Business Management (Professional Practice) - BA (Hons)
- UCAS Code: N1N2
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2020
- Study mode: Full Time (3 Years)
- Location: City Centre
Want to get a job in business and management? Our BA Business Management (Professional Practice) degree allows you to take a year-long placement in industry during your course.
During your final year you will work full-time with an employer in the business management sector alongside finishing your degree through block release and blended delivery. This approach lets you put your learning into practice at an early stage and build further experience in the workplace before you graduate.
What is a Professional Practice degree?
Standard undergraduate degrees typically take three years of study to complete. At Birmingham City Business School we also offer sandwich degrees, which are four years in length and incorporate a year-long placement in industry during your third year.
Professional Practice degrees, however, combine the merits of both of these approaches in one degree, allowing you to complete your full degree and your year-long placement all within the standard three year period. Upon successful completion of your second year, you will embark on an industry placement for your third and final year. We have a dedicated team who will help you secure a placement directly related to your degree and career aspirations.
As a Professional Practice student, you complete the same number of modules and credit as a standard degree except now your learning, teaching and assessments will be related directly to the real world experience you gain on placement. During your placement year you will be allocated a placement tutor and your practice based learning will be supported by some block teaching at the University supported by on-line learning activities.
The Professional Practice pathway is perfect for you if you want the benefit of a placement year, but want your degree to be completed within three years.
What's covered in the course?
BA (Hons) Business Management offers a dedicated management route and three distinct associated courses, which allow you to specialise in a specific area, while still learning the core skills of business and management.
Consultancy enables you to gain an insight into the theory and application of the industry, Supply Chain Management is perfect if you wish to seek a deeper insight into the operation of the supply chain, while the Enterprise pathway provides a route for you if you are interested in the development and sustainability of new business operations.
These courses will enhance your understanding of organisations and the environment in which they operate, will prepare you for a career in business and management, and enhance your skills to become a lifelong learner.
Your learning will embrace the development and operation of business markets, the management of key resources including human capital, financial management, strategic management and cultural awareness. In addition, you will gain an insight into digital business exploring how technology has remodelled the business world and reflect on the accompanying issues around social responsibility and ethical behaviour.
Our accreditation from the CMI ensures you will be provided with the latest information and knowledge, as well as providing key industry links and insight.
Why Choose Us?
- This degree course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).This means that the course is as professionally relevant and up-to-date as possible, taking into account the very latest developments in the profession.
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Our innovative Professional Practice route is a fast-track degree which enables you to complete your third and final year while enjoying the benefits of a year-long work placement. This allows you to gain valuable real-life experience in industry and embark on your career a year earlier than a traditional sandwich degree.*
- You’ll be involved in real world business projects and hear from leading industry speakers, who will share current thinking around business and management. You’ll also get the chance to go behind the scenes at places such as the luxury outlet shopping centre Bicester Village and Manchester United Football Club with our trips and visits.
- Recognising the global scope of business, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, ranging from our successful international travel scholarships scheme, through which you can spend a summer working for a charitable organisation overseas, to one of our many overseas study exchange programmes.
- As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
- Our staff have worked in managerial roles for some of the biggest brands in the world, including the likes of Tesco and Selfridges.
- You’ll be able to choose from three distinct associated courses – Supply Chain Management, Consultancy or Enterprise, enabling you to tailor your interests to a specific course. Conversely, you could stay on the main Management route. The flexibility of the course means you aren’t tied down to any set career path – the skills you learn can be applied to any industry, whether you’re working in large teams or individually.
- We put a heavy emphasis on the hands-on skills needed in modern business management, with practical assessments as well as exams.
- You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to Birmingham’s business district, one of the largest in the UK
- The course will prepare you for a variety of management roles, whether they are based in the public, private or voluntary sector, a multinational company, a local organisation or your own business.
Find out more
*Please note that the year-long placement year is compulsory and you will be required to organise the placement with the support of our Placements Office. If you do not secure the placement, your course will revert to the standard BA (Hons) route.
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Meet or Beat scholarship for undergraduate students
Meet or beat our entry requirements and you could be eligible for an achievement scholarship worth £1,000.
*Terms and Conditions apply - some undergraduate courses are not eligible for this scheme. The £1,000 scholarship is made up of an £850 scholarship and £150 free credit to spend in an online shop.
