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Undergraduate programmes

Birmingham Business School

The University’s Business School is alreadya world-class institute, combining world-classstandards... (for me) there was somethinginspiring about being taught by professorswho were helping to change the face of the country’s business landscape.

David Gilbey, Business Graduate and Vice-President, AOL UKi

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Contents

Welcome 3Why choose Birmingham 4 Business School?BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance 6Key themes for business-related 8 programmesBSc (Hons) Business Management 10BSc (Hons) Business Management 12 with CommunicationsBSc (Hons) Business Management 14 (Year in Industry)BSc (Hons) International Business 16 and BSc International Business with CommunicationsBSc (Hons) International Business 18 with LanguageProgrammes with a Business Minor 20Department of Economics 22Welcome to your Alumni network 23 Entry requirements 24Teaching and student support 25The Campus and its facilities 26The City of Birmingham 27

3Birmingham Business School

Welcome

At Birmingham Business School, we create programmeswhich, both academically and personally, prepare you forthe working world. Whether you have studied a businesstopic before or are new to the discipline, our programmeswill help you achieve your career aspirations.

Business education was pioneered in Birmingham, with the country’s first Faculty of Commerce established in 1902. Since then we have been at the forefront of programme development and continue to push forward educational advancement in all business fields. We are a large School with four Departments; Accounting and Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, As a result we cover all areas of business and you have the opportunity to specialise in the major sub-disciplines.

We provide you with programmes informed by work taking place at the frontiers of the discipline, with high quality research being undertaken in Birmingham. Relevance to the world of business is also a vital part of your studies. Our Advisory Board (chaired by Lord Jones of Birmingham, and comprising senior business people from around the globe) provide input to ensure we are meeting the demands of business from graduates. Programmes that incorporate a year in business or abroad, a communications stream and a strong public sector element all reflect the ever-changing nature of business.

It is essential to have an international perspective to understand business and its environment. Our Faculty is international. Our programmes include international perspectives. Our student population is very international. We offer the opportunity to gain international experience through working or studying abroad. We have numerous international links and have been involved in projects across the globe.

When you come to Birmingham to study, we encourage you to get involved in the life of a University that comprises around 30,000 students from around the world. The city is home to a large number of international and UK companies. There are numerous student societies, both in the School and across the campus. Employers are always looking to engage with students and sponsor social

events where students can hear about, for example, particular careers or get advice on job applications, as well as having a fun and enjoyable time.

We believe in giving you the opportunity to develop your personal skills as well as your academic ability during your time here. For this purpose, the School’s own dedicated careers advice centre, Careers in Business, delivers workshops, one-to-one coaching sessions and employer events to help you find the right employment after your degree.

We have an active Alumni community at the School and we hope that choosing a programme of study with us is only the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with Birmingham Business School that extends beyond your studies and into your future career. Many of our Alumni return as guest speakers and organise networking groups for future contact.

Birmingham Business School provides you with high quality and broad-ranging learning possibilities. Our graduates are very well-trained and are in a good position to meet the challenges presented in the dynamic and global business world which they will enter. They are highly employable and well-placed to go on to successful careers.

I sincerely hope you will choose to pursue your studies here in the School.

For further information on anything you read on the following pages, please visit our website or use the contact information at the back of the brochure.

Professor Andy LymerDirector of Birmingham Business School

4 Birmingham Business School

Why choose BirminghamBusiness School?

ReputationThe University of Birmingham was one ofthe country’s first civic universities, knownas ‘red-brick’ universities and one of itsfounding reasons was that it taught business.Hence Birmingham Business School hasbeen teaching business for over 100 years.Many of our staff are internationally renownedin their fields and our leading researchcontributes to academic debates worldwide.

Strong Industry linksWe enjoy active and close links with industryand the financial community. Many of ourcourses have input from large organisationssuch as GE, Biersdorf and Accenture.Companies such as HSBC, BP, Unileverand Deloitte visit the School to run workshopsand business games, ensuring that you havethe opportunity to put the theory you havelearned into practice. We are approachedby companies looking for capable studentsto undertake their summer internshipprogrammes, which can lead to apermanent place on their graduatetraining schemes.

Excellent career prospectsStudents have gone on to work in a widerange of industries, in organisations suchas Ernst and Young, the Arcadia Group,the NHS and BP.

Teaching by expertsAs well as teaching and researching,our academic staff are involved in advisoryroles to both businesses and public sectororganisations. The media often use our staffand our research centres as a resource tocomment on topical issues. We enjoy activeand close links with industry, the financialcommunity and the business professions,all of which is of direct benefit to thestudents we teach.

Quality studentsOur entry requirements ensure that ourstudents are of a high calibre and this isrecognised by the business community whoare keen to employ Birmingham graduates.

Global communityWe believe that the global nature of business makes it essential that our students and academics understand business fromdifferent international perspectives. Ourprogrammes currently include studentsfrom over 60 countries, so you will alsohave the opportunity to make friends andstudy with many nationalities. We havenumerous international links and havebeen involved in projects in countrieswhich include Argentina, Brazil, Chile,the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Malaysia,Iran, Mauritius, Singapore and Thailand.

FacilitiesUniversity House, home of BirminghamBusiness School, combines the original1908 building with a modern, multi-millionpound state-of-the-art teaching and learningcomplex. The University itself is set in 250acres of parkland campus and offers a safe,friendly environment with plentiful facilities.

LocationBirmingham is the UK’s second largest city,just 90 minutes by train from London. Hometo Europe’s largest city retail developmentand host to world class events for industry,the arts and sports, it is an exciting andcosmopolitan city.

For more information about living and studying in Birmingham, visit www.visitbirmingham.com


Sponsors and PrizesBirmingham Business School enjoys closelinks with the business community locally,nationally and internationally. Top-rankingcorporate organisations have input into ourcourses and sponsor prizes on many ofour undergraduate programmes each year,offering awards, such as ‘the most improvedstudent between years one and two’, bestAccounting and Finance student and prizesfor the entrepreneurship module. ManyBirmingham graduates are recruited bythese and other top companies each year.

Our sponsors for undergraduateprogrammes include: o Accenture oAldi o Brit Insurance o Deloitte o Enterprise Rent-a-car o Ernst & Young o KPMG o PricewaterhouseCoopers o HSBC

Scholarships

Year abroadStudents who spend a study year abroadoutside of the EU will be responsible forpaying year abroad tuition fees. Howeverthere are some scholarships available butplease note that these are highly competitiveand may vary from year to year. Home EU/UKstudents who spend their year abroadwithin the EU may receive a small grant.

For details on scholarships available at the University of Birmingham please visitwww.birmingham.ac.uk/students/fees/undergraduate/funding/index.aspx


BSc (Hons) Accountingand Finance

If you are interested in the BSc Accounting and Finance, it is likely that you have a goal in mind about your future career but are yet to make up your mind which accounting and finance career path is most attractive to you.

It is for this reason that our degree is equipped to provide you with in-depth knowledge across accounting, auditing, tax, corporate finance, financial services and investment.

You will be questioning and curious about accounting, auditing, finance and investment. You will want to make a positive contribution within some of the country’s top financial companies or in the public sector.

About 75% of our graduates go straight into employment1 – employers like the fact that our graduates know about business and know how to get on with the job.

1 2009/2010 graduate destinations survey

How and what we teachThroughout your time with us you will be taught by staff who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Some had successful financial careers prior to teaching at university; others have taught and researched in universities all their working lives. Many of our staff continue to gain first-hand experience of real world accounting and finance by researching for, and advising top financial companies and government, so you benefit from their first-hand knowledge and acumen.

There are two main forms of teaching: lectures and tutorials, and these provide you with academic rigour and practical-skill building. Our faculty deliver most of the teaching, with additional contributions on some modules from industry practitioners and outside experts. Each module is designed to equip you both with discipline specific knowledge and in-depth insight of specific sectors of the industry.

Our modules are assessed by a mix of examination and coursework. The first year of your degree is designed to raise your knowledge and understanding so that you

are operating at degree level. The first year does not count towards your final degree classification, but must be passed in order to proceed. The second year of your degree programme contributes 25% of your final degree classification, and year three 75%.

Skill development A successful degree is not simply about what we teach you. It is also about the skills you leave with. Throughout the programme you will mix with employers and professional bodies at workshops.

