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COURSE OVERVIEW

  • Set yourself up to flourish in your degree and beyond with our Foundation Year
  • Option to spend a year on a paid work placement in business
  • Gain and test valuable skills in our strategy business simulator
  • Study a broad and flexible range of business modules which enable you to pursue a career in diverse sectors and specialise in marketing, human resources, finance, management, enterprise, innovation, business development or another area of business
  • The University of Winchester Business School is a United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champion

In a fast-moving and complex global economy, the role of management has never been more exciting and challenging. Whether you envisage life at a FTSE 100 company, or want to run your own start-up, at Winchester we’ll equip you to be a confident, responsible and innovative leader of the future able to meet the shifting demands of the contemporary business world.

This broad-based degree is closely linked to industry and will introduce you to the latest management theory and practice. The programme’s flexibility enables you to pursue personal learning goals and career aspirations by selecting your own journey through a range of engaging business disciplines.

A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).

A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.

In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Business Management and related subjects.

You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation

In Year 1 (second year of study), you explore the principles underlying business management, examining the dynamic interrelationships between different aspects of business and interactions with the external environment. These include Responsible Management, Marketing Principles and Career Management.

Year 2 (third year of study)  includes both compulsory and optional modules focusing on more specialised areas of management, such as leadership, operations and sustainability. You engage in critical analysis and interpretation of data, and critical appraisal of international organisations and their operations. Optional modules include Human Resource Management, The Start-Up Entrepreneur and Contemporary Business Communication. Before moving on to the final year, you may choose to spend a year on a paid work placement in a business relevant to your ambitions. Recent students have successfully secured placements at BMW, Intel, Microsoft and Siemens.

Year 3 (fourth year of study) is strategic in nature. This enables students to consider the complexities and ethical implications of business strategies in practice within an era of increasing globalisation and social and environmental concern. Optional modules include Project Management, Business Ethics and Strategic Brand Management.

You gain a broad range of business knowledge and skills which enable you to pursue a career in a diverse range of organisational sectors. You are also equipped with the skills suitable for self-employment and the confidence to set up your own business.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in management and leadership roles, strategic planning, project management, business development, product development, finance, human resources and marketing.

Careers

Students pursue careers within strategic planning, project management, business development, product development, finance, human resources and marketing.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduate employability and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Student Satisfaction

As rated by final year undergraduate students in the 2017 National Student Survey, Business Management achieved greater than 90 per cent overall satisfaction.

Suitable for applicants from:

UK, EU, World

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to spend a year on a paid work placement in a business organisation. This is normally a paid placement and all placements are subject to approval by the Winchester Business School to ensure they are suitable and valuable to student learning. This is a non-credit bearing year of study.

Study abroad

Our BA (Hons) Business Management (with Foundation Year) course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA) and France via Erasmus.

For more information see our Study Abroad section.

Learning and teaching

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
  • Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
  • Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
  • Independent learning: 948 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 168 hours
  • Independent learning: 1032 hours
  • Placement: 0 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.

Location

Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 0 (Level 3)*:
  • 83% coursework
  • 0% written exams
  • 17% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
  • 87% coursework
  • 13% written exams
  • 0% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
  • 71% coursework
  • 16% written exams
  • 13% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
  • 100% coursework
  • 0% written exams
  • 0% practical exams

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2023 Entry: 48 UCAS tariff points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
  • BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

Course Enquiries and Applications

Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message

International Students

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023

Visit us

Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.

Year 0 (Level 3)

Modules Credits

Developing Academic Skills and a Sense of Vocation 40

This module is designed to support students with the transition to university, the development of the academic skills and attributes necessary for successful future study and the foundations of a developing sense of vocation.  Through a carefully structured and scaffolded series of seminars and workshops, students will be supported in building their self-awareness of, and confidence in, themselves as active learners.  Delivered in the context of their subject area and aligned with the development of academic skills and attributes required across all Foundation Year modules, workshops will focus on academic skills such as referencing, selecting and using valid academic resources, reading/researching for academic purposes, using feedback constructively and gaining confidence in contributing to discussions and debates.  Coordinated assessment points across the Foundation Year experience enables this module to provide students with ongoing support and opportunities to practice and develop their skills and confidence with a range of written and oral assessment types relevant to their subject area as they progress through the year.

