For the graduates of today and tomorrow, being competitive and employable depends on demonstrating innovation, flexibility and commitment to continued learning. We are looking for students who are inquisitive and wish to learn more by investigating and researching.

Year 1

The first level of study provides an overarching foundation for the programme, and the successful completion is equivalent to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 4 educational attainment scale. Students will acquire and be able to demonstrate a factual and conceptual knowledge base for Business and Management Studies, including appropriate awareness of intellectual frameworks, demonstrate a range of professional skills, undertake independent study, and appreciate ethical considerations.

The six modules are comprised of core and compulsory subjects, knowledge, and key skills as aligned with the Benchmark Standards. These modules provide insights into all recommended philosophical themes for HEI Business and Management degree paths, covering organizational configurations, environment, markets, consumers, and policies. These modules include Changing World of Business, Principles of Marketing, People, Management, and Organisations, Strategy in Practice, Financial Information for Managers, and Introduction to Leadership. Each module utilizes a series of lectures and small group interactions with learning activities focused on applying theory to understand complex and modern business practices. These modules also include an early emphasis on key transversal themes found throughout the remainder of the programme, including the nature and role of management, corporate social responsibility, the impact of technology, and globalisation. As baseline modules for the programme, students are also trained in critical skills to enable successful attainment. These include group/collaborative work, critical thinking, databases, time management, personal responsibility, digital skills, and effective written/oral communication.

Year 2

The second level of study extends the baseline skills obtained in the first level. The successful completion is equivalent to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5 educational attainment scale. The design of the second-level curriculum emphasizes applied and practical knowledge to develop business and managerial effectiveness. It provides four additional core and compulsory modules, albeit more challenging and cumulative than those undertaken in the first level. Furthering themes of the people management knowledge gained from the People, Management, and Organisation and Introduction to Leadership modules, the Human Resources Management module delves more into the theoretical perspectives that underpin effective motivational techniques used in industry. Students must also undertake Research Methods and Statistics to develop a critical awareness of methodological practices when undertaking applied and theoretical research projects. This module also enables more critical engagement with the theoretical and empirical works covered in the remainder of the modules. Additionally, students must take the Information Systems module to learn more about data interpretation and sharing within modern organizations.

The second level also allows students to shape their degree paths according to their desired area of specialism. Students will select three optional modules on offer, which include: Integrated Marketing Communications, Consumer Psychology Brand, Strategies, Identity, Culture and Society, Operations Management, Innovation Management, Applied Brand Strategy, Entrepreneurship, as well as a module in a foreign language through our Centre for Foreign Languages.

Year 3

In an increasingly globalised world, a period of international study is a major benefit and can help you to stand out in a crowded job market. All of our business degrees offer you the option of spending your third year studying abroad at one of our international partner universities. This is an opportunity to develop foreign language skills, experience another country and learn about its culture as well as adding an international dimension to your overall employability.

You may decide to study at one of our exchange universities for a full-year study placement period in your third year of study and this then becomes the third year of a four year degree.

Opportunities for study abroad have in the past included Australia, Canada, Chile, China/Hong Kong, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden and USA Funding may be available through scholarships offered by the host institution, the British Council and/or other funding bodies. For up-to-date information on locations and funding, please go to: www.durham.ac.uk/international/studyabroad

The Study Abroad year fees are set annually by the University. For the definitive amount of the Study Abroad year fees payable please contact our Study Abroad Team.

The offer of a place on a ‘study abroad’ degree does not imply that Durham University Business School guarantees to place the student with one of its partner institutions, nor a partner of the student’s choice. All study abroad programmes are subject to approval by the Business School. Some partner relationships have restricted access and so are not available to all students. The Business School, in association with the University, will assist students in applying for a study abroad place, but it is the responsibility of the student to apply for such a place, and the right of the Business School/University to allocate students to available places as it deems best. In the event that a student is unable to obtain a study abroad place, transfer to the equivalent ‘non-study abroad’ programme is guaranteed provided the student is eligible to transfer on academic grounds. In line with Home Office rules, students from outside the EU will transfer onto the ‘with study abroad’ programme only once they have successfully secured a placement (normally at the end of their second year of study). Therefore due to visa requirements, we recommend that international students interested in the study abroad year as part of their degree apply for this course when making their application to us via UCAS.

Year 4

The fourth level of study solidifies an advanced understanding and critical appreciation for specialist areas of interest. Dependent on the student's overarching performance and module selections throughout the programme structure, the successful completion is equivalent to the Framework for Higher Education Qualification's level 5 or 6 educational attainment scale.

