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Programme Specification

BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-Up

Business Law and Social Sciences

Department of Management, HR & Enterprise

of 20Validation dateCourse code(s)


This document is presented in three sections:

Section One This section will provide students with key information on their learning experience and how it will be continuously enhanced this will include;

Programme Philosophy and Aims Programme Learning, Teaching and Assessment strategy Statements of Intent for key learning experience themes

This section aims to address Quality Enhancement and Learning & Teaching excellence across the student learning experience.

Section Two This section addresses regulatory and quality assurance requirements for the purposes of programme validation and mapping of the student learning experience.

Section Three This section collates the Module Guides from across the programme.



Section One

Programme PhilosophyThe BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up Degree is a Professional Practice Programme designed to allow you to gain your BA (Hons) Degree within 12 months whilst you continue to work full-time with your employer. This unique and highly sought-after course strikes the optimal balance between theory and business application, preparing you for a fruitful career trajectory in management and leadership. All organisations need strong management and leadership expertise plausibly now more than ever, in an increasingly competitive and financially challengingly business environment. Whether organisations are large multinational conglomerates or smaller enterprises that might have only being trading a few months and are seeking future growth opportunities; this course gives you the foundation and expertise you need to help them succeed. This course provides you with a core set of modules that will you give you the confidence, knowledge and expertise, which will better prepare you for current and future international management and leadership challenges and the competences to help address them. By enrolling, you have already taken an important step to enhancing your management and leadership career and sooner than you will realise, graduation awaits!

This programme explores the complexity and diversity of business in an increasingly interconnected and multi-cultural world and was built with the future in mind. This distinct programme is relevant to those students wishing to pursue a career in management and is specifically designed to acknowledge students prior work experience whilst its professional practice nature provides a unique opportunity to apply your learning into the workplace as the degree progresses. A bespoke set of modules helps prepare students to embrace current and future management and leadership challenges by equipping them with a blend of fundamental management competences. Students will be expected to develop critical analytical skills in assessing the rapidly complex business environment; identify new business opportunities and analyse markets; deal with complex issues systematically and creatively; and communicate clearly to a range of audiences.

This is a course designed for proactive career focused individuals who can progressively apply and draw upon their learning across your workplace. You will study the theory behind successful management and learn how to apply it practically on the job through modules assignments. As part of the unique aspects of the course, the organisational improvement module, invites students to bring along employer representatives / line managers to meet the course team and present their management solutions. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work to a variety of businesses and undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the Business School in order to network and exchange feedback with wider population, cross-pollinating ideas and opportunities.

This course leads to a dual qualification by complementing your BA (Hons) Degree with a CMI (Charter Management Institute) qualification in Leadership & Management, helping to distinguish you in the global competitive market place. Several modules are mapped to the CMI and share learning outcomes that help prepare students for a 21st Century management and leadership career, be that in a multinational company, a locally based organisation, or as you start up your own business. Modules cover a range of topics and were carefully selected following extensive market research. Subjects include: strategic leadership, operations management, managing people and business decision making. Successful managers realise that learning does not stop when you graduate.

The course is taught in three one-week blocks allowing students to focus on their studies for specific periods, thus having minimal impact on existing work schedules. Students will be expected to undertake additional learning (e.g. reading, completing assignments) activities outside of block teaching, which can flexibly fit around existing commitments. Graduation will propel you into your



next management or leadership role, post-graduate study e.g. MBA, MSc Management Consulting, or similar, and fully equip you to take advantage of future leadership and management opportunities.

Programme AimsThis section articulates the programme level learning outcomes framed by the five themes of the Academic Plan.

1. Pursuing Excellence This bespoke programme aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of those key areas of management and leadership essential for high performing organisations in the 21st century.

Specifically, the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up aims to:

• Consolidate, in a practical context, key knowledge and management of organisations in contemporary contexts

• Develop the analytical, critical communication and presentational skills of students to meet and exceed expectations at the undergraduate level of study in the context of their modules, and to become familiar with the central problems of research.

• Challenge and question preconceptions and understand complex business challenges.

• Critically examine issues from a range of perspectives to come to a greater understanding of the complex and challenging nature of management.

2. Practice-led, knowledge-applied A unique feature of this programme is to continually apply your

knowledge from the course within the workplace in order to critique, challenge and reflect upon real-world practice. The very nature of this degree is professional practice where you learn as much outside the classroom as you do within it and will be expected to combine this learning within your assessment.