World of Business 40

This module is designed to raise students’ knowledge and competence in commercial awareness and digital skills so that they will be able to cope with the necessary demands of the undergraduate business and computing degrees.  Students will be trained in a range of business and digital skills, reflecting and discussing how the development of their IT skills can enable future success at university and in the workplace.

Responsible Business 40

This module introduces students to business management as an academic discipline through exploring a range of approaches, theories and contemporary themes.  Specifically, students will study a range of topics and begin to understand the ways in which strategy, people, markets, finance, and ethical issues are entwined with, and impact upon, responsible business. 

Year 1 (Level 4)

Modules Credits

Academic and Professional Skills 15

Whatever a student’s future business career, there are certain basic professional skills and expertise that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing ‘soft skills’ that are a prerequisite for a successful career. Students will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of their transition into higher education.

This module will help students develop basic research skills as part of individual work on a topic of their choice. They will also enhance their communication and negotiation skills; and increase awareness of the importance of evidence-based thinking and reflective practice.

 

Digital Business and Emerging Technologies 15

The emergence of the digital economy has unlocked new opportunities for businesses, whilst creating new modes of competition in both traditional and new sectors of the economy.  The aim of this module is to impart an understanding of digital business together with the practices and processes required to develop effective digital strategies.  Identifying multiple technologies for integration into business, juxtaposed with the development of new digital strategies is central to corporate success, however, this is often a complex task.  This module provides insight into the emergence of digital business, key concepts, technologies, and strategic organisation to develop a multidisciplinary appreciation of how new technologies can directly shape businesses and processes.

Organisational Behaviour 15

Organisations are the workplaces for today’s and tomorrow’s employees. As a consequence of increased competition, new technologies and increasingly diverse workforces, the environment in which organisations operate is challenging. This module seeks to explore the many factors which influence the actions, behaviour and decisions taken by people in the work-place. It focuses on the complex interactions and relationships between people and groups, both within and between organisations. Furthermore, it explores the impact of the external environment, particularly the expectations and behaviour of wider society, with its roles as a potential customer and citizen.

The module provides students with the opportunity to work collaboratively with others when undertaking research, and also to reflect on their own style of working and personal values, when working in teams.

The Business Lab 15

This module will challenge students to engage in a fast-paced and highly practical business project, working in teams to solve real-world problems and business challenges. The primary aim for each team will be to ‘have an impact’ for a local Social Enterprise through a business development, engagement or trading activity, with the impact being measured economically, socially and environmentally. Teams will have the opportunity to engage in ‘ready-made’ challenges or identify their own engagement opportunities and business activities. Seed investment funding will be available to cover basic start-up costs, once business plans are approved and any risks assessed. Examples of possible projects include: setting up a specialist eBay business; launching an event or show; running a trading stall or pop-up space; providing business analysis or research services; raising charity donations via Crowdfunding; designing and delivering a marketing or Social Media campaign.

Career Management 15

This module develops the core skills that will enable students to secure a fulfilling, enjoyable and challenging graduate career. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, students develop self-awareness, communication skills, team work, management skills, results orientation, stress management, personal responsibility, coaching and feedback skills.  Whilst there will be a focus on constructing outstanding CVs and professional LinkedIn profiles, much of the module will instil self-awareness through peer coaching and peer feedback whilst stressing the vital importance of taking responsibility for one’s own career. Students will be able to plan and develop career goals based on a clearer idea of preferred career options and an understanding of what they need to do to achieve these goals.

