1

Undergraduate Year 1 Programme

Curriculum Policy

Last update July 2014

2

Policy: Undergraduate Year 1 Programme Curriculum Policy

Version: 1.0

Synopsis: This policy gives an overview of Bellerbys College Undergraduate Year 1

Programme curriculum

Policy owner: Bellerbys College Academic Board (BAB)

Relevant to: This policy applies to all academic staff

Publication: This policy will be made available to staff via myStudyGroup

(https://mystudygroup.com)

Date introduced: September 2014

Next review date: This policy will be reviewed annually

Related documents: Bellerbys College Teaching and Learning Policy

Bellerbys College Management of Student Progress Policy and

Procedures

Bellerbys College Student Progression Policy and Procedures

Date(s)

modified/reviewed:

3

Contents

The list of contents below can be used to navigate this document.

Press control and click on the relevant heading to go to that section.

1. Introduction

2. Policy aim

3. General principles underlying this policy

4. Programme specifications

5. Programme overview

6. Aims and objectives of programme

7. Learning outcomes

8. Duration

9. Programme dates

10. Entry requirements

11. Core programme structure

12. Credits and progression

13. Assessment

Appendix 1 – Curriculum map

Appendix 2 – QAA subject benchmark statement

Appendix 3 – Typical module delivery pattern

Appendix 4 – Module assessment

4

1. Introduction

This policy supports Bellerbys College Teaching and Learning Policy, which outlines Bellerbys College

approach to providing outstanding teaching and learning.

This policy document is pursuant to the requirements of The Education (Independent Schools

Standards) Regulations 2010 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1997/contents/made), which

state that the college must ensure that there is ‘a written policy on the curriculum, supported by

appropriate plans and schemes of work’.

Please refer to Bellerbys College schemes of work related to this academic programme for further

information.

2. Policy aim

The aim of this policy is to ensure consistency of key specifications, aims and objectives, outline

content, approach and standards relating to Bellerbys College Undergraduate Year 1 Programme.

3. General principles underlying this policy

Bellerbys College academic staff share and uphold the values and principles set out in Bellerbys

College Teaching and Learning Policy

Bellerbys College academic staff receive training, guidance and support, enabling them to

contribute to the provision of outstanding teaching and learning at Bellerbys College, as set out in

the group of policies and procedures that support teaching and learning practices

Bellerbys College academic staff are conversant with and abide by Bellerbys College academic

policies and procedures.

4. Programme specification

Teaching institution Bellerbys College

Location London

Programme validated by University of Sussex

Final outcome UG Year 1 in Business and Management Transcript

Level of programme FHEQ Level 4

Credits 120 (12 modules)

5. Programme overview

The Undergraduate Year 1 (UG1) Business and Management Programme is a three-term proprietary

educational programme which prepares students for the second year of a business, management or

finance undergraduate degree course at a UK university.

6. Aims and objectives of the programme

To enable students to:

Develop an appropriate range of cognitive skills for second year university studies

5

Achieve all necessary learning outcomes and acquire appropriate factual, conceptual and

procedural knowledge in a range of subject disciplines

Understand, acquire and appropriately apply a range of study skills and become self-directed,

independent learners

Adapt to the new cultural, social and academic contexts sufficiently to enable them to live and

learn comfortably and effectively in the UK.

7. Learning outcomes (programme level)

By the end of the programme a successful student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the capacity to integrate into and perform effectively within the learning

environment of UK universities

2. Study and work effectively, alone and in teams, and with sufficient independence to achieve the

learning goals of the course and some self-selected learning goals

3. Understand and apply the range of knowledge, underlying concepts, principles and procedures

required to progress to the second year of a business, management or finance undergraduate

degree course at a UK university

4. Use, within a variety of different contexts, an appropriate range of skills (analytical, evaluative

and creative) and enquiry methods to make decisions about a variety of business, management

and finance issues/problems

5. Evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative information and use both in support of

recommendations, using a range of viewpoints within business, management and finance studies

6. Communicate results of analyses and enquiries accurately and reliably, using structured and

coherent arguments.

Student progress is managed in accordance with Bellerbys College Management of Student Progress

Policy and Procedures.

