BA (Hons) Business and Management

Welcome to the Business and Management programme

The course combines the study of management practices with supportive teaching and exposure to real life experiences in professional settings. It is a programme in which theoretical and practical learning is enriched by input from successful industry professionals. This focus on industry practices within a Higher Education setting gives students the opportunity to sample, and prepare for, the work environment while completing their degree.

Whether you envisage your future as a project/commercial/marketing manager, or a business owner, it is a course which can contribute to you achieving such goals.

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Course IntroductionModulesEntry RequirementsGraduate CareersAdditional

Your profile

You are ambitious, driven and have set your sights on the top. Your goal is to revolutionise the workplace and turn an exceptional profit in the process. You are inspired by innovation and are ready to set the marketplace ablaze.

Your subject

Your passion may be film, design or sport, but whatever your skillset and interests, there’s a business side to the equation. Businesses are at the heart of every industry. They don’t just fuel the economy, they are the economy, making businesses the most powerful entity on earth. If you can conquer business, you can conquer the world. A degree in Business and Management will help you develop a broader knowledge of business operations. On the right course, you can develop a high level of understanding in a diverse range of business fields, such as customer service, communications, marketing, finance, operations, strategy, personnel, policy and IT. As an expert in business, you will have the ability to start your own company, or become eligible to enter an existing organisation at a higher level.

Your course

As a BA (Hons) Business and Management student, you have the power to shape your studies towards your own career ambitions; ensuring you develop the personal and professional skills to guarantee success in your future career. The course will improve your understanding of the role of innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship in business. You will learn how to launch a new business venture and study pioneering ways of solving problems within existing organisations. You will be taught by industry professionals who are experts in their chosen field and benefit from their valuable connections within industry, at companies including Ford Motor Company, Barclays Bank and Colchester Borough Homes, to name a few. Your course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and, upon graduating, you can receive an industry-standard Management and Leadership qualification alongside your degree.

Your future

Whether in a management position or in charge of your own unique business venture, you will graduate ready to quickly and effectively contribute to an organisation’s success. On graduating, you will join an illustrious list of University Centre Colchester alumni who have gone on to have prosperous careers in global business management, marketing, business analysis, project management and finance.

Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 20 or 40 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.

Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Although designed as a three year full-time degree programme, there are two named routes into the qualification. The Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) allows for study of the first year of the programme, and the BA (Hons) route allows students to study the full qualification.

The CertHE can be used as a stepping stone towards an Honours Degree with progression allowed following successful completion of this stage.

In addition the BA(Hons) Business and Management can also be studied as part of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. For more details on this Apprenticeship please click here.

Course Introduction Year One (Level 4) Year Two (Level 5) Year Three (Level 6) Information for Employers

BA (Hons) Business and Management

80 UCAS points* plus GCSE maths and English (grades A*-C) or equivalent or Access to Higher Education Certificate. Mature applicants without the above criteria will be interviewed to assess academic suitability.

CertHE Business and Management

32 UCAS points* plus GCSE maths and English (grades A*-C/9-4) or equivalent or Access to Higher Education Certificate. Mature applicants without the above criteria, but have significant experience or are employed within industry, will be interviewed to assess academic suitability.

*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2024.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Additional requirements for International Students:

You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
a face-to-face or video call interview is required before an offer is made

BA (Hons) Business and Management graduates are equipped to start management careers in a wide variety of industry and public sector settings. The combination of a University of East Anglia validated degree and a professional qualification from the Chartered Management Institute that you will receive on graduation will help you stand out from other graduates.

You will also be equipped to start a new business venture and, thanks to our close links with industry, will have started to build the ‘social capital’ of a network of business contacts. Other graduates move into specialist fields such as personnel, marketing or events management and career pathways in the banking and financial industry and global business management.

Credits gained for the successful completion of modules on the degree may be considered as part of the entry qualifications for a range of professional courses.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Where possible we will look to schedule timetabled sessions for full-time courses over two days per week, and part-time courses over one day per week.

Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.