We enrol you as a student member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the City of London’s most august finance and investment institute. With this membership you become immersed both into City culture and the high standards and integrity that come with being a member of the Institute. Membership provides you the opportunity to exchange ideas with other members to enrich your thinking.

Our three year honours programme in Accounting and Finance is designed for students wanting a career in the financial sector or in a financial role in industry or Government. This degree is a good route for a career as an accountant, auditor, tax specialist, financial analyst, fund manager, trader, broker or investment researcher.

Year 1 Year 2 Final Year oBasic Accounting o Quantitative Methods in Accounting and

Financeo Introduction to Finance and Management

Accountingo Business Organisation and Managemento Introduction to Economicso International Macroeconomics and Financial

Marketso Professional Skills o Elective module – 10 credits (module

outside the main discipline)

oTaxationo Auditing o Business Lawo Company Accounting and Accounting Theoryo Information Systems for Accountingo Corporate Financial Managemento Human Resource Managemento Introduction to Marketing Principleso Management Accounting

oExtended Essay oAdvanced Finance oAdvances Financial Accounting oAdvanced Management Accounting oAdvanced Accounting Theory and Policy

Optional modulesoEntrepreneurshipo Strategic Managemento International Corporate Governanceo Public Sector Accountingo Advanced Financial Statement Analysiso International Human Resource Managemento Marketing Ethicso Marketing Communicationso Comparative and International Taxationo Information Communication Technology

and Accountingo Financial Markets Regulationo Business to Business Marketingo Critical Analysis in Management

Programme structure

This programme is credit based and you will study 120 credits per year (60 credits per semester). Subjects are offered as either 10 or 20 credit modules. Modules are subject to change.


Skill development is integrated throughout the programme. This starts in your first year when you develop leadership and team building competences at the University’s outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District, and finishes in your final year when you undertake an extended essay. This is a sizeable project in which you ‘deep dive’ into an accounting or finance topic of your choice and perform research on it. Our one-to-one personal tutoring system guides you in producing high quality research so that in your future career you can conduct your own research or interpret that of others.

External accreditation and partnersThe accounting and finance department is one of a select few universities who have achieved the gold standard of recognition as a Centre of Excellence in finance teaching by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and as a School Leavers’ Programme partner of KPMG.

Professional exam exemptionOn successful completion of your degree, and depending on the options you take, you may apply for exemption from certain professional accounting and finance exams that you might otherwise be required to take to become qualified as a practitioner.

For accountancy exams, exemptions currently include 6 exam papers each from ICAEW and ACCA, and 9 from CIMA2

Within finance, we have embarked on a ground-breaking and currently unique initiative with the CISI. This brings the Retail Distribution Review complaint CISI Diploma in Investment Advice into our undergraduate degree. Students who take and pass our degree, plus the module on Financial Markets Regulation, whose exam students must sit externally3, can apply for exemption from the CISI Diploma in Investment Advice4.

The Investment Advice Diploma has been developed to provide employees who advise or deal in Securities or Derivatives, or that manage investments, with the knowledge and skills required for their job roles. It complies with the examination standards required by the Financial Services Authority

Examples of recent employers include the following companies:

p BTpDeloittep Enterprise Rent-a-Carp Ernst & Youngp FM Global (property insurance)p HM Revenue and Customsp HSBCp KPMGp L’Oreal UKp Lloyds TSBp PricewaterhouseCoopersp Royal Bank of Scotlandp The Carphone Warehouseand many more

I chose the University of Birmingham because it is a top ranking university with incredible employment prospects and sustained great performance in league tables. It is important to me that what I learn can be applied to a constantly changing business world. Birmingham focuses on keeping up to date with tax laws and audit and accounting standards and is taught by lecturers who have a lot of experience and passion for their subject area.

The skills and knowledge that I have gained have equipped me with a strong basis for a career in any area of business and not just accountancy. Employers such as the Big Four, banks and other financial institutions are always on campus to talk to students. It was these employer links that helped me

secure a place on the KPMG summer internship and now being offered a graduate position which I will start in September.

I am very proud to say I have studied at University of Birmingham and I would recommend the whole experience to anyone!

Student profile: Irenjit Parmar (BSc Accounting and Finance, graduated 2012)

(FSA) for those who work within retail area of financial services. Having an FSA approved practice-based qualification on graduation is a real head-start for the UK financial services workplace.

Students who pass our degree but choose not to take the elective module on Financial Markets Regulation can still apply to be exempt from all bar the regulatory module.

After graduationAll Business School undergraduates develop skills such as numeracy, analytical and problem solving, oral and written communication and business awareness. Accounting and Finance graduates, in most cases, enter roles related to their degree such as trainee accountant roles in professional practice, industry and the public sector, tax consultancy and banking. We maintain regular contact with firms of Chartered Accountants in Birmingham, which gives students the opportunity to develop personal links with members of the profession and undertake internships or other forms of work experience.

Students interested in this programme may also like to consider the BSc Money, Banking and Finance which is run by the department of Economics, also part of the College of Social Sciences. Please visit the following link for information on this coursewww.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/courses/undergraduate.aspx

2 ICAEW is the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. CIMA is the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. 3 The regulatory exam you sit externally is the CISI FSA Regulation and Professional Integrity. We provide the tuition. 4 http://www.siservices.co.uk/brochures/img_pdf/investment%20advice%20diploma.pdf


Key themes forbusiness-related programmes

The following Business programmes follow core themes: o BSc Business Management o BSc Business Management with Communications o BSc Business Management (Year in Industry) o BSc International Business o BSc International Business with Communications

The themes listed below run through our Business programmes and reflect the disciplines that can be found in the business world. They are: economics and the business environment, marketing, management, finance and professional development.

Economic and the Business EnvironmentThis theme is concerned with how business is shaped by the external environment. It looks at the impact of stakeholders and government. In particular, you will learn about the interface between business and the regulatory framework provided by government at national and international levels. As such, you will have the opportunity to study units in economics, law and government.

Marketing Our first year module gives students an overview of marketing as a philosophy and as a business function. In the second and final years these

concepts are developed in modules such as Consumer Behaviour, International Marketing, Services and Relationship Marketing, Marketing Ethics, Marketing Communications, Brand Marketing and Retailing. These modules have been developed to reflect the standards required by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and The Market Research Society and have input from the business world via well known organisation such as Biersdorf, Proctor and Gamble, Accenture and the retail and consumer data consultancy service SPSL.

ManagementThis theme starts with an introduction to how organisations work and then develop through options such as Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, International Business Management, Employee Relations, Strategic management, Critical Organisation Theory, project Management, Operations Management and Change Management.

FinanceBeginning with and Introduction to Financial reporting in your first year, you will go on to study modules in areas such as Managerial Finance and Business Accounting.

Professional Development and Research SkillsOn the research side, this compulsory theme addresses both quantitative and qualitative research methods, academic writing skills and critical analysis. The research training then culminates in the research dissertation. Working with a personal supervisor, students are able to undertake in-depth research on a topic of interest to them.

The professional development side of this theme focuses upon student employability, with students prepared for interviews and assessment centres.


Professional Development and Research SkillsOn the research side, this compulsory theme addresses both quantitative and qualitative research methods, academic writing skills and critical analysis. The research training then culminates in the research dissertation. Working with a personal supervisor, students are able to undertake in-depth research on a topic of interest to them.

The professional development side of this theme focuses upon student employability, with students prepared for interviews and assessment centres.

Examples of Occupations:Account Executive, Audit Assistant, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Marketing Executive, Recruitment Consultant, Trainee Accountant, International Manager, Graduate in Defence Industry, Logistics Trainee Manager, Trainee Patent Secretary, Website Coordinator, Research Analyst, Investment Bank Support Analyst Associate Buyer, Field Sales Executive Healthcare, Sales Executive, Analyst – tax, Assistant Brand Manager, Retail Manager, Sales Manager – sports manufacturing, Private Banking Executive, Entrepreneur/Company Director, Business Development Executive Digital Marketing Intern, General Management, Trainee PR Assistant, Operations Executive, Analyst Insurance Broking Graduate, Intern Commercial Real Estate.

