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BA (Hons) Business Studies

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You’ll be supported in your studies and preparing for your future

Tailor your studies around your core strengths and interests

Language option (Japanese, Mandarin, French, German or Spanish)

This course includes the options of:

Work placement*

Study abroad*

Study a language

*No fees are charged for this year


UCAS code	N100
Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
96 CCC MMM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points A Level BTEC
104-112 BCC-BBC MMM-DMM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Professional accreditations

We’ve developed our BA Business Studies in close collaboration with several leading professional bodies, making sure our modules meet their rigorous requirements.

These include the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Depending which modules you choose, you can apply for exemptions from these organisations’ professional exams.
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
96	CCC	MMM

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
104-112	BCC-BBC	MMM-DMM

Why choose this course?

Study at a leading business-facing university
Get a powerful understanding of how businesses operate today
Tailor your studies around the areas that interest you most or follow a generalist business route
Gain valuable experience by studying abroad for a year or taking a practical work placement
Combine business studies with one of five languages, adding a stand-out skill to your CV.

What's the course about?

This course is ideal if you want a business degree that can lead to a wide range of careers. Business Studies has been Hertfordshire Business School’s flagship undergraduate programme for over 50 years, and continually evolves to meet current business and industry needs. The First Year gives you a solid foundation, while the Second and Final Years allow you to choose optional modules from across business disciplines including marketing, human resource management, finance, accounting and management. You also have the opportunity to study a language. This course is aligned to several professional bodies for students to work towards achieving professional body recognition.

You can also study a language with this course. You can be awarded the degree ‘with language’ in the title if you choose to study a foreign language in all years of study.

Your main campus is de Havilland 

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, education, and humanities subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

What will I study?

You will be studying four 15 credit modules in each semester (this may vary between double modules) and your contact time varies between modules, but usually you will have two sessions per week for each module, a one-hour lecture following by a one-hour seminar/tutorial. Typically, a new topic or theory will be introduced in each lecture and will be followed up with class discussion and feedback in the subsequent seminar. In addition, as part of your study time, you will be collaborating with your peers on tasks and group assignments. Module leaders also offer weekly drop in and feedback sessions, usually 2 x 1 hours per module as well as revision sessions.

The University’s ‘online learning environment’ means you can access all your course resources, literature and timetables from anywhere in the world.

Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examinations. The style of coursework can vary from presentations to business reports, essays depending on the taught topics.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Accounting Aspects of Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to accounting from the manager's viewpoint, providing an insight into the role of accounting as a decision-making tool for business and managerial decision-making.
Analysing and Managing Business Data	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the tools and techniques necessary to uncover information in data sets in order to be able to make suitable decisions based on this information.
Business and Markets	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the value of economic approaches, principally through examining the role and functioning of the market. The market is of principal importance in the modern economic environment in which business, citizens and governments operate. The basic concept of the market will be explored along with economic analysis such as demand and supply, competition and macroeconomics (e.g. inflation). As the proper use of any tool or approach requires an appreciation of its limitations as well as its power, the limits of the market will also be explored when considering: equity; the emergence of new technology e.g. the digital economy; social responsibility; and environmental concerns.
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides an introduction to the nature of organisations in relation to both theory and practice. Students will identify and summarise relevant theory relating to management, leadership, motivation and performance. This will be applied to workplace examples. Students will compare leadership and management practices and the relationship between management style and motivation and performance. Understanding of the difference types of organisational structures and cultures will be developed and the formal and informal influences which determine structure and culture in different organisations. Students will explore how structure and culture contribute to business success as well as identifying the impact of teamworking on organisational performance. Factors that influence the behaviours of individuals in organisations will be reviewed and the significance of these individual behaviours for management practice and motivation will be highlighted.
The Business Professional	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Students will be able to identify a variety of study strategies to enhance their learning and maximise the opportunities offered to them by the virtual learning environment. These will include Harvard referencing, academic writing, time planning and revision techniques. Students will also investigate the skills and behaviours pertinent to the professional manager within a business environment in preparation for the work place. Themes which will include professional communication, presentation skills, team working, methods of enquiry, and IT literacy. Students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.
Understanding Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This marketing module assumes no prior knowledge of marketing and aims to introduce students to some of the key concepts of marketing. It is designed for Business students to gain an overall appreciation of the field of marketing. Students will understand the importance of marketing within the organisation and how other functions interact it. Students will explore key marketing theories and planning tools in the context of current practice.
Technology in Business	15 Credits	Optional
Today’s technology is critical on business operations. Therefore, no matter the size of the business, technology brings both tangible and intangible benefits to businesses. It also helps businesses to increase efficiencies, and profits while developing new services. This module helps students to understand importance of emerging technologies for the growth of business.
The Global Business Environment	15 Credits	Optional
Advances in technology, communications and transport are key forces behind globalisation. Decreasing costs and increasing ease of access mean increasing numbers of businesses are operating internationally and globally. This has resulted in a substantial increase in intercultural contact. To succeed in this context managers must have sensitivity to, and a critical understanding of, issues arising out of cultural difference. This includes the ability to manage in the diverse and complex contexts including legal, political, ethical and sustainability issues. The module explores two interrelated areas. Firstly, debates surrounding globalisation are considered. Students will explore national similarities and differences, and their impact on business. This includes tensions between global standardisation and local differentiation and the extent to which the world is characterised by an increasing levelness and convergence or increasing disparity and divergence. Secondly, students will consider culture and cultural differences.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Managing People	15 Credits	Compulsory
Managing People aims at providing students with an introduction to the management of people in organisations. Content includes: - The development of HRM, theory and practice, contextual factors, strategic approaches. - Recruitment and selection - role of R&S, models of R&S and their application. - Equality and diversity - the case for equality and diversity. Approaches to implementing equality and diversity policies and tackling discrimination in organisations. - Flexibility - managing flexibility. - Performance and reward management - managing people for performance, motivation and the link with reward management. - Employee participation and involvement - definition of terms. Factors affecting the success of employee involvement (EI). Effective communication. - Learning and development - contribution it can make to people performance and business success from identifying needs to evaluation of the outcomes. Managing people activities will be introduced from both strategic and operational perspectives. The role of the HR function and the line manager will be introduced.
Consumer Behaviour	15 Credits	Compulsory
The cognitive versus behavioural approach to consumer analysis is compared and evaluated. The understanding of consumers and their behaviour will enable students to have a greater understanding of target customer segmentation and product/brand positioning for the development of product, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies. Perception of the self and brands is considered along with the social issues of behaviour, beliefs and personality and its longer-term impact on consumer learning. The module offers an introduction to the psychology of the consumer, and the impact that this has for the Marketer in creating, developing and delivering customer-valued products and services.
