BA (Hons) Business and Management with Integrated Foundation Year

Overview

BA (Hons) Business and Management focuses on professional and personal development, combining contemporary student and employer requirements with the latest academic theory. Undertaking multiple live learning activities, you will explore a range of perspectives including the key role of managers in the operations and quality process of business, management learning and professional development, and developing your skills as a strategic decision maker.

Why us?

• We've been shortlisted for Business School of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024
• Our management courses share a common first year, which enables you to focus on your chosen specialism of Management, HRM, Finance, Marketing or Economics
• Cutting-edge topics are covered such as issues around Sustainability in Business and Digital aspects of Business in the 21st century workplace

Course structure

With an innovative mix of experiential learning and knowledge development in terms of the role, function and influence of managers and leaders in a changing business world, the course provides you with opportunities for creative, reflexive, innovative and entrepreneurial skills development in live work environments.

Examples of experiential learning methods include live projects, placement opportunities, workplace shadowing and panel presentations.

The course features innovative teaching methods and learning by doing and reflecting. This includes problem-based learning, where you’ll work in a small team to explore issues or decide how to manage a situation. This helps you to dissect, challenge and debate issues.

Other teaching methods include company visits, guest speakers and cutting-edge elearning technologies. These are in addition to a combination of lectures, seminars, debates, tutorials and workshops.

Assessment methods include: narrative reports, eportfolios, consultancy projects, negotiated assessments, case studies, reflective statements, audio journals, posters, digital storyboards, blogs, podcasts and YouTube videos.

Course modules

Foundation Year

The Business and Tourism Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

• Global Issues in Business and Tourism (20 credits)
  • Engage with the literature and current debates on some of the major current global issues and trends within Business and Tourism in general. Examples include: wireless communication and technological transformation, universal payment methods, cost of fuel, security/safety and pandemics, political conditions, food security and food waste, rising income inequality, international trade and investment. Investigate a current global issue related to your degree of study via lectures/seminars, workshops and blended learning activities.
• Essential Study Skills (20 credits)
  • Bridge the gap between Further Education and Higher Education. Understand the level of work you will be expected to do at University, how to become an independent learner and how to find answers yourself.
• Foundation Project (20 credits)
  • Investigate a topic area related to your degree programme. Projects will vary according to the degree programme of study but typically the formats would include: a review paper, a practical project or analysis of data for a report. Utilise the lectures and surgeries and gain specialist input into your proposed project. While the module is based around independent learning, tutors are on hand to guide the process through the use of weekly surgeries.
• Foundations of Business and Tourism (40 credits)
  • Learn about the main functions of an organisation, its various functional areas, and the role and importance of management in the effective co-ordination of those functions. Explore the contemporary global business issues and its impact on international, regional and local market place. Engage with the relevant literature and current debates in relation to your identified areas.
• Practical Numeracy Skills (20 credits)
  • Consolidating your numerical skills, see how these can be used in real-life applications, and consider how statistical results are presented, calculated and statistics misrepresented. See how to apply this knowledge in everyday life settings, both at work and at a personal level. Take responsibility for your own learning and ensuring you are able to manage your time and work independently.

Year 1 (national level 4):

• Business Organisations and Society (30 credits)
  • Take an in-depth look at the influence of digital technology on ways of working. Put a specific focus on ‘Place’ and Society in an international, national and local context. Develop a global perspective on the influence of technologies on working practices and employee behaviour considering historical, ethical, cultural and societal trends.
• Business Management Skills Development (30 credits)
  • Develop a selection of transferable employability skills through a diverse range of experiences. Examine the importance of developing your own professional identity. Place this identity in the context of changing, challenging and dynamic organisations.
• Understanding Markets and Marketing (30 credits)
  • Gain a foundational understanding of the fundamentals of marketing. Examine global case studies and develop a broad knowledge base of markets and marketing. Explore the purpose of marketing in business and organisations.
• Fundamentals of Financial Decision Making (30 credits)
  • Accomplish a good understanding of firm’s investment and financial decision making. Develop techniques to interpret and assimilate accounting information. Benefit from learning the fundamental knowledge of tools of financial decision making.

Year 2 (national level 5):

• Managing Self and Others (30 credits)
  • Examine the relevant concepts to evaluate professional behaviour and investigate this in the context of success and performance of organisations. Study some of the problems that can arise in the workplace. Analyse cause and resolution strategies to enhance performance and engagement.
• Delivering Projects for Organisational Success (30 credits)
  • Explore some of the fundamental and contemporary components necessary to plan, assess and manage successful projects. Study this in the context of organisational operations, logistics and holistic supply chains. Develop the knowledge and skills of process and human aspects of project management in delivering organisational success.
• Corporate Finance and Portfolio Valuation (30 credits)
  • Develop a comprehensive national and international understanding of how corporate financial decision-making impacts upon organisational success. Refine key analytical and interpretive skills within the context of evaluating investment-based portfolios. Gain a holistic understanding of key topics and concepts in corporate finance including dividend policy, financial statement analysis, sources of finance available to business, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio analysis.
• Integrated Marketing Practice (30 credits)
  • Build a holistic view of applied marketing through the exploration of contemporary developments, case studies and debates. Analyse and appraise innovations in marketing thinking and practice that are occurring in response to changes in the marketing environment. Examine the need for an integrated approach in contemporary marketing practice.

