Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Business Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies explores the multifaceted world of business, exploring how businesses operate, its structures, functions, culture and other factors influencing success in the global market. This degree programme is particularly beneficial for aspiring entrepreneurs, business analysts, and future business development managers. Graduates will be equipped with a sounding understanding of corporate strategies and organisational performance, poised to choose from a range of career options and professions within business.

The Bachelor degree in Business Studies will expose students to a series of progressively intricate business scenarios (case studies), with a strong emphasis on fostering a comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues. Simultaneously, they will be encouraged to uphold a strategic viewpoint, which holds paramount importance for the bachelor’s level study. The goal is to enable students to broaden their perspectives and examine deeper into the business problems they encounter.

Programme Objective

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies awarded by the University of Northampton aims to equip students with a sound foundation in the principles of business and management, preparing them for management roles in today’s modern companies. By instilling an understanding of the social, ethical, technological, environmental and global contexts in which businesses operate, the degree programme lays the groundwork for graduates to be strong business leaders capable of effective strategic decision-making.

What to Expect

Students studying for the Degree in Business Studies can expect to explore these key areas:

• Appreciating the importance and influence of the social, political, ethical, technological, environmental, legal and global contexts in which businesses operate
• Evaluating the role of and influence of the law in influencing business organisations
• Understanding a range of decision-making methods and supporting analytical tools
• Critically appraising the sources, uses and management of finance
• Understanding the principles and functions of management including managing and developing people, marketing, accounting and finance, operational and project management and the use of Information Systems
• Understanding a range of contemporary issues such as sustainability, globalisation, corporate social responsibility, diversity, entrepreneurship and risk management that can influence an organisation’s performance.

The Bachelor degree in Business Studies is offered through a blend of online and on-campus study methods. The learning experience encompasses lectures, tutorials, seminars, presentations, and labs, ensuring students not only grasp theoretical knowledge but also apply what they’ve learned in practical settings. This comprehensive approach to learning provides students with the tools they need to succeed in various business careers upon graduation.

Course Structure & Duration

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies awarded by the University of Northampton consists of the following core modules:

Foundations of Marketing: Focuses on applying marketing concepts in various industries from an international perspective to enhance marketing managers’ decision-making.

Managing People: Equips students with essential skills for handling diverse workplace situations and introduces vital study skills for academic success.

Business Environment: Teaches students to identify and tackle business challenges using strategic tools and methods.

Information Management: Develops skills in managing information and data to create knowledge, with a focus on digital literacy and statistical analysis.

Business in Society: Explores the balance between profit-seeking and environmental and stakeholder considerations through case studies and theoretical materials.

Introductory Accounting and Finance: Provides strategic insights into accounting and financial concepts for business leaders, emphasizing critical analysis of financial information.

Project Management: Planning and Control: Addresses social responsibility in business and its growing importance in corporate behavior and performance.

Managing Human Resources: Outlines the functions of HR in modern organizations, detailing the skills and techniques used in human resource management.

Operations Management: Offers strategic knowledge in operations and supply chain management and project management for business leaders.

Brand Management: Promotes understanding of branding and strategic brand management, providing tools for complex brand-related decision-making.

Strategic Business Analysis: Discusses various strategic views and approaches organizations may adopt for strategic planning.

Managing Finance and Financial Decisions: Explores financial and management accounting for corporate financial management and decision-making.

Dissertations: Allows for a substantial literature review and research on a chosen topic, varying based on the empirical data gathered or conceptual study focus.

Global Business Development: Enhances understanding of globalisation and strategic international business responses to global environmental changes.

Debate in Strategic Management: Builds on strategic business analysis to explore strategic management debates in depth, emphasising student-centered learning.

Social Responsibility of Business: Examines the broad spectrum of social responsibility issues in business, highlighting their impact on corporate performance.

Opportunity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Highlights the importance of innovation in creating and exploiting new business opportunities for competitive advantage.

Students can opt for full or part-time study to pursue their degree in business studies.

Regardless if you opt for a full-time or part-time programme, all students receive the same comprehensive coverage of modules, access to lectures, and tutorial materials, ensuring that every graduate is equally prepared for the demands of a career in business.