8. Duration

The programme consists of three terms of tuition.

9. Programme dates

The UG1 programme offers two start dates:

September (finishing in June of the following year)

January (finishing in August of the same year).

10. Entry requirements

1. Minimum age 17.5 years

2. Academic entry requirements are country-specific. Please refer to Bellerbys College Academic

Programme Entry Requirements for further information

3. 5.5 overall IELTS; 5.0 minimum IELTS in written English.

11. Core programme structure

The UG1 programme comprises 11 compulsory modules. Three of the modules are non-credit-

bearing (focussing on English and skills). One additional module is chosen from four options.

6

The table below shows the compulsory and optional programme modules, and the credits and level

are indicated.

Title Code Credits Level FHEQ

Compulsory modules

English and Skills for University Study 1 ESUS 1 UG1 0 4

English and Skills for University Study 2 ESUS 2 UG1 0 4

English and Skills for University Study 3 ESUS 3 UG1 0 4

Introduction to Marketing MARK UG1 15 4

Introduction to Economics ECON UG1 15 4

Organisational Behaviour OB UG1 18 4

Financial Accounting ACC1 UG1 18 4

Research Skills RS UG1 10 4

Quantitative Methods QM UG1 10 4

Information Technology IT UG1 10 4

Introduction to Business and Management BAM UG1 12 4

+ 1 optional module 12 4

Programme total 120

Optional modules (students choose one of these)

Business Law BLAW UG1 12 4

Management Accounts MAAC UG1 12 4

Supplementary Economics SECON UG1 12 4

Calculus CALC UG1 12 4

Statistics and Mathematics for Economics MATHECONUGY1 12 4

12. Credits and progression

Students passing the UG1 programme are awarded 120 FHEQ level 4 credits

To pass the programme, students must achieve a minimum final mark of 40% in each of the nine

credit-bearing modules (eight of the 11 compulsory modules plus one option)

7

Module results will be recorded at the end of each term (during the MAB). A credit-weighted

overall average will be calculated for each student

A compensatory pass can be given to students who narrowly fail to achieve the minimum final

mark in one single module based on a review of their overall performance across all modules.

Students are supported in progressing to university, details of which are outlined in Bellerbys College

Student Progression Policy and Procedures.

13. Assessment

Students will be assessed by the following means:

Case study-based problem solving exercises

Essays

Practical case-based activities

Research project/structured tasks

Coursework

Unseen examinations

Unseen examinations based on seen reading and writing materials

For policies and procedures relating to UG1 assessment, please refer to the relevant Bellerbys

College assessment policies and procedures.

8

Appendix 1

‘Curriculum map’ showing the specific learning outcomes of modules against the intended learning outcomes of the programme as a whole

Programme learning outcomes

MA

RK

ECO

N

OB

AC

C

RS

QM

IT

BA

M

BLA

W

OM

MA

AC

SEC

ON

CA

LC

Mat

h

ECO

N

A. Demonstrate the capacity to integrate into and perform effectively within the learning environment of UK universities

All All All All All All All All All All All All All All

B. Study and work effectively, alone and in teams, and sufficiently independently to achieve the learning goals of the course and some self-selected learning goal

6 4 4 6 5 9 6 1 2 3 1 2 3

C. Understand and apply the range of knowledge underlying concepts, principles and procedures required to progress to the 2

nd year of undergraduate study in

business and management

1 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 1

D. Use, within a variety of different contexts, an appropriate range of analytical, evaluative and creative skills/approaches to make decisions about a variety of business and management issues/problems

3 4 5 4 2 3 7 2 3 4 4 2 3 4 3 4 5 4 3 3

E. Evaluate and interpret (knowledge concepts, principles and procedures)

1 2 3 5 3 2 5 1 2 3 4 5 3 4 3 1 2 1 2

qualitative and quantitative information and use both in support of recommendations, using a range of viewpoints within business and management studies

3 4 5 6 2 2 2 2 3 4 6 7

F. Communicate results of analyses & enquiries accurately and reliably, using structured and coherent arguments 5 3 4 5 6 4 3 4 5 2 4 6