The design of the fourth-level curriculum emphasizes critical analysis and synthesis of specialism subject matter. Students are provided with a broad portfolio of modules to select within areas of Leadership, Innovation and Enterprise, Operations, and Marketing. All modules at level 3 are designed to enable students to engage with advanced conceptual and empirical debates within the research. Students are encouraged to select modules that will align with their future career ambitions and interests. Some examples of modules available include select from Retail and Services Marketing, Global Marketing, New Venture Creation, How to Read Business, Work, Organizations, and Society, Corporate Social Responsibility. And Social Marketing. Central to the final year is the double weighted module on research topic/project (either the Dissertation, Innovation Accelerator, or Advanced Topics in Critical Organisational Topics.) Those modules allow the opportunity to study an in-depth subject while at the same time challenging students to practice many of the key skills developed throughout the programme.

Placement

In a rapidly evolving business world, innovation and flexibility are more important than ever. If you have an interest in the way businesses operate and grow, if you’re naturally inquisitive and have the desire to develop your knowledge through investigation and research then this might be the course for you.

The BA Business and Management links academic theory with real-world business experience so you’ll start to develop your business, investigative and practical skills from day one. From people management to technological advances, marketing to culture and ethics, you’ll quickly build the knowledge to enter the global business sector.

This four-degree includes a year abroad. Spending a year in one of our international partner universities will give you the opportunity to experience another culture and develop your language skills. In an increasingly globalised industry, international study will add an extra dimension to your employability and help you to stand out to employers.

Our flexible study programme puts you in control. As well as the study abroad route, we offer the option to complete the course in three years or add a placement year.

The curriculum offers plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. The first year introduces the key areas of business and management. In subsequent years you will further develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, strategy, people management, marketing and human resource management.

Course Structure

Year 1

Core modules:

The Changing World of Business introduces the context of business. This module covers a wide spectrum such as international economics, global competition, technology, international politics, the cultural context and the legal environment. You will be encouraged to apply these concepts to a range of issues using examples from your own experience.

People, Management and Organisations provides a fundamental foundation for the understanding of people, management and organisations within contemporary society. You will study concepts such as diversity management, job satisfaction, leadership, motivation and organisational culture and apply these concepts to a range of issues using examples from your own experience.

Foundations of Effective Marketing covers the key principles of marketing theory and its application in both commercial and non-commercial sectors. You will study how marketing works in practice looking at areas such as consumer behaviour, market segmentation, marketing strategy, distribution, branding, communications theory, pricing and ethics.

Financial Information for Managers introduces financial management and sources of finance. You will develop an understanding of the purpose of a range of financial reports looking at areas such as budget, sources of finance, capital investment and performance analysis.

Strategy in Practice takes a theoretical and practical approach to strategic management and the processes of strategy-making. You will be encouraged to think critically about strategy, competition and business development so that you are equipped with knowledge and skills to manage strategy in future employment.

Introduction to Leadership introduces basic leadership theories and practices in an organisational context. It examines the roles of personality, power, emotion, gender and culture in the field and addresses some of the practices that might result in leadership failure.

Year 2

Core modules:

Business Research Methods and Statistics provides a comprehensive grounding in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the world of business. You will learn to access, analyse and present data and information and assess the quality of data sources. The skills learned will help you to develop a formal research proposal for the final year dissertation.

Information Systems analyses the role of information systems in social interactions in a complex and rapidly changing world. You will explore such questions as:

• What is the relationship between computer-mediated communication and the business world?
• What are the implications of 'digital lifestyles' for the world of work?
• What is the 'information society'?

Human Resource Management focuses on the key issues relating to the processes and practices of human resource management. Exploring areas such as diversity management, performance management, training, development and conflict management it provides a critical understanding of research in the field.

Examples of optional modules:

• Operations Management
• Principles of Business Law
• Integrated Marketing Communications
• Entrepreneurship
• Consumer Behaviour
• Brand Strategies, Identity, Culture and Society
• Applied Brand Strategy
• Innovation Management.

Year 3

You will spend Year 3 studying abroad at one of our partner universities. This flexible year is designed around your area of study and interests. Not only will you gain valuable academic experiences to take forward to your final year and beyond, study abroad is also an opportunity to expand your cultural horizons, develop language skills and meet new people.

In previous years, opportunities for study abroad have included Australia, Canada, Chile, China/Hong Kong, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, South Korea and the USA. Funding may be available through scholarships offered by the host institution, the British Council and/or other funding bodies.

Year 4

Core modules:

• Dissertation
• Innovation Accelerator
• Advanced Topics in Critical Organisational Topics
• New Venture Creation Project
• Strategising for Sustainable Futures.

Examples of optional modules:

• Asia and the Pacific Rim
• Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
• Leadership
• New Venture Creation
• Corporate Entrepreneurship
• Global Marketing
• Global Sport Business
• Service Operations Management
• Social Marketing
• Work, Organisation and Society
• How to Read Business
• Retail and Services Marketing
• Managing Organisational Change
• Facing the Future
• Strategic Investment Decisions, Options, and Valuations Under Uncertainty.

Placement