Stage 1: University Foundation

Modules

Click below for more information on each module

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication*

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A research project – referencing a topic and using a variety of techniques and resources
  • An individual presentation
  • Two group presentations
  • A listening assessment
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Business Studies*

  You will learn to define what a business is and its functions in relation to the different types of business costs. You will also be introduced to marketing, the marketing mix and product life cycle.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A written business plan, and group presentation of the business plan
  • A 1-hour test in class
  • A written marketing research report, and group presentation of the report
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Critical Thinking

  You will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods: three 1-hour tests in class, and one 2-hour closed book exam.

• Composition and Style*

  This module will define the core concepts and principles of effective academic writing – including how to argue a position coherently and appropriately, distinguishing between descriptive and analytic writing, and identifying academic systems of researching and referencing.

  You will be assessed via three methods:

  • First draft of essay (1,000 – 1,500 words)
  • Final draft of the essay
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Accounting*

  This module will introduce you to basic accounting and finance, as well as accounting definitions, calculations and costings.

  You will be assessed via three methods:

  • A 40-minute closed book exam in class
  • A coursework project
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Business Mathematics*

  You will be introduced to basic arithmetic, and the application of mathematics to real life problems in the business and everyday world.

  You will be assessed via two closed book exams: one 90-minute in class, and one 2-hour.

• ICT Skills

  This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills – including applications and reporting mechanisms.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • Four 20-minute multiple choice tests in class
  • An assignment on key Microsoft Word and Excel skills
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Globalisation

  You will explore how the concept of Globalisation has evolved, looking at the economic, political, technological and social forces involved – as well as local/regional beliefs that become global.

  The module also covers economic globalisation, such as the integration of national economies into the international economy via the mechanisms of trade, investment, capital flow, immigration and migration.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • Two 15-minute oral presentations
  • A 15-minute test in class
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

^*Modules covered in the one-semester variant

Stage 2: First Year Degree

Modules

• Finance for Managers

  You will gain an appreciation for how basic financial statements are prepared and how you can assess both the performance and position of a business; this will help you understand financial information presented to you in business management roles. You will also gain an insight into the preparation of budgets and how profit is affected by changes in selling prices, costs or the volumes of products or services sold.

• Principles of Marketing

  What is marketing and how is it used? Many people associate the word ‘marketing’ with advertising or design – but it is so much more. As part of this module, you will explore: the marketing concept, the customer, the marketing environment, the marketing toolbox, and social impacts of marketing.

• Developing Your Personal Brand

  This module aims to kick-start your personal journey of continuous professional development, helping you to develop the types of competencies that organisations are looking for in their employees. It also provides opportunities for you to gain experience of the job application and recruitment process in order to optimise your chance of success when applying for graduate roles.

• Content Marketing

  Content marketing has grown in significance as the digital landscape becomes increasingly crowded. Given the ‘attention economy’ as it is sometimes referred to, the value given to sustaining relationships with, and engaging customers, via digital content has become ever more important. This module aims to provide you with the critical awareness required and the opportunity to use your imagination to create a sustainable content strategy.

• Consumer Behaviour

  This module delivers the theoretical underpinning necessary for successful marketing, focusing on the centre of a business – the consumer. Consumer behaviour is moulded by a multitude of individual and group influences, and is linked to a variety of disciplines including sociology and psychology, all of which you will explore.

• Creative Concepts and Design

  This module will develop your skills and understanding of the creative process through working as individuals and in groups. Working as members of an agency team to develop a creative pitch and portfolio of artefacts, these pitches will develop your understanding of the creative process, your role within a team and your application of the creative process to a defined task.

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A research project – referencing a topic and using a variety of techniques and resources
  • An individual presentation
  • Two group presentations
  • A listening assessment
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

Stage 3: Second Year Degree

Stage 4: Final Year Degree

Birmingham City University Degree Pathways

Click below for more information on each pathway

• BA (Hons) Marketing

  • The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
  • You will work on live project briefs, for companies such as National Express and Aston Villa Football Club.
  • You will also have the opportunity to complete a one-year, paid work placement. Former students have undertaken placements with companies such as Sky, Johnson & Johnson and Disney.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising and Public Relations

  • The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
  • You will study a common Marketing first year, alongside other students studying Marketing degrees, before specialising for the following two years.
  • You will get work authentic work experience in the University’s very own in-house marketing agency, The Link.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Marketing with Digital Communication

  • The course is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
  • You will study a common Marketing first year, alongside other students studying Marketing degrees, before specialising for the following two years.
  • The degree will be delivered at the Curzon Building – part of the £260 million city centre campus redevelopment – which houses over 135 million print and online resources.
    Find out more

Special entry requirements

• For First Year, students must have a Mathematics qualification equal to GCSE Grade C/4 (or equivalent in a different qualification).