Business Analytics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The explosion of high quality data has provided organisations with opportunities to make data driven decisions. This has increased the interest in the use of analytics and businesses are now looking for those with analytical skills to understand, analyse and draw insights from the data. The aim of this module is to equip students with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist business decision making.
Business Operations	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to provide a solid understanding of business operations methods. Students will gain experience together with knowledge of techniques and tools to support decisions made within the context of business operations in a contemporary environment.
Managing Business Finance	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focusses on the two key decision areas in finance – where and how to raise finance and how to make investment decisions in order to maximise value. It also considers the relationship between these decision areas. Students will be expected to build on knowledge and skills developed at Level 4 in order to look at the impact of financing decisions on the business and will be expected to contextualise the financing options with respect to the nature and size of business being considered. Students will be expected to critically apply investment appraisal techniques and evaluate the outputs of the application of the techniques. The module will finish by critiquing the interrelationship between investment and financing decisions through consideration of the costs of capital.
Project Management in Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to project management principles, tools and techniques that may be used in a business project to fulfil client needs. Project management is essential in all business development and this module gives students hands-on experience of managing the project planning process. The module content and assessment strategy allows students to apply generic techniques thus developing skills and knowledge transferable to business. Students will develop a project initiation document using techniques such as work breakdown structure, precedence tables and activity network diagrams. Stakeholder and risk analysis will also be considered as these are key considerations as part of project management. Students benefit from greater flexibility and support due to a blend of face-to-face lectures and workshop seminars as well as on-line discussions. The module provides a sound basis for further professional studies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) Introductory Certificate in Project Management.
Digital Marketing in Practice	15 Credits	Optional
Students will develop a digital marketing communications campaign and understand how to measure campaign performance. Students will explore digital marketing planning theories and concepts and examine current digital marketing practice, in order to develop a digital marketing communications plan. This module builds upon Level 4 studies in Introduction to Marketing Communications.
Performance Management and Reward	15 Credits	Optional
The module examines the role and contribution of reward management in achieving long term organisational and individual success and how reward management encourages commitment, engagement and performance of employees. Students will gain a wide understanding of how the business context drives reward strategies as well as developing an understanding of reward principles and the how reward intelligence is evaluated and implemented in HR policies and practices.
Product Innovation	15 Credits	Optional
Winning and keeping customers is essential for success in markets be they consumer, industrial or not for profit. Development of a superior value proposition for customers is critical in achieving such success. This module provides students with the tools for identifying key customer values and developing innovative products and services to delight them, thereby creating and sustaining profitable long term relationships. Concepts will include the product life cycle strategies; product/service portfolio analysis; new product/service models; management of products and services; market and environmental analysis and types of product decisions, commercialisation and the influence of the consumer on the production innovation process.
Organisational Psychology	15 Credits	Optional
This module will explore factors influencing people’s behaviour and the ways they experience work within organisations. The content includes looking at recruitment and selection, job design and motivation, and occupational stress. We reflect on how groups function in organisations and decision making.
Management Accounting for Business Decisions	15 Credits	Optional
The module is aimed at prospective managers to enable them to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls of using management accounting information when making managerial decisions.
Mobile Business Technologies	15 Credits	Optional
In today's digital age, mobile phones have become an integral part of daily life used by millions of people and businesses around the world. Increasingly sophisticated technologies from Apple, Google and Blackberry in both the hardware and the software are turning mobile phones into communications devices that are taking over from the desktop PC as the most important piece of business equipment. Furthermore, some of the most important benefits of different mobile technologies are improved communication with staff, clients, suppliers,reduced downtime, increased productivity and improve customer service. TheTherefore, this module looks at the heart of the power of the mobile business technologies for different areas of organisations.
Analysing Financial Statements	15 Credits	Optional
Students will be encouraged to consider specific businesses from the viewpoint of a financial analyst. The module focuses on the skills needed to extract useful information to understand and analyse the three key financial statements in the context of company specific factors, industry specific factors and the wider economy. Students will look at the context of financial statements, they will develop an understanding of the conceptual framework and the role of the financial statements in meeting the needs of users. Students will consider the information available on companies in the public domain and the importance of considering financial statements in context. The three financial statements will be considered in turn and students will calculate accounting extracts and adjustments and develop an understanding of the influence of accounting policies on the preparation and presentation of the financials. Students will calculate ratio’s and discuss the benefit of these as an analytical tool.
Global Supply Chain Management	15 Credits	Optional
The objective of this module is to provide the students with knowledge on designing, implementing and operating efficient supply chains. Additionally it will introduce the challenges and issues of global supply chain management. The focus of the module concentrates on: introduction of supply chain management; development and strategies for global supply chain management; supply chain drivers; procurement, routing and scheduling; inventory management; green supply chain management; humanitarian supply chain management; measurement of supply chain management in global scale;.
