Business Studies degree BA (Hons)
Course code: N103 (required to complete application form)
Business Studies is a popular, well-established subject that provides an excellent foundation for any aspiring business person. It’s ideal if you are looking for promotion within your current organisation, are starting your own company, or wanting to move into a more business-orientated career. With our online Business Studies degree, you gain all the benefits of a UK degree, without having to leave home or fit in with someone else’s timetable.
Choose areas of interest to you
In the third stage particularly, you’ll have the opportunity to choose optional modules that appeal to you, covering interesting topics such as finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, innovation and globalisation. You’ll also be able to choose to take a traditional Independent Study (or ‘dissertation’) or an Applied Business in Practice Report – this allows you to focus on what you’ve learned through first-hand experience in a workplace.
Theory that directly relates to the workplace
Throughout the course, but particularly through the optional ‘Applied Business in Practice’ placement and associated Applied Business in Practice Report, you will be encouraged to put to the test, the theories and concepts you've learnt – to see how these work in real business situations. This means that you’ll be gaining a more practical, relevant qualification.
Course Length:
4-6 years of part time study
Start Dates:
September, January or May
Entry Requirements:
Our entry requirements are usually 240 UCAS points from A levels or equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc. If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from studying online.
Fees:
| Per module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK/EU | £405 | 24 | £9,720* | Sept/Jan/May |
| Overseas | £450 | 24 | £10,800* | Sept/Jan/May |
*Prices correct for 2012/2013. Subject to annual increase in September 2013.
UK Students: Prices above are inclusive of examination fees when exams are taken at University of Derby. If you are unable to travel to Derby, we can arrange for you to take your exams at an alternative, approved venue but this will incur an additional £100 fee per exam.
Non UK Students: Prices above are inclusive of examination fees. Choose from three options: Depending on where you are from in the UK, you may be eligible for a part time student loan towards the cost of your undergraduate degree. Find out more about the options available to you. New flexible payment plans available
Funding options for undergraduate UK students
Career Information:
A qualification that’s relevant to all careers
You will have a very good understanding of all the business disciplines, making you highly employable. If you have undertaken a placement, you will have experience too – in fact, many of our students have been employed by their placement company when they've graduated.
Our business graduates have gone on to work in many areas, including sales, operations, HR, marketing and accounts. These positions have been in companies of varying shapes and sizes, from large corporate such as Shell and IBM, through to small and family-run businesses.
You could choose to progress straight on to a masters degree, such as the prestigious online MBA at Derby – you will be eligible for a 10% fee discount as a Derby graduate.
Testimonials:
"This course has boosted my self-confidence and I can now walk into any room and know I'm on a par with any of the managers in it."
Karen Finucane, graduate.
Course Leader:
Modules Summary:
Module Summary for Business Studies degree BA (Hons)
Modules Summary Stage 1:
Modules Summary Stage 1
Modules Summary Stage 2:
Modules Summary Stage 2
Modules Summary Stage 3:
Modules Summary Stage 3
Student Profile:
"This course has boosted my self-confidence and I can now walk into any room and know I'm on a par with any of the managers in it."
Karen Finucane, graduate.
Career Information
A qualification that’s relevant to all careers
You will have a very good understanding of all the business disciplines, making you highly employable. If you have undertaken a placement, you will have experience too – in fact, many of our students have been employed by their placement company when they've graduated.
Our business graduates have gone on to work in many areas, including sales, operations, HR, marketing and accounts. These positions have been in companies of varying shapes and sizes, from large corporate such as Shell and IBM, through to small and family-run businesses.
You could choose to progress straight on to a masters degree, such as the prestigious online MBA at Derby – you will be eligible for a 10% fee discount as a Derby graduate.
Modules
Module Summary for Business Studies degree BA (Hons)
Stage 1
Modules Summary Stage 1
Core Module
In this module we bring together the elements of business management that are usually taught separately – such as enterprise, human resource management, finance and marketing – so you can get a full picture of what running a business entails.
You will learn how to plan and research a new business venture, including how to use market analysis to determine if there is a need for the product or service, and to demonstrate that the business is viable. You will go on to develop a business proposal, which should be well presented and demonstrate a clear understanding of the key areas contained within the business plan.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. Working in a small group, or individually, you will prepare a viable business plan for a product or service (around 3000 words.)
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module provides you with important key skills for business – the ability to use spreadsheet software to present, analyse and interpret data within a specific context. Based on traditional quantitative analysis, this module focuses on:
- looking for patterns in data
- the interpretation of quantitative analysis results
- the presentation of data using spreadsheets.