Examples of Employers:Accenture, Barclays, BDO Stoy Hayward LLP, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton UK LLP, KPMG LLP, Lloyds TSB, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Molson Coors Brewing Company, ExxonMobil Group Reed Group, Birmingham City Council, BBC, Future Publishing Limited, Shell U.K. Limited, Asda Stores Ltd, We Are Birmingham, Babcock International Group, Marks & Spencer Plc, Adidas, Boots Group PLC, Capgemini, Marketing Communication Group, Co-operative Group Limited, CSP Financial Planning Ltd, 3 Monkeys Communications, Executive Headhunters Ltd, Nova Group, BIZZ Energy Stanmore, Telmar Communications.

Birmingham Business School Students Rise to Capgemini’s Exclusive Challenge In June 2012 our undergraduate students embarked on an entirely new and unique experience: the University and Capgemini Challenge. Global consultancy firm Capgemini is a top-flight graduate recruiter, based in 40 countries around the world. Choosing to work exclusively with the University of Birmingham, they created a second-to-none ‘Apprentice-style’ consultancy training experience for our students….

‘The week-long Community Challenge Programme was indeed a great success! Capgemini and the University of Birmingham worked shoulder-to-shoulder in making this happen and the result was truly outstanding. We ran this programme exclusively for the University of Birmingham, offering first and second year undergraduates from the Business School and Computer Science the opportunity to apply, from which we chose

the twenty five students who impressed us the most. So successful was it, that there is no question we will run this again next year!’ Billie Major, Vice President, Capgemini

Listen to the webcast at:www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/news/2012/june/students-rise-to-Capgeminis-exclusive-challenge.aspx

Examples of further study:ACA – Accountancy, ACCA – Accountancy, CIMA – Accountancy, Graduate Diploma in Law, MSc Audit and Management Consultancy, MSc Corporate Governance and Corporate Responsibility, MSc International Banking and Finance, MSc Management, MSc Marketing Communications, MSc Strategic Marketing.

Destinations of Business School GraduatesBusiness Management graduates enter a wide range of roles in business with marketing, accountancy, advertising, banking, recruitment consultancy and law being popular options. Although the majority of Business School undergraduates go on to roles in business, some have moved into other areas such as teaching, surveying and medicine. Some also use the entrepreneurship skills developed to start their own business. In addition to those studying for professional qualifications, a smaller number go on to study masters degrees in business or finance related subjects.


BSc (Hons) Business Management

The BSc Business Management equips you with the expertise needed to understand business and management on both a national and global scale. It is structured to reflect the changing world of business.

The programme combines academic theory with practical teaching on topics of interest and relevance to employers in a wide range of areas of business. We encourage you to share and exchange ideas in order to stimulate debate and promote discussion.

This is a broad based degree and you will graduate with a firm foundation for the world of work. One of the advantages of a Business Management degree is that it allows you to keep your options open. This is also something that employers find attractive.

Our aim is to develop the mind rather than simply to impart particular knowledge. Business practices come and go. Therefore, while the degree covers current ‘best practice’

it also focuses upon developing students’ critical and analytical skills. These skills are those most highly-prized by employers.

Programme structureThe first year is a compulsory foundation year and introduces key areas in the study of business. In the second and final years you begin to have some choice within the themes structure of the programme. The actual modules that are offered will change from time to time, as they are developed to reflect the ever changing world of business. In your final year, you will have the opportunity to take a work experience module in a Charity or Not for Profit organisation. The most up-to-date information can be found on the business school website www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/courses/undergraduate.aspx

Depending on the options that you choose, you may be able to gain partial exemptions from the examinations of professional bodies such as ICAEW, CIMA and ACCA. The exemptions available depend on the options chosen in your second and final years.

On April 13th 2012 at East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, the finals of the national TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards event was held where the Management Undergraduate of the Year Award went to Grace Gimson who is studying Business Management at Birmingham. The award was sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and, through a series

of online tests, application forms, interviews and assessment exercises, Grace emerged as winner. Enterprise only targeted a relatively small number of universities and so she beat off competition from other excellent students from a number of universities. This award was one of twelve presented on the day and each award was sponsored by a top graduate recruiter:

Deloitte, Barclays, Mars, Ernst & Young, Morgan Stanley, Laing O’Rourke, E.ON, EDF Energy, RBS, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, BT and Mayer Brown.

Grace collected the award from Michael Portillo (who hosted the awards) and Mike Nigro, Senior VP UK & Ireland Operations at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Student: Grace Gimson, BSc Business Management


Programme structure

Year 1 – Compulsory

Semester 1 Semester 2

Skills oAnalytical Techniques for Business and IT (10)oDeveloping Entrepreneurial Opportunities (10)

oAnalytical Techniques for Business and IT (10)oPersonal Skills (10)

Marketing oPrinciples of Marketing (10)

Management oOrganisation and Management (10)

Business Environment oEconomics for Business (10)oIntroduction to Business Strategy and SCM (10)

oEconomics for Business (10)oThe Firm and the Business Environment (10)oIntro to the Economy, Business and Government (10)

Finance oIntroduction to Financial Reporting (10)

Year 2 – Choice within themes


Skills (Core theme)

oFundamentals and Leadership (10) o Research Skills (10)

Marketing (choose 20 credits within theme)

oConsumer Behaviour (10)oInternational Marketing (10)

oService and Relationship Marketing (10)oPublic Relations (10)

Management (choose 20 credits within theme)

oEvent Management (10)oStrategy and Finance (10)oOperations Management (10)

oB2B Markets: Contracts, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (10)

oCritical Organisation Theory (10)oHuman Resource Management (10)oProject Management (10)

Business Environment (choose 20 credits within theme)

oIntermediate Business Economics (10)oIntermediate Business Economics and the

Macro-economy (10)oBusiness Law (10)oModels of Business (10)

oIntermediate Business Economics (10)oIntermediate Business Economics and the

Macro-economy (10)oBusiness Law (10)

Finance (Core theme) oBusiness Accounting (10) oManagerial Finance (10)

MOMD o- 10 credits o- 10 credits

Final Year – Choice within themes


Skills (Core theme)

oDissertation (10) o Dissertation (10)

Marketing oMarketing Ethics (10)oMarketing Communications (10)oBrand Marketing (10)

o B2B Marketing (10) o Retailing (10)

Management oEmployee Relations (10)oCritical Analysis in Management (10)oSmall Business and Entrepreneurship (10)oStrategic Management (10)oLeadership Development (10)

o International Business Management (10) o Critical Analysis in Management (10) o Small Business and Entrepreneurship (10) o Strategic Management (10) o Knowledge and Creative Economies (20) o International HRM (10) o Global Business Ethics (10) o Knowledge, Innovation and Global Business (10) o Change Management (10)

Economics and Business Development

oEconomics of Labour Markets (10)oAdvanced Business Economics (10)oRussian Economy (10)oEmployment and Business Development

and Policy in the EU (10)

o Economics of Labour Markets (10) o Advanced Business Economics (10) o Russian Economy (10) o Employment and Business Development and

Policy in the EU (10) o Economic Development Policy (20)

Finance oAdvanced Finance (10)oInternational Corporate Governance (10)

oAdvanced Finance (10)

Freestanding oService Learning (10) oService Learning (10)

MOMD o- 10 credits o - 10 credits

This programme is credit based and you will study 120 credits per year (60 credits per semester). A double module (20 credits) taught over two semesters cannot be split. Modules are subject to change.

Note: In final year, 20 credits compulsory dissertation, then free choice for remaining 100 credits. 20 of these credits can be MOMDs.

60 credits to be taken in each Semester.


BSc (Hons) Business Managementwith Communications

The growth of Social Media, Webcasting, and other tools of Public Relations are having a big impact on marketing activities of companies, so a new skills set is necessary for Business Management graduates with an interest in Communications and Marketing. In building knowledge alongside practical experience, we are able to satisfy today’s employer needs.

This three year degree programme addresses the communication and marketing requirements of today’s people-orientated businesses. Based on our successful BSc Business Management, this programme combines a broad-based, business degree with a strong communications and marketing theme.

The Communications, Marketing and Media dimensions of the programme emphasise the importance of inter-relationships in and between businesses and the communities they operate within. The growing number of communications channels used by business organisations, and the importance of business communication internally and externally are examined. The practical skills you will develop are underpinned by theoretical knowledge of corporate communications processes, enabling you to develop a critical awareness of business communication, image, behaviour and reputation.