Specifically, the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up aims to:

• Develop appropriate skills in investigation and management practice both in the context of the taught elements of the programme and through the completion of an In-company Project.

• Provide students with the opportunity to focus on particular aspects of business and management relevant to their career aspirations.

• Provide aspiring managers with the practical competencies necessary to allow them to cope effectively within, and significantly contribute to leadership of, the organisations of the future.



• Conduct investigations into real and live business challenges and aid business decision-making through solutions informed by research and contemporary management theories, knowledge and concepts.

• Develop the power of critical inquiry, logical thought, creative imagination and independent judgement within a context of practical, work-based application

3. InterdisciplinarityThe unique design of the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-Up draws upon multiple disciplines to build a spectrum of knowledge required of the 21st century leader. The programme aims to:

• Provide students with a business and management approach, and transferable skills that can be applied in diverse disciplines and markets, thereby enhancing student's career progression prospects.

• To provide students with a critical understanding of a wide range of issues relating to study of leadership and management within a contemporary context;

• Produce managers who are able to improve the quality of management decision-making, leadership and business practice across a range of organisations and in a variety of sectors, disciplines, contexts, and contemporary settings.

• Application of contemporary theories, knowledge and understanding of organisations, the management and integration of key functional areas, including marketing, finance; business processes and people management.

4. Employability-driven Employability is at the heart of the university’s mission. This bespoke BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up degree is entirely employability driven. The programme aims to enhance your existing promotion prospects by providing the necessary skills for your next management role or provide you with the leverage to take a career change into your first leadership role. Specifically, the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up aims to:

• Build interpersonal skills and leadership potential so as to be able to interact effectively with the design and planning of solutions effectively and efficiently.

• Develop students’ transferable skills and, thereby, their potential for progressing in their chosen careers.

• Exhibit the development and achievement of knowledge, skills, behaviours, attitudes and attributes for successful working in organisations and working with others in a professional manner.

• Critically analyse and evaluate business opportunities and activities, and demonstrate critical thinking and creativity in applying



theory to the management of organisations. 5. Internationalisation

This programme draws from a range of international case studies relevant to leadership and management and benefit from a diverse cohort and teaching which together, enhance student understanding of the culturally diverse world of work.

• Enable students to develop specialist knowledge in specific areas relating to the broad themes of the programme within a contemporary business context.

• Progress participants’ understanding and development towards a more strategic view of management emphasising the complexity and dynamics of business and management in contemporary contexts.

• Critically examine the nature of organisational change and to evaluate the impact of change on management/leadership approaches and actions in global environments.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The core learning outcomes are consistent with QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Business and Management (February, 2015) and informed by the Chartered Management Institute for Leadership & Management Qualifications Framework (QCF) (Version 4 Syllabus).

On successful completion of BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up you will demonstrate:

1. Assess and plan for personal professional development and plan resources required for personal professional development (CMI).

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of concepts and techniques relevant to people (individuals and teams) and organisations and provide support to improve performance (CMI).

3. Examine academic theories of Operations Management and Performance Measurement and understand the concept of risk management (CMI).

4. Tabulate and evaluate descriptive statistical data and identify / select sources of data and information to make management decisions (CMI).

5. Understand how leadership styles help achieve organisational objectives and stimulate change within organisations whilst understanding the links and differences between management and leadership (CMI).

6. Be able to identify and justify a management and organisational improvement project and be able to conduct research using sources and analyse data and options. Provide clear conclusions and recommendations on how organisations can improve (CMI).



Programme Learning, Teaching & Assessment Strategy

This section explains the learning and teaching approaches, activities and experiences that your programme will offer, the range of assessments and types of feedback and feedforward you will encounter, and explain how these will support your continuous learning throughout the programme, and explain the expectations we have of you in this learning partnership.

Starting a new course provides a unique opportunity to think about how you approach your study. You can think about enhancing those skills that have served you well but you can also think about addressing any problem areas. Improving the way you study will not only help you with your course but will also develop important skills that are valued in the workplace. Using reflective and engaging practices to invoke learning is a dominant feature of this programme. Emphasis is on learning by engaging students in a process that best enhances their preferred learning style and ensures regular feedback, which aims to further accelerate student development.

