Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in
International Business and Finance
(Top-up)
Programme Specification
Valid from
JACS code
Programme code
Valid for delivery at
September 2012
L160
L160
University of Derby
Road)
(Kedleston
SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION
Programme Title
BA (Hons) International Business and Finance
Award title
BA (Hons) in International Business and Finance
BA in International Business and Finance
Mode of Study
Full-time and part-time
Programme start date/review date
Start date: September 2012
Period of Validation: 2012-17
Awarding Institution
University of Derby
Faculty Managing the Programme
Faculty of Business, Computing and Law
Institution Delivering the Programme
University of Derby
Relevant external subject benchmark statement(s)
QAA Subject benchmark statement for general business and management (2007)
JACS Code
L160
Programme specification last updated
June 2013
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SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS
Overview
Derby Business School recognises the opportunity presented by the increasingly
internationalised and dynamic business environment in its top up programmes. These
programmes are designed to increase student choice and flexibility in their choice of career
path. The importance of globalisation as a driving force for economic growth and financial
development has risen sharply in recent years, and its role will continue to rise in the future
following economic downturn. A thorough knowledge of the financial, economic, legal and
cultural factors facing international business is crucial for students aspiring to work for global
organisations. This top up programme focuses on international business and finance rather
than business management, expanding the disciplinary focus of a student’s degree in pursuit
of a career in global business.
The BA International Business and Finance programme seeks to enhance the students’
choice for a UG degree qualification by focusing on the international and global aspects of
business and focusing on the international financial market dimension of international
business.
The one-year top up programme specifically addresses the needs of those who wish to
study the international and global aspects of business and finance. It builds upon previously
acquired business knowledge and skills, focusing on the complexity of the global
environment of international business and trade practices. It is designed with particular
reference to UK, EU and overseas students, who have been unable to pursue a full degree
programme in International Business and/or International Finance.
Additionally, the top up programme is a pathway for students who want to continue their
studies in international business at post graduate level. The programme has been explicitly
paired with our offering of MSc International Business and Finance
The programme is intended for students who have already completed a sub-degree
programme, such as a Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or equivalent, and who
wish to further their studies to Honours degree level. The programme provides students
additional choice and flexibility, and continued personal development. It has an academically
challenging curriculum centred on a strong core of international business economics,
strategy and finance. The content of the curriculum has been designed to reflect the range of
contexts in which business operates, and to empower students to adapt to the changing
pattern of international employment opportunities. The diversity of the programme and the
accent put on international issues make it attractive to both domestic and international
students.
Programme Aims
The aims for each programme within the Undergraduate Business Programme scheme
consist of generic aims common to all programmes, which are then supplemented by
programme specific aims. The generic aims have been derived from the three purposes of
business and management programmes listed in the QAA General Business and
Management benchmark statement, 2007.
Generic Aims are:
• To prepare a student for a career in a rapidly changing business and social
environment.
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•
•
•
•
•
To provide a challenging, integrated programme of study that equips students with a
sound general knowledge of organisations, their management and the global
environments in which they operate.
To progressively develop cognitive, intellectual and practical skills within a relevant
business and management context.
To offer students an opportunity for work based learning within an appropriate
business environment.
To progressively develop transferable graduate skills as a foundation for lifelong
learning.
To develop personal, self-learning and team-working skills necessary for successful
employment in business and management.
This programme in international business and finance seeks to respond to an important
market for students particularly those from overseas while still addressing the needs of the
UK and EU nationals. They specifically address the needs of those who wish to study
international and global aspects of business and finance, to build on previously acquired
knowledge and skills to allow them to function as managers within organisations that have
an international focus. The nature of these top-up programmes’ international experience and
skill development is in direct accordance with the University’s mission.
Programme aims are:
•
•
•
•
•
To further develop specialist academic skills.
To extend the knowledge and application of international business theories, concepts
and frameworks to the global environment.
To evaluate the latest theories and developments in the international financial
markets.
