Business Management with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

The BSc Business Management with a Foundation Year degree at Swansea University is designed for students who do not have the necessary qualifications to enroll directly onto the BSc Business Management course. The Foundation Year is an excellent pathway to gaining the required knowledge and skills in business management before joining Year 1 students of the BSc Business Management degree within the School of Management.

Key Course Details

• UK/EU Fees: Ł5,760 (Year 1)
• International Fees: Ł19,600 (Year 1), Ł20,600 (Year 1 for September 2026 or January 2027 intake)
• Mode of Study: Campus Based
• Typical Offer: CCD-DDD (A-level), MMM-MMP (BTEC), 26 points (International Baccalaureate)
• Location: Bay Campus

Course Overview

The course blends theory with practical application, developing strong business acumen and essential skills for real-world business management. Students study a range of business topics, including marketing, operations management, accounting, finance, strategy, and human resource management. The Foundation Year is taught at The College, located next to the School of Management, and the final three years are taught within the School of Management itself.

Modules

The course structure includes:

• Year 0 (Foundation Year): Maths and Stats, Foundations of Business and Management, Critical Thinking, Interactive Learning Skills and Communication, Accounting and Finance, Economics
• Year 1: Accounting for Managers, Managing People, Key Skills for Business, Operations Management, The Global Context of Organisation, Managing in the Digital Age
• Year 2: Economics for Business, Strategic Analysis, and a range of optional modules including Corporate Governance and Ethics, Corporate Finance 1, Digital Marketing, Change Management, Information Systems, Organisational Behaviour, Management Science, Global Business Environment: International Political Economy, Critical Thinking in Entrepreneurship, Contemporary Issues in Tourism, Business and Employment Law, Investments: Assets; Equities and Bonds, Principles of Management Accounting, The Customer Experience, Marketing Research, Decision Making and Analysis, Opportunity-driven Enterprise
• Year 3: Final Year Project, and a range of optional modules including Financial Market Efficiency, Investment Banking, Financial Services, International Human Resource Management, Power and Organisation, Innovation Management, Project Management, Lean Operations, Data Mining, Application Development, Strategic Implementation, Rheoli Prosiectau (Project Management), Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Planning, Digital Marketing Management, Asset Management, Derivatives and Risk Management, Risk Management in Banking, Business Ethics, Leadership, Corporate Social Responsibility, Information Technology Service Management, International Standards, Sustainability and Environmental Management, Spreadsheets and Databases for Business Analysis, Business and Employment Law, Law of International Corporate Governance, Forensic Accounting, Strategic Sales Management, Enterprise Life Cycle, Contemporary Issues in Marketing, Managing Crisis in Organisations

Entry Requirements

• A-level: CCD-DDD
• BTEC: MMM-MMP
• T Levels: Pass
• Mixed Qualifications: 72 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points
• Selection Process: Please see the university's website for further information on the selection process.

How You're Taught

At Swansea, students benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods. Most courses are taught in person, on campus, giving students the opportunity to actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider university community.

Welsh Provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh, but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. Academi Hywel Teifi is available to support students throughout their time at Swansea University.

Professional Body Accreditation

The years following the Foundation Year are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), subject to module selections.

Meet Your Lecturers

Students are taught by a team of experienced academics from research, academic, and industry backgrounds. Their wide-ranging knowledge and expertise are linked closely with the module content, ensuring students learn the most relevant and up-to-date information and develop skills required for a career in business management.

Tuition Fees

Fees for full-time undergraduate UK students on classroom-based foundation programmes will increase from Year 1, and in subsequent years, to the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government.

Funding and Scholarships

Students may be eligible for funding to help support their study. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, and students can also apply for the Academi Hywel Teifi Bursary.

Additional Costs

Students may face additional costs while at university, including travel to and from campus, printing, photocopying, binding, stationery, and equipment costs.

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team will support students at each stage of their career journey, helping them build a bright future. Services include employability workshops, individual advice and guidance, help with finding jobs, internships, work placements, and volunteering opportunities.

Academic Support

The Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops, and one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, maths and statistics, critical thinking, time management, digital skills, presentation skills, note taking, revision, memory, and exam techniques. Specialist Tutors are also available to support students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), disability, mental health, or medical conditions.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to spend a Year In Industry, in the UK or overseas, giving valuable workplace experience. The university advocates for only paid placements, which on average have a salary of over Ł20,000.

How to Apply

Students can apply through UCAS or the university's Clearing System. International students may also apply through UCAS or directly to the university.

Application Deadlines

The university recommends that students submit their application as early as possible. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled.

Degree Overview:

The BSc Business Management with a Foundation Year degree at Swansea University aims to equip students with a solid understanding of business management principles and practices. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the program develops students' analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities, preparing them for successful careers in various business sectors.

---

Outline:

The program's content and structure are designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in business management. The Foundation Year serves as a bridge between high school and university-level studies, providing students with the necessary academic skills and knowledge to succeed in the subsequent years of the program. The core modules in the program cover foundational topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and human resource management. As students progress, they can tailor their studies by choosing from a range of optional modules that align with their interests and career aspirations. The program's course schedule is designed to provide students with a balanced combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Lectures introduce key concepts and theories, while tutorials and seminars offer opportunities for students to engage in discussions, problem-solving, and practical exercises.