The modules will utilise methods of teaching and learning which are appropriate to Bachelor level study, as set out in the Framework of Higher Educational Qualifications and outlined in principle in the QAA Benchmark statement for Undergraduate Programmes in Business (2015), such as a case study approach, group discussions, presentations, report writing etc. Although a proportion of the contact time will be spent in teaching, emphasis will also be placed upon the use of the group as a resource for learning. There will be group discussion of practical management situations and problems, making use of case studies, simulation materials (including real life data and computer technology) and your own experiences. This will aid the block style teaching delivery for the programme to accommodate the employment commitments of students.

The Programme will employ a variety of teaching and learning methods designed to meet its aims. The style of teaching will vary to reflect individual module objectives. Information relating to the structure of the module, assessment and attendance requirements and reading lists will be in the form of individual module specifications which will include indicative module content and weekly schedules. The Programme will expect you to read and be aware of current theoretical issues within the literature and relevant journals. Reading lists will also include reference to current events in the business sector. Classes will be interwoven with discussions and debating opportunities regarding the rapidly changing events on a contemporary level. Class sizes will be small enough to allow for the interactive teaching and learning approach that will be required given that students will emanate from varied cultural, work and educational backgrounds. This also provides an opportunity for students to share prior knowledge and learn from each other. You will apply and reflect on their work experience from their current employer.

The programme seeks to foster an environment in which students on the programme take responsibility for the management of their own learning in an active form of inquiry rather than as a passive receiver of wisdom. As much learning will take place outside the classroom (between the three block sessions), You will be expected to engage with Moodle as a variety of resources to support learning will be uploaded and updated on a regular basis. These will be complemented by other on-line learning resources, bulletin boards and discussion forums. The University’s iCity will be used as a platform for this facility. You can also use university facilities and buildings outside of block teaching to access course materials and library services.

The programme leader Matt Jones will be responsible for the overall organisation, management, and development and monitoring of the day to day running of the programme. Every module will be evaluated by means of on-going discussion with students and also module evaluation questionnaires.



All students are allocated a personal tutor and you can access a range of additional support through ASK, the University's integrated and confidential student enquiry service. Essentially, ASK is a one-stop-shop for student queries, linking students with advice on health and wellbeing, careers, finances, visas, and student records.

AssessmentsA wide variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme and you are expected to deliver both individually and in groups. Assessment methods will reflect the differing theoretical and practical approaches and learning outcomes of the modules. Feedback also incorporates an important part of the learning, teaching and assessment strategy. Feedback will be provided not only by tutors but in some instances peer feedback will also inform personal development. Each of the final assessment points on this programme are aligned to the module learning outcomes. The structure of topic areas is broken down in each session and an explicit reference will be made to how each session or learning activity contributes to each final assessment point on the programme. Throughout each module, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback from your tutor and your fellow students which will help you to prepare for assessments with confidence.

The assessment strategy adopted within the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up ensures that the intended learning outcomes of the Programme are appropriately tested through the assessment process. Assessment methods will reflect the differing theoretical and practical approaches and learning outcomes of the modules.

The assessment procedures are intended to achieve a number of objectives. These are:

a. To provide continuous feedback to both the participants and the tutors regarding progress at each stage of the course and to provide information for counselling where needed.

b. To check that the required academic standards are being maintained.c. To provide a mix of assessment methods by which the participants can demonstrate their

understanding of the issues presented.d. To provide information to the examiners on which the decision can be made regarding the

award of the BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up.

Formative assessments Formative assessment will form an integral part of the assessment strategy and will be integrated into each module throughout the programme. On a regular basis, you will gain ‘informal formative assessment and feedback’ which will be derived to contribute to the learning process. This feedback is not recorded against student records, but is to be used to improve your work and prepare you for summative assessment. This feedback will be gained from module tutors and peers and is available through block-taught seminars and face-to-face tutorials. Care will be taken to ensure that the you fully understand the level of engagement with assessment that is required to meet the FHEQ requirements for Bachelors level study.

Summative assessmentsSummative assessments will be used on each module throughout the programme. These assessments are formal and recorded against the student records and informs the decision on the exit award of the programme. The assessments includes unseen written examinations and individual coursework culminating in a substantial individual piece of research in the form of a dissertation. You may wish to base their dissertations within the organisations they served as interns. This offers further opportunity for you to actively synthesise the learning they acquire from a review of theory with that acquired in their investigation of practice.



