Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 15/11/2020
College College Social Sciences
School Birmingham Business School
Department Management
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.Sc. Business Management with Communications and Year in Industry Full-time
Programme Code 280C
Delivery Location Totally Taught Abroad
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 28 Months
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme "This programme aims to develop the intellectual, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills of students by providing them with a breadth of knowledge of business management, together with transferable skills (for example in group and team working) that are necessary to apply this knowledge in new and challenging contexts. The underlying philosophy of the programme is that students study a broad range of business management subjects together with a communications focus. In addition, they have some flexibility to follow their own interests. However, the programme develops a thorough understanding of Business Management as a broad discipline and develops an appreciation of research relevant to that discipline.

In consultations with employers we are told that they value the broad-based knowledge that our graduates have gained and the communications specialism. The fact that business is conducted today in a global environment and the necessity to interact with other markets and cultures, means an international underpinning is to be found in most modules. In addition, the programme progresses an understanding of the role of individuals and business in society. It develops effective problem-solving skills and an ability to communicate well using a range of media. The programme recognises the increasing role of business in society and so develops knowledge of ethical issues and practices across the discipline whilst evolving awareness of individual and collective citizenship as a part of responsible business. An appreciation of other contemporary issues such as Reputation Management and Digital Communications is provided throughout this pathway.

Students join us from year two of the programme, usually after graduating with a diploma equivalent to 120 credits of year 1 of the Business Management UK programme, with additional SIM managed assessed prep courses in Accounting and Finance, Economics and/or Marketing as and when required by admissions.

In Year Two students develop a deeper understanding of responsible business and the relevancy of discipline relevant research. They are required to study 100 core credits and to choose 20 credits from the options available. Although still broad based, modules are focused and specialised within programme themes with depth of study to intermediate level.

Prior to the commencement of year three students undertake Industrial Placement A in which they complete a placement or internship for 3 months.

Year three features modules that are increasingly advanced, allowing students to progress in a number of business themes with specialisation in communications, along with an increased degree of choice, whilst maintaining a relatively broad spectrum across the discipline. The year is underpinned by a compulsory dissertation ( 20 credits) which allows the student to investigate in depth an area of personal interest. There are 3 further core modules and the choice of 2 options.

At the completion of year three exams students complete a further placement of internship ? Industrial Placement B of a minimum 26 weeks. Industrial Placements A and B together make up the Year in Industry component. The ?Year in Industry? equivalent allows students to understand that application of theory is about praxis. Students spend a minimum of 33 weeks on an industrial placement. The main purpose of the industrial placement is for the student to gain an understanding of how theoretical business and communications models can be applied in the real world and can be challenged and revised through practice; to develop the transferable skills that employers today, and students, are increasingly seeking. "
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
How businesses utilise communications techniques to assess and address stakeholder interests in a changing environment.
How corporate communications processes operate in various socio-cultural and political contexts.
Customer expectations, service and orientation.
The impact of international and global trade on business
The management and development of people within organisations
Relevant communication theories and application in business, marketing and management.
Relevant, contemporary issues such as creativity and enterprise, globalisation, knowledge management and business ethics.
"Lectures, workshops, writing groups, case studies. Industrial visits to media organisations and interactive guest lectures from marketing communications professionals. "
Examination, individual podcast & group presentation; written report/ assessment/ webcast production examination; individual presentation, blog writing, group presentation.
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Effective communication and key message delivery skills (verbal and non-verbal; including print, broadcast and web based channels)
Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis through making comparisons and critically assessing subject material
Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques
Ability to apply information technology to meet business objectives
Teamwork including leadership, team building influencing and event management skills
"Experiential learning Capacity to undertake a research dissertation on an aspect of Business Communications; employing appropriate methodologies, analyses and interpretation of findings. "
All teaching methods throughout programme including video deconstruction, case studies, essay and dissertation writing; Supervised practical workshops, technical demonstrations and technical exercises;Industrial placement, capturing experiential learning throughout a year in industry.; supervised study, dissertation meetings, lectures and research.
Coursework, class-based work, written assignments and examination; podcast and webcast production.