops a conceptual understanding of business strategy through its origins as an academic and management discipline. The module then concentrates on the tools, techniques and structure of organisation. This is achieved by auditing external and internal environments, and also includes a section focused on the first stages of organisational decision making. A significant element of the module therefore examines key areas in implementing strategy; i.e. culture, functions; resources. Following from the analytical techniques a range of important themes impacting on strategic thinking are explored. Themes will include drivers of globalisation; the tension between knowledge management and knowledge environments; governance and corporate social responsibility; external strategic development.

- Business Research

This module provides learners with the opportunity to conduct research. Students will conduct either work-related or applied course-related research under the guidance of a tutor which will culminate in the completion of a research report.

Students will be introduced to the tools and techniques they will need to conduct a real investigation into a business problem and to produce an appropriate report. Furthermore, individual development will arise through the personal growth of self directed learning and will strengthen the employability skills namely, communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, learning, and technology.

Students will form groups of 4-6 people, then they will choose a suitable project to investigate. This will be done in consultation with the module leaders. Each group will be required to produce a research proposal, outlining the problem/ issue to be researched, and an outline of their research design and methods. If they have a sufficiently robust proposal they will then conduct the research with guidance from the tutors. Each group will present their findings to their peer group and the module tutors. Finally, each student will produce a 3500 word research report.

- International Culture and Communications

This module provides learners with a critical understanding of the significant role culture plays in shaping organisational communication. There will be a particular focus on message strategies relating to cultural norms within organisations.

- Starting and Developing a New Venture

- Business Communication

The module will include investigation of, and activities related to:

Lectures/Tutorials

The course is mainly conducted in the classroom via face-to-face learning which encourages student-teacher interaction. Students are encouraged to attend field trips and bazaars organised by the school to encourage experiential learning.

Assessment

Variety of written examinations (seen questions, unseen questions, pre-sighted cast study etc), oral presentation, coursework (including group work and individual components), case study analysis, research project.

Entry Requirements for Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies (Top-Up)

*Those without IELTS 6.0 are required to attend an English Course at a fee.

Certification for Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies (Top-Up)

Candidates who successfully obtain a minimum 'Pass' grade for all units and complete the 1 year of this programme will be given the internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies (Top-Up) awarded by the University of Glamorgan, UK.

Course Schedule

This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies (Top-Up) award takes approximately 1000-1200 hours including lectures, tutorials, development and implementation of coursework, direct reading, self study, exam and exam preparation hours.

Full-time / Part-time