Business Administration (Including Year Abroad)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BBA) Bachelor of Business Administration
Business Administration (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Business School
Southend Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BBA N110
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • GCSE: Mathematics C/4.
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Our Maths requirement can be met with either: 4 in Standard level Maths; 3 in Higher level Maths; or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

  • Applied Data Science: In order to be eligible for the qualifier, you must successfully complete (i.e. pass with a mark of 40 or above) the following modules: Year Two: At least three of the following: BE216 – (15 credits) International Business Management, BE218 – (15 credits) Business Research Methods, BE220 – (15 credits) Strategic Entrepreneurship, BE223 - (15 credits) Introduction to Business Analytics, BE311 - (15 credits) Corporate Finance, BE313 - (15 credits) Portfolio Analysis, BE424 – (15 credits) Principles of Operations and Supply Chain Management. Final Year: BE441 – (30 credits) Business Strategy AND at least one of the following: BE141 - (15 credits) Strategic Management Accounting, BE224 - (15 credits) Strategic Operations and Supply Chain, BE225 - (15 credits) Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making, BE228 – (15 credits) Data Mining and Visualisation, BE332 – (15 credits) Options and Futures, BE631 – (15 credits) Risk Management and Financial Institutions. Students must also have completed and pass one of the following modules (quantitative research methodology and data analysis must be utilised): BE932 – (30 credits) Research Project- Business Administration, BE933 – (30 credits) Research Project- Marketing, BE934 – (30 credits) Research Project- International Business and Entrepreneurship, BE941 – (30 credits) Research Project – International Business and Finance, BE943 – (30 credits) Research Project - Business Administration and Supply Chain Management, BE945 – (30 credits) Research Project – Business and Analytics

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Xiaoyue Zhang

Associate professor in tourism marketing

University of Nottingham

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE200-4-SP-SO  New Venture Creation  Compulsory  15  15 
02  BE201-4-SP-SO  Business Economics  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE101-4-SP-SO  Introduction to Accounting and Finance  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE500-4-FY-SO  Principles of Marketing  Compulsory  30  30 
05  BE202-4-AU-SO  Introduction to International Business  Compulsory  15  15 
06  BE301-4-AU-SO  Quantitative Analysis for Business  Compulsory  15  15 
07  BE905-4-FY-SO  Professional and Academic Development  Compulsory  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE211-5-AU-SO  Innovation Management  Compulsory  15  15 
02  BE216-5-SP-SO  International Business Management  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE417-5-AU-SO  Organisational Behaviour and Management  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE218-5-SP-SO  Business Research Methods  Compulsory  15  15 
05  BE424-5-AU-SO  Principles of Operations and Supply Chain Management  Compulsory  15  15 
06  BE906-5-FY-SO  Professional and Academic Development 2  Compulsory  15  15 
07    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-SO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE441-6-FY-SO  Business Strategy  Compulsory  30  30 
02  BE932-6-FY-SO  Research Project : Business Administration  Compulsory  30  30 
03  BE531-6-SP-SO  Marketing Communications  Compulsory  15  15 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  15  15 
06  BE920-6-AU-SO  Career Skills in Business  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To develop an essential understanding of business management principles and their application in different organisational contexts and to acquire analytical, problem-solving, creative and learning skills for managing business ventures.
  • To obtain a thorough understanding of the value of managing people and organisations and appreciation of different schools of management theories in relation to acquired appropriate skills and techniques for effective problem solving and in-depth investigation of key issues in enterprise management.
  • To develop a critical awareness of economic, social, technological and ethical context of enterprise management.
  • To enable students to learn to engage in reflective practice based on the use of analytical skills, diverse tools and techniques.
  • To develop their ability to lead different types of business ventures where innovation, networks, ethics and sustainability are the key drivers of change and effective performance in varied environment.
  • To manage their own learning and personal development in the future, to learn to work in teams, and to network with different stakeholders.


  • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Basic understanding of theories, policies and practices of business creation and growth (BM 3.4)

    A2: Clear understanding of the theoretical frameworks used to conceptualise the international business environment (BM 3.5, 3.7 MARKETS)

    A3: Critical understanding of core theoretical frameworks employed to explore and conceptualize business strategy (3.2, 3.7 BUSINESS POLICY AND STRATEGY)

    A4: Studying fundamental and principles of business law and its application to the development of the firm, with a focus on the UK and the European Union (BM 3.4, 3.5)

    A5: Critical understaning of concepts and context and theories of business ethics (BM 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 CONTEMPORARY & PERVASIVE ISSUES, MARKETS, CUSTOMERS AND PEOPLE)

    A6: Clear understanding of concepts and theoretical frameworks of growth and development of entrepreneurial organisations, and new ventures creation under contemporary economy. (BM 3.6, 3.7-PEOPLE, OPERATIONS, CONTEMPORARY & PERVASIVE ISSUES

    A7: Year 2 - Studying concepts, contexts and theoretical frameworks of business-to-business marketing (BM 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7-MARKETS, CUSTOMERS, BUSINESS POLICY & STRATEGY

    A8: Critical understanding of key concepts and tools in international human resource management (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 PEOPLE).