Leading Across Sectors	15 Credits	Optional
Traditional boundaries between business, government and non-profit organisations are becoming blurred, placing new demands on leaders of organisations to find new ways to collaborate with others to achieve mutually desired outcomes. This module will compare and contrast the evolution of theory and practice rooted in different sectors, and explore the forces driving, and implications of, traditionally distinct sectors converging in both their aims and practices. This includes the evolution of the provision of government funded services, new forms of collaboration, partnership and investment involved in private enterprise and the increasing engagement of both public and private sector organisations with voluntary and not-for-profit organisations. Students will consider the implications for leadership, as leaders are required to engage in a context of new structures and networks, including increased participation from civil society actors in a variety of products and services.
Leading Innovation and Change	15 Credits	Optional
To respond to a fast-paced and highly competitive global environment business leaders must both understand and have the capacity to engage with all kinds of change. The module takes a critical approach to traditional planned projects and processes, investigating the social and societal influences that have a significant impact on innovation, change and continuity. The module focuses on the role of people, and the influence of diversity and context on change processes. In doing so students will engage with both the practical skills and theoretical underpinnings that support leadership. They will evaluate theory including that related to traditional strategy implementation and innovation management, as well as contemporary approaches to complexity, institutions and relational sociology. Students will evaluate the extent to which leaders can be understood as the instigators of change processes from above and/or are bound up in dynamic social processes that transcend traditional organisational structures.
Principles of Logistics Management	15 Credits	Optional
The focus of the module is to introduce logistics management principles; develop strategies for logistics; and consider warehousing, material handling, distribution, transportation and inventory control; finally contemporary issues in logistics will be introduced.
User Centric Design for Systems	15 Credits	Optional
The experience gained in this module will give students the underpinning knowledge and skills required to design user centric applications combined with the experience of examining issues associated with human computer interaction and its impact on interface design. Students will be introduced to theories for effective design and given the opportunity to investigate in detail the principles behind successful user interfaces. Students will understand the need to identify user groups for systems and create a “persona” for each group to ensure that the proposed design is suitable for all user groups. The need to identify and implement accessibility options will be explored. By the end of the module, learners will have good knowledge on design principles and guidelines when designing applications that are focussed on usability and accessibility. Underlying usability principles and theories will be examined and applied. This will focus on heuristics, design principles and accessibility principles and standards.
French Route A - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module broadens and consolidates the students’ competence in French. Students will learn to talk about student life and travel, carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including, for example, video clips, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route A - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module will extend the students’ competence in French through the introduction of more advanced language structures. Students will learn to discuss work and future plans, studying and living abroad. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route A - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module will extend the students’ competence in Spanish through the introduction of more advanced language structures. Students will learn to discuss work and future plans, studying and living abroad. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route B - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at level 4 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken French Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route B - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at level 4 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken French Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route B - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at level 4 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Spanish. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route B - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Spanish. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route A - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module will extend the students’ competence in German through the introduction of more advanced language structures. Students will learn to discuss work and future plans, studying and living abroad. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route A - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module broadens and consolidates the students’ competence in German. Students will learn to talk about student life and travel, carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including, for example, video clips, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route B - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at level 4 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken German. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route B - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced German. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route C - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the students' linguistic ability and knowledge through the in depth study of selected political, cultural, linguistic and economic topics relating to German speaking countries. The module will be based on materials taken from written and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources such as online newspapers, magazines. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present their findings in class discussions.
German Route C - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge so as to equip them with the skills necessary to study and work in a German speaking country. The module will be based on materials taken from written and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources such as online newspapers, magazines and company websites. Students will research their own materials to be analysed and presented in class discussions.
