BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year

Find out where BSc (Hons) Business Management at Plymouth could lead you

Advice from graduate Christopher Cleves

Read more from Christopher in his case study

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Whether you’re in the classroom, working on a live project with a local business or out on the water, you're gaining leadership skills and getting stuck into real business tasks from the outset.

From tourism and leisure, to marine, manufacturing and defence, we have close links with a range of industry for you to make connections with to enhance your studies and benefit career opportunities.​

The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree and you will benefit from experienced university lecturers.

Study full-time over four years or choose the fast-track route and study over three.

• Foundation year

• Begin to develop your research skills, knowledge and understanding. Undertake independent research into an area of study that interests you. Successful completion of the foundation year ensures progression to year 1.

  Core modules

  ECN3100
  The World of Economics and Finance 30 credits

  This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.

  50% Coursework

  50% Tests

  STO3001
  Global Business 30 credits

  The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.

  100% Coursework

  STO3002
  Introduction to Business Research 30 credits

  The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

  100% Coursework

  STO3003
  Business Research Project 30 credits

  This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.

  100% Coursework

• Year 1

• Gain a solid understanding of management in a business and enterprise context. Learn about the ethical and sustainability issues of businesses from a global perspective, while developing your understanding of leadership, marketing and the digital economy. Throughout your degree you have the opportunity to work on live case studies and with businesses to develop your learning and apply theory to practice.

  Core modules

  HRL4001
  Developing Management and Leadership Competencies 20 credits

  This module introduces you to the practices of the manager and leader, exploring the key attributes, roles, responsibilities and challenges facing them in 21st century organisations, and the attributes, skills and competencies required to be effective. The module focuses on leadership and management practice and encourages a self /individual developmental approach, enabling you to reflect on your current and future competencies.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  HRL4003
  Business Culture and Behaviour 40 credits

  This module encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.

  60% Tests

  40% Coursework

  MKT4003
  Marketing, Enterprise and the Digital Economy 20 credits

  As consumer behaviour and needs change, organisations need to become more creative and entrepreneurial in every aspect. This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge of consumer behaviour in the digital world; how businesses are adapting and developing effective entrepreneurial climates, cultures and structures for long-term sustainability. You will explore the role and impact of digital technologies and how the integration of online and traditional marketing techniques can be successful.

  100% Coursework

  STO4002
  The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

  This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

  60% Tests

  40% Coursework

• Year 2

• Develop employability skills further by focusing on the practical techniques for managing people, operations, resources and projects. Work with students from across the faculty on the challenge module, which focuses on global issues.

  Core modules

  ECN5009
  Economic and Financial Data for Business Decision Making 40 credits

  Excellent business performance can only be sustained if managers have access to high quality information. This module explores economic and financial data, common management decision making techniques (e.g., processes, models, analytical methods, and information support) and analytical frameworks in the context of their role in informing key business decisions (e.g., pricing, investment, cash flow, organisational finance, research and development etc).

  100% Coursework

  HRL5001
  Managing People, Productivity and Operations 40 credits

  Operations involves the production of goods and services through the coordination of human and other resources, where these resources are managed effectively levels of productivity that provide competitive advantage may be achieved. In this module you will explore how major themes of operations and human resource management interlink to influence organisational decision making and aspects of organisational and individual performance.

  100% Coursework

  Optional modules

  HRL5002
  Contemporary HRM 20 credits

  In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.

  100% Coursework

  HRL5003
  Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

  This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

  100% Coursework

  HRL5004
  Managing Change 20 credits

  This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.

  100% Coursework

  MKT5003
  Marketing for a Digital World 20 credits

  In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

  100% Coursework

  MKT5004
  Strategic Marketing Management 20 credits

  The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.

