BA (Hons) Business Management and Sustainability – 4 years

Awarded by University of Staffordshire

KEY COURSE INFORMATION

Course Title:

BA (Hons) Business Management and Sustainability

Awarding Body:

University of Staffordshire

Location:

London Campus - Edmonton Green and Birmingham Campus

Duration:

4 Years Full-time (with a foundation year)

Next Entry:

Start date: 23 Sep 2024; End date: Jul 2028

Summary of Distinctive Features

Do you want to be at the forefront of modern enterprise? Our BA (Hons) Business Management and Sustainability course challenges the traditional interpretations of enterprise and will open your mind to a broad range of contemporary themes in business. Our emphasis on ethical business and sustainability will position you to create long-lasting value for your organisation and you will learn the practical skills needed to become a responsible business leader.

At CECOS College London in partnership with University of Staffordshire, we provide a streamlined teaching method, allowing you to focus on one module at a time. To allow true immersion in each stage of your learning, you will study one topic over a five-week period and receive your results before starting the next module. Our approach focuses on individual skills and will develop your expertise as an independent learner and problem solver, preparing you for a fast-paced, focused career in business.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Business Management and Sustainability

Course & Outcome Aim

1. Knowledge & Understanding
Graduates should be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and systematic understanding and critical evaluation of organisations, the business environment in which they operate and their management. Programmes emphasise understanding, responding and shaping 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.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

2. Learning
Carry out enquiry-based learning, critical analysis and evaluation, and creative thinking to provide opportunities and solutions for business success. This encompasses organisations internal functions, the business environment and management processes, procedures and practices for effective management of organisations. Engage in strategic thinking and development and apply ethical reasoning to issues facing contemporary organisations, management and leadership.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

3. Enquiry
Justify and apply appropriate and ethical approaches to research and investigation in the field of management and apply skills and knowledge of enterprise in the pursuit of new business solutions and opportunities. Evaluate the effectiveness and ethical use of Information in a global business management context.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

4. Analysis
Describe, comment on and critically evaluate contemporary research into business management and its application related to decision making and the judgement of strategic decisions. Be entrepreneurial in your way of thinking and behaving, and in your approach to problem and opportunity analysis. Throughout you will reflect on the application of creative thinking, risk analysis and innovation.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

5. Problem Solving
Demonstrate a range of approaches to solving complex and interrelated business problems, displaying judgement of appropriate and different perspectives and the knowledge and understanding of what is right and ethical.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

6. Communication
Communicate complex information, ideas, problems and solutions through a variety of media and display confidence in their communication and presentation abilities and your ability to network and interact.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

7. Application
Apply, with reasoned judgment the research and analysis skills, problem-solving techniques and business knowledge to business problems review, extend, devise and sustain arguments to complex organisation problems, scenarios and opportunities to demonstrate your capabilities as entrepreneurs and enterprising individuals.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

8. Reflection
Demonstrate a high level of competence in personal development, showing initiative, responsibility, reflection and the transferable skills necessary for employability and understanding of your role in a globalised economy, through highly developed skills of personal awareness and critical review.

(QAA BMS 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5)

Learning, Teaching & Assessment

Teaching and Learning

The curriculum will develop and evolve so that knowledge and skills learned in modules will be transferred, re-applied and developed in related modules at higher levels. You will be guided through your studies through a teaching support network of module tutors, personal tutors, award leaders and supporting academic and managers, and dedicated and involved support and pastoral staff. Learning and teaching will be an enriching experience for you that reflects the value the school places on effective, innovative and research informed teaching. Learning and teaching will foster your critical intellectual development and the business capabilities required to engage in contemporary organisations.

In your learning situations you will be acting in partnership with module deliverers and facilitators who, through a programme of study designed to develop an evolving body of knowledge and portfolio of skills will be:

  • Encouraging active learning and a confidence to learn
  • Making explicit the skills to be developed through the curriculum
  • Stimulating intellectual curiosity and excitement in learning through engagement with up-to-date and contemporary, well researched subjects.
  • Encouraging critical reasoning about the world of business to achieve well informed judgements and conclusions
  • Challenging and shaping new learning experiences and opportunities through application of research informed pedagogy
  •  

And you will be:

  • Engaging with complex, challenging problems and real-world issues
  • Proactively using available resources, technical, digital, and paper-based to address problems, construct solutions and identify new topics for research.
  • Engaging in constructive reflection on learning and new ideas
  • Communicating and sharing with others in effective teams and collaborative activities, demonstrating a sense of community through active involvement with individuals and groups from differing backgrounds, communities, and value systems.

Assessment methods depend on the modules you will be studying. The primary methods of assessment are coursework and evaluative assignments, digital portfolio development, in-class tests, presentations (both individual and group) and examinations. Most modules include a Tutorial Assessment, which carry a weighting of around 10% and your attendance and participation in class will be reflected in the awarded mark.