Mandarin Route A - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module broadens and consolidates the students’ competence in Mandarin Chinese. Students will learn to talk about student life and travel, carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. Chinese characters will be introduced. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and Chinese websites.
Mandarin Route A - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module will extend the students’ competence in Mandarin Chinese through the introduction of more advanced language structures. Students will learn to discuss work and future plans, studying and living abroad. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and Chinese websites.
French Route C - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the students' linguistic ability and knowledge through the in depth study of selected cultural, linguistic and economic topics on the French regions. The module will be based on materials taken from written and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources such as online newspapers, magazines. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present their findings in class discussions.
French Route C - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge so as to equip them with the skills necessary to study and work in France and give them an understanding of demographic trends in Europe and France. The module will be based on materials taken from written and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources such as online newspapers, magazines and company websites. Students will research their own materials to be analysed and presented in class discussions.
Spanish Route C - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge so as to equip them with the skills necessary to study and work in Spain. The module will be based on materials taken from written and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources such as online newspapers, magazines and company websites. Students will research their own materials to be analysed and presented in class discussions.
Spanish Route A - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module broadens and consolidates the students’ competence in Spanish. Students will learn to talk about student life and travel, carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including, for example, video clips, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route C - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the students' linguistic ability and knowledge through the in depth study of selected political, cultural, linguistic and economic topics of selected Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. The module will be based on materials taken from written and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources such as online newspapers, magazines. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present their findings in class discussions.
Japanese Route A - 5b	15 Credits	Optional
This module will extend the students’ competence in Japanese through the introduction of more advanced language structures. Students will learn to discuss work and future plans, studying and living abroad. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Japanese Route A - 5a	15 Credits	Optional
This module broadens and consolidates the students’ competence in Japanese. Students will learn to talk about student life and travel, carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including, for example, video clips, blogs and magazine websites.
Japanese Route B-5A	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves your competence and confidence from study at levels 4 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Japanese. You will develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and you will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable you to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. You will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Japanese Route B-5B	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables you to improve further your competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Japanese. You continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable you to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. You will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Creative Problem Solving for Managers	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is very practically orientated and hands-on. It is aimed at anyone intending to become an effective manager, consultant or business analyst. The really important problems and crucial decisions faced by professionals in their work are often complex and ill-defined. They are known as “wicked” problems or “messes”. Problem structuring (or soft systems) methods have been developed to help us cope in these challenging, unstructured situations. Often much of the difficulty is due to people’s differing perspectives, the worrying uncertainties or the multiple interacting and dynamic factors. Imaginative approaches are needed to rigorously analyse messy, qualitative issues. Problem structuring methods take a holistic view and are highly effective. The three methodologies selected are: SODA Soft Systems Methodology System Dynamics With the right expertise and a suitable toolkit of methods, the manager or consultant can choose appropriate techniques, and creatively combine and tailor them to tackle any problem with confidence.
Strategic Leadership in a Changing World	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of public, private and third sector organisations in a turbulent global environment. In analysing practical examples, students will be encouraged to apply and evaluate concepts and techniques from the full range of schools/perspectives that comprise the strategic management discipline. A key emphasis within the module is on the fact that leading theorists and practitioners constantly engage in debate on how to interpret strategy topics/issues. Students will learn that there is rarely one right answer to a strategic question - instead, there are usually a number of good answers. A distinction will be made between three leading themes: strategic position, strategic choice and strategy in action/implementation. However, students will be constantly reminded that the leaders of organisations often experience strategy as a messy, unstructured process. Up-to-date real world examples will be used together with textbook cases to show how themes interact in practice.
HBS Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
This activity is self-directed by the student and carries no credits. Students will be supported by the Professional Experience Module Leader, Professional Experience Visit Co-ordinator, an Academic Mentor and the Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE). Successful completion of the Professional Experience Module leads to the appropriate suffix on students’ degree title stated on the programme specifications.
Industrial Placement Sem B only	0 Credits	Optional

