Business and Management - BA (Hons)

Durham University

A flexible degree designed to develop the professional and people skills that will make you a valuable addition to the contemporary world of business. In a rapidly evolving business world, innovation and flexibility are more important than ever. If you have an interest in the way businesses operate and grow, if you’re naturally inquisitive and have the desire to develop your knowledge through investigation and research then this might be the course for you. With the BA Business and Management you’ll start to develop your business, investigative and practical skills from day one. From people management to technological advances, marketing to culture and ethics, you’ll quickly build the knowledge to enter the global business sector. The curriculum combines academic theory with knowledge of complex and modern business practice. You’ll learn from expert guest speakers and complete a selection of business-related projects such as developing a business plan for a new start-up. You have the option to complete the course in three years, add a placement year or spend a year abroad. The curriculum offers plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. The first year introduces the key areas of business and management. In subsequent years you will further develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, strategy, people management, marketing and human resource management.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:The Changing World of Business introduces the context of business. This module covers a wide spectrum such as international economics, global competition, technology, international politics, the cultural context and the legal environment. You will be encouraged to apply these concepts to a range of issues using examples from your own experience.People, Management and Organisations provides a fundamental foundation for the understanding of people, management and organisations within contemporary society. You will study concepts such as diversity management, job satisfaction, leadership, motivation and organisational culture and apply these concepts to a range of issues using examples from your own experience.Foundations of Effective Marketing covers the key principles of marketing theory and its application in both commercial and non-commercial sectors. You will study how marketing works in practice looking at areas such as consumer behaviour, market segmentation, marketing strategy, distribution, branding, communications theory, pricing and ethics.Financial Information for Managers introduces financial management and sources of finance. You will develop an understanding of the purpose of a range of financial reports looking at areas such as budget, sources of finance, capital investment and performance analysis.Strategy in Practice takes a theoretical and practical approach to strategic management and the processes of strategy-making. You will be encouraged to think critically about strategy, competition and business development so that you are equipped with knowledge and skills to manage strategy in future employment.Introduction to Leadership introduces basic leadership theories and practices in an organisational context. It examines the roles of personality, power, emotion, gender and culture in the field and addresses some of the practices that might result in leadership failure.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Business Research Methods and Statistics provides a comprehensive grounding in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the world of business. You will learn to access, analyse and present data and information and assess the quality of data sources. The skills learned will help you to develop a formal research proposal for the final year dissertation.Information Systems analyses the role of information systems in social interactions in a complex and rapidly chan