To encourage independent working and critical thinking.
To continue the personal development of key skills as a basis for lifelong learning.
SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
The four sections below detail the following programme learning outcomes which are all set
at level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework.
Knowledge and Understanding
1. The research, analysis and critical evaluation of business concepts, theories and
techniques particularly in relation to international business, finance and financial markets.
2. Managing and developing self-managed learning when carrying out independent studies
3. Strategic decision making processes and problem solving.
4. The management of student’s own learning and development as a necessary basis for
successful employment.
5. The activities of business and financial markets in a global economy.
6. The continuing development of specialist academic skills.
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
1. Critically evaluate theories, arguments and evidence.
2. Apply academic theory to practical examples.
3. Exhibit the ability to analyse and draw conclusions from sets of data.
4. Demonstrate an independence of thought in developing solutions to a range of business
and finance related problems.
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Practical Skills
1. Location, extraction and analysis of research data, appropriately referenced.
2. Plan, conduct and report a programme of individual research, exhibiting correct
referencing and bibliographic skills.
3. The ability to manipulate and interpret financial and other numerical data.
Transferable Skills
Students will demonstrate ability to
1. Communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
2. Manage time and work to deadlines.
3. Use information technology to retrieve, analyse and present data.
4. Work effectively and constructively as part of a group.
5. Work independently, demonstrating self-direction.
6. Self-appraise and reflect on the application of theory to practice.
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SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Structure and Curriculum
International
Business
Economics
and
Strategy
40 credits
Financial
Statement
Analysis
Investing
and
Financial
Markets
Option
20 credits
Option
20 credits
The Programme has been constructed to ensure that students can acquire the knowledge
and skills in the three main areas identified by QAA subject benchmarks:
• Organisations
• External Environment
• Management
The programme modules are listed below, bearing indicators O (organisations), E (external
environment) and M (management). A Curriculum Map showing how the modules assist in
the achievement of the Programme Learning Outcomes is shown in Appendix 1.
N.B. Students who have no previous academic experience of the UK education system are
required to take the module Critical Analysis in an International Business Context as one of
their optional modules. In this case, the second optional module must be selected from the
Finance Options list.
Level 6
Module title
International Business Economics and Strategy
Investing and Financial Markets
Financial Statement Analysis
Indicator
E, M
O, E
M, O
Credits
40
20
20
Status
Core
Core
Core
Business Options
Critical Analysis in an International Business Context
International Entrepreneurship
International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Marketing Across Cultures
O, M
O, E
O, M
M, O
20
20
20
20
Option
Option
Option
Option
Finance Options
International Business Performance Appraisal
O, M
20
Option
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Critical Analysis in an International Business
Context
International Business Economics and
Strategy
Financial Statement Analysis
International Business Performance
Appraisal
Investing and Financial Markets
International Entrepreneurship
International Purchasing, and Supply Chain
Management
Marketing Across Cultures
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Pervasive Issues
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Business Policy and
Strategy
Information Systems
Operations
People
Finance
Customers
Markets
Module title
Communication and IT
Further, it is expected that graduates will also be able to demonstrate knowledge and
understanding in the following areas:
• Markets – the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and
services.
• Customers – customer expectations, service and orientation.
• Finance – the sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and
other information systems for managerial applications.
• People – the management and development of people within organisations.
• Operations – the management of resources and operations.
• Information systems – the development, management and exploitation of information
systems and their impact upon organisations.
• Communication and information technology – the comprehension and use of relevant
communication and information technologies for application in business and
management.
• Business policy and strategy – the development of appropriate policies and
strategies within a changing environment, to meet stakeholder interests.
• Pervasive issues – sustainability, globalisation, corporate social responsibility,
diversity, business innovation, creativity, enterprise development, knowledge
management and risk management.
x
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
PDP is embedded in all the modules on the programme as they will require students to
reflect on their own development, abilities and knowledge and apply themselves to projects
dealing with real business and research issues.
