This programme can be started at any time and offers a broad grounding in the study of business with a particular focus on Finance.

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 of 6.0 in both reading & writing (and a minimum of 5.0 in listening & 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 the UK at 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.

• Pursue a successful, responsible and useful career in a number of areas of employment through relevant knowledge, skills and understanding acquisition
• Progress to further study
• Make informed choices for future work and study through providing a general, broadly-based programme
• Be aware of the business environment and regulatory framework within which Accounting operates
• Learn in a flexible manner; in a timescale and environment in keeping with your preferences and needs

Knowledge

• Organisations, the external environment in which they operate and how they are managed
• Develop and in-depth knowledge of finance and accounting issues and techniques
• Business support functions such as marketing, HR, operations and IT

Thinking skills

• Problem solving and decision making
• Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Use of ICT for business applications
• Leadership, team building and influencing skills
• Preparation of business and financial reports

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Communication, both oral and written
• Computer literacy (word-processing, electronic communication, electronic databases, statistical software, internet searching).
• Numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis
• Self-awareness
• Planning and time-management
• Interpersonal skills of negotiating, persuasion and presentation
• Employability skills

The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4.5 years in part-time mode. Support, however, may be available for longer - up to eight years if necessary (this is the maximum time from first enrolment that students have to complete the programme).

There are three entry points per year onto the programme: September, February and May. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

A typical full-time student will take six 20-credit modules per year, but you may choose to take fewer than this. To graduate as an honours degree student you will need to have completed six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

BA (Hons) Business Management (Finance) is offered as a single pathway and all Core modules must be studied. However, Business Management is also offered as a Combined Honours degree, either as a Major/ Minor or a Joint. This means that some modules can be studied in conjunction with modules from another discipline. Details are listed on the next page.

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified module within the field

In order to gain an Honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an Ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain a University Undergraduate Certificate students will need to obtain 40 credits at level 1 or higher.

In order to gain a University Undergraduate Associate Certificate students will need to obtain 20 credits at level 1 or higher.

Only one final award may be obtained.

Knowledge is developed through

• Guided reading
• Knowledge-based activities with feedback
• On-line question/ answer forums

Thinking skills are developed through

• Reflective/ thinking activities with feedback
• Analytical activities with feedback
• Evaluative activities with feedback
• Problem-solving activities with feedback
• On-line question/ answer forums

Practical skills are developed through

• Practical/ physical activities with feedback
• IT activities with feedback
• Research skills-based activities with feedback

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• The study medium, i.e. distance learning
• Planning activities with feedback
• IT activities with feedback
• All other activities with feedback
• Project work

Knowledge is assessed by

• coursework
• Examinations

Thinking skills are assessed by

• coursework
• Examinations
• Project work

Practical skills are assessed by

• Practical Reports
• IT exercises
• Case study exercises
• Project work

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Project work
• Group work
• Tutorial assignments
• IT exercises