  100% Coursework

  PBS5001C
  The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

  Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

  100% Coursework

  PBS5002C
  The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

  In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

  100% Coursework

  PBS5003C
  The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

  Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

  100% Coursework

  STO5001
  Project Management 20 credits

  This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  STO5002
  Responsible Global Enterprise 20 credits

  The module will focus on the management of global enterprises in a responsible way. You will consider the various forces within the local and international environments that are likely to influence firms’ expansion activities, including location choice, entry mode, internationalisation patterns and growth strategies. You will also explore the pros and cons of globalization, the emerging trends in deglobalization, fair trade practices and responsible foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, you will examines the costs and benefits of offshore outsourcing as a part of global supply chain management and in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

• Optional placement year

• Put theory into practice with an optional placement year. Supported by a dedicated team, you undertake a paid position within a public or private sector organisation relevant to your interests.

  Core modules

  PBS600PLC
  Placement Year

  The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

• Final year

• Study the topics you are interested in and graduate with a specialist qualification. Some of our specialism modules include: human resource management, global enterprise, creating social change, and strategic marketing. Tailor your degree by completing a research project in an area of your choice, and undertake a live consultancy project or reflect on your industry experience.

  Core modules

  PBS6000
  Honours Project 0 credits

  The module gives you the opportunity to investigate in-depth a specialist academic or practice-based topic for which you have a passion for knowing more within your field of study.

  100% Coursework

  STO6003
  Strategy and Leadership 20 credits

  This module brings a problem-focused view to Strategy, Leadership and their interaction through Strategic Leadership. Particular consideration is given to strategic analysis, the development, evaluation and implementation of strategies and appropriate styles of leadership which facilitate this. The ethical and moral responsibilities of leaders will be critiqued, along with the development of relationships between organisational decision makers, leaders, and followers, within businesses.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  Optional modules

  HRL6002
  Contemporary HRM 20 credits

  In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.

  100% Coursework

  HRL6003
  Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

  This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

  100% Coursework

  HRL6004
  Managing Change 20 credits

  This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.

  100% Coursework

  HRL6010
  Experiential Practice 20 credits

  This module provides you with the opportunity both to reflect upon practical experience as well as develop your capabilities and profile so you are on course for life after graduation.

  100% Coursework

  MKT6003
  Marketing for a Digital World 20 credits

  In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

  100% Coursework

  MKT6004
  Strategic Marketing Management 20 credits

  The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.

  100% Coursework

  MKT6010
  Global Marketing Management 20 credits

  The module introduces you to the key concepts of global marketing, providing you with an understanding of environmental factors, global marketing strategies and the international marketing planning process.

  100% Coursework

  STO6001
  Project Management 20 credits

  This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.

  50% Coursework

  50% Practicals

  STO6002
  Responsible Global Enterprise 20 credits

  The module will focus on the management of global enterprises in a responsible way. You will consider the various forces within the local and international environments that are likely to influence firms’ expansion activities, including location choice, entry mode, internationalisation patterns and growth strategies. You will also explore the pros and cons of globalization, the emerging trends in deglobalization, fair trade practices and responsible foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, you will examines the costs and benefits of offshore outsourcing as a part of global supply chain management and in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

  50% Coursework

  50% Examinations

  STO6004
  Enterprise, Innovation and Creativity 20 credits

  The module will enable you to use creative processes to develop an innovative and viable business concept and to pitch for resources from potential stakeholders.

  60% Coursework

  40% Practicals

  STO6005
  Business Consultancy 20 credits

  This module focuses on exploring and understanding a range of theoretical approaches to developing strategies for businesses and applying these principles to a live consultancy project. You will have the opportunity to gain experience of working with a business on a consultancy basis, either in a research or strategic development setting. You will engage with a client business to mutually identify a suitable project and develop findings and guidelines to inform a new strategic direction.

  100% Practicals

BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year programme specification_6221

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP-MMP in any subject.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

International Baccalaureate
24-25 overall. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.

IELTS
If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.

Access courses
Pass access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.

T level: Pass in any subject.

New Irish Highers:From 2017 32-80 points.

City and Guilds Level 3: We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.

Cyprus Apolytirion:15/20 to 16/20 overall to include a pass in Maths and IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.

GCSE
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.