This course is for any individual wishing to follow a general degree level course in the area of Business and Management in order to improve their employment prospects and qualifications.
No enterprise can operate well without excellent commercial expertise. Whether you are a financier, statistician, accountant, marketeer, administrator, HR manager, or a manager of any other major function, you need business skills. There are many types of businesses, from multi-nationals to small start-ups, not-for-profit organisations, the public sector and charities and they all want to be successful. This programme introduces you to the complex environments within which business operates. As all business is about people, you will explore marketing, customer care and HR - all crucial to business success.
You will also undertake an Enterprise Culture module which gives you a heightened awareness and understanding of the concept of enterprise culture through self-exploration and the critical exploration of the workplace. You will be supported in developing your entrepreneurial ideas and acquire the skills and knowledge in order to set up your own businesses or present your enterprising achievements to future employers.
In your first year you will study modules in: • Business Finance • The Legal Environment • Organisational Aspects of Business • Marketing • Customer Relations Management • Project Management • The External Environment.
Second year modules include: • Business Strategy • Introduction to Macro-Economics • Human Resources • Managing Training and Development • Management and the Law • Financial Planning.
At interview and in your personal statement, we are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities skills, although all will be further developed throughout your learning.
• Group/team work. Let us know of any individual or group projects that you have been involved with. You will also need to appreciate how to both accept and allocate responsibility. • Communication and people skills. Your course work could include oral presentations, formal report writing and in-depth research. • Independent learning study/research skills. You will already have some of these, and your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services. • Problem-solving. You will need to be able to think on your feet and anticipate and resolve problems before they occur. • Independence/self-reliance/initiative. In your personal statement tell us about your interests, work experience, extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility etc. • IT Skills. You will also have access to a range of IT facilities and the ILC where staff are available to give you advice and support.
80% continuous assessment, 20% tests. Continuous assessment including individual and group assignments, projects and formal examinations.
In addition to attending time-tabled classes, you should expect to spend time outside college on directed reading and in-course assessments. As a guide this should be between 10 and 15 hours per week, although actual time spent will differ according to individual's experience and the number of assignments at any one time.
For careers in management, personnel, marketing or finance. Past business students have gained employment as graduate trainees with national organisations.
Alternatively you can apply to progress to the BA (Hons) Business Administration (top-up) course offered at this college.
National Diploma Business or similar (PPP) or A Levels (min. 120 points including 80 points at A2 level) or Advanced New Diploma (120 points minimum) or Access Certificate.
We also require students to have GCSE English Language at grade C (or equivalent).
Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.
Note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.
Interviews last approximately 25 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your application and demonstrate your personal skills.
Full Time Fees: £2160 per year (for 2009/10 start)
Part Time Fees (assumes 3 yrs part-time study to complete): £1440 per year (for 2009/10 start)
Fees for 2010/11 will be confirmed in March 2010
Tel: 01823 366 331; Email: enquiries@somerset.ac.uk