Our entry requirements are either specific grades achieved in nationally recognised qualifications, UCAS Tariff Points or evidence of appropriate equivalent skills and experience.

Equivalent skills and experience means skills or experience we have judged to demonstrate the same level of merit, ability and potential as the nationally recognised qualifications that are required for entry based on the core competencies of the course. We retain the right to use our own tests to determine that applicants have achieved the minimum attainment levels associated with recognised qualifications which they do not hold.

Details of entry requirements for each programme of study are provided on the college’s website: https://www.iconcollege.ac.uk/course-list

In addition, we might require the applicants to attend an interview and/or complete an English Language test.

Applicants must usually be at least 18 years of age on admission to the college.

BA (Hons) Business Studies (Bishop Grosseteste University)

• Applicants will normally need 96-112 UCAS tariff points (from a maximum of four Advanced Level qualifications) to join the BA (Hons) Business.  A range of qualifications may be used to meet this requirement, such as A/AS Levels, BTEC, Access Courses, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Pre-U, Extended Project etc.  This list is not exhaustive, and applicants should explore the range of qualifications in the UCAS tariff that they can use to apply.

• Potential students in possession of alternative qualifications, transferable credits, or relevant experience will be invited to apply through the University’s RPL processes.

Students who have achieved the College’s HND in Business may articulate onto the Level 6 of the BA (Hons) Business Studies.

• Applications from mature students are encouraged and the College recognises that their experience or qualifications are likely to be different. Candidates with other entry qualifications and experience are welcome.

For further information, please see the course specific Programme Specification for entry onto the course.

For students without the formal qualifications recognised in a., the applicant, including mature students, can apply directly to the College, and must have one of the following:

•      a Level 3 qualification
•     a Level 2 qualifications and relevant work experience
•     or substantial business-related work experience

and,

•     Demonstrate capability in English (normally GCSE English or equivalent)

and,

•     Demonstrate a Commitment to Study and a reasonable expectation of success on the Course

In addition, we might require the applicants to attend an interview with admission tutor and/or complete an English Language test.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence that their ability to read, write, speak and comprehend spoken English is at the equivalent to CEFR level B2 allowing them to succeed in their studies. ICON College accepts the following English language tests:

• GCSE English grade C/4
• IELTS 5.5 (including 5.5 for reading and writing)
• PTE 51

Where applicants do not have a formal qualification to demonstrate capability in English, they will be required to undertake the College's written English Language test before an offer of a place on a course is made. Judgement of their capability in spoken English will be assessed by the Admission Tutors at interview. Suitable alternative arrangements to written tests will be made where a student declares a disability, specific learning difficulty or long-term health condition on their application form, e.g, oral questioning, amanuensis, etc.

Subject Benchmark statement for Business and Management (QAA, 2019) QAA Benchmark statements and the FHEQ levels have been used in designing the Module and Programme Outcomes of the BA (Hons) Business Studies.

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf  

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/subject-benchmark-statement-business-and-management.pdf?sfvrsn=db39c881_5

There is an expectation that degree programmes covered by the Business and Management Subject Benchmark Statement should provide a broad, analytical, and highly integrated study of business and management.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the business environment in which they operate and their management. This encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations, and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations and their influence upon the external environment.

Within the framework of organisations, business environment and management, graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and a systematic understanding of markets, sales, finance, information systems, strategy, and operations. In terms of people management, graduates will develop their knowledge in the leadership and management of people within legal and ethical frameworks. This will include organisational design and development, looking at change, diversity, and values. They will also be able to demonstrate an ability to lead and manage themselves.

The programme will emphasise understanding, responding to and shaping the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including strategic and risk management.

The main aims of the BA (Hons) Business Studies programme are to provide students with:

• A coherent and detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of the general scope of Business as a discipline, its different areas (including functions) and applications, and its interactions with related subjects including (but not limited to) equality, diversity, and inclusion, social innovation, and social inclusion.
• A critical and systematic understanding of the essential theories, principles and concepts of the various subject(s) studied within the BA (Hons) Business Studies.  
• The subject specific and professional skills to successfully engage in critical learning and research across a range of business-related subject areas using tools and techniques appropriate to the discipline, some of which are more specialised, advanced, and complex.
• Well-developed skills for the gathering, evaluation, analysis and presentation of information, ideas, concepts and quantitative and/or qualitative data, drawing on a wide range of current sources. This will include the use of ICT and emerging digital technologies as appropriate.
• A broad range of transferable employability-related skills including research, analysis, information-management, critical review of evidence, and the formulation of arguments and solutions to problems.

