Business International Foundation Pathway

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module provides you with a foundational understanding of the principles and practices of business. You will explore the fundamental concepts of business environments, legal structures, and organisational dynamics, focusing on small and large businesses.

With the introduction of key principles of sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusive business practices in a globalised economy, it is expected that you will develop an understanding of contemporary issues affecting businesses at both local and global levels. The transferable skills you will develop in taking this module will enable you to critically evaluate new business ventures, create mission and vision statements, and engage in collaborative activities to develop essential teamwork and communication skills.

The module follows a thoughtful combination of theory, applied learning and reflective practices. By emphasising real-world applications, ethical considerations and global awareness, you will become a responsible, skilled and adaptive business professional.

Teaching and learning

Through interactive workshops, role-play activities, and case studies, it is expected that you will develop practical skills in business planning, stakeholder analysis, and strategic thinking.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Seminars will consist of individual, group activities and role plays.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, which will consist of individual tasks such as quizzes, posting on discussion forums, watching videos and taking notes and reading.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a business pitch and an individual written report.

40% - formative assessment where you will identify sources of business ideas (300 words) and summative assessment, where you will be required to present a business pitch to an audience of investors.

60% - individual written report, using a start-up company of your choice to identify and evaluate key challenges faced.

30 credits

This module delves deeper into core business functional areas and includes topics such as: marketing, finance, Human Resource Management (HRM) and leadership. The module is structured to enable you to gain an understanding of analytical frameworks such as SWOT, PESTLE and Porter’s Five Forces that will enable you to evaluate as well as identify opportunities and challenges within different business environments. The transferable skills you will develop in taking this module will enable you to critically evaluate the key functional aspects of business operations and application of theory to practice.

You will also evaluate the principles of product life cycle, and business portfolio management. This exploration will further develop your foundational skills that will enable you to deal with real-world business challenges and engage in critical discussions. Additionally, the module design follows a thoughtful combination of theory, applied learning and reflective practices, emphasising real-world applications, ethical considerations and global awareness, preparing you to become a responsible, skilled and adaptive business professional.

Teaching and learning

This module will be delivered to ensure active interactions through workshops and seminar activities while focusing on practical applications, such as cost behavior, breakeven analysis, market research, recruitment processes, and globalisation.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Seminars will consist of individual, group activities and role plays.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of asynchronous digital support each week, which will consist of individual tasks such as quizzes, posting on discussion forums, watching videos and taking notes and reading.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a group presentation and an individual written report.

40% - group presentation, where you will use relevant tools to evaluate the macro environment of a business organisation of your choice.

60% - individual written report, acting like an independent management consultant, you will write an analytical business report on a company of your choice on how it can gain or increase its competitive advantage.