9

Appendix 2

QAA subject benchmark statement (general business and management), knowledge and understanding (three areas)

1. Different types of organisation

Organisations’:

1. Internal functions and processes

2. Diverse nature, purposes, structures, governance, operations

and management

3. Individual and corporate behaviours and cultures, which exist

within and between organisations

4. Influence upon the external environment

The Learning Outcomes in the Finance/Accounting; Into to Bus and Management; OB;

Marketing allow students to engage with a range of different organisational structures in

different business contexts. Teaching and learning materials and case studies used in

these modules expose students to the need to understand the contrasting organisational

cultures and behaviours associated with the different structures and context of business

organisations . Students taking the Operation Management option understand and

appreciate a specialist viewpoint on organisational functions and processes

2. Organisations’ external environments

At local, national and international levels

Economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological

and technological contexts

Effects of above on the strategy, behaviour, management and

sustainability of organisations

International students naturally bring some experience of and (limited) insight into the

business environment of their home country. This variety of perspective and information

is incorporated into the teaching and learning processes of the programme’s delivery.

The Economics, Law and Marketing modules stimulate understanding and analysis of the

economic, legal and ethical context of business operation. The IT module encourages

students to analyse the impact and potential of IT systems on business operation

3. Management of organisations

The processes, procedures and practices for effective

management of organisations. Includes theories, models,

frameworks, tasks and roles of management, and processes of

decision-making in relation to the external environment

OB, Bus and Management, Marketing and Economics modules all provide student with

exposure to a range of theoretical perspectives and models and encourage critical

examination of the insight these provide into the operation of business organisations

10

QAA subject benchmark statement (general business and management):

Graduates will also be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding MA

RK

ECO

N

OB

AC

C

BA

M

LSR

S

LSQ

M

LSIT

BLA

W

OM

MA

AC

SEC

ON

CA

LC

MA

TH

EC

Markets – development and operation of markets for goods and services X X X

Customers - customer expectations, service and orientation X X X X

Finance - the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and

other information systems for managerial applications X X

People - the management and development of people within organisations X X X

Operations - the management of resources and operations X X X X X

Information systems - the development, management and exploitation of

information systems and their impact upon organisations X X X X X X X

Communication and information technology - the comprehension and use of

relevant communication and information technologies for application in business

and management

X X X X

Business policy and strategy - the development of appropriate policies and

strategies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests X X X X X X X

Pervasive issues - sustainability, globalisation, CSR, diversity, innovation, creativity,

enterprise development, knowledge management and risk management X X X X X

11

QAA subject benchmark statement (general business and management):

Graduates should be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills:

Skills Specific module learning outcomes aimed at developing QAA benchmark skills

Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis

This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate

statements in terms of evidence, to detect false logic or reasoning, to

identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and to generalise

appropriately

MA

RK

ECO

N

OB

AC

C

RS IT

BA

M

BLA

W

SEC

ON

CA

LC

Mat

h

ECO

N

1 2 3 5 3 2 5 1 2 3 4 5 3 4 3 1 2 1 2

Effective problem-solving and decision-making using appropriate

quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and

solving business problems. The ability to create, evaluate and assess a

range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and

knowledge to a range of situations

MA

RK

ECO

N

OB

AC

C

RS

QM

IT

BA

M

BLA

W

OM

MA

AC

SEC

ON

CA

LC

Mat

h E

CO

N

3 4

5

3 4

5 2 3 7 2 3 3 4 4

2 3

4 2 3 3 4 5

3 4

5 2 3 2 3

Effective communication, oral and in writing, using a range of media

which are widely used in business such as the preparation and

presentation of business reports

MA

RK

ECO

N

AC

C

RS

QM

IT

MA

AC

5 3 4 5 6 4 3 4 5 2 4 6

Numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation

and extrapolation. The use of models of business problems and

phenomena

12

AC

C

RS

QM

IT

MA

AC

3 4 5 6 2 2 2 2 3 4 6 7

Effective use of communication and information technology for

business applications

IT

1 2 3 4 5 6

Effective self-management in terms of time, planning and behaviour,

motivation, self-starting, individual initiative and enterprise

ECO

N

OB

RS

6 4 4

Effective performance, within a team environment, including

leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills

Students are exposed to the challenges of working in teams during class-based

exercises considering case-studies and during role play exercises. Longer coursework

