This degree provides a detailed and critical understanding of the crucial role finance plays in contemporary business. It provides both a general overview of Business Studies and distinct expertise in the operation and management of financial resources.

The multi-disciplinary nature of this programme prepares you for many careers, but is of particular relevance in the fields of banking and finance because of its focus on areas such as accounting, economics and financial trends.

About the programme

Why Business Finance?

This programme gives you a chance to combine a broad study of issues surrounding contemporary business with in-depth study of the crucial role of finance in both day-to-day operations and strategic planning. You cover the concepts that are vital to any organisation, including producing output/service, managing business and fiscal resources, analysing the impact of external factors on performance and profitability and trends in global finance. This degree prepares you for a broad range of roles and develops critical, analytical and numerical understanding – making it an ideal launch-pad for a career in business or postgraduate study.

Programme structure

BA (Hons) Business Management (Finance) is a flexible programme offered on a distance learning, home study, basis which you can take up to eight years to complete.

Each module carries a 20-credit value. At Level 3 the Project spans two modules.

To be awarded an honours degree in Business Management (Finance), you will have to complete a total of 18 modules, with a value of 360 credits. This will comprise 120 credits at Level 1, 120 at Level 2 and 120 at Level 3. The project at Level 3 must be passed in order to achieve an honours degree.

It is possible for students to study Business Management as part of a Joint Honours. For this they must study 60 credits of Business Management modules at each level.

Support

On enrolment, you will be provided with an induction pack containing all the information you need to prepare you for your studies.  UEL has a team of dedicated Distance Learning Student Advisors who will be the first point of contact for all non-academic support matters. The Distance Learning Student Advisors will:

• welcome you by email, and provide advice on how to log to UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment) and Connecting UEL (the Resource & Community site)
• work with you in conjunction with your academic tutor to agree a study programme, discuss your progress and remind you about deadlines
• explain university procedures and policies
• help you plan for assessments and exams and provide advice on time management
• help you determine which university Award suits your career or personal needs
• refer you to the best learning and support resources including dyslexia and disability support and career advice.

In addition all distance learning students receive academic support from course tutors. Tutors will communicate with you via UEL Plus (the virtual learning environment). Support is also available via the Learning Resource Centre where there are dedicated librarians and the ‘ask a librarian’ feature. Peer support is very important and you will find a broad range of opportunities to build networks and exchange ideas with other students via our online communities.

Admission

Entry to Level 1 or the Full Programme

To enrol on the first Level or the Full Programme you must normally hold 200 UCAS tariff points.

Entry on a Modular Basis

If you do not hold the required tariff points for Level 1 or Full Programme entry, studies will be permitted on a modular basis, following a counselling interview with a student advisor. If you are concerned that this level of study may not be suitable for you, we will provide an online basic skills exercise with feedback to assist you to make a decision.

In order to be able to complete this programme, a good level of English is required. The IELTS requirements for all distance-learning programmes are a minimum of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of6.0 inboth reading & writing (and a minimum of5.0 inlistening & speaking). Where English is not your first language, you may be required to provide a written example of your work in order to ensure your suitability for the programme.

Overseas students should be aware that all exams MUST be taken in theUKat one of our approved exam venues. Students should also be aware that they are expected to cover all costs in attending the exams.

Accredited Certified Learning (ACL)

You may be able to gain admission to the programme with advanced standing. If you think that you could be entitled to ACL, you will be asked to submit the following evidence:

• Programme/Module Specification or syllabus (including evidence of assessment format)
• Final certificate
• Transcript of grades

Technical requirements

To participate in the programme you need:

1. Regular access to a PC or Mac capable of running standard MS Office software (or equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Your PC must also be capable of running the required plugins for the Virtual Learning Environment (Adobe Flash player, Adobe PDF viewer, Apple Quicktime).
2. Reliable Internet access; at least a 56K modem connection, but broadband is highly recommended. For each module that you take, you will be expected to spend approximately 3-6 hours online per week, participating in discussions and accessing resources.
3. The latest version of your chosen Internet browser. We recommend and support Mozilla Firefox 1.5+, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7+ and Apple Safari 3+.
4. A valid and reliable email address.
5. Access to a printer is recommended.

Career opportunities

Business management graduates are likely to be found in all types of industrial, commercial and financial organisations, and in the 'public sector' where business management skills are increasingly important. A high number of graduates tend to work for larger employers because they are the major recruiters and can often offer more structured opportunities for training, experience and promotion. There is an increase, however, in the number of graduates entering employment in small- and medium-sized enterprises. Self-employment can also provide an opportunity and challenge to graduates.

‘I started off not knowing much, and then I became this confident, knowledgeable individual, involved in so many things, and gained so many skills. I would recommend this place to anyone.’

Ana Dascalu, RDBS Business School