To help develop your business communications abilities, you will use media and training facilities here on campus and elsewhere. Communications modules are taught in intensive workshops, allowing for small group teaching in addition to the normal lecture configuration. You will also study a wide range of business topics which form part of the Business Management programme, from marketing and economics to management and finance. You are therefore able to keep your options open and to demonstrate to employers that you have a broad understanding of business and a distinctive range of transferable communications skills.

The programme combines academic theory with practical teaching on topics of interest and current relevance, in a wide range of areas of business and organisations. You will gain an understanding of the academic theory which underpins modern businesses. Through this you will develop the critical thinking skills required when the world of work changes around you.

PlacementOne of the unique components of the Business Management with Communications programme is the opportunity of a two-week

Communications placement in the Marketing Department of a large company or organisation, with a PR agency or media organisation.The combination of both knowledge and practical skills assists personal development, improving confidence and self-awareness in readiness for a career in marketing, communications, business management, business policy, media, and public relations.

Programme structureThe programme is structured into themes. These themes reflect the disciplines that can be found in the business world, as well as, in communications, marketing or media. You will study modules in subject areas such as finance, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship and leadership. You will find these described on page 8.

The first year is a compulsory foundation year and introduces key areas in the study. You will develop basic communications skills based on key message delivery and grounded by a theoretical appreciation of media issues. You will also study Corporate Communications.In the second and final years you will have an element of choice within the themed structure of the programme. The modules offered will change from time to time, as they are developed to reflect the fast changing business environment. Core year 2 modules for Business Management with Communications students include public relations, event management and a hands-on study of internal and external communications.

In the final year the communications theme culminates with a dissertation on a business aspect of communications and a Marketing Communications or Media placement. A number of our students specialising in communications join graduate schemes in Marketing Communications, become Social Media Strategists, Public Relations Managers, or find their niche as a specialist in a growing number of communications channels.

The BSc Business Management with Communications programme will provide you with a unique set of skills and a distinct advantage in the graduate market. Indeed the

University of Birmingham is highly unusual not only in the UK but internationally, in being a premier research institution which also has global broadcasters and programme makers based on site, including a Sky News Bureau adjacent to the University’s own Media Centre.

The university attracted me beyond academic reasons. I was fascinated by the campus when I first came for the university open day: big, beautiful historical buildings while modern facilities provided – it is an ideal place for further study. You can get access to most of the facilities you need within the campus including banks, stationary, and a few restaurants, sports centre, etc. Besides, the library has one of the largest inventories of books and journals in UK. Also, we have over 100 societies to choose from in our leisure times and there are a lot of volunteering opportunities for students.

I chose Business Management with Communication because the course provides a wide range of knowledge and communication which is vital in businesses. In addition the placement module enhances our practical skills, preparing you for your future career. I have also learned many useful skills such as market research skills and webcast/podcast production. Such experiences were not only helpful, meeting the challenging demand, but also interesting and stimulating.

For me the three year of study at the University was so amazing and unforgettable experience.

Student profile: Yiyin Huang (BSc Business Management with Communication graduated 2012)


Programme structure



Comms. oKey Message Delivery (10)oCorporate Communications (10)

oKey Message Delivery (10)


o Analytical Techniques for Business and IT (10)oPersonal Skills (10)



Business Environment o The Firm and the Business Environment (10) o Introduction to Business Economics (10)

Finance o Introduction to Financial Reporting (10)

Year 2 – Choice within themes


Core Modules:

Comms. (Core theme) oInternal and External Communications (10)oEvent Management (10)

oInternal and External Communications (10)oPublic Relations (10)

Skills (Core theme) oFundamentals of Leadership (10) o Research Skills (10)

Finance (Core theme) o Business Accounting (10) oManagerial Finance (10)

Optional Modules: choose 20 credits in each semester from at least two themes

Marketing oConsumer Behaviour (10)oInternational Marketing (10)

oServices and Relationship Marketing (10)

Management oStrategy and Finance (10)oOperations Management (10)



Business Environment oIntermediate Business Economics (10)oBusiness Law (10)oModels of Business (10)

oIntermediate Business Economics (10)oBusiness Law (10)



Comms. (Core theme) oCommunications Placement (10) oCommunications Placement (10)

Skills (Core theme)

oPR or Media-related Dissertation (10) oPR or media-related Dissertation (10)

Optional Modules: chose 40 credits in each semester. If you do not secure a placement, you must take Marketing Communications and Brand Marketing. A maximum of 20 credits MOMDs allowed.


oB2B Marketing (10)oRetailing (10)


oInternational Business Management (10)oCritical Analysis in Management (10)oSmall Business and Entrepreneurship (10)oStrategic Management (10)oKnowledge and Creative Economies (20)oInternational HRM (10)oGlobal Business Ethics (10)oKnowledge, Innovation and Global Business (10)oChange Management (10)

Economics and the Business Development

oEconomics of Labour Markets (10)oAdvanced Business Economics (10)oRussian Economy (10)oEmployment and Business Development and Policy

in the EU (10)


in the EU (10)oEconomic Development Policy (20)

Finance oAdvanced Finance (10) oInternational Corporate Governance (10)







BSc (Hons) Business Management(Year in Industry)

Employers are looking for graduates who have both academic abilities and practical experience in a real business environment. This programme offers you the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of a range of business topics, combined with a year in industry putting into practice what you have learned.

Based on the successful BSc Business Management, you will spend three years studying disciplines that can be found in the business world such as finance, marketing and HRM. In addition to this you will undertake a professional development and research skills theme which will help you in the course of your academic work and put the study of business into context. For an outline of the study themes please see page 8.

What will I study?In the years you spend studying, you will follow the modules offered on the 3 year Business Management degree listed on page 11.

The Year in IndustryIn your second year you will work with our placement team and the Careers Office to identify placement opportunities for your third year. You will also attend workshops and courses on areas such as presentation skills and interview techniques to prepare you for

your placement year. The placement search will involve a lot of hard work, however many employers actively seek out our students and most students are placed in well paid and prestigious placements throughout the UK. Please note that your placement year is conditional upon an acceptable level of performance in first and second year exams (you will need at least a solid 2:2 average and at least 100 credits in the summer exams to be considered). You can choose to transfer to the three year programme if you decide not to do a placement.

The placement year itself will be spent working in an organisation in business area such as marketing, finance, human resources or general management. You will earn a salary in this year, typically around £15,000 although many students do earn more. Placements are available across the UK in companies such as BMW, Rolls-Royce, 3M, Aerosystems

International and Birmingham International Airport, Microsoft, IBM, L’Oreal, Accenture, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, Warner Bros, PwC, Capgemini Aspire, UBS Global Asset Management, Heinz, Shana Foods Ltd, Harrods, Marks & Spencer, Cooper Industries, Mars UK Ltd, Network Rail, GlaxoSmithKline, Enterprise Rent a Car and many more.

You will write a placement essay and reflective diary as part of your placement. 12.5% of your final year will be assessed through the work you do in this year.

At the end of your placement year you will have a better understanding of what employers are looking for, as well as an increased awareness of the area of work that you will eventually want to go in to. You will have valuable work experience and you may even be offered a job by your employer to be taken up after graduation.


Whilst looking at various universities I knew I wanted to attend a traditional campus university. The opportunity to complete a year in industry was also important to me. The University of Birmingham met both of my criteria; with its redbrick campus and the Business School’s reputation and links with industry.

A year in industry provides a unique experience which leads to a competitive edge in the graduate market-place. My year in industry was based with a leading FMCG company where I gained real responsibility from the start and significant industry insight.

On returning to university for my final year, I could relate the theory to business practice which aided my understanding and learning. After building good relations with my placement year company I was able to

return to them to conduct interviews for my dissertation. This led to a unique dissertation on a real business problem.

The Guild of Students offers a vast variety of societies, from sport to volunteering. I was involved with an international volunteering society which led to a summer project in Nepal. Being involved in societies not only allows you to meet new people and gain fantastic experiences but also gives you topics and examples to talk about in interviews with prospective employers.

I would definitely recommend the placement year programme at the University of Birmingham as this significantly improved my business understanding. I also believe my placement year and society involvement were key factors in subsequently obtaining a graduate scheme.

Student Profile: Rachel Buckley (BSc Business Management with Year in Industry, graduated 2012)


BSc (Hons) International Business and BSc International Business with Communications

Today’s business is increasingly global in scope. There aredistinct advantages in combining knowledge of modernbusiness with the experience of another culture.