    A9: Critical understanding of the key concepts in international finance -marketplaces, concepts and tools (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 FINANCE).

    A10: Critical understanding of enterprise development in economically diverse contexts (BM 3.2, 3.5)

    A11: Basic understanding of economic principles and theories of the firm

    A12: Basic understanding of accounting concepts, the context in which accounting is situated and its function in organisation management (BM 3.4, 3.6, 3.7-FINANCE)

    A13: Basic understanding of the marketing concept, process and setting; application of strategic marketing planning and marketing mix for new ventures and small firms (BM 3.5, BM 3.7 MARKETS, CUSTOMERS)

    A14: Studying the concept, purpose and practice of quantitative research, with a focus on the organization and analysis of statistical data (BM 3.6, 3.7. INFORMATION SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)

    A15: Clear understanding of conceptual issues of information and the practice of information management, including the meaning of working in an information society (BM 3.6, 3.7-INFORMATION SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)

    A16: Clear understanding of contexts and processes of innovation management (BM 3.6, 3.7 CONTEMPORARY & PERVASIVE ISSUES

    A17: Critical understanding of the key concepts in international finance -marketplaces, concepts and tools (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 FINANCE).

    A18: Studying core theoretical frameworks employed in understanding theories of international business; and key characteristics of the international business environment with a focus on economic, political, socio-cultural and technological factors and conditions (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 MARKETS)

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2 and 3: Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and tutorials.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Written examinations.

    Assessed individual and group reports.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Assessed individual group presentations.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Individual reflective journal.

    Multiple choice class tests.

    Class test essay.

    Case study analysis.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Basic understanding of the abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources (BM 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.1k)

    B2: Critical understanding of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner (BM 4.1a)

    B3: Critical understanding of numerical (including financial) data analysis and an appreciation of the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts (BM 4.1b, 4.1d)

    B4: Critical understanding of the effective use of independent research from a variety of sources (BM 4.1k).

    B5: Basic understanding of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, and use of this understanding to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner (BM 4.1a)

    B6: Basic understanding of numerical (including financial) data analysis and an appreciation of the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts (BM 4.1b, 4.1d)

    B7: Basic understanding of the ability to undertake independent research from a variety of sources (BM 4.1k)

    B8: Effective use of the abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources (BM 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.1k)

    B9: Effective use of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner (BM 4.1a)

    B10: Effective use of numerical (including financial) data analysis and an appreciation of the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts (BM 4.1b, 4.1d)

    B11: Effective use of independent research from a variety of sources (BM 4.1k).

    B12: Critical understanding of the abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources (BM 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.1k);

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and seminars.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    B1-12 inclusively assessed by: Written examinations.

    Assessed individual and group reports.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Assessed individual group presentations.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Individual reflective journal.

    Multiple choice class tests.

    Class test essay. - Case study analysis

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Record and summarise transactions and other economic events (BM 4.1d)

    C2: Identify and retrieve relevant data from variety of sources (BM 4.1k)

    C3: Present data using the appropriate form of communication (BM 4.1e, 4.1c)

    C4: Forecast short, medium, and long term objectives, opportunities and threats (BM 4.1b, 4.1k)

    C5: Prepare financial analysis and projections; analyse, interpret and exrapolate data in relation to business problem and phenomena (BM 4.1d)

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and tutorials.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Assessed essays and other course work assignments (C 1-5)

    Class tests (C1, C3)

    Group work and presentations (C1-5)

    Written examinations (C1-4)

    D: Key skills

    D1: Communicating in oral and written formats to different audiences in a coherent, cogent and effective manner;

    D2: Use of information technologies including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical and web-based packages to read, download, analyse and evaluate different types of data and information

    D3: Preparing, manipulating, and presenting numerical data.

    D4: Using and applying analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

    D5: Understanding and appreciation of different communities of interest, good spoken and written communication skills, empathy and resolution of conflict.

    D6: Improving time management, prioritising critical tasks, meeting deadlines, and evaluating self-learning

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and tutorials.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Assessed essays and other course work assignments (D1, D2, D3, D5)

    Class tests (D1, D2, D3, D5)

    Group work and presentations (D1, Q2, D4)
    Reflective journal (D6)

    Written examinations (D1, D2, D3, D5)


    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.