Typically, holders of the BA (Hons) Business Studies will be able to:

• Use their knowledge, understanding and skills, in both identifying and analysing problems and issues and in formulating, evaluating, and applying evidence-based solutions and arguments.
• Communicate the results of their studies and other work accurately and reliably in a range of different contexts using the main specialist concepts, constructs, and techniques of the subject(s).
• Identify and address their own learning needs, including being able to draw on a range of current research, development, and professional materials.

Apply their subject and transferable skills to contexts where criteria for decisions and the scope of the task may be well defined, but where personal responsibility, initiative and decision-making is also required.

Final Award Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of BA (Hons) Business Studies, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• KU1 Demonstrate a comprehensive, detailed, and systematic knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the discipline of business studies and broader global context of business.

• KU2 Exhibit a critical, confident, and evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the role of management, leadership, human resources, marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, and project management in the effective and efficient functioning of organisations.
• KU3 Evidence a conceptual understanding of relevant responsible and ethical issues in a range of business contexts.
• KU4 Demonstrate a critical, confident, and evidence-based knowledge and understanding of a variety of contemporary and prevalent issues and their impact upon the management and leadership of organisations, for example: equality, diversity and inclusion, social inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

Subject-specific and professional skills

• SPS1 Accurately deploy frameworks, theories and principles of business leadership and management to propose effective resolutions to complex business problems.
• SPS2 Interpret a broad range of business data using statistical tools and procedures as appropriate.
• SPS3 Apply a critical understanding of the role of entrepreneurs including social entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, innovators and businesses owners, leaders, and managers in society.
• SPS4 Demonstrate the use of initiative, creativity, inclusivity, responsibility, and commercial acumen to develop proposals for successful business outcomes in dynamic situations.
• SPS5 Develop and engage in critical reflective practice for the purpose of developing personal responsibility in decision making in complex situations presented by a global marketplace.

Intellectual skills

• IS1 Evaluate and critically analyse data and information from a range of sources using appropriate qualitative and quantitative skills to make effective judgements about the challenges facing business organisations operating in a globalised marketplace.
• IS2 Select and apply knowledge and understanding of scholarly frameworks and theories to seek solution(s) to complex and sometimes unpredictable organisational problems.
• IS3 Work collaboratively demonstrating emotional intelligence and empathy, appropriate understanding, sensitivity, and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross cultural issues, diversity, and values.
• IS4 Utilise a variety of media including digital technology, to convey ideas and arguments effectively to a range of audiences, and demonstrate the ability to write, discuss and present arguments and ideas using appropriate academic conventions.

Transferable skills

• TS1 Communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• TS2 Demonstrate the ability to independently find, critique, evaluate and use a wide range of information, data, or tools accurately in complex contexts.
• TS3 Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, and abstract concepts to identify and address organisational challenges.
• TS4 Demonstrate strong, responsible, and ethical digital literacy and its application in evidence-based decision making.
• TS5 Deploy numerical skills critically and effectively to interpret data, using it to evaluate, and model business problems. 

On successful completion of a Certificate of Higher Education in Business Studies students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• KU1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the discipline of business studies.
• KU2 Exhibit knowledge and understanding of the role of business leadership and management practices in the effective functioning of organisations.
• KU3 Evidence an understanding of relevant ethical issues in a range of business contexts.
• KU4 Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of a variety of contemporary and prevalent issues and their impact upon the functions of organisations.

Subject-specific and professional skills

• SPS1 Develop an understanding of the frameworks, theories and principles of business leadership and management.
• SPS2 Demonstrate an ability to interpret financial data using financial procedures.
• SPS3 Develop an understanding of the role of entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, businesses owners, leaders, and managers in society.
• SPS4 Develop an awareness of the interpersonal skills required for effective leadership and management in a professional context.
• SPS5 Demonstrate an ability to engage in reflective practice for the purpose of decision making.

Intellectual skills

• IS1 Present data and information from a range of sources in order to make effective judgements about the challenges faced in business organisations.
• IS2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scholarly frameworks and theories to seek solutions in specified organisational scenarios.
• IS3 Demonstrate the use of initiative to develop proposals for successful business outcomes.
• IS4 Utilise digital technology effectively and demonstrate the ability to write, discuss and present knowledge and understanding using appropriate academic conventions.

Transferable skills

• TS1 Communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions using a variety of established business techniques.
• TS2 Demonstrate the ability to independently find, evaluate and use a wide range of information and data in specified contexts.
• TS3 Demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments, assumptions, and abstract concepts in order to identify and address business problems.
• TS4 Demonstrate an understanding of responsible and ethical digital literacy and its application.
• TS5 Demonstrate an understanding of how numerical skills can be used to interpret data in order to make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts.  

On successful completion of a Diploma of Higher Education in Business Studies students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• KU1 Demonstrate a knowledge and a critical understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the discipline of business studies and broader global context of business.
• KU2 Exhibit a critical and analytical evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the role of business leadership and management practices in the effective and efficient functioning of organisations.
• KU3 Evidence a critical understanding of relevant responsible and ethical issues in a range of business contexts.
• KU4 Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of a variety of contemporary and prevalent issues and their impact upon the management of organisations, for example: change leadership and risk management.