Industrial Placement Year	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (South East Asia)	0 Credits	Optional
The student will complete a period of study abroad at a partner institution following an appropriate programme of study, set out in a learning agreement, agreed by the student, the programme tutor at Hertfordshire and the international office at the partner institution. The programme of study in a placement year is less prescribed and can both reflect the interests of the student in their discipline area or to broaden their education.
Placement Study Abroad (North America)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (Australia)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad A (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad B (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Placement Study Abroad (Europe)	0 Credits	Optional

Industrial Placement (Semester A)	0 Credits	Optional

Issues in Global Economy	15 Credits	Optional
This module explores the fundamental economic changes in the global economy and their implications for both developed and developing economies. It addresses issues related to changes in international production, global financial structures, trade patterns, migration, global governance, environment, economic development, income distribution and poverty.
Dissertation - Management	30 Credits	Optional
The dissertation offers the opportunity to undertake an individual piece of work that is designed to develop research skills relevant to a specific area of study. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will meet with students on a regular basis. On completion of the research, students will be required to produce a dissertation of between 7,000 to 10,000 words. The dissertation will be assessed using the Business School dissertation criteria that the management of the dissertation, the methodology used, the intellectual quality and originality, and the structure and coherence of the report.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Optional
The module provides contemporary, applied and critical insights into the management of people across borders and in multinational corporations (MNCs). The HR implications of managing international assignments are investigated, and in-depth exposition provided of HR contexts and features in major global regions. The module appears to students specialising in HRM and international business, and is also relevant to those working/planning to work in an international environment. The content includes an analysis of differences between national and international HRM, examines structures and strategies of MNC's and the ethical issues impinging upon international business in the field of employment. The module also considers the management of the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation. An analysis of industrial relations structures/systems for employee participation in north America, Europe and Australasia and an exploration of political/economic environments and major features of HR/employment practice in these continents and developing countries.
Global Marketing Ethics and Culture	15 Credits	Optional
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies and build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments, suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Forecasting Methods for Managers	15 Credits	Optional
The process of making decisions in organisations is based, in most cases, on future values of many variables. Therefore, it is vital that these future values are predicted in the most accurate possible ways. This module introduces students to a variety of forecasting techniques used to predict future values. Much of the module will be devoted to the use of software, especially spreadsheets, to calculate forecasts and their associated errors. A particular emphasis will be on the pitfalls associated with the application of different forecasting techniques. The module includes the following: the purpose of business forecasting; data collection and review; measuring the accuracy of forecasts; a range of methods presented for dealing with stationary time series, trend, seasonality and multi-variate models; demographics; communication of results to a business audience. Students use a calculator and computer to calculate forecasts and related error measures and statistics.
International Financial Management	15 Credits	Optional
This module sets financial management within an international context, allowing students to explore the financial problems specific to multi-national corporations. It will examine the theory associated with these issues and the techniques employed by multi-national corporations in their financial management. Topics to be covered may include: the development of the international financial system; International financial theory; international capital budgeting; current issues in international finance; international taxation; international treasury management; multi-national corporate structures.
Strategic HRM Perspectives	15 Credits	Optional
Students will analyse contemporary HRM theory and practice. The module provides a contemporary, applied and critical approach to the study of human resource management in an organisational context.
Social Networking and Enterprise	15 Credits	Optional
Social networking is a rapidly growing phenomenon and it is one of the most influential media in web technology today. Hundreds of companies globally use social media to gain credibility, foster employee relationships, build a forum for communication with customers and, often, to boost sales. Businesses receive inquiries directly from consumers and other businesses without advertising, which results in lower costs and higher conversion rates. Therefore, this module explores insights of the social networking sites and opportunities they present for organisations.
Small Business Management	15 Credits	Optional
The small business is now a major part of the economy and it is recognised for its contribution to employment creation. The module will examine how small business works in practice, focusing on its creation, development, growth and key functions. There is scope for the student to bring in their own experiences of small business and they will be encouraged to pursue their own particular interests within the overall framework of the syllabus, partly through exercises and case-based activities throughout the programme of planned tutorial sessions
Databases for Management Decision Making	15 Credits	Optional
This module is aimed at students with a particular interest in information systems in a business context. It combines a practical and theoretical approach to database systems. Students develop their business analysis skills as they produce a logical model of information system requirements. The acquisition of skills in the application of SQL exposes students in a very practical way to the means by which information is extracted from databases and manipulated for presentation to the user, underpinning a more theoretical understanding of information requirements at different levels of management decision-making.
Marketing Communications	30 Credits	Optional
This module is offered both to students with or without previous marketing work experience. The aims of the module are to enable students to understand the various aspects of marketing communications from initial analysis of the market through to the development of strategies incorporating an expanding range of promotional techniques. The module combines an understanding of relevant marketing theories, for instance consumer and behavioural models, with the application of the theory to practical situations through the use of case studies and other techniques.
Management Decision Making	15 Credits	Optional
The module explores the use of management accounting information to assist organisations in short and long-term decision-making. Emphasis is given to the use of various techniques in the formulation of management decision-making and, in order to emphasise the practical application of the principles and techniques, considerable use is made of practical examples. Indicative module content includes: information contents of financial statements, relevant costs and revenues for decision making, - cash flow analysis for long-term and short-term decision-making, decision-making within constraints for product mix analysis – absorption and standard costing, external and transfer pricing, performance measurement and market imperfections within decision-making frameworks (eg tax, inflation, etc).
Research Methods	0 Credits	Optional
This non-credit bearing module of study is designed to provide students with sufficient research skills in order to successfully undertake a dissertation and/or research project. Key themes covered by the module, include: Primary and secondary research Formulating the research objectives/questions Quantitative and qualitative research methods (inc. sampling) Writing the methodology chapter The need for a theoretical underpinning, and writing the literature review Ethics considerations and the approval process Presenting research findings.
Contemporary Issues in Business and Management	15 Credits	Optional
This module will bring together a range of current research on contemporary strategic issues in business and management and enable students to consolidate their understanding of these issues, whilst giving them the skills and opportunity to examine and evaluate alternative valid views. Students will be asked to use their research skills to develop an in-depth understanding of these contemporary issues while being encouraged to examine and question the legitimacy of alternative approaches to management and to evaluate the impact, if any, of these issues on a business' strategic development. Students are expected to draw on the whole range of knowledge and skills developed during their studies when reviewing research literature and evaluating business and management responses to contemporary issues.