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SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Learning and Teaching Methods
The programme employs a variety of teaching and learning methods aimed at enabling the
students to achieve the learning outcomes. Most modules will feature the usual structure of
theoretical and evidence based lectures followed by seminars focused on practical
applications and discussions. Investing and Financial Markets will feature special sessions
conducted by leading financial market specialists and practitioners. Guest speaker sessions
will also be used in the International Business Economics and Strategy module as well as in
the International Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management module.
Practical skills will be developed in seminars involving interactive case-study analyses and
discussion which will require application of research and analytical skills. Modules like
Investing and Financial Markets will specifically employ computer lab sessions. International
Business Economics and Strategy will feature student-led tutorials. All modules will
contribute to the continuing development of specialist academic skills. Independent learning
and self-management will be consistently encouraged throughout the programme.
All students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst
undertaking their programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting
research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies.
Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at
www.derby.ac.uk/research/ethics
Assessment
The programme modules use a large range of assessment methods (coursework and
examinations, formative and summative assessments) that will allow students to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Feedback will be provided at every opportunity in
order to enable students to monitor their own progress and development.
The core modules feature a balanced assessment strategy as follows:
•
Financial Statement Analysis – report
•
International Business Economics and Strategy - group presentations (formative),
two computer tests (20% each), essay (30%) and a report (30%)
•
Investing and Financial Markets – investment portfolio skills and analysis using
computer test and written coursework, (50%) and summary skills and analysis of
financial market crisis using summaries of external experts and written coursework
(50%)
The optional modules feature largely coursework assessments.
This programme operates within the University’s Regulatory Framework and conforms to its
regulations on assessment.
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SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS
Entry requirements
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all ages as long as they can be
considered adequately prepared to succeed on the programme. If students have few or no
formal qualifications, they may be able to gain entry to the programme if they have the
required communication and learning skills as well as the knowledge, experience and
motivation to succeed.
Within the context of the University’s Mission Statement and equal opportunities policy, the
programme aims to attract a wide range of applicants. Entry requirements for the
programmes will normally include a Higher National Diploma, or equivalent, such as a
Foundation Degree, in an appropriate subject such as Business Management, Finance and
Accounting. Mature students with relevant work experience will also be considered.
Students will be counselled as to choice of module options depending upon background
knowledge, previous experience and mathematical ability. Students from the Escuela
Internacional de Gerencia, Granada, Spain, who hold a full three-year Diploma (Licenciatura
en Gestion y Administracion de Empresas) may also apply.
An overseas student will be able to gain entry to the Programme if his/her qualification is
deemed equivalent to the above and will be admitted under the University’s APL regulations.
Examples of these qualifications will include the DUT, DEUG and BTS from France which
are all classified as BAC+2 which is the French equivalent level of a Foundation Degree.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be expected to provide evidence of
competence in spoken and written English, as well as evidence of appropriate reading and
listening skills. This will normally equate to an I.E.L.T.S. score of 6.0 or equivalent.
Applicants who have no previous academic experience of the UK education system will be
required to take the module Critical Analysis in an International Business Context as one of
their optional modules.
If it is not possible to gain entry directly to the programme, a student may be able to enter
the programme after successfully completing a bridging programme of study, which can be
determined on an individual basis.
SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
Students benefit from an induction programme where they are given a programme handbook
that details all the essential information about the programme and the support provided for
learning.
The first port of call for students is the University central Student Support Services which
offers a range of general, specialist and professional support services for students as
detailed in the programme handbook. Further specific support and guidance is available
from the programme administrative team.
The programme is managed by a Programme Leader, who is responsible for the effective
management of the programme in accordance with University procedure including the
provision of an overall framework for support for students undertaking the programme. The
Programme Leader acts as Year Tutor and also undertakes the role of Admissions Tutor,
being responsible for the co-ordination of all the admissions requests received from the
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University Admissions department for potential students for the programme. The Programme
Leader will provide students with advice on academic matters such as option module choice.
