COURSE: B
usiness and Economics
DIARY
What will my first year of university be like?
Will I get support with my assignments? What kind of teaching can I How much independent study will I have to do?
expect?
Whether or not you’re moving away from home, going to university is a significant milestone in your life. It can seem like a big step up from sixth form or college, so naturally you’ll have a lot of questions about life as a university student. We’ve put together a snapshot of what your first year as a Business and Economics student at the University of Salford might look like. As well as taking a detailed look at the modules you’ll study, we’ve enlisted Tia, a second year student to take you through an average day on campus. Our Business and Economics course is delivered predominantly on the Peel Park campus. If you have joined us at an Open Day or Applicant Visit Day, you might have already had chance to explore. However, there are plenty of hidden gems, places to eat and useful facilities to be aware of if you’re joining us in September. We’ve listed a few for you to learn more about below.
Welcome to Salford Before getting stuck into your studies, you’ll have the chance to get a taste of all the amazing activities and clubs you can get involved with during Welcome Week. University isn’t just about what happens in the lecture theatre and Welcome Week means you can experience everything the university has to offer. Packed full of events, socials and parties, your first week on campus is a great opportunity to make new friends and seek out new experiences. If you’re still feeling a little lost on campus, or in the city, there are tours and trips every day to help you get your bearings. Keep up to date with the latest info, events and any changes to activities by following us on Twitter and Facebook. @UoS_Students
@salfordsu
What will I study in my first year? In your first year of our Business and Economics course you’ll study the following modules:
- Principle s - Principle s
of Econo mic of Accoun tin
s
g - Digital a nd Busine ss Skills - Principle s of Hum an Resour ce Manage - Data An ment alysis for Business - Principle s of Mark eting
But what do I actually study in those modules? Whether by offering exemptions on industry qualifications, helping you develop practical skills or providing opportunities for real-world experience, we ensure you graduate with far more than just your degree. As a Business and Economics student, you have the opportunity to get practical experience using the University’s own Bloomberg Terminals. As well as gaining a Bloomberg Market Concepts certificate, you’ll get hands-on experience with software used widely across the financial sector. In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits, so these modules are worth 20 credits each. Academic years are divided into two semesters and for the most part you’ll study three 20 credit modules in each. In this section, we are going to give you a bit more information on each of those modules, so you have a better understanding of not just what you will study, but how and the assessments involved. The amount of time you spend in lectures and seminars can vary throughout the year, you are expected to do assignments, reading and independent study as well as your scheduled activities. All your activities should add up to about 35 - 40 hours a week (the same as a full-time job).
MODULE: Principles of Economics This module introduces you to the key concepts of modern economics, including how markets function as the foundation of contemporary economies. Over the course of Principles of Economics, you will deploy techniques of economic analysis within a problemsolving context; assess the opportunities, benefits and constraints that arise from trading with other countries and evaluate the consequences of the market mechanism. Along with developing your theoretical knowledge of Economics, the module is also designed to help you hone your communication, problem-solving and numeracy skills. Principles of Economics is delivered through a mixture of lectures and seminars which are supported through drop-in sessions.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce key concepts in modern economics, in particular the functioning of markets Present an overview of the main microeconomic principles of economic behaviour and the main concepts within macroeconomics Equip you with an understanding of the role of economics in business, public and private decision-making
What will the assessments be like? Principles of Economics is assessed via an online multiple-choice test at week 12 and a pre-seen examination at the end of the module.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Digital and Business Skills Digital and Business Skills offers an introduction to the fundamental skills you need for high level careers in a range of organisations. Communications, presentation and professional profile tools will be used to develop your knowledge and employability. This is a hands-on module designed to help you learn practical and transferrable skills. Teaching for Digital and Business Skills is delivered through lectures, student-led seminars, discussions and a mini-conference.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce fundamental business and digital business skills Introduce specific digital tools for communications, professional profiles and presentation skills Develop an understanding of digital and business skills for professional practice Encourage the development of face-to-face and digital collaborations
What will the assessments be like? Over the course of the module you will build a digital portfolio of work along with a summary of the work completed and a 500-word self-reflection.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Principles of Human Resource Management Incorporating recruitment, people management, employment relations and more, human resource management knowledge and skills are essential to business organisations worldwide. Principles of Human Resource Management introduces you to human resources (HR) as an area of academic study and professional practice. You will explore the contribution of HR policy to businesses nationally and across the globe, use case studies to evaluate real-world examples of management practices and learn to identify factors in the external environment that impact on the employment relationship. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Guest speakers, class discussions and student-led presentations will also feature throughout.
