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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2021/2 academic year

BSc (Hons) Business with Year Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBSc (Hons) Business with Year Abroad Programme codeUFS4SBESBECD
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2021/2
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.

 

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.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to learn and work in a foreign country; and to enhance their appreciation of a different social, educational and professional culture from their own

4. Programme Structure

BSc Business with Year Abroad programme is a four year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. Students will be located at the Penryn Campus, Cornwall of the University of Exeter for the duration of their studies. 

 

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.

At the point of application or shortly after enrolling students may select a four-year version of this programme. We offer “with Year Abroad”, or “with Industrial Experience” variants. In these cases Stage 3 becomes Stage 4, and Stage 3 is replaced with 120 credits of alternative work and assessment.

 

With Year Abroad – students take the modules BEP1140 and BEP2130 in their first and second year as preparation for their year abroad. Students will then be enrolled on the module BEP3100 for their year abroad. This module brings together credits taken at a partner institution.

 

To be permitted to undertake study at a European partner institution, students are expected to have a credit weighted average of 50% and must have completed BEP1140 in Year 1 and BEP2130 in Year 2 as preparation for a year abroad. To be permitted to undertake study at an International (non-European) partner institution, students are expected to have a credit weighted average of 60% in Year 1 and must have completed BEP1140 in Year 1 and BEP2130 in Year 2 as preparation for a year abroad.

 

Students who wish to combine one semester study with one semester work placement must attend the compulsory work placement session in year 2 as part of BEP2130.


Note: students will not be penalised if they do not attend BEP1140 in Year 1.

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 15Yes
BEP1140 Preparation for WYA With Year Abroad 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) 15Yes
BEP2040 Strategic Concepts for Business 15Yes
BEP2050 Finance for Business 15No
BEP2060 Research Inquiry for Practice 15No
BEP2130 Preparation for 'with Year Abroad' 0No

Optional Modules

30 credits of options

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
LAW2016C Environmental Regulation and Redress 15No
BIO2425 Introduction to Ecological Consultancy 15No
CSC2010M Oceans and Human Health 15No
CSC2011M Living with Environmental Change 15No
GEO2445 Rural Social Issues 15No
BEP2070 Social Enterprise Management 15No
BEP2110 Workplace Wellbeing 15No
BEP2120 Digital Technologies and the Future of Work 15No
GEO2440 Geographical Information Science and Systems 15No
BEP2190 Understanding Financial Statements 15No
BEP2200 Marketing Analytics 15No
LAW2112C Legal Foundations for Business 15No

Stage 3


Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEP3100 Year Abroad or120Yes
BEP3100a Year Abroad (Study and Work Placement) or120No
BEP3100B Year Abroad (Study) or120No
BEP3100C Year Abroad (Work Placement) 120No

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

30 credits of options

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
GEO3437B Climate Change and Society 15No
CSC4013M Frontiers of Global Health 15No
GEO3459 Whole Energy Systems 15No
BEP3011 Business and Climate Change 15No
BEP3090 Business Field Trip 15No
BEP3110 Marketing Strategy 15No
BEP3070 Crisis: Change and Creativity in Organisations 15No
GEO2435 Evolution of Human Societies 15No
BIO3037 Ecology of Environmental Change 15No

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. A global outlook: Our graduates are engaged and prepared for the demands of global business and society.
8. A critical thinker: Our graduates have a commercial awareness that enables them to critically analyse, conceptualise and evaluate the challenges facing business.
9. A collaborative mind-set: Our graduates are enterprising and motivated individuals who are able to actively collaborate and effectively communicate within a range of diverse settings.
10. An ethical ethos: Our graduates understand the social, financial and environmental factors that can impact on corporate sustainability and are able to make decisions openly and responsibly.
11. Technological and digital literacy: Our graduates are able to use technologies to source, process and communicate information.

7. BEP2210 Circular Enterprise Economy is intended to form and frame a learning path for developing knowledge and understanding of the challenges of transitioning to more socially-responsible, environmentally sustainable business models.

BEP3030 Globalisation and Internationalisation gives students a better understanding of management and leadership in an international context and increase awareness of the various forces influencing and transforming the competitive landscape of the global economy

BEP3040 In Local Global Innovation students discover how to conduct research within the sustainability area and discuss local and global impacting research with leading academics from a range of disciplines.

8. BEP1010 Business and Society asks students to analyse core concepts, select and synthesise material from a range of sources, and analyse principles and evidence.

BEP1020 In Business Practice and Analysis, students are required to develop critical analysis skills, test academic learning in business, and analyse individual organisations.