Practical Finance for Business 15

This module equips non-accounting students with the basic financial skills they will need to progress through their management-related degree studies. Students will learn the fundamental processes behind the production of historic financial information, allowing them to conduct analysis of financial statements. Additionally, students will develop knowledge of cost behaviours and forecasting, allowing them to make decisions such as how to price their product. The module allows students to bring together their financial skills by preparing extracts from a business plan as part of an application for finance. Emphasis will be placed on practical skills relevant to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Marketing Principles 15

This module provides an introduction to the concepts, theories and practices of marketing.  The meaning and scope of modern marketing will be discussed in depth; considering its role as both a management philosophy and a business function. Traditional marketing concepts such as the marketing mix will be explored, examining the need to create synergy between marketing mix components and the wants and needs of the market place.  Students will be encouraged to develop critical marketing perspective considering the impact marketing has on the economy, society and the environment.

Responsible Management 15

This module introduces the principles of responsible management including those in the United Nations PRME and Global Compact frameworks. The module draws on and engages with on-going debate concerning the social, economic, environmental, moral and ethical dimensions of business in a global world. Students will identify key stakeholders in organisations, and how responsible management is applied in different industry sectors. They will begin to reflect on their own personal and professional values and their contribution to creating future sustainable business value.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Modules Credits

Understanding Finance: Concepts and Principles 15

This module enables students to develop a more conceptual understanding of financial and management accounting. As well as introducing students to more complex technical accounting issues, this module asks students to explore academic literature on the development of management and financial accounting practices. Students can expect this module to develop their ability to understand the principles behind financial and management accounting, furthering their ability to analyse and interpret financial information.

Sustainability in Business 15

This module aims to explore sustainability as it applies to industries, organisations and businesses. It focuses on the implementation of concepts of sustainability and corporate social responsibility in businesses and organisations, reviewing their interactions with their stakeholders and the environment. Students will examine the complex economic, social and environmental challenges facing business and industry, as well as approaches for engaging with sustainability policies in regions, industries and organisations. The module provides opportunities for students to analyse the private and public regulation that is relevant to sustainable development agenda.

Management and Leadership 15

The pressures on managers and leaders in today’s complex organisations are immense. The emphasis on performance, efficiency and effectiveness together with the global competition for managerial jobs places a premium on managerial and leadership skills.  This module introduces some of the latest ideas in the field whilst simultaneously evaluating them from a practical, ethical and international perspective. Students will explore the role of power in organisations and critically evaluate how power and influence is exercised in the managerial role. The module is also aimed at helping students to develop some of the skills involved in managing and leading people, thereby cultivating the self-awareness that characterises outstanding managers and leaders. The aim of the module therefore is to develop informed, critical and responsible managers who have the confidence to lead others in a way that is effective, ethical and consistent with their values. 

Integrated Marketing Communications 15

This module considers both the theoretical and practical aspects of integrated marketing communications. Theories of communication influence are explored, with emphasis on how the communication tools (advertising, personal selling, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing and digital marketing) can be synthesized to enable the delivery of consistent brand messages across multiple marketing channels.   Students will be encouraged to identify the salient characteristics of target audiences to facilitate the utilisation of relevant communication tools in order to amplify vital marketing messages.

Operations and Service Management 15

This module aims to explore the role and purpose of operations and service management within an organisation. Students will explore the major principles of operations management and analyse how they are applied in different organisations.  The module will provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the challenges associated with the management of operations within an organisation plus the opportunity to gain a professional lean foundation qualification.

Research Methods for Managers 15

This module enables students to develop their understanding and competence in using diverse research methods for academic and professional purposes. Students will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical qualitative and quantitative research skills including defining and scoping a question; designing an effective and manageable research protocol; collecting data and using appropriate analysis methods.  In addition, students will develop an appreciation of ethical implications of the research process to facilitate responsible research practice.

