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

2. 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

3. 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…..

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Sources of Information
University websites
UCAS –
Unistats provides lots of course and institution information and the results of the National Student Survey:
Times Online Good University Guide
Beware league tables – don’t use as your sole resource!

16. 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!

17. 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