BEP1030 Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective students are required to evaluate and analyse information about the design, control and improvement of products/services to develop understanding of the complexities of managing modern-day operations.

BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age develops the student’s ability to explain the evolution of marketing, identify human behaviour and the effects of digital media, evaluate digital/new media opportunities, and analyses the success of responsible marketing campaigns.

BEP1120 Introduction to Economics asks students to apply the economic way of thinking, demonstrate and understanding of the links between current economic problems and economic theory, and demonstrate reasoning and problem solving skills.

BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations is a fundamental part of a functioning society. It is therefore important for Business students to develop some awareness of different theoretical perspectives that contribute to management knowledge about analysing, managing, controlling and changing organisations

BEP1070 Accounting requires students to identify, synthesise, analyse, and present appropriate information to assist management with financial decisions.

BEP1080 Theory and Practice of Management’s main objective is to aid students in developing an understanding of key contemporary developments and their antecedents.  Students will develop and justify arguments, evidence critical thinking, and contrast and evaluate different assumptions and perspectives

BEP2210 In Circular Enterprise Economy students are asked to critically examine key concepts in addressing global sustainability, evaluate a range of theoretical views, and defend ethical dimensions of business and management

BEP2020 Project Management aims to equip students to analyse a project and its potential constraints, critique different project management methodologies, and conduct and impact assessment.

BEP2030 Business Practice (Placement/Work Experience Project) aims to allow the student to link theory and practice in a worked-based situation and to clearly understand how a charity, business, or third sector organisation operates.

BEP2040 Strategic Concepts for Business requires students to assess influences, develop ability to analyse strategic issues, formulate strategies, and develop and understanding of strategic management in different contexts.

BEP2050 Finance for Business desires students to analyse and interpret financial data, apply concepts and practices to analyse simple business problems and recommend courses of action, and identify appropriate information.

BEP2060 In Research for Inquiry, students are asked to analyse issues associated with the validity of research claims, assess and select research methods, and critique a research brief.

BEP3010 Social and Technological Innovation require students to engage critically with debates, critically analyse case studies, and investigate potential opportunities.

BEP3020 Practice Based Consultancy Management expects the student to conduct critical research into contemporary businesses and societal issues, critically reflect on a consultancy project experience, and adapt and innovate to solve problems and to manage unpredictable situation in order to make sound judgements.

BEP3030 in Globalisation and Internationalisation, students analyse core theoretical concepts, critically examine globalisation, and critically evaluate the models, theories and concepts commonly used to analyse and understand international business.

BEP3040 Local Global Innovation requires students to analyse and evaluate research-informed literature and synthesise research-informed examples, identify and implement appropriate methodologies and theories, and deploy established techniques of analysis, investigation, and enquiry.

BEP3050 In Future-Facing Dissertation, students will research extensively and critically on a chosen academic or practical topic to demonstrate application of the underlying discipline concepts and/or research processes.

9. BEP1010 Business and Society asks students to work together to conduct group debates.

BEP1030 Operations Management; A Sustainable Perspective asks students to work in groups to respond to a given business analysis project.

BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age assesses students through a 10 minute group presentation with commentary notes

BEP1100 Understanding Work and Organisations requires students to work in small groups to create a poster about organisational design

BEP1080 Theory and Practice of Management asks students to work together to produce a group report and presentation.

BEP2210 – Circular Enterprise Economy asks students to work together to produce a group report and poster

BEP2020 In Project Management, the student will develop skills while working on a live group project. Summative assessment will take the form of a comprehensive group produced project plan.

BEP2040 Strategic Concepts for Business asks students to work together to create a group case study and executive summary report.

BEP3010 In Social and Technological Innovation, students are asked to illustrate group skills in order to present an in-depth case study on either social or technological innovation.

BEP3030 There is a group assessment in Globalisation and Internationalisation, as well as a formative assessment in the form of a peer review.

BEP3040 Local Global Innovation assesses students on their in-class contribution to discussion in collaborator sessions, which run throughout the module.

10. BEP1040 In Marketing in the Digital Age students explore the concept of sustainable marketing and will be able to recognise the characteristics of an unethical marketing campaign strategy.

BEP2060 Research for Inquiry asks the student to appreciate and articulate the ethical concerns associated with conducting research on private individual and commercial organisations.

BEP2210 Circular Enterprise Economy is designed around the theme of ‘responsibility’; implicit in this is an understanding of ethical decision making and ethical behaviour in business and society

BEP3030 Globalisation and Internationalisation examines the ethical issues associated with the sourcing of labour, materials and production.