Module Leaders ensure that University policies and procedures are implemented in the
delivery of the modules for which they are responsible. The Module Leader is responsible for
the preparation of the module; including production of the Module Handbook, co-ordinating
and planning the teaching schedule with the module teaching team. They are responsible for
the academic health of the module and for notifying the Programme Leader of any specific
module issues.
The Independent Studies Co-ordinator is responsible for the co-ordination and administration
associated with the management of, and assessment of dissertations.
SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES
Post-Programme Opportunities
The programme is designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge that
make them immediately employable in the financial industry as well as general business.
The honours degree will also enhance the career prospects of students who are already
employed.
Further, for students wishing to pursue post-graduate studies, successful completion of the
programme will enable them to apply for further qualifications such as the MSc International
Business and Finance offered by the University of Derby.
SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS
Employer Links
Employer needs and opinions have been taken into account in the development of the
programmes. Where possible, efforts are made to involve employers in the delivery of
programmes by involving them as visiting speakers to enhance vocational relevance and
application. Particular attention has been paid to contacting the UK Financial Sector Skills
Councils and other professional bodies to elicit and take into account the views of relevant
employers. Access to finance specialists in international business is provided through links
with financial sector organisations such Lloyds bank and the Derby Business School visiting
professors.
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Managing and developing
self-managed learning
when carrying out
independent studies
Critical Analysis in an
International Business
Context
Investing and Financial
Markets
Financial Statement
Analysis
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
International Business
Economics and Strategy
International Business
Performance Appraisal
International
Entrepreneurship
International Purchasing,
and Supply Chain
Management
Marketing Across Cultures
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
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x
The continuing
development of specialist
academic skills.
The activities of business
and financial markets in a
global economy
The management of
student’s own learning
and development as a
necessary basis for
successful employment.
Module title
Strategic decision
making processes and
problem solving.
The research, analysis
and critical evaluation of
business concepts,
theories and techniques
particularly in relation to
the financial markets.
APPENDIX 1
Curriculum Maps for BA (Hons) International Business and Finance
Knowledge and Understanding
x
10
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
x
x
x
x
x
x
Financial Statement Analysis
x
x
x
x
International Business Economics and Strategy
x
x
x
x
International Business Performance Appraisal
x
x
x
x
International Entrepreneurship
x
x
International Purchasing, and Supply Chain
Management
Marketing Across Cultures
x
x
x
x
Demonstrate an
independence of
thought in
developing
solutions to a range
of business-related
problems
Apply academic
theory to practical
examples
Critical Analysis in an International Business
Context
Investing and Financial Markets
Exhibit the ability to
analyse and draw
conclusions from
sets of data
Critically evaluate
theories, arguments
and evidence
Module title
x
x
x
x
x
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Plan, conduct and report
a programme of
individual research,
exhibiting correct
referencing and
bibliographic skills
Critical Analysis in an International Business Context
x
x
Investing and Financial Markets
x
x
Financial Statement Analysis
x
International Business Economics and Strategy
x
International Business Performance Appraisal
x
International Entrepreneurship
x
International Purchasing, and Supply Chain Management
x
Marketing Across Cultures
x
The ability to manipulate
and interpret financial
and other numerical data
Module title
Location, extraction and
analysis of research data,
appropriately referenced
Practical Skills
x
x
x
x
x
x
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Transferable Skills
Communicate ideas
effectively, both orally
and in writing
Manage time and work to
deadlines
Use information
technology to retrieve,
analyse and present data
Work effectively and
constructively as part of
a group
Work independently,
demonstrating selfdirection
Self-appraise and reflect
on the application of
theory to practice
Module title
Critical Analysis in an
International Business Context
Investing and Financial Markets
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Financial Statement Analysis
x
x
x
International Business
Economics and Strategy
International Business
Performance Appraisal
International Entrepreneurship
x
x
x
x
x
International Purchasing, and
Supply Chain Management
Marketing Across Cultures
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
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