BA (Hons) Business Management (Top Up) (Dimensions)
01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032
| Course Leader | |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Mohammad Al Zu Bi, Yun Shen Lo, John Loh, Irene Fong, Mui Mui Goh, Daphne Goh, Charles Ong, Carrol Seah, Augustine Png, Allan Tian |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time |
Document Version
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2032 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
The course along with the specialism pathways offer students a future facing and integrated business education covering the main disciplines and operational areas of business, whilst focusing on supporting students to develop the skills and competencies required in a contemporary and future labour market. The curriculum aims to challenge students in their cognitive models and foster self-development. The course actively seeks input from the external environment and student learning is grounded in the external context wherever appropriate. Through external speakers, live management projects, case studies, showcase activities and a variety of formative and summative assessment activities, students apply theoretical concepts in practice, and places academic concepts into a range of managerial contexts. Student achievement is supported by embedded and explicit personal development of transferable skills and competencies, supporting student transition into higher education, underpinning employability and professional practice and the ethos of lifelong learning.
Each specialist pathway provides a comprehensive business education, equipping students with the business knowledge and skills for a successful career in a complex business world. The course offers a broad range of modules, ensuring breadth of knowledge to support students in their future career aspirations. Successful completion anticipates students to be entrepreneurial, creative, independent, analytical and critical. It requires them to work effectively within diverse teams and demonstrate strong information literacy, a spirit of enquiry and to be reflective in practice. It will also require a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of business functions and the wider international business environment.
Each specialism pathway has dedicated learning objectives and the course aims below feature in the main Business Management and all specialist pathways.
To support students in their development and provide a critical understanding of organisations and their management in relation to the current, dynamic business environment.
To develop students with relevant, transferable employability skills and confidence to enhance their ability to work effectively in their chosen careers, by providing relevant knowledge, skills and organisational experience.
To develop a range of interpersonal and analytical skills that will enable students to function as effective managers and which enables them to contribute effectively to businesses and wider society, becoming effective global citizens.
To build upon the business awareness at previous levels and to develop further knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required in a modern business environment.
To equip students to understand the range of contexts, both nationally and internationally, within which business decisions are taken.
To enhance career development in a business studies environment to include an appreciation of lifelong learning skills and personal development.
To provide an opportunity for students to develop academic interests and consolidate the prior learning through an integrated focus of study.
To develop students’ understanding of business studies, focusing on the critical analysis of theoretical and contemporary issues.
To provide a broad-based programme of education suitable for employment in a range of organisations as well as for professional and post-graduate study.
To enable students to use appropriate critical, analytical and vocational skills in order to resolve problems relevant to a wide range of business organisations.
The aims particular to each of the specialist routes are outlined below:
Accounting and Finance
The BA (Hons) Business Management (Accounting and Finance) course equips students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of financial accounting, financial reporting and management accounting in a business management context. In addition to the planning skills, research techniques and project management skills internalised in the core subjects, the accountancy and finance specialism modules will enable students to understand the structure and content of the main financial statements used in business and students will be able to prepare such statements themselves. The pathway therefore aims to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and practical experience that adequately prepares students for a career in the generally highly paid industry of finance, where there are typically many job opportunities. The key aims of this accounting and finance specialism pathway are as follows:
To enable students to understand, produce and critically analyse key financial statements used in a variety of industries.
To equip students with the skills and tools required to address and solve financial problems.
To enable students to identify and critically analyse alternatives when making financial decisions.
To enable students to collate, analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate financial and non-financial data in a simulated environment.
Human Resources Management
The BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management) course offers a modern perspective in HRM practice, considering the changing nature of work that demands a new skills and competencies of graduates who seek a career in this field. This specialism pathway provides the tools for students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their employability prospects in HRM in a future-facing context. Students will develop a critical understanding and appreciation of the nature and context of employment relations in contemporary settings, and be able to make informed and effective judgements about existing and emerging models, processes and practices of employment relations in local and international settings. The HRM pathway is designed to encourage learners to assess and understand broader developments that influence the effective management of the employment relationship in indigenous and multinational organisations from a critical perspective.
To enable students to appreciate new developments in HRM and describe the future of the HR profession at operational, strategic and policy levels.
To allow students to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate contemporary employment developments.
Marketing
The BA (Hons) Business Management (Marketing) course fundamentally aims to provide an analytical, but practical approach to the subject area of marketing. The Course empowers students to produce strategic marketing plans, to critically appraise target markets that are appropriate for a particular product or service and make informed decisions in terms of the most appropriate and effective means of communicating the marketing message.