Aims and objectives of the module: Provide an insight into the distinct contribution of Human Resource Management policy and practice to employee and organisational performance Examine the links between social relationships within organisations, the external environment, and the effective management of human resources and employment relations Explore ‘real-life’ practical examples and advice about the management of human resources Assist you in understanding in the differing roles within the HR profession from administrative, to advisory to executive, whilst engaging students with the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
What will the assessments be like? Principles of Human Resource Management is assessed in equal parts through a written assessment and a final exam.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Principles of Marketing In Principles of Marketing you will get an introduction to the theory and practice of marketing - an essential service to the long-term prosperity of organisations and businesses - and apply these principles to real life situations. On completion of the module you will have developed the competency to explain the concept of marketing at theoretical and practical levels, identify how environmental factors affect an organisation’s marketing activities and evaluate the influences that may impact on the buyer decision-making process. The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and/or virtual learning environment exercises.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduction to key foundational aspects of the theory and practice of marketing Enable you to apply marketing principles to real life marketing situations Understand the impact of organisations’ marketing activities in a global interconnected world Examine technological issues related to marketing which are key to developing effective relationships with existing and potential customers and the external environment
What will the assessments be like? Assessment for Principles of Marketing involves a group poster presentation accompanied by a 750-word summary of how you as an individual approached the project.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Data Analysis for Business In today’s business environment, data and insight are increasingly important to the way organisations operate. In Data Analysis for Business, you will develop an understanding of the concepts required for the use and interpretation of the quantitative methods used to analyse business data. This module prepares you for entry to more advanced studies dealing with quantitative analysis. Throughout the module you will learn to recognise, recall and apply specific quantitative facts and techniques, select appropriate methods for solving business-related problems and identify the limits to accuracy in quantitative modelling. Data Analysis for Business is delivered via formal lectures, tutorials in a computer room and problem-based drop-ins in a classroom.
Aims and objectives of the module: Develop quantitative literacy in students, including the ability to make numbers meaningful, focusing on conceptual understanding and recognising the demands for dealing with big data Provide a sound grasp of the fundamental concepts needed to use and interpret quantitative methods Develop the concept of mathematical and statistical modelling in business, finance and economics Prepare for entry to more advanced modules dealing with quantitative analysis
What will the assessments be like? Data Analysis for Business is assessed through a computer-based assessment which forms 30% of your mark and a written exam forming the remaining 70%.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Principles of Accounting In Principles of Accounting, you will receive an introduction to accounting and its role in the management of an organisation. Through this module you will develop an understanding of accounting theory and learn to appreciate the implications of financial planning, control and decision-making within a business. The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. All lectures will be followed by a tutorial at which you will solve problems and tackle exercises on topics covered in the lecture.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduce the main financial statements produced by organisations for external bodies Introduce the issues associated with presenting and interpreting financial statements Introduce the role of budgeting, costing and the management of working capital within organisations Introduce the concept of financial planning, control and decision-making within business organisations
What will the assessments be like? Principles of Accounting is assessed through a multiple-choice mid-semester exam taken at week 7 and a final exam at the end of the semester.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary, but you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
How does my week look? Don’t put these in your calendar just yet, timetables change each year and you will get your actual timetable during your induction week!