11. BEP1040 Marketing in a Digital Age will analyse the communications methods and technological advances in marketing development.  By the end of this module you will be familiar with the technology and techniques strategically utilised by digital marketing practitioners to increase reach, sales, and adoption of their services, ideas and products.

BEP1080 Theory and Practice of Management requires students to use a range of available technologies.

BEP2060 Research for Inquiry asks students to use a variety of software to source, select, analyse, and present research findings correctly.

BEP3010 Social and Technological Innovation will examine different ways in which social and technological innovations have revolutionised things differently.

7. BEP2210 – Practical Exam (ILPO 6, 8) and Timed Case Study Analysis (ILO 4, 6, 8)

BEP3030 – Group Presentation (ILO 1-4) and Research Report (ILO 1-4, 12-13)   

BEP3040 – Abstract 1, Abstract 2, Abstract 3, Practical, and Discussion contribution8.

8. BEP1010 – Group Research and Presentation, Self-assessment, and Exam (ILO 1-7)

BEP1020 – Portfolio and Presentation (ILO 1-8)

BEP1030 – Group Report (ILO 2-4, 6), case Study Analysis (ILO 1-2, 6), and Individual Report (ILO 1, 3, 5)

BEP1040 – Paper (ILO 1-11), Group Project (ILO 1-13), and Written Report (ILO 1-13)

BEP1120 – Practical Exam (ILO 1,5-8), Presentation (ILO 1-7) and Essay (ILO 1-8)

BEP1100 – Group Poster (ILO 1,2,6) Practical Assignment (ILO 1,3,5-7,15,17), Exam (ILO 1-5,7)

BEP1070 – Exam (ILO 1-15) and Multiple Choice Test (ILO 1-6. 10-14)

BEP1080 – Group Presentation (ILO1-9, 14) and Exam (ILO 1-9)

BEP2210 – Group Report (ILO 1-3, 7), Practical Exam (ILO 5-6, 8), and Timed Case Study (ILO4-6, 8)

BEP2020 – Group Project Plan, Presentation (ILO 1-8) and Reflective Paper (ILO 9-12)

BEP2030 – Reflective Paper (ILO 1-6, 10), Project Report (ILO 1-7, 10), and Presentation (ILO 1-7, 10)

BEP2040 – Essay (ILO 1-2, 6,9,10), Group Presentation (ILO 1, 3-5), Individual Report (ILO 7-9) and Exam (ILO 3-6)

BEP2050 – Coursework and Exam (ILO 1-12)

BEP2060 – Paper (ILO 1-5, 7-8) and Report (1-5, 7-8, 10-11)

BEP3010 – Paper, Group Presentation, and Paper on Presentation (ILO 1-9)

BEP3020 – Project Proposal (ILO 5-6), Consultancy Report (1, 2-4) and Client’s Report (ILO 8-9)

BEP3030 – Group Presentation (ILO 1-4) and Research Report (ILO 1-4, 7)

BEP3040 - Abstract 1, 2, 3 (ILO 3, 6, 8-11) and Practical (ILO 4-5, 7, 9-1).

BEP3050 – Dissertation (ILO 1-5, 8-9)

9. BEP1010 – Group Research and Presentation (ILO 6)

BEP1030 – Group report

BEP1040 – Group project

BEP1100 – Group Poster

BEP1080 – Group report and presentation (ILO 10-12)

BEP2210 – Group Report and Practical Exam (ILO 9-10)

BEP2020 Reflective Paper(ILO 10)

BEP2040 – Group Case Study Presentation

BEP3010 – Paper, Group Presentation, and Paper on Presentation (ILO 11)

BEP3030 – Group Presentation and Research Report (ILO 8-9, 12)

10.  BEP1040 – Paper (ILO 11), Group Project (ILO 11. 16), and Written Report (ILO 11, 16)

BEP2210 – Group report (ILO 2, 7)

BEP2060 – Paper and Report (ILO 2)

BEP3030 – Group Presentation and Research Report

11. BEP1040 Paper, Group Project, and Written Report (ILO 1-2, 4, 12, 14, 17)

BEP1080 – Group Presentation & Exam (ILO 11)

BEP2060 – Report (ILO 12)

BEP3010 – Paper, Group Presentation, Paper on Presentation (ILOs 2-4, 11)

7. Programme Regulations

Assessment at stage one 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 WYA/WIE variants, it is stages 2, 3, and 4, with 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.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual 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 Year Abroad

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] General business and management

23. Dates

Origin Date

27/01/2015

Date of last revision

26/08/2021