It is intended that you will start to think of their organisational improvement project during the third block-taught session so that they have a clear idea of their research topic. Dissertation supervisors will be allocated by the Programme Director at the start of the 3 rd teaching-block. You may however be allowed to identify potential supervisors and discuss their research proposals informally with prospective supervisors. This will enable them to not only explore various topics and their feasibility but will encourage early formulation of research strategy. The programme director and/or the student’s employer will ultimately be responsible for allocating supervisors.

Assignment Marking Assignments will be marked by the module leader/tutor and a sample moderated by another lecturer. Samples will then be sent to the relevant external examiner for confirmation. The pass mark will be 40% for each module and there will be one assessment for a 20 credit module and up to two for modules with credit value exceeding 20 credits. Following assessment, detailed feedback is given to you within four weeks (or other date as shown on each assessment brief) of the date of submission regarding their performance to aid them in enhancing their work. All marks remain provisional and subject to internal moderation and external examiner scrutiny until they are confirmed by the Programme Exam Board. Students throughout the programme will utilise Moodle and engage with module leaders via email to keep in contact during assessment and the wider course.

The Whole Experience We recognise that there are key aspects to every programme that need to be addressed to ensure we are inclusive, holistic and open about how your programme fits into your wider university experience and your ambitions for your future – below are Statements of Intent to explain how you will experience these critical learning themes. Each section offers a brief explanation of the theme, why it is important, and how your programme addresses these.

Widening Participation Inclusivity Information & Digital Literacy Sustainability & Global Citizenship Student Engagement Partnership Engagement Induction & Transition Progression & Retention Support & Personal Tutoring Personal Development Planning Employability (incl. Birmingham City University Graduate Attributes)

Widening ParticipationHigher education has a vital role in improving social mobility and BCU’s Strategic Plan highlights the importance of our responsibilities in regards to supporting economic, social and cultural improvement in the city region. We are committed to providing access, retention and progression for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups. We do this by forging strong relationships with local colleges and schools, providing defined and clear progression routes to facilitate lifelong learning. The Schools and Colleges Liaison team plays an important role here in ensuring that talented students are attracted to the right programmes, regardless of their background. They work proactively with schools and colleges to provide master classes and campus visits. In the Faculty, our open days provide plenty of encouragement for applicants from all backgrounds to access the University and we provide bursaries to support students progressing from our partner colleges and schools.



Every student on the course is offered a personal tutor and to ensure students can maximise their time effectively each tutor provides set times (known as office hours) during the week where we can see students without appointment if you require additional help or support. In terms of additional assistance and support for assessments, students are given feedback on their assessment and feed forward so they can manage their learning more effectively. We also collaborate closely with the Centre for Academic Success which offers workshops, individual advice sessions and small group tutorials to all University students on a variety of subjects including use of English, study skills, maths and other technical topics. Staff from the Centre for Academic Staff take part in our student induction programme and we promote their services throughout our modules and within the assessment feedback process.

Inclusivity We make every effort to ensure that BCU is an inclusive environment, where explicit consideration is given to the full diversity of our students. We provide an environment which is compliant with the requirements of the Equality Act (2010). Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all students succeed to their potential, regardless of any protected characteristics (disability, sexuality, religion, gender and/or other socio-cultural identities). Most importantly, we recognise that diversity leads to a richer learning experience for all. Where required and where possible learning, teaching can be adapted to the specific needs of the student, through the adaptation of delivery and teaching materials. Students throughout the intense three one-week block taught programme will work collaboratively using appropriate and sufficient resources to interpret and enact the curriculum in a flexible manner to meet all individual learner needs.

If you declare a disability, Student Services will consider ways in which we may offer you further support with your studies. They may feel it is appropriate for you to have a Support Statement. If so, once this has been agreed, your requirements will be carefully managed by your Personal Tutor who will meet with you to discuss how the support identified will be put into place. You can then expect your adjustments and requirements to be incorporated by the tutors who teach or support you on the programme. For example, we can provide learning materials in large print and produce transcripts where audio recordings are used. Staff will ensure that your requirements are complied with, retaining confidentiality in the process.