Optional modules
  • Creativity, Design and Innovation - 15 credits
  • Human Resource Management - 15 credits
  • Relationship Marketing - 15 credits
  • Contemporary Business Communication - 15 credits
  • MICE – Meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions - 15 credits
  • Globalisation and Diversity - 15 credits
  • The Start-Up Entrepreneur - 15 credits
  • Business Relationships in the Third Sector - 15 credits
  • Sustainable Economics - 15 credits
  • Employment Experience - An optional year long work placement can be taken between Year 2 and Year 3

Year 3 (Level 6)

Modules Credits

Dissertation 30

The module provides the opportunity for students to research an area of particular interest to them and is relevant to their studies. For students undertaking a yearlong work placement the dissertation will usually be set in the context of the host organisation. The module contributes to the continued professional and academic development of students in the application of research knowledge and skills acquired throughout their programme. As students are required to manage the research project, the dissertation provides a vehicle for them to demonstrate the extent to which they have managed the transition from tutor-led to student-centred learning.

Students can choose from either the Dissertation or Researching Contemporary Management Issues module.

Researching Contemporary Management Issues 30

This module aims to develop students’ ability to critically evaluate approaches to research and data analysis relating to contemporary management issues faced by organisations operating in a global and diverse context. Students will have the opportunity to select research and critically assess a range of contemporary management issues in depth. Enquiry-based learning methods will be used to explore the nature and implications of these issues with emphasis placed upon how managers can contribute to the effective management of these issues in practice.

Students can choose from either the Dissertation or Researching Contemporary Management Issues module.

Sustainable Strategy in Action 15

This module provides a holistic overview of the strategic management process with an emphasis on the development of sustainable and responsible strategic management. Drawing upon traditional academic theories and current debates, the module examines and critically evaluates the practice and process of strategic management in different organisational settings. The module considers strategy as a whole by integrating the different phases of the strategic planning process, namely Strategic Analysis, Strategic Formulation and Strategic Implementation. In particular, the module examines the strategic external and internal environment, the different strategic options available (Business-level Strategies, Corporate-Level Strategies and International Strategies) and issues associated with strategy implementation, such as managing strategic change, organisational design decisions and the fostering of a sustainable and responsible organisation.

Managing Change 15

Change is common to all organisations and managers need to understand both the nature of change and the extent to which it can be effectively managed. This module examines the internal and external drivers for change, and the nature of change at the individual, team and organisation-wide levels. Students will explore a range of change management methods and how these might be applied responsibly and sustainably in given situations. Students will also consider the skills needed to manage change, taking into account the emotional and ethical dimensions of change.  Students will develop their self-awareness by evaluating how they might need to adapt in order to meet the demands of leading others through change.

Optional modules

Launching a Business Start-Up - 15 credits
Employee Relations - 15 credits
Strategic Brand Management - 15 credits
Business Ethics - 15 credits
Digital Marketing - 15 credits
Critical Work Based Studies - 15 credits
Financial Management - 15 credits
Social Enterprise - 15 credits
Employee Development - 15 credits
Project Management - 15 credits
Responsible Leadership Development - 15 credits
Innovation Management - 15 credits
Social Media Marketing - 15 credits
Values Studies - 15 credits

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.

Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.

2024 Course Tuition Fees 

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Year 4 £9,250 £16,700
Total £37,000 £66,800
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £38,850 £70,140

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a four-year degree would be £37,000 for UK students.

Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £2,087

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Mandatory

Volunteering and placements:

Students will incur travel costs on a mandatory volunteering placement in their Foundation Year (Year 0). Indicative cost: £5 - £30 per day

Printing and Binding:

The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.

Optional

Core Text:

Multiple copies of core text are held within the library and e-books are identified where possible, however due to limited availability students are recommended to purchase a copy for their own use. It is possible for students to purchase second-hand copies. Indicative cost: £50 - £300 per year

Volunteering and Placements:

Students may incur travel costs on optional volunteering placements in the second and third year of study. Indicative cost: £5 - £30 per day

There may be an additional contribution for optional school trips. Indicative cost £5 - £30 per day.

Smart Wear:

Students may be expected to dress formally for oral assessments. Costs will vary depending on the students existing wardrobe. Indicative cost: £0 - £50.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

Key course details

UCAS code
NP2X
Duration
4 years full-time; 5 years full-time (placement)
Typical offer
48 points
Location
On campus, Winchester