Subject-specific and professional skills

• SPS1 Develop an understanding of frameworks, theories and principles of business leadership and management in order to propose effective resolutions to complex business problems.
• SPS2 Demonstrate an ability to Interpret a range of business data using statistical functions and procedures.
• SPS3 Develop an applied understanding of the role of organisations, entrepreneurs, businesses owners, leaders, and managers in society.
• SPS4 Demonstrate the use of initiative, creativity, and commercial acumen to evaluate strategies and risks in complex organisational situations.
• SPS5 Demonstrate an ability to engage in reflective practice for the purpose of decision making in complex organisational situations.

Intellectual skills

• IS1 Present, evaluate and analyse data and information from a range of sources in order to make effective judgements about the challenges facing business organisations.

• IS2 Demonstrate an ability to critically select knowledge and understanding of scholarly frameworks and theories to propose solutions in specified organisational scenarios.

• IS3 Work collaboratively demonstrating emotional intelligence and empathy, appropriate understanding, sensitivity, and understanding of culturally diverse organisations.
• IS4 Utilise a digital technology, to convey ideas and arguments effectively to a range of audiences, and demonstrate the ability to write, discuss and present arguments and ideas using appropriate academic conventions.

Transferable skills

• TS1 Communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• TS2 Demonstrate the ability to independently find, apply, evaluate, and use a wide range of information, data, or tools accurately in specified contexts.
• TS3 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate arguments, assumptions, and abstract concepts to identify and address business problems.
• TS4 Demonstrate responsible and ethical digital literacy.
• TS5 Deploy numerical skills effectively to interpret data, using it to evaluate business problems.  

In order to qualify for an Ordinary Degree (Level 6):

• The student must meet the requirements as laid down in the Regulations for Undergraduate Awards (which is available from the University Website).

Regardless of whether students join in the Autumn (typically referred to as semester 1) or the Spring, (typically referred to as semester 2) the modules must be delivered in the following order: (Period 1 followed by Period 2).

Level 4 – 120 credits

Level 5 – 120 credits

The core learning outcomes for the level are delivered in 90c.

(*Modules do not form part of the core 90 credits.)

Level 6 – 120 credits

The core learning outcomes for the level are delivered in 90c. (*Modules do not form part of the core 90 credits.)

Level 4

Level 5
 

Level 6

The curriculum has been designed in line with the Subject Benchmark Statement for Business and aims to develop enquiring, critical and reflective students that respond well to challenge enabling them to contribute proactively to the world of private business, public or ‘third’ sector organisations, the main business-related professions, self-employment, and the wider society within which businesses operate.

At Level 4, students’ study eight 15 credit modules that give them a solid foundation for further study. As there is no pre-requisite to have studied Business previously, students are introduced to human resource management, leadership and management, marketing fundamentals, and the concept of organisations and their environments in Semester 1.

In Semester 2, students study modules centred around finance, innovation and creativity, project management and entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, and start to develop their understanding of the importance of each of these aspects to an organisation.

At Levels 5 and 6, students study a diverse array of contemporary 15-credit modules and undertake one 30-credit module at each level.  Both 30 credit modules afford students the opportunity to undertake business projects and thus develop their project management skills.  Students will be encouraged and supported by their module tutor to undertake their projects in an area of personal interest allied to a discipline that reflects their career goals. At level 5 students undertake a 40-hour work placement over the duration of their first semester of study and use this as a basis upon which to develop their assessment for the Contemporary Project Management in Practice module.  Furthermore, at level 6 all students complete a Business Start-up module that culminates in a pitch to a panel of business experts.  Pitching is one of the most valuable skills an entrepreneur can harness to sell what they do, raise finance or just to explain what they do/ their proposition concisely. Regardless of whether students wish to enter self-employment or employment this module will provide all students with an invaluable skill set for use within the wider world.

Relevant commercial, transferable and research related skills are delivered progressively across the programme. Furthermore, students on the programme will be challenged to act in line with the ethos of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. Individual modules embed this ethos.

The curriculum is also reinforced by its commitment to uphold the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The ten principles focus on key global challenges in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. As global citizens, BA (Hons) Business Studies students will develop a global mindset to understand, appreciate and take appropriate local or international action in response to these global challenges.

The curriculum maps to the BGU Graduate Attributes Award and further promotes the completion of the Graduate Attributes Excellence Award in the Level 6 module ‘Exploring Professional Practice’.