When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations

Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

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BA (Hons) Business and Management - Full Time

Level	Level 6
Location	Colchester
Duration	3 Years
UCAS Code	N100
Academic Year	2025-2026
Study Mode	Full-Time
Campus / Adult Skills Centre	University Centre Colchester
Start Date	September 2025
Applications	Applications for September 2025 are open now
Fee(s)	2024-25: £8,750 per year
Awarding/Validation Body	University of East Anglia*
*Subject To Validation	This programme is subject to revalidation during 2023/24. Therefore, for September 2025, there may be some changes to this advertised course content following the revalidation process. For further information please contact UCC Academic Services at uccadmissions@colchester.ac.uk

Course Introduction

This dynamic course will equip you to manage a business successfully within an ever-changing business environment. Throughout the course, the overriding aim will be to continuously integrate academic knowledge and vocational and work-based practices to give you a learning experience that is holistic and true to life. A distinctive feature of your experience on the degree will be for you to reflect upon practical and work-based tasks in the light of academic knowledge and critically appraise them.

The BA (Hons) Business and Management offers you a personal, flexible and friendly route to the business destination of your choice. The programme will equip you with a rich understanding of how organizations work and develop the skills you need to investigate management issues, assess the options and then confidently make decisions that add value. These are the attributes that our research shows employers want and having a business degree or business management degree will boost your employment options.

The aim is to provide skills-ready graduates for all types of business sectors and a real-world practitioner viewpoint to the learning. A strategic partnership between University Centre Colchester and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) ensures each of the courses can be dual-accredited, so students will receive an additional industry recognised CMI certificate or Diploma qualification alongside their academic degree, in addition to being able to access the resources of the CMI.

Year One (Level 4)

Module: Business Environment (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to understand the external and internal influences on organisations and the effects of these on business practices and internal aspects of organisational life.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to place organisations in context (past, present, and future), then employ recognized tools to analyse the macro, micro and internal business environments in which businesses operate. You will be introduced to contemporary business issues as they arise.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report to demonstrate your understanding of the material in relation to a particular organization, and you will take part in a group presentation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Management Concepts and Academic Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to a wide range of management models and theories, and you will start developing academic writing, critical thinking, and presentation skills.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to describe the activities, techniques and objectives that characterise the main functions of management, and assess the organisational contexts that managers operate within. You will be taught through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and class activities including group investigations, analyses and experiential learning activities.

What’s the assignment?

There are two forms of assessment in this module: an essay to show understanding of management theory, and a report relating to organizational behaviour.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Managing Business Information (20 credits)

What’s it about?

You will be equipped with the skills needed to work with the data you will encounter in business organisations.

What do I learn?

You will be supported to upgrade your skills in the use of business application software and the key numerical and statistical techniques for working with data, so that you are equipped students to understand, manage and present business information. You will also learn about legislation relevant to this area.

What’s the assignment?

There is a self-study element which will allow you to assess your own level of competence in practical IT and develop appropriate areas of skill, producing an ePortfolio to evidence your development. You will also write a report that demonstrates both knowledge and IT skills.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Marketing (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will help you to explore the challenges associated with marketing in today’s business environment. You will understand the marketing process and various issues that firms face in gaining sustainable competitive advantage by adopting a marketing orientation.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to analyse business environments and existing marketing strategies, and will learn to apply this knowledge in the production of marketing plans.

What’s the assignment?

You will complete a one hour online examination and produce a marketing plan for a real organization.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Introduction to Financial Management (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will enable you to evaluate and question key financial structures, documents and figures.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to understand the language of accounting and finance, taking regulatory compliance and corporate governance into account, so that you will be equipped to take a considered role in corporate planning and dialogue.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report which includes calculations and analysis and complete a one and a half hour examination.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Contemporary Business Start Up (20 credits)

What’s it about?

The aim of this practical module is to develop the skills and knowledge that are needed to start a business in today’s environment. On completion, you will be able to construct a realistic business plan, taking legal, health and safety, and financial constraints into account.

What do I learn?

