BA Honours Business Administration Degree

Overview & facilities

This broad-based business degree prepares you for a professional career or postgraduate study. It’s ideal if you are not certain which business area you want to specialise in. The course includes a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to graduate with a general business degree or to specialise in one of the key business functions: finance, operations, marketing or HRM. In the final year, students have the option to study a unique ‘Business Start-up’ module which teaches them a range of essential skills required for the establishment of a new business venture.

We encourage you to consider a one year placement in a business to enhance your understanding and skills. You should also take the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities abroad.  

• Ideal for students who want to start their own business or work in a family business, as it provides experience in all relevant areas of business strategy and operation. The programme includes an optional module on Enterprise and small business which has been developed by  experts in this field
• This course is taught by Middlesex University's partners abroad as it provides a strong academic platform in different international contexts

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Business Statistics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an interesting and enjoyable introduction to basic statistical and ICT ideas for the analysis and presentation of business data. It caters for students with little prior mathematical knowledge, and while students are expected to complete mathematical calculations by hand and using a computer the emphasis is on the interpretation and communication of quantitative results. The module encourages students with little mathematical background or a fear of mathematics to develop confidence and ability in quantitative skills for business, which can be built upon in further study. The main aim is to enable the student to become a discerning user of statistical methods and ICT in quantitative analysis.

  Economics for Business and Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts and methods of economic analysis; the ability to apply economic theory in a business and management environment; and the foundations for further study in economics.

  Organisational Behaviour and Analysis (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module explores a variety of factors influencing attitudes and behaviour in organisation. It is based on a theoretical framework which aims to answer the question, What factors enable or prevent people in doing a good job at work The range of factors explored will firstly relate to individuals and their performance within organisations, secondly to those which relate to groups within the organisation, and thirdly to those which relate to organisations as structures within society at large. Through this the module aims to describe, illustrate, analyse and evaluate concepts, strategies and theories to maximise the potential and resolve problems associated with an organisation s most significant and valuable resource: it s people.

  Principles of Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. More specifically, the module aims to develop students knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise; the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation; the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice; and methods of identifying consumer targets and competitors.

• Year 2

  Business Information Systems (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to give students the knowledge and skills to use and manage Business Information Systems to effectively and efficiently support business processes, improve business decision making and gain a competitive advantage. Students will gain an overall understanding of Business Information Systems: the different types, their functionality, development, management, use and the social impact. The module will also enable students to recognise the value and the use of information systems in business, in particular supporting managerial decision making and strategic advantage from the perspective of both a user and that of a manager. Through practical tasks and assignments, students will also gain an understanding of data and process modelling.

  Entrepreneurship and Small Business Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  Entrepreneurship is seen as encouraging two vital ingredients: innovation and creativity - but with that little extra push to achieve. This module is designed to foster entrepreneurial talent and encourage and develop entrepreneurial /small business management skills. Highlighting the diversity of entrepreneurship in today s dynamic commercial and social environments it challenges students to think entrepreneurially. It also aims to make them aware of opportunities in the market place and generate a can do mentality - to empower students and convince them they can shape their own destinies.

  Human Resources in Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim is to introduce students to the key areas of HRM and to build on relevant knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 modules. By the end of the year students will be familiar with a wide range of generalist HR policies and practices within the four key areas of the discipline: employee resourcing, employee reward, employee relations, employee training and development.

  Managerial Finance and Accounting (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop and enhance understanding of the role of accounting and finance within business organisations. It aims to provide a broad introduction to financial accounting, management accounting and finance for business students who do not need to develop specialist knowledge. It will enhance accounting and finance skills and train students to use those skills in a range of different business situations.

  Marketing Research (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to familiarise students with all forms of marketing information, and with the techniques used to gather, process and analyse it. It aims to give an understanding of the nature and scope of marketing research, and to learn when and how to use it. Students will learn how to conduct marketing research projects, from the definition of the initial research problem to the production of final research recommendations in the final report. Effective marketing decisions are based on good supporting data and information. Students will learn the steps in the marketing research process, including establishing an appropriate research design, creating research instruments, gathering and analysing data using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and using the findings to improve marketing decision-making. Ethical aspects of market research and intelligence will also be addressed.

  Operations Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to broaden and expand students knowledge of the concepts and techniques required for the design, operation and control of business processes. Cases and practical exercises are relevant to a variety of commercial, manufacturing and service organisations. The module builds on the IT and quantitative skills developed in the first year.

  Strategic Business Environment (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to provide an integrated view of internal and external business environment of organisations and to serve as an introduction to strategic analysis. The module also aims to evaluate elements of complexity in the business environment and to begin exploration of contemporary issues in business and management in preparation for more advanced study at level 3.