The Block 1 subjects will provide the necessary pre-requisite skills that underpins the marketing specialism, students will conduct academic research, and other transferable components can be applied to a market research exercise. Indeed, the students will have the opportunity to apply marketing theory to a management project and so gain valuable experience. In addition, the student will appreciate the importance of providing the highest quality customer service and how this offers competitive advantage. The key aims of the course therefore include the following:
To equip students with the understanding of post-digital businesses and how to manage them at a strategic level.
To enable students to make informed decisions and critically evaluate omni-channel marketing options, subsequently empowering students to produce an effective strategic marketing plan.
Supply Chain Management
The BA (Hons) Business Management (Supply Chain Management) course explores the theory and practical application of the complex world of supply chains. This specialist pathway aims to prepare students to enter organisational life with an understanding of the strategic issues surrounding the practice of global supply chain management, focusing on the core requirement of managing and demonstrating corporate social responsibility.
In addition to the planning skills and research techniques in the block 1 modules, students will gain a thorough understanding of the theoretical background to sustainability linked to supply chain management, and develop detailed knowledge of the current frameworks and models in the field. Students will also gain practical knowledge of a variety of examples of the practice of corporate social responsibility and risk mitigation as an aspect of organisational activities. The aims of the course therefore include the following:
To enable students to be conversant with the principal theories and methods employed in supply chain management especially in a global context.
To equip students to be able to identify and critically analyse the key organisational factors that contribute to supply chain management and the impact it will have on organisational management.
Enterprise and Innovation
This specialist route provides a comprehensive business education, equipping students with the business knowledge and skills for a successful career in a complex business world. Successful completion of the course requires students to be entrepreneurial, creative, independent, analytical and critical. It requires them to work effectively within diverse teams and demonstrate strong information literacy, a spirit of enquiry and to be reflective in practice. It will also require a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of business functions and the wider international business environment. The BA (Hons) Business Management (Enterprise and Innovation) includes the following additional aims:
To produce self-confident, critically informed, enterprising graduates, capable of effectively contributing to business management in large, medium and small enterprises, including self-employment.
To produce graduates with a mind set and capability to generate original ideas, concepts, proposals or solutions in response to business needs or opportunities, with the ability to act on them in ambiguous circumstances.
To enable students to develop range of interpersonal, entrepreneurial and analytical skills, abilities and behaviours that will enable them to function as effective managers, by driving innovation to contribute effectively to businesses and wider society.
Events Management
The BA (Hons) Business Management (Events Management) enables students to be able to combine specialisms within two interrelated disciplines, covering the main operational areas of events while maintaining a broad-based business education in the key business and management areas. This course allows students to attain the competencies required in a contemporary and future labour market. Specifically, the aims of the Events specialist route are:
To support students in their development to provide a critical understanding of organisations and their management in relation to the current, dynamic business environment with specific consideration of the impact on the Events Industry.
To develop a range of interpersonal and analytical skills that will enable students to function as effective managers and/or Events Managers and which enables them to contribute effectively to businesses and wider society, becoming effective global citizens.
Develop students’ critical understanding of the processes and practices of event operations, planning and delivery.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Knowledge of major business disciplines and their inter-relationship. |
| A2 | Detailed knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, theories and techniques relevant to Business and Management. |
| A3 | Knowledge and understanding of the functions and processes of organisations, their influence upon the external environment, and practices for effective management of organisations, including managing risk and uncertainty. |
| A4 | Knowledge and understanding enabling students to contribute to economic, social and cultural development at various levels of societal activity (local, Wales, UK, global) and be able to apply them to business activities |
| A5 | Understanding and interpretation of a variety of business and management theories, perspectives, concepts and schools of thought, including the reasoning which underpins them. |
| A6 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of contemporary business and management concepts, including the use of digital technology, its impact on business models and the diverse size and structure of organisations. |
| B1 | Apply established techniques of analysis and enquiry to the study of the Business and Management. |
| B2 | The ability to identify arguments, concepts, assumptions and implicit values and to evaluate them in terms of evidence. |
| B3 | Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. |
| B4 | The ability to create, evaluate, assess options, formulate judgements and frame questions in relation to solving business problems, together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations. |
| B5 | Critical evaluation of a range of business and management theories, concepts and models and the practical implications of them within organisations. |
| C1 | The development of skills associated with critical reflection. |
| C2 | Acquire a range of skills and capabilities so as to enhance employability and make an immediate contribution to an employer's activities. |
| C3 | The utilisation of skills to develop a range of work-based competences through internships, business engagement, consultancy projects and live case studies, which assist in building commercial acumen. |
| C4 | Utilise knowledge, skills and experience to resolve business problems or to address and complete business tasks, taking an ethical and socially responsible approach to management practices. |
| C5 | Recognise the need and have the ability to undertake personal and professional development, throughout one's life. |
Course Structure
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS3S92 | MOD012074 | Business Research: Principles and Practice | Running | 20 | specified |
| ST3S81 | MOD007796 | Business Strategy | Closed | 20 | specified |
| BS3S12 | MOD011979 | Applied Management | Running | 20 | specified |
| BS3S93 | MOD012075 | Management Project | Running | 20 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Visiting Speakers
Visiting speakers are a feature of all Business School courses and students will be invited and encouraged to attend. In addition, there will be special enterprise events such as ‘Question Time’ and ‘Dragon’s Den’ will be arranged involving professionals and entrepreneurs.
