Skip to main content

Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BSc (Hons) Business with Industrial Experience

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBSc (Hons) Business with Industrial Experience Programme codeUFS4SBESBECC
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Cornwall Campus
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

BSc Business provides you with a unique and wide-ranging understanding of business and management. It is distinct from most undergraduate degrees because it covers topics relating to responsible business, business ethics and the role of business in society. You will be part of a career-focused business and management programme, characterised by an ethos of ethics and sustainability. You will have the opportunity to learn about business fundamentals, such as marketing, finance, business analysis and strategy, and to take a multidisciplinary approach to your studies. The BSc Business programme is organised over three years of full time study, with a focus on integrating theory and practice, and developing employability skills in preparation for a career in business and management.

"With Industrial Experience" offers the chance to learn and grow through both the application process and the experience of completing a placement year. Students complete compulsory employability and career skills development modules in 1st and 2nd year, in preparation for the placement recruitment process and for a year working in industry. Whilst on placement in the 3rd year, students complete skills-focused module assessments which contribute to 1/7th of the degree. Throughout the programme students are supported by the Careers & Employability team in the Business School and by an academic tutor during their placement.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The BSc Business programme aims to:

  • Inspire you with the potential uses and value to business of innovation, collaboration and technology.
  • Provide an integrated but flexible degree structure; enabling you to gain as much ‘real’ industry exposure as you can, successively earning credit for your work experience in each study year.
  • Help you develop a set of specialist skills and attributes which are hugely relevant to 21st century businesses, from a local and global perspective.
  • Prepare you for a professional career in a wide range of sectors including; e-commerce, business analytics, marketing, manufacturing and/or wholesale, management relations, environmental consultancy or social enterprise.
  • Instil in you the realisation that business must evolve to adapt to the challenges of operating in a resource-constrained world.
  • Promote interdisciplinary thinking and acquisition of greater multidisciplinary awareness by allowing you to customise your degree through the selection of optional modules from non-business disciplines, including Geography, Politics and Bioscience.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered will be accessible from the College web site

Students take compulsory modules BEP1130 in their first year and BEP2180 in their second year as preparation for their year in industry. Students will then be enrolled on the module BEP3002 during their placement year. To progress from Stage 1 on the “with industrial experience” programme, students must achieve 50% in their first year module BEP1130.

You may take Option Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site: (under development).

The programme deliberately comprises optional modules predominantly serviced by other Penryn Campus Colleges to enhance the students interdisciplinary learning experience.

At the discretion of the Programme Director you may take Elective Modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in second stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

Stage 1


Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEP1010 Business and Society 15No
BEP1020 Business Practice and Analysis 15Yes
BEP1030 Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective 15No
BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age 15No
BEP1120 Introduction to Economics 15No
BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations 15No
BEP1070 Accounting 15No
BEP1080 Theory and Practice of Management 15No
BEP1130 Introduction to 'With Industrial Experience' 0No

Stage 2


Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEP2210 Circular Enterprise Economy 15Yes
BEP2020 Project Management 15No
BEP2030 Business Practice (Placement/Work Experience Project) 15No
BEP2040 Strategic Concepts for Business 15No
BEP2050 Finance for Business 15No
BEP2060 Research Inquiry for Practice 15No
BEP2180 With Industrial Experience Preparation 0No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BSc Business S2 optional modules 25-26
BEP1034 Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship 15 No
BEP1039 Impactful Innovation and Entrepreneurship 15 No
BEP2001 Business Beyond Profit 15 No
BEP2110 Workplace Wellbeing 15 No
BEP2120 Digital Technologies and the Future of Work 15 No
BEP2190 Understanding Financial Statements 15 No
BEP2200 Marketing Analytics 15 No
BEP3172 Future 17: Sustainable Development Goals Challenge 15 No
BIO2425 Introduction to Ecological Consultancy 15 No
ECE2001 Oceans and Human Health 15 No
GEO2440 Geographical Information Science and Systems 15 No
GEO2445 Rural Social Issues 15 No
LAW2016C Environmental Regulation and Redress 15 No
LAW2112C Legal Foundations for Business 15 No
BEP2140 Business Analytics 15 No
BEP2300 History of Black Entrepreneurship 15 No
BEP2003 The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mindset 15 No
BEP2002 Foundations in Sustainable Solutions 30 No

Stage 3


Compulsory Modules

120 credits of compulsory modules (With Industrial Experience Year).