You will develop skills and confidence to prepare an analysis of real data to inform a business decision. It will also prepare you for the quantitative analysis required in later modules.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework, made up of a computer based test (30%) and a group based written report (70%) based on the analysis of real data within Excel relating to a business decision.
Credits: 15
Core Module
You won’t need any prior accounting knowledge to compete this module. You will learn how to prepare accounts for small businesses and apply that knowledge to larger organisations. Numbers by themselves can be misleading so you will learn how to examine accounting statements to assess just how well a business is performing.
Managers can’t improve the performance of a business unless they make correct interpretations of situations and learn how to diagnose problems. Therefore, this basic financial knowledge is essential to anyone wishing to pursue a career in business.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
A critical part of becoming a manager is learning how to apply systematic principles to practical situations in the workplace. This module provides you with the tools and techniques to control and make the best use of, the resources that are available in industrial and service industries.
We will address particular operational issues, including effective operations and service operations management, inventory and stores control, resource management and their relevance to organisation effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module explores how markets work and how firms operate in markets from an economic perspective. All students of business and management need to consider the market context in which business and management decisions are made and this is more critical during times of financial crisis and economic recession.
This module enables you to understand the economic information found in general sources such as newspapers, journals and marketing reports, and helps you begin to independently analyse what you are reading. Economics is a model-based discipline, and this module is a first step in the development of more rigorous analytical skills required in subsequent years.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
Without customers, a business will not survive. Consequently, marketing is a critical activity in any business. This module will give you a basic understanding of the current and emerging marketing principles and techniques. You will consider how to add value for customers, as well as what impact marketing activities have on consumers’ lives.
We will cover:
- Marketing definition and marketing orientation
- The marketing environment
- Overview of marketing planning
- Consumer behaviour
- Marketing research and information systems
- Market segmentation, targeting and positioning
- Introduction to the marketing mix
- Creating value
- Brands.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. You will be required to undertake an individual report which identifies and evaluates the marketing of a product by an organisation, to a selected group of consumers.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module will introduce you to concepts of organisational behaviour and to the methods that organisations use to manage their people. It will focus on individual attitudes to work and the impact that this would have on recruitment and selection processes, as well as the development of policy and procedure to ensure the organisation functions effectively.
We will cover:
- Personality, attitudes and values
- Recruitment and selection, job design and managing diversity
- Motivation and job satisfaction
- Commitment and the psychological contract
- Reward and managing performance
- Learning and employee development
- Management of the employment relationship
- Organisational structure
- Teams and groups in organisations
- Power, politics and conflict.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. 50% is based on a group presentation around a case study, and 50% is based on an individual report of 1000 words, related to the findings from your group presentation. The report will combine both theory and practice.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module will help develop your personal and academic skills, as well as enabling you to develop, log and implement you own personal and professional development plan.
It will include a series of workshops, computer laboratory sessions and support sessions where you will assess and develop your academic writing and time management skills, improve your abilities using Microsoft Office packages, and understand and develop your own learning style. You will build up a personal 'webfolio' – a portfolio of all the personal development planning and skills based evidence you will have compiled during the module.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework – based upon your portfolio.
Credits: 15
Stage 2
Modules Summary Stage 2
Core Module
This module requires you to evaluate the impact of decisions from a human resource management (HRM), marketing, finance and operations perspective, using business situations which mirror reality – for example case studies and business simulation software.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. This is made up of a group (or individual) report (40%) including company objectives and strategy, as well as a business plan. And the remaining 60% will be an individual report on the performance of your chosen company, or the company in the simulation.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module aims to prepare you for your future career, as well as a more immediate work placement. You will find out about current trends in the graduate labour market and career progression/development, to enable you to reflect upon and develop your own career options, planning and management.
You will look at:
- The impact of changes in the business environment on graduate work and careers
- Career choices and preferences, models, tools and techniques
- Current trends in graduate recruitment and selection, e.g. online selection
- Personal strategies for successful job search and application: self marketing, networking, dealing with selection processes
- Employability: what it is, how it can be developed, the importance of work experience
- Placements – their value and how to obtain one
- Professional bodies and their value
- Future strategies, enhancing career success, continuing professional development.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. You will present a portfolio of work including a personal development plan, and a diary in which you reflect on activities, individual reading and progress on your personal plan.
Credits: 15
Core Module
Communicating effectively with consumers and stakeholders is essential for any company’s survival – especially in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace. This module demonstrates why an integrated approach to marketing communications is essential if such communication is to be both efficient and effective.
We will cover:
- The promotional mix, context of the marketing mix, integration and consistency.
- Communications models, channel noise, buyer behaviour models.
- Direct marketing, databases, electronic channels.
- Advertising, campaign briefs and plans, Gantt charts.