Performance Strategy	15 Credits	Optional
The module deepens students’ prior knowledge and understanding of management accounting focuses on the role of the management accountant within the strategic planning process. Making use of relevant literature and case studies, the module explores strategic planning in the context of the management accounting information required to support this process. The module continues by considering performance management systems which have been developed to control the implementation of strategic plans. Indicative content may include: - The strategic process - Tools of strategic management accounting - The balanced scorecard - Innovations in management accounting - Innovations in performance management
Industry Practice in Business (MLO)	15 Credits	Optional
In this module students will assess, develop and evaluate their employability skills through work-based learning. Students will use the professional framework relevant to their specialism to demonstrate competencies. Through their work, students will have opportunities to apply and critically evaluate academic theories and current business school research. Work-based learning opportunities include: placement, part-time work, internship, project work, involvement in research or volunteering.
Sustainable Operations and Management	15 Credits	Optional
This is a new and exciting area of business operations management. It will be useful for anyone who may wish to pursue a career in operations management; particularly in the current environment in which matters of sustainability are becoming more and more important. The module covers the following topics: Operations Strategy: environmental impact and sustainability; Designing Operations: goods, services, packaging and processes, capacity, location, layout and jobs; Managing Quality; Sustainable Supply Chains: transport, inventory management, procurement, recycling.
French Project	30 Credits	Optional
This module provides students with an opportunity, under tutorial guidance, to choose a topic of interest to them related to an aspect of the social, political, economic or cultural life of a French-speaking country, to research a topic, using authentic materials to write a project on the topic in French/German/Spanish. Students are encouraged to conduct interviews with native French-speakers, having completed the necessary University formalities to obtain Ethics approval.
German Project	30 Credits	Optional
This module provides students with an opportunity, under tutorial guidance, to choose a topic of interest to them related to an aspect of the social, political, economic or cultural life of a German.-speaking country, to research a topic, using authentic materials to write a project on the topic in German. Students are encouraged to conduct interviews with native German-speakers, having completed the necessary University formalities to obtain Ethics approval.
French Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken French. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced French. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Spanish. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Spanish Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Spanish. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
French Route B - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of French. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex French. The module will be based on selected, more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural issues, tourism and the world of work.
French Route B - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of French. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex French. The course will be based on selected, complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied.
Spanish Route B - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Spanish. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Spanish. The module will be based on selected, more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural issues, tourism and the world of work
German Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken German. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced German. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
German Route B - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of German. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex German. The course will be based on selected, complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied.
German Route B - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of German. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student's linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex German. The module will be based on selected, more complex carefully graded texts and materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through Studynet. Students will participate in discussions on a variety of topics focusing on cultural issues, tourism and the world of work
Mandarin Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Mandarin Chinese. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and Chinese websites.
Mandarin Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Mandarin Chinese. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be delivered via on-line materials including video clips and Chinese websites.
Spanish Route C - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers,magazines,websites chosen specifically to illustrate contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts
Spanish Route C - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on improving the student’s linguistic ability primarily through the study of selected themes taken from online newspapers, magazines, websites chosen specifically to illustrate contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Students will be expected to research their own materials and present them in discussions, analysing them and reflecting upon them. Complex and more subtle grammatical points will be analysed through the study of texts.
Spanish Route B - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Spanish. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Spanish. The course will be based on selected, complex carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on social, economic and cultural issues. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied.
Japanese Route A - 6a	15 Credits	Optional
This module further improves the students’ competence and confidence from study at levels 4 and 5 in understanding and responding to more advanced written and spoken Japanese. Students develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially and will be exposed to a wider variety of contexts and language registers. The module will enable students to participate more fully in discussions and develop logical argument. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line TV news items, blogs and magazine websites.
Japanese Route A - 6b	15 Credits	Optional
This module enables students to improve further their competence and confidence from the previous semester in understanding and responding to more advanced Japanese. Students continue to develop skills which will be of value both professionally and socially. The module will enable students to play a more active and spontaneous part in discussions and to use a wider range of phrases which express different shades of opinion in speaking and writing. They will carry out reading and listening tasks and write texts within the framework of the vocabulary and grammatical structures studied. The module will be largely course book based, supplemented by on-line materials including for example on-line news reports, blogs and magazine websites.
Japanese Route B 6a	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Japanese. A thematic approach to language learning will be used, complemented by grammatical instruction, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Japanese. The course will be based on a textbook and supplemented by selected, carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on issues encountered in the workplace and in everyday life in Japan. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. Students will be exposed to varied teaching formats, including lectures, small group work and independent study in the digital language laboratory.
Japanese Route B 6b	15 Credits	Optional
Emphasis will continue to be placed on ensuring that students have a grammatically sound command of both the written and the spoken forms of Japanese. A thematic approach to language learning will be used complemented by grammatical instruction, improving the student’s linguistic ability and knowledge of more complex Japanese. The course will be based on a textbook and supplemented by selected, carefully graded texts, online and audiovisual materials compiled from a variety of sources made available to students through StudyNet. Typical themes of study will focus on issues students would encounter while working or studying in Japan. Student will be expected to take part in discussions on the various topics studied. Students will be exposed to varied teaching formats, including lectures, small group work and independent study in the digital language laboratory.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. In recent years, our students have gone on placements with Mitsubishi Electric, Walt Disney, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, taking on roles including business administrator, HR assistant, department manager and marketing and communications assistant.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Alan Chu

