BA Honours Business Management Degree

Overview & facilities

The BA Honours Business Management course focuses on the creative side of management as you explore issues facing businesses at different stages of development, from innovation through to maturity. You learn how to design and manage service, manufacturing and logistics systems, taking into account human, technological, financial and ethical aspects. The course develops your leadership skills and ability to analyse, plan, and to solve business and management problems. Graduates of this course have gone on to roles such as HR Researcher, Office Manager, Business Analyst, Legal Superviser, Business Manager, Sales Manager, Account Assistant, Service Manager and Trainee Accountant, with an average starting salary of £21,000.

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.

• Placement year available
• Cases, exercise and simulations develop real-world management skills and an understanding of relevant techniques and models
• Popular course with flexible selection of modules
• Good progression routes to further study or employment.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Economics for 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 management environment; and the foundations for further study in economics.

  People and Organisations (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is deliberately entitled People and Organisations as it aims to put people centre stage of work institutions which are seen as multi-goal coalitions of diverse interests. So much Organisational Behaviour is seen in managerialist terms only - but here a managerial perspective is only one of the approaches taken. Other stakeholders, particularly the wider community, labour force and trade unions are also taken into account. The classical division of individual - groups - organisation is utilised but the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in these three levels of work organisation are employed throughout this module. It aims to give a self developmental approach to individuals in the workplace emphasising learning, not only as behavioural change for organsiational benefit, but seeing learning as the keystone of self development. Likewise a developmental approach is utilised with groups - utilising interactive analysis alongside traditional process and structural approaches to team working. At the organisational level diverse philosophies and approaches to work are reviewed.

  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.

  Quantitative Methods and Applications for Business Management (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 and management areas, 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.

• Year 2

  Business Context and Strategic 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.

  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.

  European Single Market (30 Credits) - Optional

  Module aims: to examine the increasing impact the European Union has on the context within which business takes place. This module aims to increase awareness of the relationship between EU Law and the European Single Market. It introduces the nature of EU Law, how it is made and by whom and how it is implemented. The main part of the module then focuses on the rules which ensure goods can be freely marketed within Europe and people can move to take up employment or set up businesses.

  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.

  Law for Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  Module aims: to examine the laws regulating the conduct of business and business organisations. The first part of the module provides the essential basic knowledge and understanding of English law English Legal System, Contract, Tort and Employment whilst the second part covers Company law and Corporate governance as well as elements of criminal law, particularly corporate crime.

  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.

  Trade and International Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the issues relating to international trade and business in an increasingly interdependent world. The specific aims are to develop a theoretical understanding of the causes of world trade as well as some practical appreciation of the business of trade and the role of MNEs in it. We shall consider the gains and benefits of free trade and the trade liberalisation process as well as an understanding of the world trading system and multilateral trade negotiations.

• Year 3

  Business and Society (30 Credits) - Optional

  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 Research (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide an opportunity for students to consolidate and synthesise their learning on the programme by means of predominantly self-managed, detailed study leading to submission of a completed, independent research project.

  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.

  Contemporary Issues in HRM (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module builds upon knowledge gained about general business functions, organisational behaviour and the broad scope of responsibilities covered by the human resources function in an organisation and explores, in more depth and on a critical basis, some recent trends and controversies in Human Resource Management.

  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.

  Enterprise and Small Business (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to develop the awareness, skills and mindset relevant to enterprise, entrepreneurship and small business. This includes abilities required to recognise and act upon opportunities, solve problems, and apply initiative and creativity in achieving development goals; and to explore the nature and impact of enterprise in a wider socio-economic context, by addressing key policy-relevant issues.

  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 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.

  Managerial Leadership (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The purpose of general business and management programmes are threefold: Study of organisations public, private and non profit , their management and the changing external environment in which they operate Preparation for and the development of career in business and management Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large QAA 2007 Within this context this module aims to firstly examine the historical context of managerial leadership and critically evaluate effectiveness of the theoretical perspectives such as: leadership behaviour and style, traits, motives, characteristics, charismatic, situational, contingency, transformational leadership and authentic leadership. Secondly, the module explores key concepts which present the complexity leadership effectiveness in the 21st Century which include: communication and conflict management, ethics, social responsibility, diversity, change, power and politics. Thirdly, the module provides you with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in order to develop and enhance your personal leadership effectiveness in preparation for your chosen career through a process of self reflection.