You will learn about the sources and online support tools that are provided for business start-ups. You will learn how to apply skills learned in this and other modules to develop a credible business plan in a small business context.

What’s the assignment?

You will produce a Business Plan and will present this plan to a panel that will give business as well as academic feedback.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Two (Level 5)

Module: Managing and Leading Projects (20 credits)

What’s it about?

Through this module, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of project management in industry, a skill that is highly valued by employers.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to apply tools and processes related to project management, and will work with a team on a project and will be assessed on your team working skills as well as your application of project management concepts and skills. You will also examine the people-focussed aspects of leading a team, including motivation and communication.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed on the group project and will also write an individual report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Applied Human Resources Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

In this module, you will examine contemporary models for the planning, recruitment and appraisal of employees, as well as current philosophies for rewarding and performance-managing people.

What do I learn?

You will learn about and examine Human Resources (HR) practices against the current UK legal framework, with a particular focus on areas relating to recruitment. Practical sessions and group work will be included to enable you to learn how to apply what you are learning in a business context.

What’s the assignment?

The first part of the assessment is the group design and implementation of an assessment centre that will assess peers for a first management job. The second part of the assessment is a report that investigates HR practices in UK organizations and assesses their efficacy.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Management Accounting Essential (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to the tools of the management accountant so that you are equipped to interrogate, analyse and critique management accounts.

What do I learn?

You will develop management accounting skills, learning how to use the tools of the management accountant, and enabling you to evaluate the financial aspects of a business.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed through a report (which includes calculations), and a one and a half hour examination.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Professional Development (10 credits)

What’s it about?

The module will support you to develop professionally towards either a new career or progression within your current career. Where relevant, you will also have opportunity to take a work placement to broaden your experience.

What do I learn?

You will be taught to analyse expectations for successful employment in one sector of the field of management, to assess your own readiness for progression in your chosen career, and to work towards enhancing your employability.

What’s the assignment?

You will develop a career development plan, provide evidence of your development, and also produce a reflective account of placement activity, including analytical comments on the work environment.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Information Systems and Business Intelligence (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to the nature of information and business intelligence, the global role of information systems within organisations and, in particular, how they relate to the IS Strategy and the overall corporate strategy.

What do I learn?

You will learn how information systems are used in organisations and what their role is in the development of business intelligence. You will learn practical database skills that will enable you to produce an IT solution for managing and analysing information in a given context, and will learn how to query and report data to produce business intelligence.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report analysing the role of Information Systems in decision-making. You will also develop a database, providing a technical report and presentation to document and justify your work.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: International Business and Globalization (10 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to examine the international context of business and the impact of globalisation on organisations.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to examine international frameworks of business and trade including political, economic, cultural, ethical and environmental dimensions, and evaluate the opportunities and challenges that globalisation brings.

What’s the assignment?

For this module, you will apply your knowledge in a group presentation which includes evidence of international collaboration, and will write an individual report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Continuous Improvement and Lean Leadership (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will introduce you to the lean principles which are recognized as a powerful and effective way to develop and sustain continuously improving organisations. You will learn how the lean philosophy has been used by companies to align all aspects of their business to deliver ever-increasing customer value.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to use and evaluate the lean business tools that are used to deliver continuous improvement. You will also examine the cultural aspects of lean implementation, presenting strategies to introduce lean thinking skills and sustain lean operating principles in an organisation.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report that shows how you have applied what you have learned by developing a plan for business improvement.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Three (Level 6)

For level 6, you will complete a combination of core and optional modules. You will carry out a major project related to an issue relevant to your organization. The project will contribute to your degree and will also be presented as part of your final assessment for the degree programme.

Module: Business Strategy and Practice (20 credits)

What’s it about?

In this module, you will be introduced to the theoretical aspects of business strategy and how these can be applied to an ever-changing business situation.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to apply the theoretical knowledge in an ongoing business case scenario that develops week by week. You will be required to work with a team to investigate the business case and develop strategic choices and operational actions that will deliver the results your stakeholders want, learning how to collaborate and negotiate in a time-constrained environment.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed through a group presentation and an individual reflective report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Managing Innovation and Change (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will help you to appreciate the causes of organisational change and stimuli for innovation and explore ways in which change can be managed. Innovation, including using advances in technology, is a particular focus and you will investigate how this can be managed.

