Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Business and Sociology Program

The BSc (Hons) Business and Sociology program at Aston University is designed to equip students with the expertise, in-depth knowledge, and practical insights needed to understand and address real-life social and business challenges in the 21st century.

Course Overview

Studying BSc (Hons) Business and Sociology at Aston University will develop your sociological imagination whilst honing your business acumen, management, and critical thinking skills to understand the broader implications of individual actions in society. The program delves into real-life experiences and their connections to larger social issues, exploring the impact of social constraints, class, race, religion, and gender on inequality and life chances.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

• Providing an excellent learning experience that draws on the research and consultancy of Aston University academic staff.
• Providing an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in business and sociology which will help students identify and achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
• Providing a good understanding of the history of sociological thought, and sociological theories and methods.
• Providing students with the ability to analyse and understand social problems, social change, and social structures.
• Ensuring familiarity with key concepts in sociological theories and key issues in contemporary societies.

Modules

The program consists of various modules across four years, including:

Year 1 Modules

• Introduction to Social Theory
• Becoming a Social Scientist
• Introductory Accounting for Business
• Economic Environment of Business
• Introduction to Organisational Behaviour
• Introduction to Marketing Management

Year 2 Modules

• Advanced Research Methods
• Research Methods
• Strategic Finance
• Operations Management
• Fundamental Strategy
• Virtual Business Manager Optional modules include:
  • Social Theory for a Changing World
  • Global Society
  • Embodiment, Deviance and Feminist Theory
  • Media and Society
  • Material Worlds: Culture, Objects and Practices
  • Racisms
  • Welfare
  • Digital Methods for Social Science and the Humanities

Placement Year

The integrated placement year provides students with invaluable real-world experience, boosting their employability.

Final Year Modules

• Dissertation (Sociology)
• Theories and Practice of Leadership
• Business Ethics Optional modules include:
  • Work, Organisations and Society
  • Bodies, Power and Resistance
  • Pregnancy and Politics
  • Education for the 21st Century
  • Religion and Society
  • Migration, Borders and Belonging
  • Elites
  • Ecocide: Environmental Harms and Social Justice
  • International Marketing
  • Sustainable Operations Management
  • Learning and Development
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Innovation

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements include:

• A Levels: BBC (standard offer), BCC (contextual offer)
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM (standard offer)
• IB: 29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,4 in 3 higher level subjects
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 15 credits at distinction and the rest at merit or distinction
• GCSEs: Maths grade C/4, English Language or English Literature grade C/4
• International students: Qualifications equivalent to the above, with English language proficiency

Fees and Scholarships

Course fees for UK students are Ł9,535 per year, with a reduced fee of Ł1,250 during the placement year. International students pay Ł22,575 per year, with a reduced fee of Ł2,500 during the placement year. Scholarships are available to support students.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Business and Sociology program are prepared for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors. They are among the highest paid in the country, with average salaries of Ł33,200 three years after graduating. Career paths include communications officer, real assets analyst, events officer, management trainee, HR senior associate, and human resource specialist.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments, with special emphasis on authentic assessment.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Business and Sociology program at Aston University offers a comprehensive education in business and sociology, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in their chosen careers. With its strong focus on employability, research-informed teaching, and real-world applications, this program is an excellent choice for students looking to make a positive impact in the world.