- Product placement exhibitions merchandising packaging, advocates.
- Branding and promotional effectiveness.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% exam. There will be a two hour open book exam (limited notes allowed). In this, you will be expected to develop an integrated marketing communications plan based on a known case study.
Credits: 15
Core Module
People are often described as an organisation’s most important asset and much has been written about the potential of people to provide 'competitive advantage' within an increasingly dynamic, complex and competitive business environment. However, turning that potential into added performance value can be complex. In this module you will examine how human resources can be managed to enhance organisational performance.
You will explore the challenges of designing an effective performance management system to enhance employee ability, motivation and opportunity to achieve high performance, by evaluating a range of HR tools and techniques.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework – a 2500 word management report.
Credits: 15
Core Module
nnovation has a critical role in entrepreneurship, in technological progress from science to application, and in economic development. This module introduces you to the essential processes and capabilities required to develop and manage the innovation process from idea to application. This could be within a small firm or corporate organisation and the scope may include product, service, process, technology and marketing innovations of any kind.
We will cover:
Creativity
- Creative thinking and working, personal and social creativity, creative skills and techniques, creative expression.
Innovation
- Concepts and theories of innovation, types of innovation, sources of innovation, cases of innovation and analysis of what can be learned from them.
Knowledge networks and innovation diffusion
- Diffusion of innovation, the role of knowledge networks and clusters in innovation, techniques and skills of identifying, creating, participating effectively in innovation networks.
Managing the innovation process
- Processes, capabilities and methods of innovation management.
A structured and practical approach to innovation
- Methods, tools and techniques of managing innovation projects; practical examples and implementation.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework – an individual assignment.
Credits: 15
Core Module
The module aims to develop your ability to cope with financial and economic data for decision making purposes. You will cover:
Section 1
- Investment appraisal
- Models of risk and uncertainty
- Market failure
- Principles of asset pricing
Section 2
- Sources of finance
- Managing capital
- Budgeting techniques and theories
- Relevant costs and cost behaviour.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
In this module you will investigate the relationships between business organisations and the macro-economic environment, with particular reference to the UK and the European Union. It builds on the concepts developed in the Market Economics module, and examines how governments’ economic policies can affect businesses.
We will analyse key issues of the day, such as whether or not it is possible to improve the competitiveness of the UK and what are the benefits, if any, of all EU member states adopting the Euro.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 50% coursework and 50% exam. There are 2 pieces of coursework to complete and the exam element is a 2 hour closed-book exam.
Credits: 15
Core Module
You will learn about the ethical issues involving business. In particular, this module focuses on the existence of corporations in liberal democracies and ethical concerns surrounding multinational corporations. By the end of the module, you will be able to recognise and reflect upon complex ethical problems, and adopt a critically reflective perspective of business and its role in society.
We will cover:
- Corporate governance
- Sustainability and human capital development
- Boundary critique and stakeholder analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Civil learning
- Diversity issues
- Environmental footprint analysis
- Responsible corporate citizenship
- Consumer lobbies and pressure groups
- Consumer and social issues
- The role of consumerism in society: green consumerism and the environmental considerations
- Consumerism and the business environment
- The impact of consumerism on business organisations, including marketing, advertising and consumer relations.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Stage 3
Modules Summary Stage 3
Core Module
There has been a fundamental shift in the world's economy. Where national economies were once self contained, now cross border business activities and economies are much more interdependent. This module develops your awareness of the global business environment and helps you critically evaluate it, through the use of applied business tools and techniques. This will help you contribute to the strategic decision making process of an organisation.
We will cover all the elements involved in the development of a global business, such as:
- strategy and risk: risk taking behaviour; creativity and innovation; tolerance of uncertainty; failure as a stimulus to enterprise; personal entrepreneurship and its synergy to corporate objectives.
- the development of project management skills and their application, project development and the planning process, the understanding of project cycles and their impact in relation to developing global strategies.
- the understanding of international trade, strategies and structures of international business and the global trade environment.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. 50% of marks come from an individual portfolio you will put together over the course of the module. The remaining 50% is based on an assignment in which you’ll apply learned concepts to a real organisation of your choice.
Credits: 30
Core Module
An understanding of the strategy process and the ability to take an overview of business problem solving and decision making processes is necessary for a successful career in business management and administration. This module introduces you to the differing perspectives and theories among academics and practitioners in the field of strategy. You will gain an overall understanding of the forces that act upon organisations and develop your analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. 20% of that is based upon a computer-based test of your knowledge; 80% is based upon a 2500-word management style report in which you’ll apply theoretical models and concepts to a practical organisational and/or industry situation.