Practice Based Learning

At CECOS College London we place great emphasis on preparing you for the careers of the future, and as a student at the College in partnership with Staffordshire Business School you will study the full spectrum of contemporary management and finance. You will use resources including books, journals and digital databases, social media resource banks and more to immerse yourself in each discipline and you will be challenged to picture what the business landscape of the future will be.

Practice Based Learning is based on you experiencing the learning curve through applying your knowledge by completing a knowledge exchange project in conjunction with a range of stakeholders.

Teaching and Learning Methods

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, tutorials, industry visits and independent study. A typical 20 credit module will include a week of moderated online preparation, three weeks of class where you will attend campus (a combination of physically and virtually), usually for no more than two consecutive days per week for lectures, tutorials and other activities, and one week for revision and assessment.

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods which incorporate both formal types of teaching and independent learning.

Examples of the types of learning experiences that you will encounter on the business management awards include:

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials and seminars
  • Group tasks
  • Student-led and tutor-led independent exercises
  • Workshops
  • Examinations
  • Assignments
  • Case-based assignments
  • Investigations
  • Literature review

Assessment
A focus on employability will be intrinsic throughout the award. Students will incorporate their skills assessment and research a topic of their own choice that reflects their interests and demonstrates their ability to apply skills they have developed throughout their course. Moreover, we have designed into our programme’s opportunities for formative assessment and feedback and encourage students to reflect and evaluate their contribution and development.

Our assessment strategies are based on an integrative approach which addresses the elements of assessment for learning, accessibility, diversity and efficiency. Assessment will enable students to make increasingly effective and confident judgments within their courses of study and within professional and employment contexts. The Staffordshire graduate attributes have been embedded within our assessments to enable our students to engage in learning and development and effective employment beyond their ongoing involvement in the school.

Module assessments are linked to real-life business challenges, developed through close interactions with a developing network of businesses that engage with the School.

To achieve this, we will:

  • Design into our programme’s opportunities for formative assessment and feedback and encourage students to reflect and evaluate their contribution and development.
  • Design assessment strategies based on an integrative approach which addresses the elements of assessment for learning, accessibility, diversity, and efficiency.
  • Assessment will enable students to make increasingly effective and confident judgements within their courses of study and within professional and employment contexts.
  • Underpinning our strategy will be the 5A* graduate attributes that will enable our students to engage in learning and development and effective employment beyond their ongoing involvement in the school.
  • We will ensure that the volume of assessment is not greater than is necessary for the testing of appropriate learning outcomes.
  • Assessment design will give students the best opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
  • We will provide timely and constructive feedback to enable students to learn and develop through the assessment process.
  • We will encourage students to reflect on all forms of feedback to enhance their ongoing learner development. We will encourage students to share their reflections with staff to enable critical review and analysis.
  • Greater variety and authenticity in the design of assessments
  • Improved learner engagement through interactive formative assessments with adaptive feedback
  • Capture of wider skills and attributes, for example through simulations, e-portfolios and interactive games.

Support for Learning

In addition to the excellent support, you will receive from your course teaching team, our Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking, and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment, and examination skills (including time management).

  • A comprehensive induction introducing new students to the subject, to the course and to the college facilities: e.g., Learning Resources, staff & Student Support.
  • College and Programme Handbooks available in print and electronic format
  • Personal and academic support integrated into teaching provided by approachable lecturers and a personal tutor who monitors performance.
  • Study and research skills integrated into the programme.
  • Written electronic assignment feedback, within three weeks of assignment submission.
  • Up-to-date computing facilities and a modern, well-equipped Learning Resources Centre
  • Virtual Learning Environment (MOODLE)
  • Access to higher education specific academic support sessions
  • Access to Student Support for students with welfare, financial or counseling needs
  • Access to Learning Support for students with educational needs.
  • Access to careers advice and support
  • Regular one-to-one tutorials.

Feedback
Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

UNIT DETAILS – 4 YEARS

Below is an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run, we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Foundation Year

Communication in the Digital Age
Communication is a key personality trait that builds impression and aids the development of relationships. In this module, you will develop the oral, written and digital communication skills required in modern business.

Managing People for Planet and Profit
Social responsibility is a critical element of modern business. In this module, you will develop your understanding of sustainable management practices in the workplace and in the wider context of organisations.

Business Performance
Analysing and reporting on success and failures is key to business growth. In this module, you will learn the fundamental mathematical tools used in business and economics and how these are critical for business success.

External Business Environments
Immerse yourself in your audience and surroundings. In this module, you will consider the external business environment and the impact of competition, cultural demographics, environmental issues and concepts of free and fair trade and what this means for business.

