Foundation Pathway in Business and Entrepreneurship

Program Overview

The Foundation Pathway in Business and Entrepreneurship is a four-stage program designed to prepare students for undergraduate studies in Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Northampton. It focuses on key business areas, management skills, and theoretical frameworks, emphasizing global perspectives, sustainability, and entrepreneurial attitudes. The program employs diverse teaching methodologies and provides opportunities for work placements and industry collaboration, preparing graduates for successful careers in the business sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

This program aims to prepare students for undergraduate studies in Business and Entrepreneurship, specifically within the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Northampton. It focuses on key business areas, management skills, and theoretical frameworks necessary for success in a chosen undergraduate specialization. The program emphasizes global perspectives, contemporary concerns like sustainability and ethics, and encourages entrepreneurial attitudes.

Outline

Stage 1: University Foundation

• Duration: Two semesters (January intake)
• Location: University of Northampton

Stage 2: First Year of a Degree - UNIC

• Duration: One year
This stage comprises modules designed to strengthen foundational knowledge and build crucial academic skills for university-level studies. The focus remains on core business principles and their practical applications within organizations.

Stage 3: Second Year Degree - Faculty of Business and Law

• Duration: One year
• Location: University of Northampton
Students continue to delve deeper into their chosen specializations within the business domain, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and developing critical research skills.

Stage 4: Third Year Degree - Faculty of Business and Law

• Duration: One year
• Location: University of Northampton
The final stage encourages independent research, project-based learning, and professional engagement. Students prepare to enter the workforce, equipped with practical knowledge, valuable skills, and diverse perspectives honed throughout the program.

Modules

Stage 1: University Foundation

• Business Studies:
Introduces key concepts, skills, and terminologies for starting and running businesses. Assessment includes presentations, individual/group reports, and examinations.
• Accounting:
Examines key financial principles, accounting methodologies, and communication of financial information for different stakeholders. Assessment involves coursework and a final exam.
• Globalization:
Explores the multifaceted aspects of globalization, its driving forces, and impacts on various economic, political, social, and technological levels. Assessments consist of individual presentations, in-class tests, and an end-of-term exam.
• Business Management:
Builds upon Business Studies and delves deeper into organizational structures, international business practices, and various management functions. Assessment includes essays, open and closed-book exams.
• Marketing:
Investigates marketing concepts and their practical applications within the business environment, with focus on diverse marketing aspects, behavior-based approaches, and contemporary considerations like sustainability and ethics. Assessments comprise multiple-choice tests and a final exam.
• Business Mathematics:
Covers essential mathematical concepts relevant to business contexts, examined through two non-calculator and one calculator exam.
• Human Resource Management:
Explores the Human Resource Management function, employee recruitment, development strategies, and personnel management aspects. Assessed by two case studies.
• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication:
Develops essential communication skills necessary for academic and professional success. Assessments combine written assignments, group presentations, and a final exam.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary according to modules and involve a combination of written assignments, presentations, case studies, examinations, in-class tests, and more.

Teaching

The program employs diverse teaching methodologies to cater to various learning styles and promote engagement. These include:

• Lectures: provide students with foundational knowledge and framework understanding.
• Interactive classes: facilitate deeper discussion, critical thinking, and application of theoretical concepts.
• Practical sessions: involve working with real-world case studies, simulating realistic business scenarios, and honing professional skills.
• Individual and group projects: encourage research, teamwork, and tackling business problems collaboratively.
The teaching team comprises experienced academics with research expertise, extensive industry connections, and a passion for teaching.

Careers

The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in the business sector. Potential pathways include:

• Business Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Marketing Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Business Development Manager
Graduates are also well-positioned to continue their studies within the Faculty of Business and Law and pursue a Master's degree in chosen specializations like Business Management or Human Resource Management.

Other

• The University of Northampton Business School is a renowned institution with a global reach, attracting students from over 3500 countries.
• Strong industry links and faculty expertise ensure students access cutting-edge knowledge and real-world perspectives within their chosen business domain.
• Opportunities for work placements and collaboration with industry professionals allow graduates to develop valuable employability skills and prepare for successful careers.
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