Your year abroad is conditional upon an acceptable level of performance in firstand second year exams (you will need at least a solid 2:2 average and at least 100 credits in the summer exams to be considered). You can choose to transfer to the three year programme if you decide not to spend your third year overseas.

Where will I study?You will have the opportunity to study at oneof our partner institutions, all of which arehighly regarded. As the number of placesat each institution varies from year to year,you’ll need to be flexible about where you go.There are many advantages of choosing togo to a country outside your cultural comfortzone, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Mexico.

A number of organisations are involved in these overseas exchanges, from the EU’s Socrates-Erasmus scheme (www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus) to the prestigious Universitas21 programme, of which the University is a member(www.universitas21.com).

These programmes will appeal to you if you’reconsidering a future career in internationalmanagement, but don’t want to study a language to degree level. The four yearprogrammes equip you with the expertiseneeded to understand business on botha national and a global scale. They arestructured to reflect the changing worldof business, providing you with a firmfoundation for the world of work.

What will I study?In the years you spend in Birmingham,you will follow the core modules offered onthe 3 year Business Management degree(for BSc International Business) or theBusiness Management with Communicationsdegree (for BSc International Business withCommunications), but will specialise inoptions that have an international focus.You will also be prepared for your yearoverseas. For details of modules pleasesee pages 11 and 13 respectively.

Year abroadAfter two years in Birmingham you normallyspend your third year abroad at one of ourpartner institutions. The exact subjects youstudy will depend on where you go but arecompatible with the Business Managementand the Business Management withCommunications degrees.

Many students will choose to study in countries where English is the spokenlanguage, but some of our European partnersalso offer programmes in English. There aretherefore opportunities to continue to studya language you have already taken at GCSEor AS Level, or even to start a new language.

The year overseas gives you the opportunityto develop an improved understanding ofbusiness and management in another country.You will have to pass the exams set in the hostinstitution but the overall assessment will becarried out by the Business School.

You can also choose a work placementoverseas rather than opting to study in a University. You will work for around 8 months and are assessed by work you complete for the University.

Can I transfer between the three yearand the four year programmes?If you apply for the International Businessdegree you’ll automatically be considered for our Business Management degree and Year in Industry, so there’s no need to list both on your UCAS form. Similarly, if you apply for International Business with Communications you’ll automatically be considered for the Business Management with Communications degree.


The first time I visited the University of Birmingham I knew it was where I wanted to study. I was in awe of the beautiful campus, the world class facilities and the vibrant atmosphere. I chose to study International Business as the course gave an overview of the business world as well as allowing for specialisation in the final two years. As part of my degree I was fortunate enough to spend a year living and studying in Guadalajara, Mexico. Living abroad added a further dimension to my time at university and is something I would strongly recommend.

However, university is so much more than purely academia, it is a place which truly allows you to grow and develop as an individual. The opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities are endless. Within 3 months I was working for the Guild of Students, had started a new sport and I was on the committee of my hall of residence helping manage a budget of over £70,000!

As part of my final year, I took an entrepreneurship module which further motivated me to set up my own company. This resulted in the launch of ‘Nopales’ a Mexican food company serving fast, fresh,

healthy Mexican food. Nopales is currently operational on university campus, 5 days a week and seeking expansion.

My four years in higher education (3 in Birmingham, 1 in Mexico) have been truly amazing and an experience which has allowed me to recognize my potential. I look forward to using all the skills I have learnt on my course developing and expanding my business.

BSc Business and American Studies, UCAS code NT17If you are particularly interested in going on a business internship to the USA as part of your Year Abroad, you may be interested in applying for the BSc Business and American Studies programme. We work in partnership with the department of American and Canadian studies to offer this degree. The programme covers study of the Business environment and the history, politics and cultures of the United States. The course provides you with an opportunity to study American business culture first hand, as your year abroad is spent completing an eight-month internship (a work placement) for a company in the United States. For more information about this course, please visit the American and Canadian Department website at www.uscanada.bham.ac.uk. The specific link to the BSc Business and American Studies can be found at www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/ edacs/departments/acs/undergraduate/index.aspx

Student profile: Timothy Stillwell (BSc International Business, graduated 2011)

China campus, one of the many possibilities for your year overseas

We have partner institutions in the following countries that you can attend on your year broad:

o US o Canada o Italy o France o Germany o Ireland o Hong Kong o Singapore o Mexico o Australia o New Zealand

o Korea o China o Japan o Austria o Denmark o Portugal o Spain o Sweden o Argentina o Brazil o Mexico


BSc (Hons) InternationalBusiness with Language

Today’s business is increasingly international in scope.Whether in Europe or in the world at large, there areenormous advantages in combining knowledge of modernbusiness with the expressive power of a foreign language.

is the only way in which you can truly becomefluent in a language. Please note that your year abroad is conditional upon a good performance in the first and second year exams (normally a 2:1 average and at least 100 credits in the summer exams).

If you are studying a European languageyou will normally go to a European universitywithin the Erasmus-Socrates exchangescheme. You’ll benefit from the prestigethat this scheme carries, as well as from thefinancial support given. For more informationon this scheme go to www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus. Students of Spanish may choose to study in Mexico. You also have the opportunity to work in a foreign company during your year abroad and the Erasmus-Socrates scheme alsooffers support for work placements.

Choosing to study Japanese, Russian or Mandarin Chinese means that you spend your year overseas at a University in that country.

This four year programme combinesmodules from our successful BSc BusinessManagement degree with the study of French,German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Russianor Mandarin Chinese. You do not need anyprior knowledge of business studies, and theprogrammes are designed for students ofall academic backgrounds. You will normallyneed an A2 level in a foreign language,though an AS or GCSE in a foreignlanguage can sometimes be considered.

The International Business with Languagedegree equips you with the expertise neededto understand business on both a nationaland a global scale. It is structured to reflectthe changing world of business, providing you with a firm foundation for the world of work as well as necessary academic theory and research skills. The options available to you in this degree mean that you can tailor part of the programme to meet your individual preferences whilst still keeping the breadth of study.

This is a broad-based degree giving aninsight into the modern world of internationalbusiness and management. The programmecombines academic theory with practicalteaching on topics of interest and relevanceto employers in a wide range of areas of business and the professions.

Your first and second years will comprisetwo-thirds of business studies and one-thirdof language study; in your fourth year this willchange to eighty percent business studies

and twenty percent language study, withthe option of extending this to forty percentlanguage study if you so wish.

The first year of your degree lays afoundation for the study of business.Modules cover Principles of Marketing, Understanding Organisation, Introduction to Business Economics, Introduction to Financial Reporting , General Principles of English Law, Personal Skills and Analytical Techniques for Business and IT. The key themes are outlined on page 8. In years two and four you begin to have some choice within the programme themes.

You will spend your third year abroad, withthe main objective of becoming fluent inyour chosen language. You will usuallystudy business, but may also opt to workin a foreign company. Some of our partnersoffer work experience study modules.

The year abroadThis year is vital to the development of yourlanguage. An extended period spent abroad

Here are some of the universities that our students go to or have been to in the past:Spain o Universidad Pontifica Comillas, Madrid o Universidad de Granada o Universitat de Barcelona o Universidad de Alcalá de Henares o Etea, Cordoba

Mexico o Tecnológico de Monterrey o Tecnologico de Monterrey, Gualalajara

Italy o Università Commerciale L Bocconi, Milan o Università degli Studi di Firenze

France o Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 o École Supérieure de Commerce

de Montpellier o École de Management, Grenoble o École Supérieure de Commerce de Clermont Ferrand

o EDHEC Business School, Lille o Université Robert Schuman, IECS Strasbourg o ESC Rennes

China o Fudan University o University of Nottingham, Ningbo

Japan o Hitosobashi University o Kansai University o Kobe University

Germany o Universität Munchen o Bergische Universität Gesamthochschule Wuppertal o Universität Regensburg

Austria o Universität WienPlease note that this list is subject to change


Programme structure



Language oLanguage (20) oLanguage (20)


o Analytical Techniques for Business and IT (10) oPersonal Skills (10)



Business Environment oIntroduction to Business Economics (10)

Finance oIntroduction to Financial Reporting (10)

Year 2 – Choice within themes Year 3


Y e a r

a b r o a d

Core Modules:

Language (Core theme) oLanguage (20) oLanguage (20)

Skills (Core theme) oFundamentals and Leadership (10) o Research Skills (10)

