The events following the banking crisis of 2008 have transformed business activity across many dimensions. Respected names in the fields of banking, finance and the media have been humbled, as their business models have been shown to be overly risky and their ethical standards flawed. Social media and online giants become massively profitable and influential– but then face criticism in the media over their taxation strategies. Producers of all kinds of goods and services find that competition intensifies, from new and unexpected angles, just as they are having to cope with economic difficulties not seen in their managers’ lifetimes. Technological advances throw up new competitors to established manufacturers: new start-ups, firms from countries like China and India, whose increasing confidence and capability to compete head-on with US and European corporations. Few organisations of any size, in any sector, are unaffected by factors such as these. 

The BA Business Management at UEL aims to produce open minded, rigorous thinkers with the ethical compass and leadership skills needed to navigate this fascinating new world. It aims to provide students with up-to-date knowledge, a range of theoretical tools, the analytical skills and the practical understanding to enable them to meet its challenges. It explores every aspect of business: the factors that drive firms to develop and grow; the tools they use to market their offerings; the challenges of managing people and supply chains spread across the globe; the challenges of leading organisations and giving them the firm ethical standards that research has shown to be the foundation of enduring success. It does this from the perspective of both large and small firms. 

The BA Business Management is offered as a Single Honours, Joint, Major or Minor award and is normally completed in three years full-time study. A part-time option over four-and-a-half to five years is also available but students must be able to study during the day; evening study is rarely possible. It is possible to switch between full-time and part-time mode, subject to timetabling constraints. Part-time students have the same options, including overseas study and placement, as their full-time colleagues. 

In line with all RDBS undergraduate degrees, students undertake eighteen 20 credit modules to complete their degree. Some modules are shared with related business degrees such as Marketing and Human Resource Management, broadening the student experience and knowledge base by exposing students to new and alternative viewpoints in related fields of study. 

The core modules introduce, evaluate and discuss management principles relevant to business management and are based on disciplines such as organisation theory, economics, psychology and other social sciences. Optional modules including, work-based learning, languages, a project and other business and management subjects are available in Years 2 and 3. 

The programme incorporates a range of field trips, guest speakers and case studies that highlight the practical application of the theoretical concepts covered in class. To further students’ skills in the workplace, an optional placement of 9-12 months’ duration is available between Years 2 and 3. 

Details of the programme structure for Single Honours students are outlined below. Details for Combined Honours students can be found in the section ‘What you will study and when’. 

Year 1

Marketing Principles and Practice

People, Organisations and Management

Developing as an International Manager

Global Business Environment

Economics Markets and Enterprise

Accounting and its Regulatory Framework 

Year 2

Relationship and Services Marketing

Research in Business and Management

Fundamentals of Finance

Operations Management

Options (two - students will receive advice on recommended options, which may include the following, subject to availability:

Consumer Behaviour; E-commerce and digital marketing; Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; E-commerce and digital marketing; Resource and Talent Planning; Developing People; Managing a Global and Diverse Workforce; Globalisation; Principles of Investment;Business Event Management; Tourism, Innovation and Enterprise) 

Year 3

Strategic Management

Leadership in Organisations

The Business Professional

Ethics in Practice

Options (two – students will receive advice on recommended options, which may include the following, subject to availability:

Brand Management; Global marketing; SME marketing; Enterprise in Action; SME Marketing; Managing Talent to Achieve Performance; Strategic Issues in the Management of People; Corporate Finance; International Trade and Development; Current topics in International Business; Sports and Events Tourism; Project Management for Events; Project)

The programme is delivered at our Docklands campus where you can take advantage of our modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms, contemporary and well-stocked library and wireless networking facilities. We will teach students how to maximise their potential and benefit from these powerful resources. Student learning is supported by our virtual learning environment which has the added benefit of improving your technology skills. 

We take great pride in assisting students to develop their academic and professional skills including researching, professional writing, team working and presentation techniques.  Our programme encourages students not only to develop theoretical knowledge about management but we also emphasise the practical application of that knowledge. Therefore we offer a range of field trips, invite industry guest speakers and discuss case studies to truly base students learning in the ‘real world’ so that students can demonstrate a broad range of skills when they enter employment. 

We also provide the opportunity to add an international dimension to the degree. Students can choose to study for one semester in Europe, Asia or the Americas as part of their degree and gain first-hand experience in a foreign learning and work environment.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year between Years 2 and 3. This is a valuable learning experience which will enhance participants’ CVs and improve their employment opportunities.

A range of assessment methods will be used to evaluate students’ learning and progress on the programme. The majority of assignments will be completed individually but some group work will also be undertaken to simulate the requirements of the work environment. Assessment formats include exams, presentations, reports, essays, case analyses, business plans, critical reviews of academic literature and business reports, and moderated online discussions.

Each module is assessed separately, and assessment requirements and marking criteria are communicated to students at the start of each module.

In their final year of study, students may seek out the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of staff. This allows them to produce an extended piece of work that is based on independent research in an area that they find is of particular interest. Only a limited number of places are available on the Project module and acceptance will be based on the quality of the research proposal and on academic achievement at Level Two. Students whose average mark for their studies at Level Two is lower than 60% will be asked to consult their personal tutor before applying to do a project.

The programme incorporates a distinctive skills curriculum that is specifically designed to develop students’ skills for work and life and to improve their employment prospects after graduation. 

To further enhance their attractiveness to future employers, students have the opportunity to obtain academic credits for practical work in a business- or management-related activity. 

Students can choose to learn a foreign language and /or study overseas for one semester. 

Students will discuss current issues relating to business and management in the UK and beyond with classmates from a wide a range of cultural backgrounds under the guidance of lecturers and tutors who have worked in various countries. 

You benefit from extensive library resources that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week onsite and online.

The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or four-and-a-half to five years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. 

A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.

• Class participation
• Guided, directed and general reading
• Guided and independent primary and secondary research

• Preparation of tasks for lectures, seminars and workshops
• Seminar discussions
• Group work and peer learning
• Online discussions on set topics
• Completion of written and oral assignments

• Case study analysis
• Problem solving exercises
• Use of information technology

• Developing and defending ideas and arguments in class and assessments in different formats including essays, reports and presentations
• Managing time by meeting deadlines for ongoing work throughout the semester and assignments

Assessments may be conducted individually or in groups.