  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.

  Managing Product and Service Innovation (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to help students learn how to use state-of-the-art management techniques to identify markets, develop new product or service ideas, measure customer benefits, design successful new products services . It focuses on how companies can analyse and effectively manage their risks while innovating. Students will be encouraged to become a creative force of innovation, and help companies manage risks connected with product and services innovation. Students will also be exposed to ethical issues in innovation, risk management, marketing and societal debates about the value and application of services marketing in different contexts. The module will be relevant to students who expect to work directly or indirectly in product or service management as well as those who are interested in general management and consulting.

  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.

  Organisational Placement (30 Credits) - Optional

  The primary aim of the placement module is to build on students academic learning by providing them with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience for which they are paid and which will provide them with the opportunity to apply and further develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, together with the aptitude to learn from experience. The placement year consists of two modules, MBS3331 and MBS3332 which must be taken together. Both MBS3331 and MBS3332 modules assessment must be successfully completed graded and ungraded to complete the placement year.

  Organisational Placement (90 Credits) - Optional

  The primary aim of the placement module is to build on students academic learning by providing them with the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience for which they are paid and which will provide them with the opportunity to apply and further develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, together with the aptitude to learn from experience. The placement year consists of two modules, MBS3331 and MBS3332 which must be taken together. Both MBS3331 and MBS3332 modules assessments must be successfully completed to complete the placement year.

  Philosophy of Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  Management thinking has over the last decade become more reflective and more critical of its origins and key assumptions. This module introduces students to the key elements of this subject, and to the questioning of fundamentals in management that represents the core conceptual approach of philosophy. Students will be introduced to historical writers, theoretical positions, key debates and key tools of conceptual analysis as applied to organisations and management. The module covers material relating to the underlying elements of management research and management knowledge, of business ethics, of the role of business in society and even of the basic nature of organisation itself. It is an important foundation for students considering moving on to masters level study, as well as for those intending to find employment in high level organisations.

  Project Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding, based on professional work in the field, of the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of projects in a variety of sectors, to show how projects are managed using up-to-date project management tools and technologies, to develop awareness of the role of projects in the wider economy, to enhance individual effectiveness in the world of work through practical work on project management processes from a range of sectors.

  Services Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to: offer in-depth exploration of the management of service operations, emphasising those concepts, practices and techniques that are pertinent to service as opposed to manufacturing; synthesise and apply previous study during the programme of management and marketing concepts and techniques; relate business theory to practice through the use of specialised service-sector case studies; to stimulate students to consider the range of employment opportunities presented by the service sector.

  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.

  Strategic Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to present a broad and integrated view of strategic management in organisations; to outline and offer a range of critical perspectives on key concepts of strategy; to introduce generic strategies at the corporate, business and functional levels; to provide a range of analytical models and concepts that can be applied in assessing the strategic capability of an organisation and the environment in which it operates.

  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

  The Service Encounter (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module builds upon knowledge and skills gained about general business functions, organisational behaviour and the marketing function and explores, in more depth and on a critical basis, the interrelationship of these disciplines in the organisation of services.

The course has a joint first year with the BSc Business Management, with four modules.

• Organisational Behaviour
• Economics for Management
• Principles of Marketing
• Quantitative Methods and Application for Business Management

The second and third years give you the opportunity to branch your studies into the conceptual styles of business management. 

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum 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

Graduates will have a range of highly sought after employment skills as well as those specifically associated with planning, organisation and control. As a graduate you will be able to follow careers in the public and private sector.

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:

• 74% of Middlesex graduates were in employment or further study 
• 26% were assumed to be unemployed or doing something else, such as travelling  

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

The average salary for graduates included in the survey was £21,000 for those in full-time employment.

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

Quality Mgr,  HR Researcher, Office Mgr, Business Analyst, Legal Superviser, Business Mgr, Sales Manager, Account Assistant, Service Manager, Trainee Accountant.

at the following companies:

Informa, Met Police, Medicon Profs, NSV, Chelsea FC, Compass, Cambridge University, B&Q, Clinton Cards, M&S, Barclays, Halifax, TK Maxx, Santander, Burberry, Next.

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.