Optional 48-week placement:

• Applied Professional Practice (120 credits)
  • Gain a strong understanding of a business including the identification and examination of an organisational issue, initiative or process. Examine areas of value to the host organisation. Develop the relevant practical knowledge and skills under the guidance and supervision of an academic mentor and host business.

Final year (national level 6):

• Strategic Leadership and Collaboration (30 credits)
  • Establish the relevant skills and understanding related to strategic leadership and collaboration. Engage in a critical exploration of theories on the importance of, and approaches to, strategic leadership in organisations. Understand leadership strategies and their impact on organisational success, resilience and growth alongside the dynamics of personal interaction with colleagues, teams and stakeholders to create collaboration.
• Managing Business Continuity and Resilience (30 credits)
  • Critically understand the management of a modern international business organisation. Consider issues such as crisis management and contingency planning brought about by changing market conditions. Grasp the key factors that are required for business resilience and growth.
• Business Consultancy Project (30 credits)
  • Examine the fundamental components necessary to effectively source, design, research and disseminate business consultancy projects for small to medium sized businesses and larger companies. Incorporate an international perspective on consultancy projects. Consider that the role of a consultancy now requires a blend of both physical and virtual skills.
• Leading and Implementing Organisational Change (30 credits)
  • Carve out an understanding of the unprecedented levels of uncertainty, ambiguity, technological change and globalization that organisations need to be able to adapt to. Define change and the important role it plays in contemporary organisations. Recognize the skills needed to address issues related to identifying, planning and leading successful organisational change.

Facilities

You’ll be based at The Reg Vardy Centre, at The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. This is home to the Sunderland Business School and the St Peter’s Library with thousands of books related to business, economics, management, human resources, marketing and strategy.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for Ireland. Please contact the Student Admin team on or .

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only and we may offer you an entrance interview which will help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree. This enables us to consider making you an offer if you're perhaps a mature student who's been out of education for a period of time, or you've gained significant knowledge and skills through employment rather than traditional education.

Eligible entry qualifications:

If you're unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us.

**If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above. Equivalent alternative qualifications are also accepted, such as Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £5,760 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £5,760. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan.

Please note, this course isn't available to international students.

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements, and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Our students graduate with sought-after skills and knowledge across all areas of business and management. You'll understand how businesses create success, how to manage business operations, how to make informed decisions, and how to lead change in organisations.

The employability focused curriculum of the course has been designed in collaboration with a range of employers including: CDC Wealth Management, Caterpillar, Nissan, Network Rail, NCC Education, NHS, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Uplift Associates, Sedgefield SSP CIC, Castle Howard and NRL Ltd.

Paid placements

The faculty-based employability team will support you in securing an optional paid work placement to further enhance your employability between your second and final year. It effectively becomes a third year of a four-year course, and you’ll earn an average salary of £14,000-£18,000 a year depending on your location.

Placements are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers.

Guest speakers

Our regular programme of guest speakers from industry allows you to listen to people who are already in the type of management position that you may one day hold. Recent speakers include Maurice Duffy, CEO of Global Blackswan, Mike Johnson, CEO of Castrol and Executive Vice President of BP, Uday K. Dholakia, Senior Partner of Global Consulting, Neil Stephenson, CEO of ONYX, James Ramsbotham, CEO of the North East Chamber of Commerce, as well as other representatives from a number of our region’s largest employers.

Student Business Society

The University supports student-led initiatives that help you gain practical experience of management. The Student Business Society organises events and guest speakers, as well as attending tours of various companies. With its professional approach, it’s a great way to put into practice the lessons about how to make organisations function effectively. There is something for every student who is studying a subject related to business.

BA (Hons) Business and Management with Integrated Foundation Year - University of Sunderland

Degree Overview:

This four-year program combines the popular BA (Hons) Business and Management course with an integrated foundation year. This approach offers a comprehensive foundation in business principles while allowing students to specialize in their chosen area of management during the later years. The program emphasizes developing industry-led experience, cutting-edge teaching, strong skills and knowledge, and employability focus.

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Objectives:

• Provide a comprehensive understanding of key business functions and management principles.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in various management roles.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Foster effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Enhance employability and prepare graduates for successful careers in business and management.

