Somerset College

Summary

This course is designed for those people who have recently completed a foundation degree in Business and who wish to carry on to gain an honours degree, thus improving their employment prospects.  Applications from students with other relevant qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Description

The course enables you to develop greater knowledge and skills in key business areas including:

• Finance
• Human Resources
• Employment Law
• Business Analysis
• Marketing
• Business Management

Particular emphasis is placed on research and analysis through project work with external organisations and the ‘learning contract' module which enables you to develop an area of research of your choice.

Opportunities to develop skills in managing information, tasks, interpersonal relationships and self will be provided throughout the course.

Personal Skills

At interview and in your personal statement, we are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities skills, although all will be further developed throughout your learning.

• Group/team work. Let us know of any individual or group projects that you have been involved with. You will appreciate how to both accept and allocate responsibility.
• Communication and people skills. Your course work could include oral presentations, formal report writing and in-depth research.
• Independent learning study/research skills. You will already have some of these, and your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services. • Problem-solving. You will need to be able to think on your feet and anticipate and resolve problems before they occur. • Independence/self-reliance/initiative. In your personal statement tell us about your interests, work experience, extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility etc. • IT Skills. You will also have access to a range of IT facilities and the ILC where staff are available to give you advice and support

Teaching and Assesment

Assessment consists of 50% examination and 50% coursework. There is continuous assessment throughout the course including individual and group assignments, projects and formal examinations.

In addition to attending time-tabled classes, you should expect to spend time outside college on directed reading and in-course assessments. As a guide this should be between 6 and 10 hours per week, although actual time spent will differ according to individual's experience and the number of assignments in train.

Career Opportunities

This course can lead to a range of public or private sector posts in administration, management, personnel, marketing or finance. It is also invaluable if you are considering setting up your own business. Past business students have gained employment as graduate trainees with national organisations.

You may also progress to postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

FdA or HND Business and Management or similar or completion of first 2 years of a relevant honours degree programme.

We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).

Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.

Note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.

Interviews last approximately 25 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your application and demonstrate your personal skills.

Cost

Full Time Fees: £3225 per year (for 2009/10 start)

Part Time Fees (assumes 2 yrs part-time study to complete): £1612.50 per year (for 2009/10 start)

Fees for 2010/11 will be confirmed in March 2010

*Full fees do not apply to all, please enquire upon application

Contact

Tel:  01823 366 331;  Email:  enquiries@somerset.ac.uk