Program Overview

Business and Supply Chain Management Foundation Programme

The Business and Supply Chain Management Foundation Programme is designed to provide students with the essential groundwork for their future undergraduate studies, offering a clear path towards a BSc in Business and Supply Chain Management. This programme is tailored to equip students with the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.

Course Overview

In this foundation programme, students will learn, collaborate, and flourish through a blend of academic modules, specific subject knowledge, and project-based learning with students in other infrastructure areas and foundation students across different frameworks. This approach mimics the real-life working world, where careers will be enriched by working alongside people with different skill sets, viewpoints, and approaches.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Gold Standard Teaching: Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023).
• Thriving Student Life: Aston Students Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table.
• Hands-on Collaborative Teaching: Dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds.

Course Description

The programme develops an introductory understanding of supply chain management and supports companies to satisfy industry needs and wants. Students will learn the essential skills and knowledge to transition onto the BSc Supply Chain Management degree.

What We Will Provide

• First-class teaching in the UKs second largest city, delivered by experienced and passionate faculty members.
• State-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs.
• Access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What You Will Provide

• Innovative solutions for optimizing supply chain operations in a dynamic industry.
• Dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience to enhance the ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make strategic choices.

What Skills We Teach

• Introductory knowledge of the principles of supply chain management and the intricate processes involved in meeting customer demands and preferences effectively.
• Skills to delve deeper into the responsibilities of procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, while also exploring the essential aspects of planning, organization, and resource management required to effectively oversee a global supply chain.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the foundation programme, students will have the opportunity to transition onto the BSc Supply Chain Management degree. Graduates from this programme are highly sought-after, with opportunities to join the NOVUS scheme, which includes professional mentoring, placements, and graduate employment opportunities with companies like Wincanton, Arla, Sainsburys, DHL, or Kingfisher.

How You Will Learn

• Engaging lectures
• Interactive workshops
• Real-world projects that challenge and inspire through hands-on work
• Personal tutor throughout studies for support and guidance
• Access to the Learning Development Centre for maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing studies
• Opportunity to participate in PAL sessions, learning from peers who have been through the course content before

What You Will Learn

• Introductory understanding of key business and supply chain management concepts
• Ability to critically analyze these concepts
• Opportunity to specialize in areas of supply chain management that interest you

Facilities

• Lecture theatres and seminar rooms for theoretical content
• Computer facilities for data analysis, modeling, and software projects
• 24/7 access to the library, offering a diverse range of digital and print materials

Course Objectives

1. Provides the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.
2. Develops the transferable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.
3. Develops ethical and inclusive, problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
4. Begins to develop the global awareness, sustainability, and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.

Modules

Foundation Year Modules

• Undergraduate Professional Skills
• Mathematics 1
• Introduction to Scientific Principles
• Industries of the Future
• Global Engineering Project
• Fundamentals of Engineering Management
• Introduction to Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering
• Developing Client Relationships

Foundation Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, students will be able to:

• Use mathematical principles to solve well-defined problems.
• Solve well-defined problems using technical and scientific concepts relevant to the framework of study.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating inclusive, effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Communicate discipline-relevant technical ideas and solutions effectively, in a variety of ways, to diverse audiences, using appropriate terminology.

Entry Requirements

• A Levels: Standard offer CCD, EPQ Offer CDD and Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B, Core Maths Offer CDD and Level 3 Core Maths Qualification grade B
• Contextual Offers: Aston Ready is the contextual offer scheme that could reduce the undergraduate offer by one or two grades.
• BTEC: Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma DDM
• IB: 31 points and above, with 5, 5, 5 in higher level subjects
• Access: Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 60 credits including 45 credits at Level 3
• T Levels: All subjects are accepted at T Level: Merit
• GCSEs: GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4, GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Fees and Scholarships

• Course Fees: Annual tuition fees for UK students (2026/27) ｣9,535
• Scholarships: Aston University is committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

The teaching and learning approach is diverse, with a strong emphasis on project-based learning. Industry guest lecturers regularly visit to share their real-world expertise and enrich the educational experience. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods including coursework, presentations, and exams.

Career Prospects

Graduates with business and supply chain management knowledge and skills are highly sought after. They will be equipped to pursue careers in supply chain management, purchasing and procurement, logistics analysis, and distribution management. With the opportunity to join the NOVUS scheme, students will benefit from professional mentoring, placements, and graduate employment opportunities. Previous graduates have secured positions with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, L'Or饌l, Caterpillar, Unilever, and GSK.