UWE Bristol Business Studies and Related Awards at University Presentation Name: Deborah Sturge Title: Leader of Bristol Business School Student Support and Guidance

Why choose a Business Degree? Employability and diversity of jobs Transferable skill set International orientation Flexible degree structure Choice of full-time or sandwich degree

What kind of job do students progress into on graduation? Accounting – Chartered, CIMA exemptions Management Marketing and Marketing Communications Personnel/Human Resources Financial Analysis eg. City trader, Fund Management Insurance & Banking, Stock broking, Financial Advice Entrepreneurship Administration Event Management The list is endless…..

Business degrees include…. Business Studies Management Business with ……. Marketing International Business Accounting & Finance (Financial Management) Entrepreneurship Economics For example……..

UWE Business School Programmes BA (Hons) programmes in Business Studies Business Studies with : Accounting & Finance HRM Marketing Economics Accounting and Finance Business Enterprise Economics of Money, Banking & Finance International Business Marketing Communications BSc (Hons) Management

Related Programmes BA (Hons) Agricultural Business Management BA (Hons) Equine Business Management BA (Hons) Sports Business Management BA (Hons) Business Decision Analysis BA (Hons) Business Information Systems BSc (Hons) Management Science BSc (Hons) Business in Property Joint Honours degrees in: Business and Law

Entry Requirements What ‘A’ levels (or equivalents) are recommended? Normally Business Studies and/or Economics or BAF Diploma Others might include Maths, IT, Management, Leisure & Tourism, Sociology/Psychology, Law, Languages Extended project (1/2 A level equivalent) No fixed pre-requisites at BBS UWE 280 points entry level at BBS 2011/12 What else are Admissions staff looking for? Evidence of business awareness in personal statements Evidence of some business interests eg: the Young Enterprise scheme, entrepreneurship projects, volunteering or paid work experience

What should you look for in a business degree? Pathways for specialisation, flexibility Strong research and knowledge exchange Tutors experienced in both business practice, research and teaching Strong employability focus & strong links with industry International environment & opportunities Excellent placement support

What is a placement? A chance to put theory into practice & gain real work experience Usually year 3 of a 4 year degree programme, home or abroad Usually Minimum 40 weeks in paid employment Fully supported by a Placements Officer

Placements at UWE are a priority Develop your business awareness Develop your confidence Better final results Investigate future career options Make yourself more marketable Graduate job opportunities Earn some money! “My year on placement has been invaluable…I would strongly recommend it to other students” Sebastian Weller, Marketing student “ My placement was such an exciting experience and gave me chance to put the skills I’d learnt on my course into practice” Simon Wood, Business student

Some examples of where UWE students have been working… Your placement can be in the UK or overseas

Course specific considerations Quality and content of course Module cores and choices Quality and accessibility of student support Student services Contact hours - how many? Placement support and employability External contacts & International opportunities Quality of library resources Entry tariff

Study environment Tutor contact & Size of cohort - course identity Lectures, Workshops, Tutorials Independent study and Research Assessment Essays , reports, projects, dissertation Presentations, posters, videos, podcasts Individual and group work Exams

What should you look for in a University? Institution more broadly: Location, location, location – always visit Campus or not, old or new Cost of travel Cost, location, quality of accommodation Student experience Representation Leisure activities & social life Volunteering & work opportunities International environment

Sources of Information University websites UCAS – www.ucas.com Unistats provides lots of course and institution information and the results of the National Student Survey: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/ Times Online Good University Guide http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/tol_gug/gooduniversityguide.php Beware league tables – don’t use as your sole resource!

What should students gain from a degree? Fundamental and specialist subject knowledge Knowledge of business theory and how to apply it Critical evaluation and analysis skills Transferable skills for employment and lifelong learning A diverse study environment A supportive study environment A great deal of fun!

Business makes sense Among the best employment prospects of all degree subjects Sets you up for entry to a range of professions with good long term prospects Develops strong transferable skills & provides flexible choices Encourages lifelong learning