Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Business and Politics Program

The BSc (Hons) Business and Politics program at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in management and politics. This program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and practical understanding required by leaders within the public and private sectors across the world.

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Business and Politics course is a four-year program that includes an integrated placement year. This placement year gives students the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but it is strongly recommended that they complete it where possible.

Course Objectives

The course objectives are to:

1. Provide students with an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in politics and business administration.
2. Provide students with the ability to analyze and understand political problems, socio-cultural change, and political institutions and structures.
3. Develop students' ability to recognize and analyze the economic, technical, financial, social, and organizational parameters within which modern managers make decisions.
4. Offer students the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience or study abroad through a placement year.
5. Provide students with the knowledge and skills to find employment in a range of business and management roles, in both the public and private sectors.

Modules

The program consists of various modules, including:

• Introduction to Studying and Researching Politics
• British Politics since 1990
• Introductory Accounting for Business
• An Introduction to Business Economics
• Law for Business
• Introduction to Marketing Management
• Comparative Government and Politics
• Political Economy: Approaches, Concepts, and Issues
• Fundamental Strategy
• Strategic Finance
• Operations Management
• Virtual Business Manager
• Research Skills and Politics Dissertation
• Theories and Practice of Leadership
• Business Ethics

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the program are:

• A Levels: BBC (standard offer), BCC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B), 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: We accept the QAA-recognized Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3
• T Levels: We accept certain T Levels, including Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production, Design and Production, and more
• GCSEs: GCSE Maths grade C/4, GCSE English Language or English Literature grade C/4

Fees and Scholarships

The course fees for the program are:

• UK students: ｣9,535 per year, with a reduced fee of ｣1,250 during the placement year
• International students: ｣22,575 per year, with a reduced fee of ｣2,500 during the placement year Aston University offers various scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.

Career Prospects

The BSc (Hons) Business and Politics program prepares students for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors. Graduates have gone on to work at companies such as TikTok, PwC, IBM, BT, Accenture, Reed Specialist Recruitment, University Hospitals Birmingham, and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

Placement Year

The placement year is an integral part of the program, providing students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting. The placement year can be spent in the UK or abroad, and students will be fully supported throughout the process by the university's award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Aston Power Skills

Aston University has introduced Aston Power Skills, which are built into every undergraduate degree. These skills include:

• AI & Digital: Developing digital skills for the future
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Encouraging original thinking and creativity
• Inclusive Leadership: Fostering empathy and collaboration
• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness

Student Life

Aston University offers a range of student services, including accommodation, student union, clubs and societies, sports, and student support. The university is located in the heart of Birmingham, a vibrant and diverse city with a wide range of cultural, social, and entertainment opportunities.