BA (Hons)

Business Management

NP29

We are passionate about shaping talent and enhancing our students’ digital capabilities and agile thinking to enable you to thrive in a rapidly evolving global world.

 

Person in suit reading business newspaper

Course overview

Whether you envisage life at a FTSE 100 company, or want to manage your own start-up, at Winchester we’ll equip you to be a confident, responsible and innovative leader of the future. 

Gain knowledge of business organisations and their operations within a changing international environment by exploring a broad range of topics such as finance and economics, marketing, global operations, supply chain management, international communications, and strategic leadership. You will appreciate the moral and ethical responsibilities of business and how to work within a sustainable global economy,

Here at Winchester, we give you the flexibility to pursue your passions and career aspirations by selecting your own journey through a range of engaging business disciplines. Depending on the optional modules you choose, you may graduate with a specialism in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Finance, or Marketing.

We enhance employability through nurturing your initiative, critical thinking and resilience. We tend to favour workshop-style sessions over lectures and you will have the opportunity to apply cutting-edge knowledge and skills to real life scenarios. Live briefs, simulations, role play and live case studies will be used to recreate workplace conditions.

Before moving on to your final year, you may choose to spend a year on a paid work placement in a business relevant to your ambitions, increasing your professional confidence and employability. 

In your final year, you have the option to complete a dissertation, undertake a consultancy project or work placement, or launch a start-up.

The wide range of real-time business knowledge and skills gained will 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. 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

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NP29

Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Specialise in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Finance, or Marketing 
  • Option for a one-year paid work placement, with past graduates placed at BMW, Intel, Siemens and Microsoft  
  • Develop your innovation and creativity skills to enable you to create your own business start-up and become an entrepreneur 
  • Learn how to optimise business for the future, with ethical and sustainable practices taught as a core principle - the University of Winchester Business School is a United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champion 

Course details

Learning outcomes for the programme include developing a broad and holistic knowledge of business management and the changing external environment as well as an appreciation of the moral and ethical responsibilities associated with generating sustainable value for business and society at large. Students will be able to develop their ability to critically evaluate and apply a range of theoretical approaches, methods and practices found within business management whilst developing an understanding of the inter-relationship between theory and practice enabling personal development, self-awareness and reflection. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their employability through nurturing of innovative, intellectual, analytical and practical skills that meet the requirements of industry.

The programme aims to develop confident, responsible and innovative managers and leaders of the future who are able to meet the challenges of managing and leading sustainable businesses in a complex and global economy.

The programme is designed to enable students to explore the principles underlying business management, the dynamic inter-relationships between different aspects of business and interactions with the external environment.

Core themes of responsible management and ethical leadership are embedded throughout the programme and students are encouraged to identify and reflect on their own personal values and beliefs and how their behaviours and decisions impact others.

A combination of theoretical and experiential learning will help to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enhancing innovative capability and ability to interpret data to inform strategies for sustainable business development.

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 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.

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 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.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Discovering Your Subject

Whatever a student’s future career, there are certain professional skills that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing digital 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. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, students develop a set of personal qualities such as self-awareness, confidence and resilience; and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, risk management, coaching and feedback. Whilst students learn to construct outstanding CVs and professional LinkedIn profiles, this module also aims to raise students’ digital skills competencies. The module will cover the general Microsoft Office suite and specific digital skills of particular relevance to the discipline that the student is studying. This module is taught as a mix of lectures, practitioner guest lectures, hands-on skills seminars and computer lab sessions.

Business and People

An important aspect for a contemporary business is to adhere to the requirements of responsible and ethical management. Due to the rapid changes and current dynamics in the environmental and social arenas, shareholder demands develop swiftly. This module prepares the students as future managers and business owners to react to these demands in a prompt, agile and responsible manner. Even in a world of AI and technological advancement, work is not possible without human planning and interaction. Much what is at stake in business organisations depends on the behaviour of groups and their individual members. Late developments in the disciplines of psychology and organisational behaviour help us to understand the significance of considering human behaviour in recruiting and retaining skilled workforce and talent. Apart from the above, the module provides practical insights into the foundations of the entire process of human resource management by addressing major contemporary issues such as diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity at the workplace.

Finance and Economics for Business

This module equips non-accounting students with the basic financial skills and understanding of economics at both personal and macro levels. This will support their learning through their management-related degree studies, and also the management of their own finances. The module introduces principles and concepts of economics and this sets the scene on markets and the motivations of human beings and their decisions in becoming ‘better off’: the module will examine how the economics relates to and can determine a person and a country’s well-being. Fundamental financial processes will include analysis of financial statements, knowledge of cost behaviours and forecasting, financial decision making such as how to price a product or service. The module allows students to bring together their financial skills by preparing extracts from a business plan as part of an application for finance.