task expose students to the need to manage extend academic task projects

Ability to conduct research into business and management issues,

either individually or as part of a team for

projects/dissertations/presentations. This requires familiarity with and

an evaluative approach to a range of business data, sources of

information and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the

overall learning process

RS

1 2 3 4

Self-reflection and criticality including self-awareness, openness and

sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and

management issues. Also, the skills of learning to learn and developing

a continuing appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and collaborative

learning.

ESUS learning and formative assessment tasks require students to reflect on their

current English language skills and create self-assessment profiles that they monitor

during the term

In Tutorial sessions throughout the year students are encouraged to reflect on their

current progress and future needs

13

Appendix 3

Typical module delivery pattern

Rationale:

Reducing contact hours term by term – to increase experience of autonomy and self-directed learning

Front loading of contact – early development of English skills

Spreading of higher weighted module over 2 terms – extend period of study to allow for better balance between formative and summative assessments

- and allow for more extended engagement with subject

Term credits Term taught

weeks

Term taught

hours

Module

credits

Module taught

hours (approx.)

Independent study

hours/week

ESUS

taught

hours

Module

hours/week

(rounded)

Total Contact

hours/week

Term 1

Intro to business and mgmt 12 47 62 4

Learning skills – IT 10 39 52 3

Marketing 15 59 78 5

Learning skills research 10 39 52 3

ESUS1 0 50 5

Term 1 totals 47 12 240 20

Term 2

Finance and accounting 10 39 52 4

Intro economics 10 39 52 4

Org behaviour 10 39 52 4

Learning skills quant methods 10 39 52 4

ESUS2 0 50 5

Term 2 totals 40 11 220 21

Term 3

14

Finance and accounting 8 31 41 4

Intro economics 5 20 26 2

Org behaviour 8 31 41 4

Business law 12 47 62 6

ESUS3 50 6.5

Term 3 totals 33 8 160

Year totals 120 31 620 120 470 620 150 22.5

15

Appendix 4

Module assessment

Module Description Assessment method Timing of assessment

Programme outcomes

Business and management Case-study based problem solving exercise 1500 word Case study Term week 10 A, B, D

Business and management Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Business law Case-study based problem solving exercise 1500 word Case study Term week 10 A, B, D

Business law Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Calculus (Leeds) Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 11 C, E

Finance and accounting Practical case-based accounting exercise Practical case-based exercise

Term week 9 - 11 C, D, E

Finance and accounting Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Introduction to economics Essay relating to key questions in the field 1500 word essay Term week 9 - 11 E, F

Introduction to economics Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Introduction to marketing Essay relating to key questions in the field 1500 word essay Term week 9 - 11 E, F

Introduction to marketing Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Learning skills – IT Series of 6 time-constrained assessments to specified business related task. Word processing ; Spread sheet Design; Mail-merge; Databases, Presentation software, Research

Structured Course work Term week 1 – 10 C, E

Learning skills – research skills

Student selected and tutor approved main research project, 3,000 words

Main research project (synoptic assessment)

Term week 7 – 10 D, E

Learning skills – research skills

Series of 3 practical research tasks to briefs defined by Tutor (2) and by student (1) each equally weighted Student brief will be self-selected and linked to Tutor

Structured small scale research tasks

Term week 1 - 6 D, E

16

Research briefs will be progressively larger, more complex and less prescriptive. Content of other modules studied at same time

Management accounting Practical case-based accounting exercise Practical case-based exercise

Term week 11 C, D, E

Management accounting Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 11 C, E

Operations management Case-study based problem solving exercise 1500 word Case study Term week 10 A, B, D

Operations management Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Organisational behaviour Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 10 C, E

Organisational behaviour Essay relating to key questions in the field 1500 word essay Term week 9 - 11 E, F

Quantitative methods Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 11 C, E

Stats and maths for economics

Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 11 C, E

Supplementary economics Final summative 2 hour unseen examination Written test Term week 11 C, E