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Program Description:

The BA (Hons) Business and Management with Integrated Foundation Year combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Live learning activities: projects, placement opportunities, workplace shadowing, and panel presentations.
• Problem-based learning: working in teams to explore issues and make decisions.
• Company visits: gaining insights from real-world businesses.
• Guest speakers: learning from industry professionals.
• Cutting-edge e-learning technologies: enhancing learning with interactive tools.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Narrative reports
• E-portfolios
• Consultancy projects
• Negotiated assessments
• Case studies
• Reflective statements
• Audio journals
• Posters
• Digital storyboards
• Blogs
• Podcasts
• YouTube videos
## Outline:

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Foundation Year:

The Foundation Year provides a solid foundation in business principles and prepares students for further study. It consists of five modules:

• Global Issues in Business and Tourism: This module examines contemporary issues and trends in business and tourism, exploring their impact on local, regional, and international markets.
• Essential Study Skills: This module equips students with the necessary skills to succeed in higher education, including independent learning, research, and critical thinking.
• Foundation Project: This module allows students to investigate a topic of their choice and develop research and analytical skills.
• Foundations of Business and Tourism: This module introduces the main functions of an organization, management roles, and the impact of global business issues on various markets.
• Practical Numeracy Skills: This module strengthens students' numerical skills and applies them to real-life situations.

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Year 1 (National Level 4):

• Business Organisations and Society: This module explores the influence of digital technology on work practices and examines the role of technology in employee behavior and societal trends.
• Business Management Skills Development: This module focuses on developing transferable employability skills through diverse experiences and emphasizes professional identity within dynamic organizations.
• Understanding Markets and Marketing: This module provides a foundational understanding of marketing principles, explores market research, and examines the role of marketing in business and organizational success.
• Fundamentals of Financial Decision Making: This module equips students with the tools and techniques to interpret financial information and analyze investment decisions.

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Year 2 (National Level 5):

• Managing Self and Others: This module examines concepts related to professional behavior and investigates the impact of leadership on organizational performance.
• Delivering Projects for Organisational Success: This module focuses on project management principles and explores the role of project management in achieving organizational success.
• Corporate Finance and Portfolio Valuation: This module delves into corporate financial decision-making and its impact on organizational success.
Students develop analytical and interpretive skills to evaluate investment portfolios.
• Integrated Marketing Practice: This module provides a holistic view of applied marketing, examining contemporary developments and exploring innovative marketing practices.

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Optional 48-week Placement:

• Applied Professional Practice: Students can opt for a 48-week placement to gain practical experience in a business environment.
This placement allows them to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

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Final Year (National Level 6):

• Strategic Leadership and Collaboration: This module explores the importance of strategic leadership and collaboration in organizations.
Students develop critical thinking skills to analyze leadership theories and their impact on organizational success.
• Managing Business Continuity and Resilience: This module examines contemporary issues in business continuity and resilience.
Students learn to identify and mitigate risks, develop contingency plans, and ensure business resilience in a changing market environment.
• Business Consultancy Project: This module allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world business consultancy project.
They learn to identify, analyze, and solve organizational issues and develop effective communication skills to present their findings.
• Leading and Implementing Organisational Change: This module explores the nature of organizational change and equips students with the necessary skills to identify, plan, and lead successful change initiatives.
## Assessment: (See Degree Overview) ## Teaching: The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and encourage active participation. These methods include:
• Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and key concepts.
• Seminars: Facilitating discussions, debates, and critical thinking.
• Tutorials: Offering personalized guidance and support.
• Workshops: Developing practical skills and applying theoretical knowledge.
• Independent study: Encouraging self-directed learning and research.

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Faculty:

The program is delivered by experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in various business and management disciplines. The faculty is committed to providing high-quality teaching, supporting student learning, and fostering a positive learning environment.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates are equipped with the following skills and knowledge:

• Business and management principles.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Decision-making and analytical abilities.

• Communication and interpersonal skills.

• Leadership and teamwork skills.

• Industry-specific knowledge and expertise.

These skills and knowledge open doors to various career paths in the business and management sector, including:

• Management consultant
• Business analyst
• Marketing executive
• Human resources manager
• Operations manager
• Project manager
• Entrepreneur
• Financial advisor
Graduates can also pursue further study at the postgraduate level to specialize in a particular area of business and management. ## Other:
• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their individual interests and career aspirations.
• Students have access to a range of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.
• The University of Sunderland has strong links with industry partners, providing students with networking opportunities and potential internship placements.
• The program offers an optional 48-week placement, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience in a business environment.

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The annual fee for this course is £9,250 if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. If you're a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student, you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan. Please note, this course isn't available to international students.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.