Finance (Core theme) oBusiness Accounting (10) oManagerial Finance (10)

Optional Modules: choose 20 credits in each semester from at least two themes

Marketing oConsumer Behaviour (10)oInternational Marketing (10)

oServices and Relationship Marketing (10)oPublic Relations (10)

Management oEvent Management (10) oStrategy and Finance (10) oOperations Management (10)



Business Environment oIntermediate Business Economics (10) oBusiness Law (10) oModels of Business (10)

oIntermediate Business Economics (10)oBusiness Law (10)



Language(Core theme)

oLanguage (10) oLanguage (10)

Skills (Core theme)

oDissertation (10) o Dissertation (10)


oB2B Marketing (10)oRetailing (10)


oInternational Business Management (10)oCritical Analysis in Management (10)oSmall Business and Entrepreneurship (10)oStrategic Management (10)oKnowledge and Creative Economies (20)oInternational HRM (10)oGlobal Business Ethics (10)oKnowledge, Innovation and Global Business (10)oChange Management (10)

Economics and Business Development


in the EU (10)

oEconomics of Labour Markets (10)oAdvanced Business Economics (10)oRussian Economy (10)oEmployment and Business Development and Policy in

the EU (10)oEconomic Development Policy (20)

Language oLanguage Project (10) oLanguage Project (10)

Finance oAdvanced Finance (10)oInternational Corporate Governance (10)






Note: In final year, 20 credits compulsory dissertation and 20 credits of compulsory language modules, then free choice for remaining 80 credits. 20 of these credits can be MOMDs.


Programmes with a Business minor

Business is multidisciplinary in nature. There are enormousadvantages in combining knowledge of modern businesswith either science, law, engineering or modern languages.

LLB Bachelor of Laws: Law with BusinessManagement UCAS Code MN11There are many close connections betweenthe law and modern business enterprise.Lawyers acting for commercial clients canbenefit from an understanding of organisations, their management and the way they structuretheir activities. Similarly, people in businesscan benefit from a sound knowledge of thelaw, particularly of the areas that affectindustry and commerce.

This popular programme gives you a thoroughgrounding in the law and the disciplines andconstraints it imposes on business practice.You will study alongside students on our BSc Business Management programme.

The Business programme gives you a firmgrounding in industrial economics, marketing,development, organisation and management,systems, finance and accounting. You willalso be able to choose from a selectionfor specialist modules including, humanresource management, change and qualitymanagement, brand management andentrepreneurship and enterprise.

The Business School delivers variousprogrammes in partnership with otherdepartments of the University. Onethird of your degree will be in businessmanagement. You will be based withthe School which runs your Major.

Science and Engineering programmeswith Business ManagementIn a world which relies on science-basedindustry there is clearly a need for graduateswith the knowledge and skills of theprofessional scientist combined with a goodunderstanding of the nature and organisation

of the business world. The business partof the course will give you a firm groundingin business strategy, marketing, businessdevelopment, organisation and managementsystems, finance, accounting and essentialaspects of entrepreneurship and enterprise.You learn through lectures, workshops andcase studies, culminating in a major businessproject. Programmes currently on offer arelisted on page 21.

Modules covered for Business minor:

Year 1Introduction to Financial AnalysisBusiness Organisation and ManagementIntroduction to EconomicsInternational Economy

Year 2Introduction to MarketingFinancial Decision MakingHuman Resource ManagementGlobal Marketing

Year 3Strategic ManagementSupply Chain ManagementCorporate Finance

Year 4 International and Industrial EconomicsSmall Business and Entrepreneurship (for Physics students)

When I visited the University of Birmingham on a sunny day in June I knew immediately that it was the place I wanted to be. Its beautiful red brick buildings reflected history and tradition and the choice of societies at the Guild of Students was truly extensive. I was excited by the opportunities that lay ahead within this well-equipped and prosperous Business School.

For me, the Birmingham Business School has provided a thorough grounding in all domains whilst also giving me the opportunity to specialise in certain areas of business through module choice. You are assigned a personal tutor who is there to advise and guide you; however you are the one responsible for your learning. At Birmingham you are not spoon fed and it is a learning experience in more ways than one. Not only do you obtain a degree, you also learn how to become organised, independent and hardworking.

A great experience and opportunity within the BSc International Business and French degree programme has been the third year abroad where I studied in France which I highly recommend. Learning another culture, increasing awareness of business on an international scale and gaining the ability to

speak another language are going to be a big advantage when graduating and looking for a job.

During my time at UoB, I have actively joined many societies, including being the treasurer of the French Society. For anyone studying business I would highly recommend joining SIFE (Student In Free Enterprise), a society that sets up business projects for worthy and charitable causes. There are SIFE societies at universities throughout the UK and in April they hold a national competition at Canary Wharf. I have developed my professional skills, done things I’d never thought I’d do and made so many friends outside my course. As is often said, you need more than a degree to get a job and therefore I hugely encourage everyone to join a society.

Student Profile: Megan Bowen (final year BSc International Business with French)


Programmes with Business Minor

UCAS code ProgrammeG1N2 BSc/MSci Mathematics with Business Management

F1N1 BSc/MSci Chemistry with Business Management

F3N1/F3NC BSc/MSci Physics with Business Management

H2NC BEng/MEng Civil Engineering with Business Management

J5NC BEng/MEng Material Science and Engineering with Business Management

G4N1 BEng/MEng Computer Science with Business Management

H8ND BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering with Business Management

HN61 BEng/MEng Electronic Engineering with Business Management

G9NC BEng/MEng Computer Interactive Systems with Business Management

H1NC BEng/MEng Computer Systems Engineering with Business Management

H640 BEng/MEng Communications Systems Engineering with Business Management

R9N1 BA Modern Languages with Business Management

NT17 BSc Business and American Studies

Originally from France, studying at the University of Birmingham has been an incredible opportunity for me. Its grandiose campus, diverse student population, extended choice of extracurricular activities and dedicated academic body have enhanced my student experience. A degree at Birmingham is much more than an academic preparation; it means living your life to its fullest and becoming a well-rounded individual.

The BSc International Business with Language is the perfect combination for students desirous to mix inspiring business modules, ranging from Marketing to Finance to Strategic Management, with the study of a language at beginner or intermediate level. The international focus is enriched by the year spent abroad between our second and fourth years. I chose to go to the ITESM campus in Guadalajara, Mexico where I took classes with local students for the first five months and completed an internship as HR Assistant at Deloitte for the next three months. Being one of the best universities in Mexico, ITESM’s excellence in teaching and professional development prepared me well for my future life. After my internship, I spent a couple of months travelling around the country unravelling the mysteries of ancient indigenous cultures and marvelling

at magnificent landscapes. The year abroad is definitely a wonderful learning and discovery experience I would recommend to everybody!

Back in Birmingham, my time was equally well spent. Nurturing a passion for Latin dances I became President of the University Salsa Club by the end of my first year, an incredibly demanding but rewarding position. I also made like-minded friends through the Photography and Mexican Societies. And finally, because a healthy mind goes with a healthy body, I joined the volleyball and badminton clubs. At Birmingham, the offer of sporting and leisure activities is such that all taste will be satisfied and if your passion does not have its society yet you can create it!

Today, my time at Birmingham has come to an end and I feel complete; filled with remarkable knowledge, surrounded by life-long friends and full of hopes, dreams and projects for the future.

Student Profile: Karen Bihouise (BSc International Business with Spanish, graduated 2012)BA Modern Languages with Business,UCAS code R9N1This flexible course has been designed forthose who want to combine the study ofone or two modern languages with BusinessStudies as a Minor subject comprisingapproximately one-third of the programme.In the first year, all students will study twolanguages alongside the study of businessmanagement skills. We offer French, Spanish,German, Italian, Japanese and MandarinChinese. Where a language is taken as abeginner, the first year will focus entirely onpractical language work. Languages takenpost-A level will combine one languagemodule with an optional module in thepolitics, literature, culture or history ofthe country chosen. Business modulesinclude Introduction to Financial Analysisand Introduction to Economics. You canchoose to specialise in one language in yoursecond and fourth year, or continue with twolanguages throughout your degree, as wellas continuing to study your minor in BusinessManagement. Your third year is spent abroad,usually studying at a University, though itis sometimes possible to arrange a workplacement overseas. Advanced study ofone or two languages, along with groundingin international business management, provesa very attractive proposition to employers.You will be able to offer linguistic expertisewith sophisticated analytical and communication skills.