What do I learn?

You will study processes of change, trace cultural and systemic aspects of change and explore ways in which change can be managed.

What’s the assignment?

You will take part in a group presentation that analyses the internal and external stimuli for change. You will also write a report that contrasts and evaluates the approaches to change management that different organisations take.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Research Methods (20 credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to consolidate and build upon the research skills and knowledge developed throughout the first two years of the programme, and further develop your knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

What do I learn?

You will learn about different strategies, designs and methods that can be used in business and management research, and will consider the influences that affect the choices made. The work completed through this module will act as preparation for your capstone project.

What’s the assignment?

You will be required to submit a report that includes a project proposal and planning documentation. You will also justify and discuss the proposed approach to the project in a presentation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Capstone Project (40 credits)

What’s it about?

This module allows you to engage in a substantial piece of project work in order to solve a problem in your own organization, or one that is set in agreement with either an external organisation or someone acting as an industry consultant.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to initiate, plan and manage a project that builds on what you have learned throughout the programme.

What’s the assignment?

The project is assessed through a final report and individual presentation of the project.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Optional Modules – You will be required to complete one from the following optional modules. Please note that not all modules will be offered each year:

Module: Leadership and Reflective Management (20 credits) Optional

What’s it about?

The aim of this module is to encourage you to become a reflective practitioner as well as to understand the various different leadership styles and theories.

What do I learn?

You will examine theories of management and leadership and key managerial and leadership skills, as well as the theory, principles and relevance of reflective practice and PDP.

What’s the assignment?

You will be assessed through a critical report of leadership styles and the development of a personal development plan that describes a path of self-development.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Digital Marketing – strategy and practice (20 credits) Optional

What’s it about?

You will be introduced to the main theories and principles of digital marketing, and the importance of organisations taking an integrated approach to digital marketing, traditional marketing and business strategy.

What do I learn?

You will learn about the form, trends and role of digital marketing in contemporary organisations, and will also develop the practical IT skills required to create a quality commercial website.

What’s the assignment?

As one part of the assessment, you will write a digital marketing strategy report. You will also develop a digital platform that demonstrates the implementation a digital marketing strategy building on research carried out in the first assessment.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Module: Managing Diversity (20 credits) Optional

What’s it about?

You will be encouraged to recognise the diverse nature of the current workforce and the advantages this diversity can offer to employers.

What do I learn?

You will explore both the legal and social framework underlying the management of diversity, and will gain an understanding of the business case for equality, diversity and inclusion and the role of managers in creating inclusive cultures.

What’s the assignment?

The report will evaluate organizational approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion in the contemporary UK framework and context and make proposals for development.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Information for Employers

This programme combines the study of management practices with supportive teaching and exposure to real life experiences in professional settings. The focus on industry practices within a Higher Education setting gives students the opportunity to prepare for the work environment or progress with their current careers.

Content is relevant to all industries and sectors, and theoretical and practical learning is enriched by input from successful industry professionals and the extensive management experience of tutors.

This degree is validated and accredited through the University of East Anglia.

How is the course delivered?

The 6 modules a year programme is completed either in 3 years full-time (1.5 days a week) or 4 years part-time (1 day a week) and can also be taken as part of a Degree Apprenticeship, with 1 day a week attendance.

The programme is delivered using a blended learning model, which is a mixture of remote and on-campus delivery, with smaller group sizes allowing individual tutor support

What happens at the end?

If a student completes one year and decides not to continue, they can be awarded a CertHE in Business Management qualification, so they will still gain a named qualification
In addition to their BA (Hons) Degree, students will also receive a level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management
The course includes CMI (Chartered Management Institute) membership
If studied as a degree apprenticeship, successful apprentices will achieve a degree in BA Hons Business and Management and have the option to be assessed for full Chartered Membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr MCMI)

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.