---

Modules:

• Business (September - January)
• Academic Writing (September - January)
• Critical Thinking (September - January)
• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (September - January)
• Principles of ICT (September - January)
• Statistics (January - June)
• Business Economics (January - June)
• Globalisation (January - June)
• Applied Critical Thinking (January - June)
• The College Resilience module (Autumn Term)
• Accounting for Managers (September - January)
• Managing People (September - January)
• Marketing (September - January)
• Key Skills for Business (September - January)
• Operations Management (January - June)
• The Global Context of Organisation (January - June)
• Managing in the Digital Age (January - June)
• Strategic Analysis (September - January)
• Economics for Business (January - June)
• Corporate Governance and Ethics (September - January)
• Corporate Finance 1 (September - January)
• Strategic Marketing Planning (September - January)
• Digital Marketing (September - January)
• Change Management (September - January)
• Information Systems (September - January)
• Organisational Behaviour (September - January)
• Management Science (September - January)
• Global Business Environment: International Political Economy (September - January)
• Applied Entrepreneurship: Action-Based Planning (September - January)
• Critical Thinking in Entrepreneurship (September - January)
• Contemporary Issues in Tourism (September - January)
• Business and Employment Law (September - January)
• Investments: Assets; Equities and Bonds (September - January)
• Principles of Management Accounting (September - January)
• Decision Making and Analysis (September - January)
• English for Management 1 (September - January)
• Financial Markets and Institutions (January - June)
• Maths for Business (January - June)
• Human Resource Management (January - June)
• Management Consulting 1 (January - June)
• Consumer Behaviour (January - June)
• International Business (January - June)
• Supply Chain Management (January - June)
• Business Information Systems (January - June)
• Statistics for Business (January - June)
• e-Business (January - June)
• Business Analytics (January - June)
• Social Aspects of Organisation (January - June)
• Applied Entrepreneurship: Action Based Practice (January - June)
• Applied Entrepreneurship: Consultancy (January - June)
• Entrepreneurship for Tourism Experiences (January - June)
• International Marketing (January - June)
• Principles of Financial Accounting (January - June)
• English for Management 2 (January - June)
• Financial Market Efficiency (September - January)
• Investment Banking (September - January)
• Financial Services (September - January)
• Marketing Research (September - January)
• International Human Resource Management (September - January)
• Innovation Management (September - January)
• Project Management (September - January)
• Lean Operations (September - January)
• Data Mining (September - January)
• Application Development (September - January)
• Strategic Implementation (September - January)
• Rheoli Prosiectau (Project Management) (September - January)
• Sustainable Tourism (September - January)
• Tourism Planning (September - January)
• Social Media Marketing (September - January)
• English for Management 1 (September - January)
• Power and Organisation (January - June)
• Financial Economics (January - June)
• Financial Innovation and Risk Management (January - June)
• Asset Management (January - June)
• Derivatives and Risk Management (January - June)
• Risk Management in Banking (January - June)
• Business Ethics (January - June)
• Leadership (January - June)
• Marketing Ethics (January - June)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (January - June)
• Information Technology Service Management (January - June)
• International Standards (January - June)
• Sustainability and Environmental Management (January - June)
• Spreadsheets and Databases for Business Analysis (January - June)
• Business and Employment Law (January - June)
• Law of International Corporate Governance (January - June)
• Forensic Accounting (January - June)
• Strategic Sales Management (January - June)
• Enterprise Life Cycle (January - June)
• Marketing Communications (January - June)
• Managing Crisis in Organisations (January - June)
• English for Management 2 (January - June)

---

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students' understanding and application of business management principles. These methods include:

• Examinations: Written examinations are used to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories covered in the modules.
• Coursework: Coursework, such as essays, reports, and presentations, allows students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world business situations.
• Practical exercises: Practical exercises, such as simulations and case studies, provide students with opportunities to develop their problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Group work: Group projects and presentations enable students to work collaboratively and develop their communication and teamwork skills.

---

Teaching:

The program is delivered by a team of experienced and knowledgeable lecturers, professors, and industry professionals. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce key concepts and theories and to provide a foundation for further study.
• Tutorials: Tutorials offer students the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive personalized feedback on their work.
• Seminars: Seminars are smaller, interactive sessions where students can discuss case studies, participate in simulations, and develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Workshops: Workshops provide practical, hands-on experience in key business management areas, such as finance, marketing, and human resources.

---

Careers:

Graduates of the Business Management with a Foundation Year degree from Swansea University are well-equipped for a wide range of careers in various business sectors. The program's focus on developing transferable skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, makes graduates highly sought after by employers. Potential career paths for graduates include:

• Management Consultant
• Business Analyst
• Marketing Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Operations Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Accountant
• Supply Chain Manager
• Project Manager

---

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 17,750 January 2024 N/A September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 17,750 January 2024 N/A £ 17,750 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 18,650 January 2025 N/A £ 18,650 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

---

Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

---

Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

---

Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

---

Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

---

Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events