Volunteering
Volunteering opportunities are available for all students and the University hosts a ‘volunteers’ fare to encourage participation, recognising the enhancement this can offer to students’ CV’s and future employability prospects. Students have the opportunity to work as Business Analysts in the School’s Business Clinic.
Fieldwork
N/A
Field trips
At least one industry visit is planned for all students. In order to accommodate students enrolled onto both September and February starts the visit is likely to take place in early Spring.
Work Placements
N/A
Work-based Learning
There is no dedicated work-based learning module in this course although many of the opportunities to learn the skills offered in such a module may be found in the Enterprise Based Learning module. The module invites students to manage a real Social Enterprise to be run from the University.
In addition, students enrolled onto the Enterprise Based Learning module will also take part in the Universities Business Challenge Worldwide competition.
Sandwich Years
N/A
Employer Forums
N/A
Other
N/A
Means of Assessment
Essay, Report, Presentation, Portfolio
Learning Support
Induction
Students will undertake a comprehensive induction programme at the start of the course. Induction content will introduce all aspects of student life such as VLE training, pastoral care and wider University services, alongside events to build course identity. Ice-breaking activities and preparations will be made for the skills development week that follows.
Dimensions International College:
One of the purposes of the induction process is to assist mature students to make the transition back into higher education. Thus, induction involves an introduction to essay writing, avoidance of unfair practice, Harvard referencing, communication and presentation skills.
Personal Academic Coach
Students are supported by a Personal Academic Coach; an academic member of staff who will have access to information on the performance and profile of the student, allowing them to effectively support students' personal and academic development. Where students have problems of a personal nature (health, wellbeing, financial, etc.) they can be referred to the appropriate University Support Services.
Dimensions International College:
Students who require further one-to-one academic consultation may approach the Programme Coordinator to arrange a consultation session with the respective module lecturer.
Office hours
This information will be provided to students at induction. In addition, students will be advised about where they can find help outside of normal working hours in case of an emergency. Most team tutors operate an ‘open door’ policy so that students can meet the tutor immediately and discuss any item of concern.
Dimensions International College:
Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm (for blended learning students only)
Please note that evening blended students will have online live lessons during weekdays and on-campus classes on Saturdays.
Tutorials
CAS sessions will incorporate tutorial activity for targeted academic and employability skills development support. Additional support for international students is offered by the Centre for International English.
Dimensions International College:
Tutorial sessions are used to reinforce material presented by the other methods and to clear up possible misconceptions. Tutorials enable students to build on their understanding of the subject gained via the lecture and preparatory readings. Tutorials also provide an environment in which students are able to clarify queries and raise questions about the subject. It is also likely that students will be asked to prepare presentations and students will receive formative feedback on assessed activities.
Seminars
Seminars will feature as a pedagogical approach that may augment the traditional teaching agenda. This will allow contextualisation and application of theoretical concepts explored throughout the module.
Dimensions International College:
Case studies present realistic examples and by study, research and discussion students are expected to gain insights into problems that they might otherwise not encounter.
Formative Assessment
The use of seminars will allow formative assessment to be embedded in the course. Additionally, the use of online learning will encourage students to engage with formative assessment.
Dimensions International College:
At Dimensions, formative assessments are designed to support students’ learning and enable lecturers to monitor progress, identify learning gaps, and make appropriate adjustments to teaching strategies. For the MBA programme, formative assessments are incorporated into all taught modules through activities such as:
?a. Classroom Observations – Lecturers observe students’ participation, engagement, and understanding during class activities and discussions.
b. Quizzes – Short quizzes are used to assess students’ understanding and provide immediate feedback.
?c. Think-Pair-Share Activities – Students reflect individually, discuss ideas with peers, and share perspectives with the class to encourage collaborative and critical learning.