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEP3002 Business School Industrial Experience (Penryn) 120Yes

Stage 4


Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEP3010 Social and Technological Innovation 15No
BEP3020 Practice-Based Consultancy Management 15No
BEP3030 Globalisation and Internationalisation 15No
BEP3040 Local-Global Innovation (Cornwall Research Seminar Series) 15No
BEP3050 Future-Facing Dissertation/Project 30No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BSc Business S3/4 optional modules 25-26
BEP3003 Sustainability Accounting and Reporting 15 No
BEP3011 Business and Climate Change 15 No
BEP3061 Managing Entrepreneurially 15 No
BEP3070 Crisis: Change and Creativity in Organisations 15 No
BEP3090 Business Field Trip 15 No
BEP3110 Marketing Strategy 15 No
BEP3172 Future 17: Sustainable Development Goals Challenge 15 No
BIO3037 Ecology of Environmental Change 15 No
ECE3002 Frontiers of Global Health 15 No
GEO2435 Evolution of Human Societies 15 No
GEO3437B Climate Change and Society 15 No
GEO3459 Whole Energy Systems 15 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. able to engage in critical debate about what characterises a future-facing (sustainable) organisation strategy, and intuitively synthesise evidence from theory, research and practice about the consequences of individual and collective action, and how systems and societies can be adapted to ensure sustainable futures.
2. worldly aware of the concept of environmental stewardship and able to evaluate what this might mean in the context of sustainable brands; business processes, procedures and practices towards more effective organisational management
3. critically reflective on issues of social justice and equality, and able to recognise how these relate to ecological, political, sociological, technological and economic factors

Students will predominantly learn through:  lectures, seminars, directed research, action learning sets and personal tutoring meetings.  These will be delivered using a blended approach.  Lectures and seminars will be regularly tutor facilitated and will typically involve student led seminars.  E-resources and social media will be utilised routinely throughout the duration of the programme.  

The ILOs will be assessed using a carefully considered student assessment diet including a combination of: business reports, essay writing, presentations, posters, design project, proposals, examination, multiple choice/short answer questioning and time constrained assignments.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

4. able to critically analyse organisations, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate
5. consistent and confident in their articulation of the ideas of business ethics and global citizenship as key concepts for business/social innovation and leadership
6. appropriately prepared to apply specialist knowledge gained in the subject of Business and Management and able to articulate key concepts and messages about sustainable solutions to complex business problems

Workshops, tutorials, group work activity, seminal debates, and student-led initiatives/projects will underpin the programme pedagogy.  

Using the case study method students will be encouraged to develop skills in analytical thinking and reflective judgment by reading and discussing complex, real-life business and management scenarios. For some modules this will involve Business practitioners coming into the classroom, and conversely will necessitate business field trips.

Problem based learning will also feature quite heavily in student learning with the aim of challenging students to use problem solving techniques, and develop self-directed learning strategies. Typically this will involve Lecturers and tutors posing questions, problems or scenarios involving multiple stakeholders in an interdisciplinary, Business and Society context.  Students will also undertake independent research culminating in a final year consultancy project and their dissertation. There will also be both individual and group work opportunities for students to create their own content relevant to the programme aims.

The ILOs will be assessed using a carefully considered student assessment diet including a combination of: business reports, essay writing, presentations, posters, a design project, proposals, examination, multiple/short answer choice questioning, time constrained assignments, a strategic appraisal, a business communication exercise, dissertation, work place (process) observations, business and financial modelling scenarios, an environmental impact assessment, work place wellbeing assessment, a real life ISO audit and consultancy project.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

7. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATOR: Able to adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
8. INNOVATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVER: Able to confidently explore challenges from different perspectives, to creatively offer practical and timely solutions.
9. PROACTIVE COLLABORATOR: Able to actively build strong working relationships with others to have positive outcomes.
10. DIGITALLY FLUENT: Able to embrace a variety of digital technologies to critically source, process and communicate information.
11. RESILIENT SELF-ADVOCATE: Able to develop self-awareness through a commitment to learning from experiences and taking responsibility for personal growth.
12. CRITICAL THINKER: Able to proactively analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources to draw independent and well-founded conclusions.
13. GLOBALLY ENGAGED: Able to recognise diverse individual and cultural perspectives, in order to communicate on interconnected world issues and sustainable decisions

7.     i) Opportunity to develop individual voice and writing style -

  1. through essays and reports (BEP1010 Business and Society, BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations);
  2. podcasts (BEP3040 Local -Global Innovation);
  3. skills portfolios (BEP1020 Business Practice and Analysis)
  4. qualitative and quantitative analysis reports (BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age; BEP2060 Research for Inquiry

ii) Engagement with external stakeholders through field trips (BEP1030 Operations Management)

iii) Communication with businesses and clients through placements, internships and embedded employability (BEP2030 Business Practice; BEP3020 Practice-Based Consultancy)

 

8. i) Work on a real-life project brief set by an external organisation (BEP2030 Business Practice);

ii) prepare a consultancy report for a client (BEP3020 Practice-Based Consultancy)

iii) Work with real-life data-sets to design an analytical strategy overcoming data bias (BEP2060 Research for Inquiry).