Information & Digital Literacy JISC define digital literacies as 'those capabilities which fit an individual for living, learning and working in a digital society'. This goes beyond the ability to use technology effectively and asks us to consider the journey of many of our students as 'digital natives', in addition to supporting the development of those students who have not yet acquired these skills. As a student, you are expected to have high levels of Digital & Information Literacy both at University and outside; it is an essential ‘life skill’ to be able to access, process and assimilate information in the broadest sense. The ability to articulate that information and to construct new understanding is also critical to graduate success. Students will be enrolled on our VLE (Moodle) when they first join the programme. All module leaders will engage with our VLE, ensuring workshop materials and all supporting documents are available to students on the module Moodle page.

The BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up requires students to utilise and experience a wide range of assessment methods and techniques that will build and further enhance employee’s digital literacy skills. Support is provided (where appropriate) for students to access and use IT equipment including how to access (remotely) library services and assessment information. The course material is provided via Moodle which is externally accessible and students will be able to gain information from remote locations to aid their studies. In short, information and digital literacy if a pre-requisite of the programme and supports the ethos of the block delivery



Sustainability & Global Citizenship BCU is committed to integrating sustainability into the curriculum. The notion that we should all seek to find ways to support reduce waste, increase recycling, and lower levels of environmental impact will be familiar, but this is a narrow view of sustainability. Our curriculum also considers sustainability in terms of its connection with Global Citizenship. The United Nations define Global Citizenship in education as; 'enabling students to develop the attributes, behaviours and skills needed to work and live in a way that safeguards ecological, social and economic wellbeing, both in the present and for future generations’.

We encourage our students to live and work more sustainably whilst recognising the impact that their decisions, and actions, have on the local, national and global communities to which they belong. We have made a commitment as an institution to create graduates with a global outlook (Graduate Attributes) and each of our programmes will now include an internationalised programme aim - the inclusion of sustainability within that is a logical connection. BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up students can further enhance sustainability and global citizenship attributes by investigating and reflecting on topics at the workplace and articulating these perspectives in the classroom. The Faculty and Programme demonstrates internationalisation by:

Using cultural and international experiences or knowledge as a learning resource Encouraging intercultural experiences, partnerships and collaborations Contributing to international scholarly activity and knowledge exchange Embedding and debating global exemplars and perspectives in the curriculum Providing and promoting a range of accessible opportunities for the international and

intercultural learning Facilitating on going intercultural and international dialogue and partnerships Proactively developing inclusive learning outcome, practices, skills, and/or attitudes

appropriate for diverse societies, culture and individuals. Adapting the content, language pace and modes of delivery and assessment to the learning

context and the diversity of learners Viewing and utilising the diversity of the academic community (whether differences in cultural

and educational backgrounds, country of origin or languages spoken) as a key learning resource

Using flexible and inclusive approaches that appreciate and respect individual differences in knowledge, education and culture.

Student Engagement BCU is renowned across the sector for its commitment and approach to Student Engagement, which aligns with Aim 5 of BCU’s Strategic Plan ‘we will become recognised as the sector leader for student engagement’. We are committed to the notion that your full participation in all aspects of University life facilitates a more coherent, active and vibrant learning community, which increases your sense of ownership of your learning experience (both at programme and institutional level) which in simple terms, leads to better student satisfaction levels. For example, there are significant opportunities for you to participate in OpportUNIty student engagement initiatives, which operate through a partnership between the University and Students’ Union. The aim is to enable students to work as co-designers and collaborators with staff on projects that strengthen the development of the University learning community and enhance the student experience; offering support for Student Academic. Partner (SAP) projects and for initiatives around Student Academic Mentoring (StAMP). Our Student Engagement Policy gives further insights to the University's expectation of what engagement should like and feel like for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. As part of the design of this programme, students have been involved in particular with the global element of the programme.


https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/celt/student-engagement/SAP-Projects

https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/Notice/Student-Engagement-Policy

https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/Notice/Student-Engagement-Policy

https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/celt/student-engagement/StAMP-Projects


The BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up will engage students using the “engagement triangle”: behavioural, emotional and cognitive. Students will be encouraged and expected to behave professionally to staff and peers, attending lectures with enthusiasm and engaging with materials. Interesting and current topics will inspire and develop your understanding in the subject area. Students assignments will be interesting and cognitively challenging to Level 6 in key / relevant skill areas sought by tomorrows managers and leaders e.g. business statistics and global strategic management.