?d. Group Discussions – Students engage in discussions to apply concepts, exchange ideas, and develop communication and analytical skills.
e. Draft Reviews and Feedback Sessions – Lecturers provide feedback and feedforward on draft assignments to support students in improving their final submissions.
Progress meetings
PAC tutors schedule three meetings per year. In the second PAC meeting student progress is formally reviewed as they will have completed the first 60 credits of study.
Dimensions International College:
At the College, students will be monitored progressively, and when necessary, the Student Affairs Officer, teaching lecturer, or Programme Leader may meet with students for a counselling session.
The Programme Coordinator, who is the key staff member liaising with students, will be available during office hours, and students are not required to wait for a formally scheduled session to meet with the staff member. However, the Programme Coordinator also participates in Programme Committee meetings as the minute writer and takes note of any non-academic matters raised during the meeting for further action.
Research / Project Supervision
Project supervisors will be assigned for the Management Project, Enterprise Based Learning and Live Event modules.
Dimensions International College:
Project Supervisors will be assigned for the Management project.
Online Resources
All module content will be made available on UniLearn (VLE Blackboard). Additional online academic support will be provided as part of the CAS provision. All modules make use of UniLearn for web-enhanced delivery to at least the recommended minimum standard and for communications with students.
Additional support is provided through the Student Development and Study Skills Service who have self-directed online materials and tutorials.
Dimensions International College:
Students are expected to undertake significant directed reading in all aspects of the programme. All Dimensions, students are encouraged to reference to following online resources.
Elicit: AI for scientific research
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Student Advice
There is a Student Advice Zone at the Treforest Campus, with provision for online support. They provide confidential guidance and advice to students on all aspects of their university experience and are integrated to make direct referrals to the University Professional and Support Services.
Further information on their services and availability can be found here:
Dimensions International College:
Dimensions provides comprehensive student advice and support services to assist students in adapting to the academic and social environment. The Student Affairs Office will offer guidance and support on matters such as academic adjustment, student wellbeing, cultural integration, and campus life. These services are intended to help students transition smoothly into their studies and minimise cultural shock, particularly for international students adjusting to a new learning and living environment.
Disability Service
As per QAA subject benchmarks, the University will ensure that the curriculum and learning opportunities are inclusive and therefore reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate needs of students with disabilities.
Students requiring support for their studies are assessed by the Student Services Team and Individual Learning Support Plans are put in place. For more information see:
Dimensions International College:
Dimensions is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, including individuals with disabilities. Accessible toilet facilities are available on campus and are designed to accommodate the needs of students with mobility challenges. These facilities are equipped with appropriate accessibility features, such as handrails, wider access spaces, and wheelchair-friendly layouts, to ensure comfort, safety, and ease of use. Additional support services will be made available for students with dyslexia.
IT/ Library
Module resources and texts are where possible available electronically and any core texts for the course are stocked at the Treforest library.
There is a dedicated South Wales Business School Librarian who guest delivers appropriate training to students. This includes demonstrations and workshops, for example on how to use USW FindIt, identifying sources of quality information, etc. The Librarian also offers students’ one-to-one or small group bespoke support.
For more information see: Library Services at the University of South Wales.
There are computer labs with open access on both campuses, ensuring students have access to PCs. WiFi is also available across both campuses and students can loan laptops for independent study.
See: IT, Media and Technical Services
Dimensions International College:
Students may use Dimensions library, which provides access to reference texts and strong Wi-Fi connectivity to support learning and research activities. In addition, students may visit the National Library Board library, which is located approximately 10 minutes from the campus and are open to all students, including international students. Students are also encouraged to utilise a range of online academic resources to support their studies and research, including:
Elicit: AI for scientific research
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Library operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm
Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at level 6 or above, 120 at level 5 or above, 120 at level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3. | Final |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Students that have successfully completed the following courses may apply (regardless of grade):
Foundation degree in Business Studies
Foundation degree in Service Sector Management
Foundation degree in Retail Management
HND Business Studies
HND Business and Accounting
Diploma in Higher Education
iLM leadership and Management (Level 5)
The Course Leader will consider on an individual basis alternative qualifications and/or relevant experience providing students can demonstrate sufficient related knowledge and understanding to equip them for level 6 study in a business discipline. Applicants will need to demonstrate 240 credits (or equivalent) and the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy can feature in the decision to offer a place on the course.
The most up to date entry requirements for the School’s undergraduate degrees courses can be found on the course page of the University website.
For international students, information can be found on the University’s website: http://international.southwales.ac.uk/apply/international/ucas-direct. In general international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A