 

9. I) Work on an interdisciplinary hackathon with Law School students (BEP2030 Business Practice and Analysis)

Ii) Carry-out a public debate (BEP1010 Business and Society)

Iii) Work together on real-life case studies (BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations; BEP1080 Theory and Practice of Management)

 

10. I) Gain Excel expertise in analysing data (BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age).

Ii) Introduction to SPSS and NVivo (BEP2060 Research for Inquiry)

Iii) Record and edit videos (BEP1020 Business Practice and Analysis)

iv) Record podcasts (BEP3040 Local-Global Innovation)

 

11. I) Participate in the ‘Buddy System’

Ii) Become a class-rep; library rep or SSLC chair

iii) Take part in termly academic tutoring activities.

 

12. I) Dealing with wicked problems (BEP2210 Circular Enterprise Economy); economic and game theory (BEP1120 Introduction to Economics)

Ii) Conducting a literature review on a topic of own choice (BEP2060 Research for Inquiry)

Iii) Managing a research project (BEP3050 Future-facing Dissertation)

 

13. i) Opportunity to develop individual voice and writing style -

  1. through essays and reports (BEP1010 Business and Society, BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations);
  2. podcasts (BEP3040 Local -Global Innovation);
  3. skills portfolios (BEP1020 Business Practice and Analysis)
  4. qualitative and quantitative analysis reports (BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age; BEP2060 Research for Inquiry

ii) Engagement with external stakeholders through field trips (BEP1030 Operations Management)

iii) Communication with businesses and clients through placements, internships and embedded employability (BEP2030 Business Practice; BEP3020 Practice-Based Consultancy)

 

14. i) Work on a real-life project brief set by an external organisation (BEP2030 Business Practice);

ii) prepare a consultancy report for a client (BEP3020 Practice-Based Consultancy)

iii) Work with real-life data-sets to design an analytical strategy overcoming data bias (BEP2060 Research for Inquiry).

 

15. I) Work on an interdisciplinary hackathon with Law School students (BEP2030 Business Practice and Analysis)

Ii) Carry-out a public debate (BEP1010 Business and Society)

Iii) Work together on real-life case studies (BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations; BEP1080 Theory and Practice of Management)

 

16. I) Gain Excel expertise in analysing data (BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age).

Ii) Introduction to SPSS and NVivo (BEP2060 Research for Inquiry)

Iii) Record and edit videos (BEP1020 Business Practice and Analysis)

iv) Record podcasts (BEP3040 Local-Global Innovation)

 

17. I) Participate in the ‘Buddy System’

Ii) Become a class-rep; library rep or SSLC chair

iii) Take part in termly academic tutoring activities.

 

18. I) Dealing with wicked problems (BEP2210 Circular Enterprise Economy); economic and game theory (BEP1120 Introduction to Economics)

Ii) Conducting a literature review on a topic of own choice (BEP2060 Research for Inquiry)

Iii) Managing a research project (BEP3050 Future-facing Dissertation)

  • BEP1010 – group coursework, active learning log (graduate skills 7,9,13)
  • BEP1020 – ePortfolio, job analysis (graduate skills 10, 12)
  • BEP1030 – group report, individual investigation of business operation (graduate skill 7)
  • BEP1040 – presentation, social media plan, digital marketing report (graduate skills 7, 10)
  • BEP1080 – video presentation, report, exam (graduate skill 9)
  • BEP1100 – report, exam (graduate skills 7,9,13)
  • BEP1120 – group report, exam (graduate skill 12)
  • BEP2030 – ePortfolio, group presentation (graduate skills 7,8,9)
  • BEP2060 – literature review, data analysis (graduate skills 7,8,10,12)
  • BEP2210 – report, presentation, exam (graduate skills 12, 13)
  • BEP3020 – literature review, report (graduate skills (graduate skills 7, 8)
  • BEP3040 – essay, poster (graduate skills 10, 13)
  • BEP3050 – dissertation (graduate skill 12)

7. Programme Regulations

Assessment at stage 1 of UG programmes does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively. For the four-year "with Industrial Experience" variant stages 2, 3, and 4 are weighted in the ratio of 4:2:8.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BSc (Hons) Business with Industrial Experience

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] General business and management

23. Dates

Origin Date

19/03/2025

Date of last revision

20/05/2025