Credits: 15
Core Module
The analysis of financial statements can tell us a great deal about the health of a company and its ability to deal with future challenges. In this module you will concentrate on using the financial information available to assess the relative strengths of companies and to assess the impact of outside forces on their viability. You will use analytical and forecasting skills to help with decision making.
We will cover:
- iInterpretation and analysis of company financial reports
- forecasting techniques and corporate failure models
- internal and external factors affecting share prices
- evaluation of a company's place within the industry sector
- prediction of likely success or failure based upon extensive research.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. 50% is based upon a numerical analysis of the financial statements of chosen companies, and the remaining 50% will be based upon a report (2,000 words) on the predicted future success or failure of the companies being studied.
Credits: 15
Core Module
Organisations large and small need to be aware of the development of international business. They can no longer rely on national trade. The purpose of this module is to explore the entrepreneurial activity that exists across boundaries, paying attention to supplier chain relations, development of partnerships, cultural and political differences.
By taking this module you will be able to:
- critically evaluate the potential to develop entrepreneurship on an international basis
- develop an understanding and the appropriate skills to create an awareness in facilitating international entrepreneurship.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module builds upon what you have learned in first and second stage accounting and finance modules. It primarily develops your critical skills relating to financial control and investing activities. By the end of the module you’ll be able to:
- select and justify the use of financial and accounting tools and processes to analyse organisational-based problems.
- evaluate solutions against a defensible set of criteria that seek to enhance organisational control and organisational effectiveness.
We will cover these areas:
- financial structures and risk, predicting insolvency, mergers and acquisitions.
- investment appraisal and sensitivity analysis.
- strategic managerial accounting for competitive advantage.
- managing strategic implementation through financially based control processes.
- evaluating strategic proposals, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with reference to relevant costs and revenues.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. You will produce a 3000 word report evaluating a case situation.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
For this module, you will need to gain first hand experience within a business environment – either through your existing job or through a work placement. It’s an alternative to the traditional Independent Study (or ‘dissertation’), and is designed to give you an opportunity to put to the test theories and concepts discussed in the classroom.
By taking this module you will be able to:
- construct an appropriate analytical approach to a business problem
- apply course related knowledge and concepts to studying the problem
- critically assess the factors involved in tackling the problem
- present an extended critical analysis of the problem solving process.
We find that this industry experience often helps students to clarify their career goals, test career choices, and, if you’re not already working, gain an understanding of organisational culture, teamwork and responsibility. You will also build professional contacts, practice CV preparation, hone your professional skills and presentation, build your confidence and self-awareness, and add to your portfolio of work, which greatly improves job prospects.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. 10% of this coursework is made up of the Applied Business Report Proposal, which is usually around 1500 words plus a GANTT chart. The remaining 90% is the Applied Business in Practice Report itself, usually between 8,000-10,000 words.
Credits: 30
Optional Module
Also known as a dissertation, this is a major piece of independently researched work (double module), giving you an opportunity to explore some of the subjects we’ve covered in greater detail. You either choose to take this OR the Applied Business in Practice Module – not both.
Under the guidance of your supervisor, you will choose a topic that’s of particular interest or significance to you. You will be expected to submit a piece of work that’s between 8,000-10,000 words.
By undertaking an Independent Study, you will learn:
- how to prepare and critically articulate a research proposal, and translate this into a feasible research plan that’s relevant to the Business Studies degree
- to identify and critically review literature and other contextual sources relevant to your subject
- to critically evaluate a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and to select data collection and analysis tools and techniques appropriate to your Independent Study
- to work independently to present a substantive piece of research in an applied aspect of business studies; articulating, evaluating and reflecting upon the outcomes to an appropriate critical depth.
How will I be assessed?
10% of this coursework is made up of the Research Proposal, which is usually around 1500 words plus a GANTT chart. The remaining 90% is the Independent Study itself, usually between 8,000-10,000 words.
Credits: 30
Our entry requirements are usually 240 UCAS points from A levels or equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc. If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from studying online.
Apply Now
Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.
By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.
Fees
| Per module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK/EU | £405 | 24 | £9,720* | Sept/Jan/May |
| Overseas | £450 | 24 | £10,800* | Sept/Jan/May |
*Prices correct for 2012/2013. Subject to annual increase in September 2013.
UK Students: Prices above are inclusive of examination fees when exams are taken at University of Derby. If you are unable to travel to Derby, we can arrange for you to take your exams at an alternative, approved venue but this will incur an additional £100 fee per exam.
Non UK Students: Prices above are inclusive of examination fees. Choose from three options: Depending on where you are from in the UK, you may be eligible for a part time student loan towards the cost of your undergraduate degree. Find out more about the options available to you. New flexible payment plans available
Funding options for undergraduate UK students
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