• Year 3

  Business and Society (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module offers students a systematic understanding of business ethics and corporate social responsibility, from both the business side and the society side. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to identify, analyse and make decisions regarding a wide range of issues that arise in business-society interactions. Students will also be provided with an opportunity to relate their own moral values to those typically associated with business.

  Business Game (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims - to present a view of the importance to firms of integrating key business functions in order to achieve business success - to facilitate understanding and application of appropriate business and management academic theories in managing a business - to provide experience, through business simulation, of how a firm can integrate key aspects of business and management in order to succeed in a competitive environment - to use simulation techniques as a means of encouraging students to think strategically.

  Business Start up (30 Credits) - Optional

  This is a synoptic of module which aims to ensure that students can demonstrate how to develop a business plan and put it into operation. This will be achieved by students showing an understanding of the appropriate academic theories and an application of the necessary analytical tools to achieve a successful business start up. In particular, the module aims to facilitate the development of a unique business plan in which students will learn, practice and apply the necessary academic and practical knowledge base and skills set, including team working, required for the establishment of a new business. This preparation follows through to provide students with the opportunity to study the establishment of small business in a practical context, giving students an insight into the nuts and bolts of setting up and running their own small business. Especially important is the reconciliation of theory to practical realities including interaction with the appropriate government agencies, professional and commercial bodies. Finally, students are encouraged to reflect on whether they are suited to setting up their own small business or continuing their college business on a commercial basis.

  Consulting in Organisations (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module introduces students to organisation consulting. It builds on learning from prior modules, and provides the student with a theoretical introduction to consulting and the idea of organisation learning. Students undertake a live group consulting project as part of this module.

  Cross Cultural Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to examine the influence of national and organisational culture on individuals, organisations and managerial work; by considering the theory and practices of, for example, leadership, motivation, decision making, negotiation and expatriate assignments. The emphasis is on a Evidence Based Management approach by using empirical studies that review local values, beliefs in relation to management behaviours and applying this evidence to real-life situations critical incidents . In particular, this module aims to develop students critical thinking in terms of management theory and practices across the world, thereby enhancing their employability in a globalised work environment.

  Direct and Customer Relationship Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module examines strategies, tools and techniques that are used to help organisations acquire, meet the needs of and retain their customers. Students will explore the theory and processes of relationship marketing - a body of research and practice that seeks to enhance organisational profitability and success through better understanding of customers and an improved customer experience. Students will acquire knowledge of and skill in using relationship marketing techniques including direct and database marketing, service quality measurement and technologies that source, classify, interact with, and learn from/about customers.

  Facilitating Creativity in Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to explore ways of developing creativity and innovation at work, from an individual, team and organisational level. The focus will be on: recognising and unleashing your latent creative potential; becoming more creative; facilitating teams to uncover more of their creative potential; develop skills in building work environments which will release the individuals creative energy and the energy of those whom they work with. This module will introduce students to the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate creativity in workplace. It draws upon the literature and the experiences of creative practitioners to examine the wide range of principles and practices which can be utilised in fostering a creative attitude at work.

  Financial Performance Analysis (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to analyse, understand, and interpret the financial performance of companies. It also aims to enable the students understand the limitations/problems inherent in the preparation of financial statements and the effect on financial analysis.

  Innovation and Technology Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to offer an up-to-date overview of the role of technology and innovation in firms and in the general economy; to present current approaches developed in business studies on the nature of and relationship between technology and innovation, as well as on the relationship between strategic leadership and innovation; to show how firms exploit technological opportunities by using technology and new product development processes to manage change; to discuss and critically evaluate the role of project management in managing technology and innovation.

  International Business Strategy (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce students to the main concepts, analytical tools and theoretical frameworks in the field of international business strategy. The module is interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together and integrating knowledge and skills that students have learned previously, and applying them to the issues that typically faced by organizations when they operate internationally. It intends to develop students awareness to and sensitivity of the differences between international and domestic business, and improve their analytical, critical and problem solving abilities. It also develops students employability skills through various learning, teaching, and assessment strategies.

  International Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module puts marketing into the global context and shows the importance of international marketing in the era of globalisation. It familiarises students with the theoretical base for international marketing and provides them with a thorough understanding of the nature of the international market place and the complex and challenging forces that shape the current international business environment and highlights future trends. Students will learn how to critically assess the implications of such forces and trends for marketing strategy and decision making when organisations operate across borders. They will also develop international marketing decision-making skills and know-how that will assist them in pursuing a career in international marketing or business.

  International Operations Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims - to present the international nature of business operations and how companies are working in a global marketplace; - to develop understanding of how companies develop and manage their international operations through certain management techniques; - to provide a wider understanding of business competitiveness in global marketplaces; - to use theories to evaluate the choices given by organizations and link them to management of these international networks.