Partnership Engagement Engagement with partners is a key BCU priority which features strongly in BCU’s 2020 Strategic Plan. Our partners are students, as are the wider educational community, and external stakeholders such as employers and cultural/social organisations. Through our partnership working, we aspire to be recognised in the region as a collaborator supporting economic, social and cultural improvement in the city region. Our students are our most important partners and we try to involve students in every level of decision making within the University. We are committed to building on the strong partnerships with education providers in the city and region and try to be pro-active in developing relationships with our local schools and colleges. Employers are particularly valued partners, advising us on our curriculum developments, providing work experience opportunities for you and contributing to your learning and teaching activities.

The BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up students are encouraged to continue and grow their careers with their existing employers. Students can bring along employer representatives / line managers to meet the course team during the induction process, if appropriate. Students are invited to participate in a showcase event as part of their final projects where employers can observe, network and exchange feedback with both students and the course team. Additionally the showcase event will invite peers from sister degree programmes from the wider business school e.g. BA (Hons) Business Management to provide additional networking opportunities and ways to cross-pollinate between cohorts and other degree programmes.

Induction & Transition Coming to University for the first time is exciting but it is also very different from attending school or college. We know that some students struggle to adjust to the freedom and independence of University education but our induction and transition support helps you to adapt to the different experiences you will have, enabling you to develop independent learning skills that enable you to be successful on your programme and prepare you for graduate level employment/further study. At every level of the programme, students will part take in a course induction week. This is designed to introduction / re-introduce students to the course teams, set the scene for the upcoming academic year and provide opportunities for students to ask any questions they may have. It is vital the transition from each academic year is achieved successfully, all module leaders will be invited to the course re-induction week.

Students are provided with a unique flexible programme to aid their induction to university and encourage inclusivity. The programme builds in an academic skills module “The Learning Practitioner” which is specifically designed to build skills in reflective practice, something vital for tomorrow’s future leaders and managers. Reflective skills will help students apply learning gathered from the course and apply them within the workplace, reflect upon their strengths and weaknesses, and challenge assumptions in future study blocks.

Progression & Retention We want all students to succeed to the best of their ability so that you stay at BCU and progress through the different stages of your programme. We try to provide the best learning and assessment experiences we can to help you achieve this. Your education is a partnership. We can provide you with learning materials, guidance and stimuli, but you will not succeed unless you engage with the



University and take full advantage of everything it has to offer. For this reason, we do monitor your attendance and try to help if we notice you are not attending regularly.

The BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up students’ progress through two models per study block. This is optimised so that there is minimal employer impact which is intended to reduce external study pressures. Equally, three one-week study blocks aids learning retention via ensuring “information overload” is mitigated as much as possible. This scheduled has been continuously enhanced based on previous course feedback from earlier student cohorts and employers. Finally, progression into post-graduate study is offered to all course graduates and in particular, the Executive MBA at BCU would very much compliment this degree, further enhancing career development and complimenting a Professional Practice study orientation. To help students, a series of measures are in place which includes but not limited to:

Proactive monitoring of engagement through attendance and participation. Specified personal tutor review meetings. Peer support through the mentor programme. Tutorial support for all modules. Emphasis on the importance of pastoral care amongst all staff.

Support & Personal Tutoring Every student has a Personal Tutor. Your Personal Tutor is there to advise you on your academic progress and can also direct you to additional help, if you need it. You can expect to meet your Personal Tutor for formal meetings three times a year but he or she will also be available if you need additional help or guidance. In addition, every School also has a Student Success Adviser, a recent graduate who has also experienced life as a BCU student. If you are having any problems, your Student Success Adviser can also help you. The University as a whole offers an array of support, such as the Centre for Academic Success, Careers, Chile Care, Finance/Money Matters, Health and Wellbeing, Visas and Immigration, and Student Mentoring. All of these services can be accessed direct or via our ‘one stop shop’, ASK.

Given the distinctive delivery of BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up, at Induction (block 1) students will be advised of their personal tutor and reassured that their tutor will remain contactable throughout the degree and outside of the study block schedule. Support will also be provided by all the module leaders as appropriate and the course team. Students will have access to all standard university services e.g. ASK, Library and Faculty services including employability.

Personal Development PlanningPersonal Development Planning (PDP) enables you to be in control of your own future by reflecting on your progress so far and making changes for the future. In BCU, we provide structured opportunities for you to become more self-aware, more aware of how to learn and how to improve personal performance, and more able to cope with the transition to your chosen career. The Professional Management theme incorporates assessments to foster self-management and development. This theme is designed to keep you firmly focused on the next stage in your career because completing your studies is not a conclusion to your education but the starting point to your professional development.

The BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up integrates personal development planning throughout the programme by aligning students existing work experience with relevant and necessary theory and management frameworks. Students are upskilled in relevant academic concepts that are gained through a concise yet diverse set of modules. Students directly benefit from this programme in two key ways. Firstly from the taught and academic content itself and second, having the unique ability



to concurrently apply and reflect from learning with their existing employer – adding further employee value. Students are encouraged to critically review their skills and are given opportunities to continue to professionally develop themselves in both skills, knowledge, understanding and career planning. A continuous learning loop is a distinctive nature of the programme enabling students to become reflective practitioner.

Employability (incl. Birmingham City University Graduate Attributes) BCU programmes aim to provide graduates with a set of attributes which prepare them for their future careers. The BCU Graduate:

is professional and work ready is a creative problem solver

is enterprising

has a global outlook

The Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences is committed to practice-led learning and teaching that will give you experiences of the world of work through a range of activities which could include work placements, voluntary work, live projects, problem-solving, case studies, visits to businesses and social enterprises. These experiences will contribute towards the BCU Graduate Attributes that will prepare you for graduate level employment. In addition, the University has introduced the BCU Graduate+ programme, which is an extra-curricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject based skills that you develop through your programme with broader employability skills and techniques that will enhance your employment options when you leave university. Graduate+ will list extra-curricular programmes which will add value to students on the programme, these include programmes such as language courses, cross cultural awareness and part take in activities in which will prepare students for their third year study abroad.

The BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up is uniquely positioned to further aid graduate employability. The programme expects mature students to already be working in “junior” or “middle management” roles who are seeking to obtain a formal undergraduate degree. Whilst continuing to be employed and studying for their Professional Practice undergraduate degree, students have a unique opportunity to learn and apply skills on the job such as problem solving and having a global outlook. Students are challenged via academic theory to apply business models. Upon graduation, students can leverage their degree for future career advancement, promotion or selecting an alternative career via the university’s employability services. Students may also wish to undertake postgraduate study via an Executive MBA or similar.



Section Two This section addresses the key regulatory and quality assurance requirements for validation. The programme learning map tracks the programme level learning outcomes, credit structure and (where appropriate) KIS data, assessment and feedback scope and forms, module delivery mode and module learning outcomes, and any exit awards that are possible from the programme.

Programme Structure:



Level 6 Core Modules The Learning Practitioner

Managing People & Organisations

Managing Operations and Performance

Business Statistics, Accounting & Finance

Strategic Leadership Management & Change

Organisational Improvement Project

Credit level (ECTS value) 40 (20) 40 (20) 40 (20) 40 (20) 40 (20) 40 (20)

Study Time (%) S/GI/PL 75/25/00 75/25/00 75/25/00 75/25/00 75/25/00 50/50/00

Assessment method 3,000 word (evidence) portfolio

3,000 word portfolio 3000 words Individual Report

Presentation (100%) 3000 words Individual Report

3000 words Individual Report*

Assessment scope Personal and interpersonal reflection to across both theory and practice.

Build a portfolio of applied people and organisational skills, and reflect on the team-working skills development.

Individual report on case company – with application of theories in Operations Management and Performance Measurement

Individual presentation and notes using ratio analysis of an organisation (100%). The presentation and notes simulates working practice of interpreting financial data.

Examine and evaluate the importance of leadership in change management, reflecting on theories, and applying this to, an organisation of their choice / current employer.

Produce a business report focussed on an organisational improvement opportunity in their own or a selected organisation.

Assessment week Six weeks following conclusion of week 1

Six weeks following conclusion of week 1





Feedback scope On request 20 days later

On request 20 days later





Delivery mode Block Taught Phase 1Standard Blended

Block Taught Phase 1Standard Blended





Learning Outcomes Provide a critical evaluation of relevant theoretical approaches to reflective practice within your chosen industry, sector or profession

Apply selected theories, models and concepts to organisational situations.

Examine academic theories of Operations Management and Performance Measurement and understand the concept of risk management (CMI).

To tabulate and evaluate descriptive statistical data and identify / select sources of data and information (CMI)

Understand how leadership styles help achieve organisational objectives and stimulate change within organisations (CMI).