For more information about this course,please email the department [email protected]


Department of Economics

There is no decision, public or private, personal or social, local or global, that will not benefit from the perspective of the economist. Economics teaching and research have a long tradition at Birmingham, dating back to the establishment of the Faculty of Commerce in 1903.

The modern department has about forty academic staff members with a wide range of research interests in areas such as applied economics, economic theory, econometrics, environmental economics, finance and trade.

The department offers a variety of undergraduate programmes and has an active graduate school involving research students and postgraduates on taught courses. The department received a score of 23 out of 24 for the quality of its teaching in the QAA Subject Review (2001).

ResearchThe 2008 Research Assessment Exercise found that 65% of our research (practically two-thirds) is world-leading or internationally excellent, placing us in the top 20 UK economics departments on this measure.

UndergraduatesWhy Study Economics at Birmingham?Studying Economics at Birmingham gives you an exciting opportunity to explore and understand some of the increasingly prominent economic issues affecting political and current affairs in the 21st century.

For most students the desire to understand such issues is the primary reason for studying Economics. Economics is an intellectually challenging discipline because of the complex and constantly changing environment to which it relates.

Doing an Economics degree provides you with a range of skills that will be useful to you in your future career and, more generally, for life. Economics is the study of problems that arise because resources are scarce. If they weren’t any scarce resources we would all be able to have as much of everything that we desired. Unfortunately we do not live in such a world and hence questions about resource allocation become paramount to understanding the way we live and how societies are organised.

As you learn about Economics you will begin to understand why prices go up and down, the reason for economic growth and how it is related to individual well-being, why trading between Economies can make everyone better off, and why policy-makers need to intervene to make sure that markets do not give undesirable solutions such as polluting the environment or giving producers the opportunity to exploit market power. However, despite recognising the limitations of markets, economists tend to think that markets are a good way to organise the allocation of resources and much theory is devoted to demonstrating this.

Beyond acquiring skills as an economist you will also develop skills that are generally useful. For example in putting emphasis on private study we are ensuring that you will understand how to learn about a topic and by writing essays you will develop the skills to report

on the outcome of your research. Economics also uses quantitative techniques and hence you will develop skills in using mathematics to understand how to frame problems formally and how to solve them. Furthermore, the application of statistics to data allows an evaluation of economic theories and provides predictions of what will happen in the future. We also give you the opportunity to do some group work.

‘Economics provides you with a mental toolkit; you select what you need, when you need it to do the job’.

Undergraduate Programmes oBSc Economics oBSc Economics with Language oBSc Money, Banking and Finance oBSc Money, Banking and Finance with Language oBSc Mathematical Economics and Statistics oJoint Honours Programmes

To find out more about Economics Undergraduate Programmes at Birmingham Business School Contact:Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 2929 Email: [email protected]

Or visit the website www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/departments/economics/index.aspx


Welcome to your alumni network!

Your connections to Birmingham do not end when you graduate. You automatically become a lifelong member of our global alumni community!

Birmingham Business School’s alumni relations programme offers a wide range of opportunities for you to maintain a relationship with the School and your fellow alumni. We offer a programme of exclusive services including high quality publications and a full calendar of special events:

Networking and Professional Development OpportunitiesWe host a range of events around the world for alumni to make new business contacts, reminisce about experiences at Birmingham and reconnect with old lecturers and classmates.

Skill development Guest lectures are a great opportunity for alumni to brush up their presentation skills and lend their professional expertise to our teaching. Alternatively, alumni have the opportunity to develop their coaching or mentoring skills by participating in one of our careers events or working with students one-to-one.

Latest NewsAlumni of the Business School receive Bitesize, our monthly alumni e-newsletter, which features exclusive news from the School as well as news highlights from across the University. In 2010 we also published our first edition of Your Network, our new annual newsletter for Birmingham Business School alumni.

Alumni ProfilesAlumni career profiles help Birmingham Business School illustrate the high caliber of students we teach and highlight the career achievements possible with a Birmingham qualification.

For more information about Birmingham Business School or the alumni relations programme, please visit our website www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/alumni/index2.aspx or contact us at [email protected]

Marc Stone graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accountancy from the University of Birmingham (UoB) in 1994. He is currently the Managing Director of his own company, Stone Consulting Ltd which provides executive interim management and consulting services for blue chip companies. As well as sitting on the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) board, he is also a board member for the Chamber of Commerce Executive Club in Birmingham. We recently caught up with Marc to find out the impact his university experience is having on his life and career.

‘After graduation, I secured a position with Lucas Aerospace on their graduate programme. After a great grounding in the manufacturing environment, I felt that it was the right time to widen my experience in other sectors. During the next nine years I worked in industries as diverse as logistics, airline, insurance, private healthcare and my favourite by far…. the brewing industry! After working in challenging environments during my career and at times wrestling with ethical and moral challenges, I decided to start my own company in order to give a trusted and independent service to ensure my clients got the right advice’

Mark Fairbrother graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham (UoB) in 2001. He is currently employed as the Head of Finance at Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham, United Kingdom, a business with a turnover of £92 million, which employs 1716 staff. Among his many responsibilities, Mark is accountable for financial reporting and he works with directors in the financial side of player transactions. He also manages the relationship with between the bank and the tax office and assists the commercial team in the negotiation of new sponsors. We recently caught up with Mark to find out how his time at the UoB has impacted his career since he graduated: ‘After graduation, I joined Pricewaterhouse-Coopers on their graduate training programme within their assurance practice in Birmingham,’ Mark begins. ‘Once I completed my chartered accountancy professional qualification in 2004, I looked after a number of large scale regional clients and particularly focussed on clients within the financial services industry. I was also part of the UK and Indian training tutor programme. In 2008, I secured my job as Financial Controller with Aston Villa; working for a football club is a fantastic experience as the job is extremely varied because there are so many business operations within the organisation’

Gary Harper graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics from the University of Birmingham (UoB) in 2011. Originally from the Isle of Man, he is currently employed as a Trainee Analyst with the Bank of England in London, United Kingdom where he is involved in analysing data, understanding how the information impacts on wider policy issues at the Bank and supporting the bank’s wider objective of delivering monetary and financial stability. We recently caught up with Gary to find out the impact his university experience is having on his life and career.

‘After graduation, I secured my training contract as a Trainee Analyst with the Bank of England; it was vital to my job that I had an understanding of complex economic theories and problems. Through studying my BSc, I gained the essential skills of brevity and clarity, skills which are appreciated by employers and contributed to my success in obtaining my current role’


Entry requirements

All candidates must apply through the Universities andColleges Admissions Services (UCAS). Visit www.ucas.ac.ukfor more information.

If you are in doubt please contact the Admissions Officer (see details below) who will be glad to advise you. If we make you an offer of a place we will take into account the qualifications you already have and then set out clearly any subjects and grades which are a condition of our offer.

Applicants should be aware that there is no such thing as a standard offer. Every offer is made according to individual circumstances and typically takes into consideration: academic qualifications, subject choice, predicted grades, reference and personal statement.

Normal entry requirements are:

Accounting and Finance:

A Levels offered Grades required

Three A2 Levels AAB

Required subjects and grades: GCSE Mathematics at grade B if not offered at AS or A2 level; GCSE English grade C if not offered at AS or A2 level.

Students will be expected to have knowledge of algebra, sketch graphs, functions and relations, in addition to arithmetical and grammatical ability. Whilst basic knowledge of calculus and statistics would be an advantage, it is not essential.

General Studies and Critical Thinking: not accepted

We also accept International Baccalaureate (34-36 points), BTEC (D*DD) and some other qualifications.

Business Management programmes:

A Levels offered Grades required

Three A2 Levels AAB

Required subjects and grades: GCSE Mathematics at grade B if not offered at AS or A2 level; GCSE English grade B if not offered at AS or A2 level.

Students will be expected to have knowledge of algebra, sketch graphs, functions and relations, in addition to arithmetical and grammatical ability. Whilst basic knowledge of calculus and statistics would be an advantage, it is not essential.

General Studies and Critical Thinking: not accepted

We also accept International Baccalaureate (36-38 points), BTEC (D*DD) and some other qualifications.

