International Year One in Business Management

To help you succeed in your studies, you will study one of two Academic Skills routes based on your IELTS English level when you join the programme, so you receive the right level of challenge and support.

Academic English Skills: For students with IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)

This route is for students who are building confidence in academic English and are new to studying at university in English. The module focuses on building core academic English skills and understanding how university study works. You will develop confidence, independence and strong study habits, helping you prepare fully for Year 2.

Applied Critical Skills for University: For students with IELTS 6.5+ (no skill below 6.0)

This route is for confident students with strong English who are ready for degree level study. You may have studied in English before or already feel comfortable reading and writing academic texts.

This module focuses on using English to perform well at university. You will work with academic texts, develop critical reading skills and produce high quality academic writing. This prepares you to progress into Year 2 with confidence and strong academic skills.

The core objective of this module is to introduce students to the study of organisations, their management, and the evolving external business environment. The module examines the impact of external factors on business strategy, organisational behaviour, and sustainability. It explores key concepts in business and management, the interrelationships between them, and their practical applications. Through the analysis of competitive strategy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), performance measurement, and internationalisation, students will develop a foundational understanding of how businesses operate within complex environments. This module provides essential preparation for further study in business and management.

This module introduces students to entrepreneurship, starting with an exploration of enterprise and entrepreneurial activity. It equips students with creative techniques to foster innovation with enterprises. The module examines different types of entrepreneurs and how external factors can influence entrepreneurial success. Students will also explore incubators and start-up programmes that support venture growth. The module examines sectoral differences in entrepreneurship, including creative industries and family business.

This module provides students with essential academic and professional skills needed for success in higher education and future employment. It introduces key principles of academic research, including methodology, data use, and ethical considerations, while also fostering independent learning through reflective practice and time management. In addition, it supports students’ career development by enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats and by preparing them for real-world expectations such as job applications and personal branding.

This module will ensure you develop the financial and economic literacy necessary to succeed in a business management course. The course will introduce you to the core accounting skills of Double Entry Book-Keeping, creation of Financial Statements and using Ratios to determine the relative position of a business in relation to others in the same sector. You will also develop your micro and macro-economic analysis skills and learn how individual businesses are impacted by the wider economic environment. ​ 

This module provides a foundation in the principles of marketing, exploring key concepts and their application across various contexts. It examines the marketing environment, consumer behaviour, segmentation, targeting, and positioning, alongside the role of marketing analysis in decision-making. Students will develop knowledge of the marketing mix (4Ps), including product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and promotional techniques. The module also introduces digital marketing and emerging trends, as well as ethical and sustainability considerations in marketing strategy. Through analytical tools, students will learn to assess market opportunities and make informed marketing decisions.

This module provides an overview of financial and management accounting, focusing on how accounting information is used to evaluate financial performance, assess financial position, and support decision-making in organisations. It introduces students to key accounting concepts and principles, helping them develop an understanding of the role of accounting in business management. Students will explore fundamental techniques in financial and management accounting, including financial reporting, budgeting, and performance analysis. The module also examines how accounting information supports both short-term operational decisions and long-term strategic planning. By developing analytical skills and financial awareness, students will gain a solid foundation for further study in business and management.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental concepts and theories of organisational behaviour, focusing on how individuals and groups interact within a workplace setting. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and influence organisational dynamics. By examining topics such as motivation, leadership, team dynamics, and organisational culture, students will learn to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios. The module seeks to enhance students' ability to analyse and evaluate the impact of behaviour on organisational performance, ultimately fostering the development of strategies to improve job satisfaction, motivation, and overall organisational effectiveness.

The overall aim of the module is to develop your fundamental knowledge of research philosophies and data collection methods, and to give you an opportunity to apply the knowledge to derive a research proposal within your area of study.