Business Management and Leadership with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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The Business Management and Leadership with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in leadership and management.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N20K

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
April 2024
June 2024

How to apply
Open days
Download a prospectus
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The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Available through Clearing

Clearing applications for September 2023 are now closed to international students due to visa and immigration requirements. Check out our January 2024 entry courses.

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Course overview

Whether you want to run your own business or aspire to become the manager of a large company, management roles are both challenging and rewarding. The Business Management and Leadership with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in leadership and management.

The strength of the course lies in preparing students who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Business Management.

  • The Business Management and Leadership with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course begins with an introduction to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. The initial foundation year creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills and to put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate degree level.
  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons).
  • The Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) degree part of the course focuses on contemporary management issues, giving you the opportunity to develop a wealth of general skills needed to aid progression from an operational level through to leadership. Success in this field requires confidence, versatility and strategic thinking, coupled with elevated communication skills and a desire to succeed.
  • For students on the Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) degree, you'll get the chance to conduct critical research with our experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and take part in invaluable practical modules. Guest visitors are subject to availability.

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. Wherever possible we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) degree part of this course is currently accredited and recognised by the following bodies for the 2022/2023 intake1:

CMI logo

Chartered Management Institute

The Business Management and Leadership BA (Hons) degree part of this course is embedded with content from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification. On successful completion of your degree you will achieve a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. This means you graduate with two qualifications instead of one, an attractive prospect to employers. Students who undertake this course are awarded membership for the duration of the course and one year after graduating for free. This valuable membership gives students access to resources, journals and professional insights, while putting students in the same arena as practicing managers.

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What you'll study

Many areas of management and leadership, such as the development of new concepts and modern project management, require graduates to have good theoretical and practical knowledge to control, implement and evaluate new developments.

This varied Business Management and Leadership degree course aims to teach the skills and knowledge needed for successful entry into management. This is an applied course and recognises the multidisciplinary approach that is needed in business leadership. Throughout your Business Management and Leadership degree, you will study the details of operating markets, information technology and leadership practice, while demonstrating the capability to maintain auditable records of your work.

Your foundation year is a common first year for other courses which could mean you will work alongside students doing similar courses to you which would widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You may also have the potential opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

This course shares a common foundation year with Marketing and Public Relations with Foundation Year BA (Hons) and Tourism and Hospitality Management with Foundation Year BA (Hons).

Modules

  • This module explores the application of communication in business through a variety of methods. You are required to undertake a range of practical activities such as role plays, in different organisational and cultural settings, and examine the relationship between management and workforce. You’ll also conduct thorough research of communications, using analytical theories as well as examining key management communication tools.

    Finally, you’ll identify your own, personal learning style, and have an opportunity to develop these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide an overview of the skills required by managers and leaders in business. You’ll explore why having an effective manager is crucial to the success of an organisation, in addition to identifying successful characteristics of a manager and highlighting how they contribute to the development of a cohesive and productive workforce. We also encourage you to develop and refine your own management characteristics, as you look at relevant theories such as motivation, decision-making and problem-solving. You’ll get to practice a range of management activities and learn the competencies required to manage a business effectively.

    Compulsory

  • The role of marketing within an organisation is critical to the success of any business. This module develops your understanding of the key principles of marketing and how these contribute to the achievement of business objectives. Marketing is a vibrant, fast-paced and exciting area of business and by the end of this module, you’ll know the role of marketing research, effective planning and the development of a fundamental tool, the marketing mix.

    You’ll also exercise your acquired analytical skills and evaluate key, contemporary techniques and their practical applications in a business setting.

    Compulsory

  • In today's highly competitive environment, there is an increasing number of small and medium sized firms that are involved internationally and the trend is expected to continue due to the globalisation of the world economy, markets, and intensified international competition.

    Students will explore the growing importance of global business in the 21st century, and consider a range of operational activities and their interdependent roles and impact upon the wider strategy of the organisation wishing to trade internationally. The module will cover the principles of international trade and global business and the challenges faced by organisations, cultural differences, ethics and logistics from the viewpoint of achieving both operational and strategic objectives.

    Compulsory

This year consists of your Higher National Certificate (HNC). It focuses on the organisational environment and decision making processes at junior management level. You will cover a broad range of topics, from core concepts of current management and organisational behaviour, to the fundamentals of business policy and strategy. You will also seek to develop the necessary skills and knowledge that will prepare you for study in year three and your final year.. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Business Management and Leadership.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

As the course progresses, you will build on the knowledge gained in your first two years, to cement a solid foundation of core principles. Now that you are working to a higher level after completing the HNC, you will begin to develop a comprehensive range of skills and insights needed by operational managers to deal with complex issues. The focus of this year falls upon specialised areas such as financial management, entrepreneurship and the development of business practices. Students who successfully complete this year are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Management and Leadership.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

In your final year, you deal specifically with the challenges and opportunities faced by a strategic manager. The need to continuously assess and evaluate the business landscape is of paramount importance, along with the ability to work effectively and autonomously. This covers strategic leadership principles, organisational design and strategic marketing. You’ll also conduct a strategic business project on a management issue that brings together key themes from across your last three years of study. Students who complete this final year are awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management and Leadership.

Modules

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either another three years full-time or another four years full-time (sandwich), the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU Coventry may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU Coventry may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Assessment

During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.

Course breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Interactive assessments (applies to foundation year)

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2023)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £7,950   Not available
EU Not available Not available

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees3:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and opportunities

The Business Management and Leadership degree is an applied course that recognises the multidisciplinary approach needed in business management. This means you can apply this degree to any industry and into a number of positions, including retail, project or business management.

On successful completion of the Business Management and Leadership with Foundation Year BA (Hons), you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects of management strategies and processes within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests.
  • Critically appraise theories related to the development of staff, including crucial factors in the development of people management, including ethics, culture and change.
  • Be proficient in developing international-level strategy, incorporating and considering currency, cultural and competitor risk.
  • Develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable market research activities.
  • Operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
  • Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.

Where our graduates work

We focus on producing global graduates here at CU Coventry, which means our graduates can go on to work in small and large companies around the world. Graduates of our business degree courses have gone to work in several industries such as recruitment, finance and retail, in companies including The Immigration Service, Tesco and Transport for London.

Many graduates also progress on to further education to study a master’s in subjects such as International Business Management, International Marketing, Business and Organisation Psychology and Human Resources.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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