If you have achieved less than this, we can make an offer if you show that you are planning to retake examination(s), and any offer will usually be subject to achieving the required grades.

For the BSc International Business with Language you would normally need a B at A2 level in your chosen language. If you have not studied this language previously, you will need to prove some language competence (usually by having an AS or GCSE in another foreign language). Applicants who choose the French option, however, must have a B in A level French and applicants who choose the Spanish option must have a B in A Level Spanish (this is because French and Spanish cannot be taken at Beginners level).

International studentsIf your first language is not English, you will need:oInternet-based TOEFL, 93 overall with no

less than 20 in any band; or oIELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in

each band)

UCAS code ProgrammeN400 BSc Accounting and Finance

N200 BSc Business Management

N201 BSc Business Management (Year in Industry)

N120 BSc International Business

N190 BSc Business Management with Communications

NP19 BSc International Business with Communications

N1R9 BSc International Business with Language

Learn more

Birmingham Business SchoolUniversity HouseUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2TT

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2929Fax: +44 (0)121 414 6707

Email:For Accounting and [email protected]

For Business Management and related [email protected]

website: www.business.bham.ac.uk

Copies of the University Prospectus are obtainable online at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/index.aspx

Open DaysFor upcoming University Open Days please see this website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx


Teaching and student support

Many employers visit the Business Schoolto run seminars for our students. Companiessuch as Procter and Gamble, BP, Deloitteand L’Oreal see these sessions as anopportunity to look for suitable candidatesfor their summer internship programmesand graduate training schemes.

The University’s Careers Centre providesa wide range of services and support tohelp students achieve their career goals.This includes workshops and one to oneadvice on applications, interviews andbusiness skills. They organise events givingstudents the opportunity to meet leadinggraduate employers; for example the Finance,Consultancy and Professional Services Fairand Work Experience Fair. Sector specificevents also take place in areas such asmedia, public sector and law. For moreinformation on the Careers Centre goto: www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers

Lectures and classesLectures are the main form of instruction,however in some modules, lectures aresupplemented with classes in order to allowstudents to meet with a tutor in small groupsand further their understanding of the materialcovered in lectures. Students will have theopportunity to work in groups and makepresentations – both of which are skillsthat are highly valued by employers.

The timetable for lectures and classes willcover around 15 hours a week, allowing timefor you to do your own reading and learning.

TutorsYou will be allocated a personal tutor who is a member of the academic staff. They takean interest in your general well-being andacademic progress and meet you on a regularbasis either individually or in a small groupthroughout the year.

Assessment and examsYou are assessed through a combinationof course work and exams. The course worktakes a variety of forms, including reports,essays, group presentations, class essaysand computer assignments.

Exams are held in May/June. You mustachieve satisfactory results to proceed tothe next year. Your final degree is based onmarks gained in the second and third yearsand credits which you build up throughoutthe whole programme.

Library resourcesThe University Library houses over 2.5 million volumes and boasts extensive data retrieval services. The Library offers a range of valuable services to help you during your degree programme – including library-training sessions, subject guides and database skills. Students have access to Elibrary, a vast online collection of text books which can be accessed free of charge and from anywhere.

IT facilitiesThe Business School has a number ofPC clusters with wireless connectivity anddata projection. We use a virtual learningenvironment to support our teaching andlearning. This online system, which canbe accessed from any internet-connectedcomputer, is used to provide electroniccopies of lecture materials, links to onlineresources, multiple choice quizzes anddiscussion areas. It is also used for a rangeof administrative tasks such as onlinesubmission of assignments and the provision of, programme news.

CareersOur business degrees are highly regardedby employers and our graduates are verysuccessful in the job market. Companiessuch as PwC, Cadburys, L’Oreal, and Unileverhave recently recruited our graduates.

There is no single type of business that ourstudents go in to. The nature of the degreeis such that you will be prepared for andcapable of adapting to a diverse range ofjobs. Examples include advertising, banking,law, accounting, marketing, managementconsulting, telecommunications, personneland distribution.


The Campus and its facilities

The campus is spacious and inviting, withlarge lawns, trees and a lake. Its architectureis varied, from the grand traditional Victorianredbrick buildings of the Great Hall, to thecutting edge newly built extension to theBusiness School. Although so close toall that a large modern city has to offer,Birmingham is a campus university withpractically all its academic buildings ona single self-contained site.

In addition to the academic buildings, thecampus contains several restaurants, travelagencies, banks, a bookshop, supermarketsand a stationery shop. The Barber Institutehouses a concert hall and has an internationallyfamous collection of paintings. There is a largemedical and dental centre on campus. Muchof the student accommodation is no morethan a kilometre from the Business School,and there is even a railway station on campus.The University has all the facilities onewould expect as a top UK provider of HigherEducation. The University Library houseswell over one and a half million volumesand extensive data retrieval and computingfacilities are also available.

Sporting facilities are excellent. The campuscomplex includes sports halls, gymnasia, aswimming pool, saunas and fitness rooms.Also on campus are a modern running track,utilising the latest surfacing technology, andgames pitches offering high quality artificialsurfaces. The range of activities pursued iscomprehensive with expert tuition available.A further seventy acres of playing fields areset around a clubhouse about six kilometresaway on the southern edge of the city. TheUniversity also has its own outdoor activitycentre situated on the side of Lake Conistonin the Lake District and the Business School includes visits to the centre on some of its courses as part of its management training.

Located in 234 acres of parkland, and only 3 miles south of the city centre, The University of Birmingham is an impressive location for learning. A modern and forward thinking institution, with a proud history, Birmingham is an informed choice for your study.

The hub of undergraduate student lifeis the Guild of Students, Birmingham’sStudents’ Union. There are over 150 clubsand societies hosted by the Guild andyou can also get involved in our studentradio station, BURN FM, or the studentnewspaper Redbrick.

Further information about the University,student life, facilities for international studentsand the city of Birmingham can be found inthe University prospectus or on our websitewww.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx


The City of Birmingham

As Britain’s second city, Birmingham is an exciting, bustling, vibrant hub and ideally placed for your choice of study. It is the largest centre for creative and financial districts outside London.

The city of Birmingham is known for itshistorical manufacturing and commercialindustries, holding established links withboth the rest of the UK and worldwide.The city generates more wealth thanGlasgow, Manchester and Leeds andmanufacturing in Birmingham accountsfor 25% of British exports. Half of all thejewellery sold in the UK is madein Birmingham.

Over £9 billion of investment in the cityover the last 2 decades has seen a growthin new business, as well as developmentsincluding lively canal side bars and restaurants,and cutting edge architecture. The shoppingcentre is famed for its iconic Selfridges building.

Recently named as one of the most culturalcities in the UK, almost 30% of Birmingham’spopulation are from different cultures andraces. The city has an array of differentexperiences for you to enjoy while you arestudying here. From arts galleries to small,independent restaurants offering a range ofauthentic cuisine. The city’s annual St Patrick’sDay parade is the third largest in the worldafter Dublin and New York. Birminghamalso hosts the largest Vaisakhi celebrationsoutside Asia. Birmingham’s Symphony Hallis considered one of the most acousticallyperfect venues in the world, using 2,000rubber ‘shock absorbers’ to shield thehall from external vibrations.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of peoplevisit the National Exhibition Centre, nearBirmingham International Airport, for thesporting events, concerts and exhibitionsheld there.

Birmingham is a cosmopolitan city,containing a rich mixture of people fromall backgrounds. Facilities for shoppingand recreation therefore offer considerablechoice with modern shopping mallscomplementing the diverse offeringsof the local shops and markets.The city has an enviable location as ithas highly convenient access by rail, road,and air, to the rest of the country and fromthe International Airport to Europe and theworld. Stratford-upon-Avon is only 35kilometres away from Birmingham andsome of the most attractive countryside inBritain, the Cotswolds and the Peak District,are only a one hour journey away and theWelsh border is also within easy reach.

www.birmingham.ac.ukThis brochure was written several months in advance of the startof the academic year. It is intended to provide prospective studentswith a general picture of the programmes and courses offered by theSchool. Please note that not all programmes or all courses are offeredevery year. Also, because our research is constantly exploring new areasand directions of study some courses may be dropped and new ones offered in their place.

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Birmingham Business School, University House,

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham,

B15 2TT. United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6225

Fax: +44 (0)121 414 6981

Email: [email protected]

www.business.bham.ac.uk

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