Meet Alan Chu who utilised the placement year on his course to gain valuable work experience enabling to land his dream job. He is currently the Finance and Operations Director at Beechbrook.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Finance and Operations Director
Year of graduation	1999
Course of study	BA(Hons) Business Studies

University experience

Alan grew up in London and was looking for a university which wasn’t too far away from home but would also enable him to live independently. The University of Hertfordshire was perfectly located for him. Alan loved the sense of freedom he had and felt secure knowing he could still travel home easily. He enjoyed student life and made good friends, which he’s still in contact with today. Alan also met his wife while studying with us.

Alan applied to his chosen course because the variety of modules allowed him to keep his options open as he hadn't decided the area of business he wanted to work in. Our course was ideal because Alan could discover his interests and strengths along the way. A work placement year was another big deciding factor. Alan had little work experience before starting his degree and was highly motivated to change this. His sandwich year with the Audit Commission in London gave him the chance to learn essential office and IT skills. He became more confident and his insight into business was a valuable talking point at interviews.

Career progression

Alan joined the graduate audit trainee scheme with PricewaterhouseCoopers and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He then worked as a Financial Controller at a mid-market private equity house, Graphite Capital. After spending seven years in the finance industry he joined a private debt fund manager, Beechbrook, as the Finance and Operations Director. This has given Alan the opportunity and responsibility to provide loans and equity solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across northern Europe.

I managed to get a placement year with the Audit Commission in London. This really helped boost my confidence and provided me with experience. I would recommend a sandwich year out in industry; it is really valuable.

Alumni Stories

Abies Iriowen

Meet Abies Iriowen who has applied her degree to improve diversity and equality in businesses. She currently works as a Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator at Goldman Sachs

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Year of graduation	2018
Course of study	BA (Hons) Business and Event Management

Abies Iriowen

University experience

Abies has fond memories of her time at the University of Hertfordshire and is grateful for all of the opportunities she had within and outside of her studies.

She stresses the importance of joining societies, going on trips and taking advantage of tutors. She says, that her studies gave her ‘the push to get practical work experience as they taught me great organisation skills and how to work well in a team.’

As part of her degree, Abies secured a placement at FDM group who then asked her to come back after she graduated. ‘I got to this point in my career by getting as much work experience as possible. I completed two summer internships before securing my placement.’.

Current career and future

As a Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Goldman Sachs, her role involves ‘managing school engagement programmes across the UK, supporting external conversations and diversity and inclusion, and delivering all Diversity and Inclusion Events across the country.’

In the future, she hopes to work her way up in an organisation to promote and support inclusive working environments.

I got to this point in my career by getting as much work experience as possible. I completed two summer internships before securing my placement.

What's next for my career?

Employability is at the heart of every Hertfordshire degree and we’re pleased to say that 93% of graduates from the BA Business Studies go into work or further study within 6 months of graduating.

They go into a whole range of business roles, including finance officer, HR manager, key account administrator, management consultant, marketing executive, purchasing officer, project manager, quality consultant, recruitment consultant and trainee accountant.

Our graduates launch careers with all sorts of organisations, including leading names like British Airways, Citibank, Ernst and Young, GlaxoSmithKline, KPMG, IBM, PWC, Rolls-Royce, Royal

Around 93% of our graduates have gone on to work or further study within six months of finishing this course. Our graduates have worked at Disney, Ford, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, KPMG, Marks and Spencer and Xerox. You can also spend time studying abroad in Europe, North or South America, the Far East or Australia.
View our Alumni profiles

Alan Chu Abies Iriowen
Key staff

Ms Kerry McKay
Programme Leader

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Studies	Download
BA (Hons) Business Studies with Eastern Language	Download
BA (Hons) Business Studies with European Language	Download
BA (Hons) Business Studies	Download
BA (Hons) Business Studies with European Language	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business Studies	Download
Languages Programme Specification	Download
BA (Hons) Business Studies	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2021	20/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2022	20/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2021
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2021/2022 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2021/2022 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £13450 for the 2021/2022 academic year
Part time
- £1680 per 15 credits for the 2021/2022 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13450 for the 2021/2022 academic year
Part time
- £1680 per 15 credits for the 2021/2022 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

BA (Hons) Business Studies

This course includes the options of:

Work placement*

Study abroad*

Study a language

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Indicative course structure

Your main campus is de Havilland

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

My week at a glance

Student Blogs

Something interesting for a prospective student to consider

Student Blogs

What I love most about my course

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Alan Chu who utilised the placement year on his course to gain valuable work experience enabling to land his dream job. He is currently the Finance and Operations Director at Beechbrook.

University experience

Career progression

Alumni Stories

Meet Abies Iriowen who has applied her degree to improve diversity and equality in businesses. She currently works as a Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator at Goldman Sachs

University experience

Current career and future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2021

2022

2023

Fees 2021

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is de Havilland 