9
MORNING 10 11 12
1
Mon Principles of Economic s 11-1
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
AFTERNOON 2 3 4 Principles of Marketing 1-2
5
Meeting with Employability @4pm
Study Day
and Digital s Skills Busines Digital and 9-11 Business Skills 11-12
Hockey s ociety meet-up 2-4
Principles of Marketing of 9-11 Principles in Market g 11-1
y
rar @3
Lib
Principles of Economics Digital and s Skills 11-1 Busines 1-3
Bandioke night!
Sat Sun
Lectures
Seminars
Day in the life
ia Meet T
iness
ons) Bus
(H d year Bsc ls, Secon ent Tia Danie ud st s ic om and Econ
How does your typical day start? My alarm usually goes off at 7.45am which gives me enough time to get ready for a 9am start. I live near campus, so I leave my flat at around 8.45 am and make the 10-minute walk to uni. On days where it’s raining, or I wake up late, I take advantage of the free bus rides on the number 50 and take the bus to campus. I’ll usually stop by the Maxwell student shop to grab a drink or a little snack before arriving at my first lecture of the day.
What lecture/seminar does your day start with? I start with a Macroeconomics lecture where we discuss key theories and policies as well as current macro issues, such as the impending Brexit. We also have guest speakers from the local council who explain the local economic situation in real time. Learning about current events alongside theory really helps contextualise information and makes the lectures more engaging. Following this I have a Law in a Business Context lecture where we learn the basics of business law and how it can impact us now and in the future. The module can be challenging as I have never encountered law content before, but this is also what makes it so interesting and exciting to learn about.
Lunch time Usually, I’m only in university for half a day; but on the days where I stay for longer and need something to eat, Atmosphere Kitchen & Bar is the best place to go on campus. They have a wide range of options from a panini in the café to a pizza in the bar. There are also daily deals on food and drink which make it a really affordable option.
Space fo r group study in the library
After university When I have free time after lectures, I’ll spend an hour or two in Clifford Whitworth Library doing further reading or working on assignments. I prefer working at the library because I can choose to study on the group study floors if I’m there with friends or I can go up to the quiet floor if I really want to knuckle down and get a lot of work done. I enjoy going to the events run by Atmosphere like Bandaoke, which is karaoke with a live band. In addition, I’m the social secretary for a society called Enactus which is dedicated to creating a stronger community through running social enterprise projects. In the society we have weekly team meetings where we develop our projects and prepare for regional and national competitions.
Peel Park campus Our main campus, Peel Park, offers you the best of both worlds: state-of-the-art learning facilities within minutes of a world-class city, set against beautiful green spaces to relax and socialise in. As well as being home to the ornate Peel Park Building which opened in 1896, the Maxwell, Lady Hale and Chapman Buildings, where most of your classes will take place, are all on campus. With student shops, cafés, study spaces and computer labs, the Peel Park campus is a great environment for study and downtime.
Here are a few places to look out for:
rary The Lib
Clifford Whitworth Library We’ve given our main library a £6.2million refurbishment to bring you the ‘library in the park’ – a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, laptops available to loan, bookable work rooms and café. The library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can study at a time that suits you. You’ll also find study spaces across the University, so a quiet place to study is never far away.
Peel Park Peel Park was the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription. Created in 1846, it was free to use and brought all Salford residents together. Benefiting from a recent £1.6 million transformation, the park provides a beautiful green space to relax outside of lessons.
Peel Park
Student Union
Atmosphere Kitchen and Bar The central social hub of your Students’ Union! Atmosphere is open every day until late serving up amazing food and drink right in the heart of campus. Atmosphere is the place to go to get some tasty food or your favourite beverage, all at student friendly prices. Grab the best coffee on campus or head to the café for a quick bite to eat and chill after a day of studying.
Want to see more? Take a whistle stop tour of Peel Park Campus here: vimeo.com/312989861
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Business and Economics at the University of Salford now! Remember, this is just a sample of the information you’ll receive in your induction week so some of the information may change a little, especially the timetable!
What Happens Next? Learn about your next steps at: beta.salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/ applied-what-next