The programme structure aligns to the development of BGU Graduate attributes as follows:

1: Academic Literacies - students are enabled to develop academic literacy through engagement with evaluating and synthesizing original empirical research into their assignments. These skills are developed from the start of study at Level 4 with an increase in complexity in the types of sources used through the course of study. Additionally, assessments are specifically designed to support 

students in developing their academic competency, with levels of complexity increasing as the students’ progress through the programme.

2: Global Citizenship – Students will develop a global perspective of Business through specific modules such as Organisational Environments and International Business. Furthermore, as mentioned previously the curriculum is reinforced by its commitment to uphold the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

3: Information Literacy – Information literacy will be developed throughout the programme although specifically in modules such as Contemporary Project Management in Practice and the Capstone Project in which students will be required to independently search for academic sources through for example electronic library databases and Google Scholar.

4: Digital Fluency – Assessments are designed to support students in developing digital fluency through a range of assessments including narrated PowerPoints, podcasts and through employing a commercial understanding of digital skills to produce a digital marketing plan in the level 5 module Digital Marketing Strategies. The teaching team will also model the use of technology through session delivery as appropriate.

5: Employability – Employability is a key focus of the course, and a balance has been sought between creating a vocational course while meeting the demands of degree level study. As graduate attributes are embedded into all modules, it is anticipated that all students will develop the transferable skills necessary for employment / self-employment / portfolio careers. The modules that form the programme have been designed to build and enhance employability skills reflecting employer needs. The Contemporary Project Management in Practice encompasses 40 hours of work placement activity, and this is key to building the skills required by graduate employers.

6: Being Enterprising – the course discipline coupled with the practical nature and characteristics of the course means that students are supported to develop creative problem-solving skills through directed independent learning. BA (Hons) Business Studies students have the benefit of studying Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship at level 4 and undertake modules in Social Innovation, Social Inclusion and Entrepreneurship and a Business Start-up module at Level 6.  These modules provide students with the opportunity to develop more commercially minded enterprise skills. Throughout the programme, students will be challenged to develop intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial thinking and competency.

• The programme helps students acclimatise to Higher Education and supports students through the different types of assessment they will engage with throughout the duration of the programme. Alongside the study skills taught by the programme’s tutors, generalised and individual study skills support is provided by the delivering institution.
• Induction/transition sessions are included at the delivering institution on commencing level 4, 5 and 6, to support student expectations of the progressive academic requirements of each level of study.
• Within the programme, modules are taught by tutors with relevant professional knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Tutors will employ a range of teaching strategies that include interactive lectures, seminars and tutorials and use web-based tools to enable learners to engage with module content and issues related to assessments.
• E-resources such as e-books and web-based materials and a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) are used to support augment in-person teaching, learning and assessment through activities such as directed reading (see Section 26 below for more detail).
• As appropriate to the module and content, the teaching team will utilise opportunities to teach students both in whole group situations and smaller seminar groups. In smaller group tasks, students are encouraged to peer-support one another through dialogue and collaborative learning.
• Student cohorts enter the course with a range of experiences, skills and/or qualifications. To support the students’ variable needs, teaching and learning is differentiated. For example, key concepts may be contextualised to the students’ professional experiences, through discussions relating to practice and practical activities. The aim is to create authentic, collaborative learning experiences within the classroom and independent study environments.
• Guest/ visiting tutors from within the delivering institution, BGU and/or from local and national statutory, private and voluntary organisations might also be utilised to support subject-currency and expose students to wider perspectives and/or specialised knowledge, where appropriate to do so.
• Students are supported by individual and group tutorials that are embedded into each module.

Module assessments provide opportunities for students to acquire, develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, subject specific, intellectual, and transferable skills. A range of assessments are used which are relevant to the individual demands of the subject matter and enable students to participate in a varied and engaging educational experience. Assessments are used to appropriately test and encourage students to apply different areas of knowledge and demonstrate a wide range of skills.  

Students are assessed by a single piece of assessment within each module that comprises the BA (Hons) Business Studies.

Across the programme the workload for students is also carefully managed through the effective scheduling of assessments and the use of a consistent rubric.  

For written work at Level 4 a rubric of 2,000 words per 15 credits is applied. At Level 5, a rubric of 2,500 words per 15 credits is applied and at Level 6 a rubric of 3,000 words per 15 credits is applied. For practical work at Level 4 a rubric of 40 seconds per credit is applied. At Level 5, a rubric of 15 minutes per 15 credit is applied and at Level 6 a rubric of 20 minutes per 15 credits is applied.  

Group work is not used as a summative assessment strategy although students can expect to work with others throughout the duration of their programme as noted in Section 22.  Furthermore, formative assessment strategies will be employed throughout the programmes duration to monitor student learning and understanding, and to ensure that learners are in receipt of ongoing dialogue and feedback on their learning and progress.  Learners will be engaged as partners in this process and will develop skills such as self-assessment and peer-assessment.