This course is open to International students
Where our students go
- Finance Manager
- Production Manager
- Public Services Manager
- Business Analyst
*DLHE 2016/17
Course Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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BBB or 120 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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| Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
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GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, at the point of enrolment. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2020/21 | |
| A Level / AS Level | BBB at A Level (120 points). A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. | |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2. GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above or equivalent qualifications must be offered. GCSE Science is not required for Access students. | |
| BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | D*D*. Can be offered along with either one A-level, 2 AS-levels or one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification to achieve a minimum of 120 tariff points. | |
| BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | DDM (120 points). | |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | D. Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and C), two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
30 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 120 UCAS Tariff Points. Those completing the IB Certificates will require a total of 15 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 120 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum H5/D1). | |
| Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 120 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCC. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CC in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Maximum of three Advanced Highers can be considered together. |
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| Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate |
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate with grade B plus grades BB at A-Level (or equivalent qualifications). Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and B), two 6-unit BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas/ OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma/ OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). |
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| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 120 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK/EU students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £12,800 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Non-EU (International) students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Additional costs
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
Course Structure
Business Management and its associated courses integrate theory and practice. As such, teaching methods are designed to be diverse, inclusive and to reflect the global context in which you will operate upon graduating.
Methods include face-to-face, blended and independent learning, through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, work-based learning, ‘real-world’ projects and discussion forums.
During your workplace Level 6, you will undertake a combination of block face-to-face delivery and be supported by our virtual learning environment to give you the blended learning experience to facilitate your engagement with the course.
The methods by which you are assessed reflect the diverse nature of the skills a Business Management graduate needs and typically include - but are not restricted to - coursework reports, essays, examinations, projects, posters and presentations.Your assessments will include individual and group work, to mirror the real world of work.
A course strength is the emphasis on practice-based assessment where the focus is on enabling development of the knowledge and attributes required to contribute to the workplace.
Trips and visits
During your second year, you will be able to take part in an international field trip, taking what you have studied and applying it to a global organisation. For example, students have visited the EU Parliament in Brussels, gaining valuable first-hand experience of an established international organisation.
In addition you have the opportunity to visit businesses, such as Cadbury World, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover.
Accreditation
Our alignment to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) ensures you leave the programme perfectly prepared for management in a range of industries, or your own business.
CMI offers a range of training interventions designed to meet the needs of organisations of all sizes and in any sector, from an individual manager studying a qualification to programmes tailored for your team or organisation.
Chartered Management Institute
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This means that you can achieve the Level 5 CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside your degree. The award is conditional on successfully completing the Honours degree programme in the appropriate module areas.
Overseas Opportunities
You can gain international insight and experience a new culture with our Erasmus exchange programme. Students have spent a term at a number of incredible institutions, including the University of San Diego in the USA, as well as destinations in Cyprus and Denmark.
Further Studies
After completing the course, you could progress onto one of our Master’s courses, namely MSc Management Consultancy, MSc International Management or MSc International Human Resource Management.
What our students say
"Undertaking a placement year with consistent support from staff, the opportunity to apply theory to the real-world working environment has proved invaluable. Birmingham City University has exceeded my expectations both from an academic and professional perspective."
Jamal Qurban, Business Management student
Enhancing your employability skills
On completion of your studies, you will have had opportunities to undertake live projects during years one and two, and worked with a real employer to fulfil the aims of the professional practice route.
Business Management, and its associated programmes, incorporate modules specifically designed to build a professional and independent approach to study which facilitates lifelong learning.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
Graduate Jobs
This course is designed to help you learn the skills that you need to fast-track into an entry-level management role, and that’s just what James Hartle did.
He left university to work as a graduate Project Management Officer at Agilisys, an innovative IT and business service provider. Having conducted an industry placement with us, he developed his knowledge and understanding of topics to help him secure his role at Agilisys.
With broad management and business know-how, other recent graduates have gone on to work as project management officers, business development coordinators and accountants, at companies such as Capgemini, Centre Tank Services and City Tax Accountancy.
*DLHE Survey 2016/7
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Get paid for a year
By doing a placement as the third year of your course, you will get paid whilst finishing your degree.
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
"Joining university is your first step in building your career. This course will equip you with the skills for a wide range of career opportunities through a range of modules, real life projects and exciting field trips."
Beulah Maas, Course Leader
Vanessa Clarke
Senior Lecturer in Management Development
Prior to her academic role, Vanessa successfully held management positions within high profile global companies including Tesco, Next and The Body Shop. She has also worked for The Prince's Trust where she was responsible for leading teams and influencing at Director level to co-ordinate peer mentoring programmes for young people across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Dr Richard Oddy
Senior Lecturer and Programme Director
Dr Richard E. Oddy is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director specialising in Marketing, Sport, Event and Esports Management. He has developed and launched a number of new courses in these specific fields, and has over a decade of teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.