  Learning and Self-Development in the Context of Part-Time Work (30 Credits) - Optional

  To enable students currently in part-time employment to: Employ theories of learning and personal development in order to review and articulate their learning in the context of their workplace; Explore, analyse and comment critically on their organisation in the light of theoretical perspectives on organisational behaviour and on the organisation s relationship to the external environment; Recognise and articulate the interdependence of theory and practice.

  Learning from Voluntary Work (30 Credits) - Optional

  To enable students currently employed in a voluntary organisation to review and articulate their learning from this work and to provide credible evidence in writing of this learning. To explore, analyse and comment critically on their organisation in the light of theoretical perspectives on organisational behaviour and identify an area of organisational change.

  Managing Individual and Organisational Change (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module builds on personal effectiveness developed in prior study to provide a bridge between University and future careers and further develops the strategic role of the HR practitioner to enable them to implement specific organisational change related to the management of people.

  Managing Non-profit Organisations (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: develop awareness of the role of non profit sector NPS in the wider economy; provide students with a detailed understanding based on professional work on the key management issues which affect the NPS; show how NPS organisations are managed using up to date management models and theories; show how social enterprise contributes to the development and management of NPS organisations; enhance individual effectiveness in the world of work through NPS management problems from a range of organisations.

  Organisational Internship (30 Credits) - Optional

  The primary aim of the internship module is to build on students academic learning by providing them with the opportunity to undertake a period of unpaid work experience to apply and further develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, together with the aptitude to learn from experience.

  Strategic Management Accounting (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to build on students knowledge of management accounting by looking at the wider measures of performance and decision making and the techniques that can be applied to such situations. The module attempts to give a broad understanding and critical evaluation of performance measurement. This includes quality and innovation as well as financial measures. The techniques and theory covered lead to a wider understanding of strategic decision making as well as overall company performance.

  Supply Chain Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: - develop an understanding about the integration of different business in creating value; - demonstrate the effects of planning in multiple organizations; - provide experience about the management of integrated business processes and develop a process understanding; present a integration of functional departments within and between different organization

  Verbal Communication (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: Develop skills for students taking courses in business studies in which they are required to give verbal presentations; allow students to realise vocal and physical potential whilst speaking in public; assist students in the planning, preparation and performance of verbal presentations; develop techniques in negotiation, persuasion and debate; allow students to explore status and body language through observation and improvisation; assist students who use English as a second language to communicate in it with confidence and ease; encourage students to explore the means to use their own personalities, interests and talents to enhance their oral delivery in employment.

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a mimum of 240 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Business Administration graduates pursue careers in a wide range of business settings and are found in all types of organisations including industrial, commercial and financial as well as in the public sector. Many have the wide range of skills required to develop their own business or support a family business.

A business or management degree opens the door to a range of careers - usually commanding good salaries.  You will have developed highly sought-after employment skills as well as those specifically associated with planning, organisation and control.

Our careers service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

Placements
Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. Business is a highly competitive field so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.

We have a dedicated Placement Service which helps you find and plan for a placement.

Graduate Employment prospects

Latest survey figures show that six months after graduating:

• 91% of Middlesex graduates were in employment or further study
• 9% were assumed to be unemployed or were doing something else, such as travelling

(Based on data from BA Business Administration respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education Survey)

The average salary for graduates included in the survey were £16,000 for those in full time employment.

Examples of the types of jobs that graduates from the class of 2009-10 are doing include: 

Business Development Manager, Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Deputy Executive, Finance Manager, Sales Manager, HR Assistant, Cash Office Assistant, Data Entry Clerk, Office Assistant, Payroll Assistant.

in the following companies:

Technocrats Middle East, CosMedocs, Western Union, Dulsco, Emirates, Noor Islamic Bank, Consult AIV, Jumbo Line, Peprofac, Barnard Marcus, Kimberley Clark, International School, Central Bank Nigeria, Comet, Santander, Progressive Recruitment, Valid Security, Morrisons.

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us: 

Administrative Manager – An administrative manager applies specialised technical or professional principles, practices and skills or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems. This may include planning, developing, evaluating, advising, and improving various management control systems, programmes and policies, for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programmes and operations.

Advertising Manager – As an advertising manager you will develop, implement, and manage a company's advertising strategy, both from a business, sales and technical perspective. Your job will be to initiate and manage discussion and sales with sponsors and agencies. You will spend your time negotiating agreements with outside sales representatives and managing the development of sales materials, including media kits.

Retail Area Manager – As a retail area manager you will be responsible for the management and overall profitability of a group of stores. You will promote the generation of sales, forming an important link in the management communication chain, by liaising with store managers as well as key departments within head-office.

Branch Manager – As a branch manager you will be responsible for the management of specialty or department stores. Your responsibilities will include the profits of the store, stock, costs, security and administration of the store, as well as the selection, interviewing and training of staff.