Strode College

FdA Contemporary Business

Institution code NA
Duration

2 years

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Study location Strode College (Street)
Consistently beating the national average with our results, you’ll also enjoy the newest technology and specialist equipment in your studies at Strode. We’ve invested over £12 million in our facilities, after all. Our partnership with the University of Plymouth commenced in 2006.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    STRO1031
    Organisational Behaviour and Change

    The module introduces and defines the concept of organisational behaviour, reflecting upon its origins, developments and applications in contemporary business and enterprise. Within an interconnected world, understanding the fundamentals of organisational behaviour is key to embedding good practice within the workplace, influencing motivation, behaviour and performance.

    STRO1032
    Contemporary Business Environment

    Students study the diverse contexts of contemporary business, embracing local, national and global case studies. Theoretical models, techniques and perspectives are explored promoting understanding and analysis of organisations and environments. Students examine the influence of micro and macro factors: global events, societal change, ethical, legislative and legal frameworks and technological impacts.

    STRO1033
    Marketing Principles and Practice

    This module introduces the concepts that underpin marketing as both a business philosophy and a functional activity. It considers how these concepts are applied in contemporary business and social enterprise, considering traditional and digital approaches adopted by local, national and global business. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of established campaigns and make professional recommendations for improvement.

    STRO1034
    Financial Interpretation for Business

    This module develops an understanding of the main sources of finance available to organisation and the importance of financial planning and budgeting including an understanding of financial indicators. It offers an introduction to the basic principles of economics and finance.

    STRO1035
    Introduction to Research Methods

    This module provides students with the knowledge and skills required to carry out an academic or applied research project within an area of individual interest. The module begins by establishing the value and importance of research within a business context, identifying how organisations may conduct or commission specific research to advance industry insight and support business sustainability.

    STRO1036
    Professional Business Practice

    This module is designed to enable students to demonstrate that they have all the qualities and transferrable skills necessary for relevant employment, requiring the exercise of responsibility and decision making, including the ability to relate their professional practice to underlying theories and principles.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    STRO2031
    Human Resource Management

    This module provides opportunities to develop awareness and appreciation of processes and functions of Human Resource Management. Drawing upon acquired knowledge and understanding of organisational behaviour, students will explore concepts of management and leadership, the importance of the employment contract, including employment law and the role and importance of effective recruitment and selection.

    STRO2032
    Entrepreneurial Thought and Innovation

    The module develops understanding of entrepreneurship, focusing on principal theories and concepts. The student will analyse the link between innovation, opportunity and entrepreneurship and, within a team, identify and plan for a specific business opportunity, leading to a professional pitch.

    STRO2033
    International Perspectives to Management and Leadership

    This module is designed to support students’ preparation for leadership and the practice of management within a global environment. This is linked to the need to develop stronger cultural skills, a greater capacity for geographical and cultural skills and an improved ability to work effectively as part of a multi-cultural team. Students will also have opportunity to practically apply these skills.

    STRO2034
    Financial Decision Making and Accounting for Business

    This module introduces accounting as the measurement, recording and communication of financial information for the purpose of business decision making in the context of risk, sustainability and liquidity. It also exposes the practical application of a range of relevant accounting techniques which enable effective decision-making processes.

    STRO2035
    Independent Research Project

    This module builds upon acquired knowledge and understanding of research methods, project management and research skills, and undertaking a research project relevant to contemporary business or professional interest. The module will require students to develop autonomy in their approach to learning, whilst undertaking regular supervision to establish key milestones are being met.

    STRO2036
    Business Sustainability and Contemporary Challenge

    This module considers the importance of the sustainability agenda and its role and impact upon business operations regardless of size, structure or industry. With global events and external factors influencing business decision making and ongoing viability, this module equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to assess contemporary challenge and navigate an everchanging world.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Strode College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Strode College

Want to be part of a modern and thriving campus? Located in Street, central Somerset, we’ve specifically developed our foundation degree courses with support and advice from a wide range of local employers.
Plymouth students working on a group project