Be able to identify and justify a management and organisational improvement project and be able to conduct research using sources and analyse data and options (CMI).

Critically reflect on your performance within your own professional practice and/or co-curricular activities

Demonstrate a critical understanding of concepts and techniques relevant to people (individuals and

Integrate knowledge and understanding from their work experience with academic theories and understand the

Explain and evaluate the role of numerical evidence in the accounting and finance environment, producing

Evaluate strategic choices in the context of change management and understand leadership principles

Evaluate the understanding of organisational improvement and its clear link to



(CMI)

teams) and organisations (CMI)

need for an integrated approach to business ethics (CMI).

and interpret financial ratios and percentages across periods of time and companies to make management decisions (CMI)

that support organisational values (CMI).

organisational performance.

Produce a short, medium and long term action plan designed to further enhance your own personal and professional development (CMI)

Understand the importance of strategic concepts and choice as a contributor to positive organisational outcomes and provide support to improve performance (CMI)

Synthesise academic theories and frameworks into their work projects and environment.

Discuss quantitative problems in accounting and finance and explain the principles of costing and budgeting and the use of management reporting in organisations.

Understand the links and differences between management and leadership (CMI).

Synthesise and underpin organisational improvement research with the use of primary or secondary forms of research and draw relevant results from the project (CMI).

Communicate evidence effectively utilising an appropriate choice of media from different contexts.

Adoption and incorporation of understanding from discussions, presentations or debates

Critically evaluate issues and improvement through research investigation.

From a practical perspective, use technology to aid management decision making

Students must be able to provide clear conclusions and recommendations on how organisations can improve (CMI).

Programme Aim Links 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

CMI Accreditation Mapping Level 5 Certificate

Unit 5001V1 personal development as a manager & leader

Unit 5003V1 Managing team and individual performance

Unit 5021V1 Operational risk management

Unit 5002V1 Information based decision making

Unit 5013V1 Leadership Practice

Unit 5006V1 Conducting a management project



Level 6 Programme - ONLYEntry Requirements and pre-requisites, co-requisites & exclusions

Accreditation of Prior Experience or Learning (APEL)

Study Time Breakdown Exit award(s)

In order to join this course, evidence of “reasonable” work experience should be in progress or currently being demonstrated. The programme is intended to be PT and fit around FT employee’s workload whilst earning their U/G degree.

Typically students will have completed their Foundation Degree (any subject, although a business preference) or HND. Significant work experience however is a satisfactory equivalent for those candidates without a Level 4 / 5 qualification.

Students will APEL in affect level’s 4 and 5 (240 credits) joining the course at level 6.

The APEL will be approved based on prior learning demonstrated either by significant work experience e.g. 5 years + or by the completion of a FdA (Foundation Degree) or HND (Higher National Diploma) or equivalent.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities(including time constrained blended or directed tasks, pre-sessional and post-sessional tasks)

75%BA (Hons) Management and Leadership Top-up

Guided Independent learning (including non-time constrained blended tasks & reading and assessment preparation)

25%

Placement (including external activity and study abroad)

*Students study PT block taught. It is expected student will continue to work in their employer throughout the course. Students can change employers but should continue to work throughout their degree.

0%*

Impact of options (indicate if/how optional choices will have a significant impact)

No optional modules are offered on this programme.



Additional Information This degree is a unique offering for BCU Business School. It offers a unique and fast route to a U/G degree in Management & Leadership for those students who initially selected a different career path post 18 years of age. For those students who entered the workplace and may have only studied up to a Level 5 HND / Foundation Degree qualification; our BA Top-up degree caters for a professional audience who wish to earn their degree PT whilst continuing to work FT.

This programme has benefited from independent research conducted by current 2016 Executive MBA students who as part of their assessment researched and reviewed the content of this top-up course. Using their detailed findings combined with that of the course team, the structure and syllabus presented above is the result of this work. We are confident this course is not only relevant and perfectly aligned to employers needs but also this is competitive across other top-up courses with competitor universities.

Students are expected to be in employment prior to joining the course and the programme is delivered to minimise the impact upon work commitments via three one week taught block sessions. Students intensively study two modules per week and benefit from immediately being able to apply the learning within their workplace setting. It is expected that this on-going reflection will enhance the analysis and synthesis of student’s learning processes and should be visible within each assessment criterion.

Following successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress onto a P/G Executive MBA programme.


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