Introduction to Marketing

This module introduces the concepts, theories, and practices of marketing. It explores the meaning and scope of modern marketing as both a management philosophy and a business function. The module contains three components. 

MARKETING PRINCIPLES 

Marketing concepts are examined in depth, emphasising the importance of aligning marketing strategies with market demands. Students are encouraged to develop a critical marketing perspective, considering the broader impact of marketing on the economy, society, and the environment. 

MARKETING RESEARCH 

Students will learn the fundamental methodologies and techniques collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. It equips them with the necessary skills to conduct valuable research and contribute to evidence-based marketing practices in today's fast-paced business environment. Students will gain a deep understanding of how marketing research offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour, market trends, and competition. 

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR 

Students will explore contemporary consumer behaviour theory and its relevance in marketing management, decision-making, and societal contexts. Various disciplinary perspectives, including economics, psychology, sociology, and cultural anthropology, are examined to reveal the motivations underlying consumer behaviour.  

Modules

Research and Consultancy Skills

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 project; 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. Secondly this module aims to introduce students to the key stages required to complete an applied project from concept to delivery. Students will be taught how to manage a project and contribute effectively as a member of a project team, using ideas generation techniques and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to business problems. This module contributes to the students continued professional development as students will gain key insights into how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems.

Creativity, Innovation and Communication

The ongoing success, and sustainability, of established organisations often depends on their ability to generate innovative products and services. New and early-stage ventures typically rely upon radically different ideas to gain a critically important foothold in the market. Furthermore, it is also essential for business success, that an organisation is then able to leverage the global business opportunities that creativity can provide. Thus, the ability to communicate and work with others in a multicultural, diverse, and ever-changing environment is key.  

The module will challenge students to develop their creative and critical thinking skills, to engage in design-thinking processes and to employ a user-centred approach to innovation. It will also provide students with the key skills and knowledge to allow them to apply international business management communications principles to complex scenarios in an International organisational context. 

Global Operations, Projects and Supply Chain Management

Excellent project management, efficient day to day operations, and a reliable, sustainable supply chain are at the heart of a successful businesses. This module explores the role and purpose of each, with a focus on project initiation, the principles of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management and the opportunity to gain a professional Lean Foundation qualification. 

Optional modules
  • Performance Marketing - 30 credits
  • Financial Management - 30 credits
  • Project Management: Application and Implementation - 15 credits
  • Project Management: Monitoring and Control - 15 credits
  • Be Your Own Boss - 15 credits
  • Disruptive Business Innovation - 15 credits
  • Web Development - 15 credits
  • Volunteering - 15 credits

Modules

Transformative Strategic Management and Leadership

This module provides a holistic overview of strategic management from a global perspective and aims to develop informed, critical, and responsible managers who can lead others in an effective and ethical way, aligned with their values. 

Drawing upon traditional academic theories and current debates, the module evaluates the relationship between strategic analysis, strategic formulation, strategic implementation, and business performance in the global arena. Furthermore, students will develop a systematic understanding of the key issues and concepts in the leadership, change [including formulating and executing change as well as overcoming resistance to change], and crises with a critical perspective.  

The module examines how external and internal factors influence strategic decisions and how strategic choices contribute to an organisation’s performance in an increasingly dynamic and hyper-competitive environment. In the module  

On completion of the module, students will be able to apply different strategic management tools to analyse and evaluate the strategic position of firms, develop a set of alternative strategies that will enable a firm to become or remain competitive in the national and global marketplace and recommend how organisational systems should be aligned to support a firm’s national and international strategic direction.  In addition, students should be able to critically evaluate why and how ethical leadership is important and how it guides organisations through change and crises from a practical, ethical and international perspective. 

Optional Modules
  • Capstone Project: Dissertation - 30 credits
  • Capstone Project: Consultancy Project- 30 credits   
  • Capstone Project: Placement For Good- 30 credits
  • Capstone Project: Start Up For Good- 30 credits
  • From Idea to Success: Your Business Start Up- 30 credits
  • Advanced Project Management- 30 credits
  • Investments and Financial Risk Management- 30 credits
  • Brand and Innovation Management- 30 credits
  • Social Media Marketing- 30 credits

Entry requirements

104-120 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: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE is required:

GCSEs in Mathematics at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

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.

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 are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

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
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 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.

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 £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**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:

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.

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.

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.

CAREER PROSPECTS

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

The wide range of real-time business knowledge and skills gained will 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. 

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment 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.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
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"I was intrigued by what more Business Management could offer me, and I don't regret making that decision." Business Management student at Winchester

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