Business Simulation Project (40 credits)
Be a part of the enterprise. In this module, you will use business simulation tools to explore the dynamics of a modern enterprise and learn about your capacity to manage and innovate in your chosen field. This module is the culmination of your foundation year and will equip you with the skills required for you to manage in business or proceed onto further academic study.

Year 1 compulsory modules

The Future of Work (20 Credits)
Business and industry are ever-changing, and staying ahead of the game is critical to success. In this module, you will explore the importance of innovation in addressing climate change and other societal challenges and how the rise of digital technologies will change the future of work practices and various business sectors.

Data and Decision Making (20 Credits)
Data is the currency of the 21st century. In this module, you will explore the increasingly pervasive role of data in society, and how organisations can capture and leverage data to better understand consumer preferences, tailor communication, anticipate changes in external environments and manage risk and uncertainty.

Global Challenges and Opportunities (20 Credits)
Success can be found in the current economic and political climate. In this module, you will explore the ethical and unethical anomalies in our contemporary global political and economic system, and how they can provide both challenges and opportunities in modern business.

Risk and Reward (20 Credits)
Without risk, there is often no reward. In this module, you will explore the evolution and nature of financial markets and their susceptibility to shock. You will gain a solid foundation in the concepts of risk and return, portfolio theory and basic budgeting.

Social Enterprise (20 Credits)
Community and reputation are everything in the modern world of business. In his module, you will focus on your creativity and innovation and identify entrepreneurial opportunities that will form the basis of a socially responsible business idea or intervention.

The Balance of Power (20 Credits)
In this module you will explore how markets have evolved and how they will continue to evolve, and the role businesses and governments have in ensuring the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

Year 2 compulsory modules

The Business of Doing Good (20 Credits)
Most businesses create or destroy value. In this module, you will explore how to create a business that makes money, but at the same time makes the world a better place.

Governance and Climate Change (20 Credits)
Responding to climate change requires intervention the scale of which we have never seen. This module explores the role of governance in organisations in responding to this global challenge.

Sustainable Business Development (20 Credits)
To be sustainable, you must challenge the current perception of value chains. In this module, you will explore ways in which businesses and organisations can work together in responding to consumer preferences for ethically produced goods and services, changes in global supply chains and the growing use of digital technologies in everyday life.

Business Creativity and Innovation (20 Credits)
Succeed in creating something new in future business. In this module, you will develop your capability for creativity and innovation, exploring the boundaries typical of modern business and how they can be overcome to position organisations for future growth.

Year 3 compulsory modules

Leadership Strategy and Social Impact (20 Credits)
In a sustainable society courageous leadership is essential when balancing the needs of firms, stakeholders and the environment. In this module, you will explore the legal and ethical challenges leaders face whilst maintaining a profitable business.

Innovative Change Management (20 Credits)
Disruption is at the heart of the 4th industrial revolution. In this module, you will explore the dynamics of organisational change and how firms can leverage innovative business models to compete in a world more mindful of its natural environment.

Consultancy Project (40 Credits)
Teamwork can be the key to success. This module is the culmination of your programme of study, where you will work alongside other Business School students to identify and address a contemporary issue faced by a real organisation.

Resources Available To Students

CECOS College London offers a range of support and resources from the start of your programme, these are as follows:

  1. Information, advice and guidance from the first point of contact all the way through certification and progression.
  2. Learning support and disability support. 
  3. Enrichment training to allow you to achieve all of your personal and professional goals.
  4. An integrated e-portfolio system which includes a virtual classroom.
  5. Timetable will be available 1 month before the course start date.

Entry Requirements

Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points

A level: A, DD, EEE

BTEC: PPP

For further details, visit
London: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/business-management-sustainability-ba-ucec
Birmingham: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/business-management-sustainability-ba-uceb

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee is £9,250 per annum. Students on this course may be fully funded by the Student Loan Company. This facility is only available to UK students and those with resident status. For more information, please contact the admissions team at admissions@cecos.ac.uk or Tel: +44 207 359 3316.

Career Progression

Business sustainability is increasingly high on the agenda of the modern organisation. This course offers a wide range of career options and with a Degree in Business Management and Sustainability you may find yourself pursuing a career as a…

  • Business Sustainability Manager
  • Business Sustainability Analyst
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Sustainability Implementation Specialist
  • Environmental Planner
  • Sustainability Analyst
  • Economic Development Specialist

Graduates will leave the university with a high level of digital literacy allowing them to use and manipulate data to maximise business opportunities as well as the skills to develop collaborative relationships.

You will also develop skills to start your own business or to improve your existing business setup. By completing this course, you could also progress to a Master Programme at the College in Business. 

 

 

Contact us

  • 1st Floor, 23 South Mall, St. Georges Chambers, Edmonton Green, N9 0TS
  • CECOS House, 84 Barford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6AH

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