COURSE: B
usiness Ma nagement
with Econ omics
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 Management with 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 Management with Economics course is delivered predominantly on the Peel Park campus. If you have visited us before,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 University isn’t just about what happens in the lecture theatre. Before getting stuck into your studies, take time to find out about the amazing activities and clubs you can get involved with through the Students’ Union, USSU. Students’ Union events, socials, parties and sports clubs are a great way to make new friends and seek out new experiences. The SU also organises tours and trips in case you’re feeling a little lost on campus or in the city. 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 Management with Economics course you’ll study the following modules:
- Digital a nd Busine ss Skills - Underst anding Or ganisations - The Fut ure of B usiness - Econom ics and Fin ancial Ana lytics - Data An alysis for Business - Econom ic Analysis
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. In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits. The academic year is divided into two terms or ‘semesters’ and in your first year, you’ll study three 20 credit modules in each semester. 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 first year 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: Digital and Business Skills In this module, you will learn the digital tools and develop the technological skills that you will need both for your University studies and for your business career. You will learn to identify and evaluate the most appropriate tools for business so that you can process and present information to communicate your ideas. Teaching will be delivered in a variety of ways such as weekly lectures, student-led seminars, discussions and a mini conference. By the end of your first year, you will have built an E-portfolio of work representing your business and digital business competencies which you can use in interviews for a work placement or job. / One-hour lecture each week – your tutor introduces the concepts and guides you through the module / Two-hour seminar each week – you will work individually or in small groups and get feedback from your tutor to help your understanding / Independent study – support your learning using module-specific online content available through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), in the University library or as directed by the tutor. Every course also has an online programme hour each week when you meet as a programme group with your tutor. At level 4, in the first term, you will focus on the academic skills you need to move successfully from college to University; in semester two, you will look at how to develop the soft skills you need for your career path. This is a core module which is studied by all first year Business Management students.
Aims and objectives of the module: Recognise key workplace technologies Analyse and identify the key elements of professional communications Create a portfolio of professional communications, presentations, and a professional profile Understand the relationship of digital business communications in the wider business context
What will the assessments be like? You will be assessed via a digital portfolio of your work, which builds across 10 weeks (9 marks available for each week, and 10 marks available overall for attendance/engagement). Once you have completed these online workbooks, you will also complete a 500 word summary of the work you have completed and a 500 word self-reflection of what you have learned.
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: Understanding Organisations The business world is made up of various types of businesses in a range of industry sectors. Though some challenges will be specific to the business, most have common issues. These organisations are also made up of different functions – finance, marketing, HR etc – ideally all working together for a common goal. On this module, you will develop an appreciation of the different types of business organisations, learn to recognise the common functional areas and develop a basic understanding of the core areas of people management, finance, marketing and operations. / One-hour lecture each week – your tutor introduces the concepts and guides you through the module / T wo-hour seminar each week – you will work individually or in small groups and get feedback from your tutor to help your understanding / I ndependent study – support your learning using module-specific online content available through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), in the University library or as directed by the tutor. Every course also has an online programme hour each week when you meet as a programme group with your tutor. At level 4, in the first term, you will focus on the academic skills you need to move successfully from college to University; in semester two, you will look at how to develop the soft skills you need for your career path. You will also visit one of our partner organisations to support your learning. Where possible these will be face to face visits but may be virtual tours. This is a core module which is studied by all first year Business Management students. However, seminars will be delivered in your pathway group so that you can work on cases and examples drawn from your area of specialism.
Aims and objectives of the module: Undertake comparisons of different businesses types, sizes, structures and the challenges that each uniquely face Describe the purpose of each function within a business and understand the necessary interrelationship between these functions in order for a business to succeed Identify the ways that changes in the external environment affect different types of businesses
What will the assessments be like? You will be assessed via a poster report (worth 30% of your result) and a business report (worth 70% of your result). These will demonstrate your ability to gather and analyse information from diverse sources and present your work in visual and report formats.
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: The Future of Business This module introduces you to economics and the influence of the economic environment on businesses and their opportunities for growth. You will learn the skill of horizon scanning for a business manager to understand the external environment, looking at ways in which this might influence your business activities and provide opportunities to innovate. You will also develop an understanding of the role of digitisation and industry 4.0 and their impact on businesses. / O ne-hour lecture each week – your tutor introduces the concepts and guides you through the module / T wo-hour seminar each week – you will work individually or in small groups and get feedback from your tutor to help your understanding / Independent study – support your learning using module-specific online content available through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), in the University library or as directed by the tutor. Every course also has an online programme hour each week when you meet as a programme group with your tutor. At level 4, in the first term, you will focus on the academic skills you need to move successfully from college to University; in semester two, you will look at how to develop the soft skills you need for your career path. This is a core module which is studied by all first year Business Management students.
Aims and objectives of the module: Learn to use the principal theories in economics to assess the impact of change Analyse current economic issues and use techniques of economic analysis within a problemsolving context Identify alternative forms of economic systems and structures and their translation into different business models Define the meaning, purpose, impact and promise of Industry 4.0 and digitisation
What will the assessments be like? In your first assessment, you will undertake a horizon scanning exercise for a sector or industry appropriate to their pathway area. You will then go on to analyse a specific business issue in the second assessment, to consider how business could respond.
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: Economics and Financial Analytics You will learn to work with economic and financial data developing the skills to analyse and make decisions. You will also look at how to present data and analysis in a professional and efficient way, working with relevant economic and financial tools such as Sage, Excel and Minitab. Materials will be introduced during weekly lectures and interactive (“hands on”) seminars following a “learning by doing” approach. You will also be supported in weekly guided study and supervision sessions. / One-hour lecture each week – your tutor introduces the concepts and guides you through the module / Two-hour seminar each week – you will work individually or in small groups and get feedback from your tutor to help your understanding / Independent study – support your learning using module-specific online content available through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), in the University library or as directed by the tutor. Every course also has an online programme hour each week when you meet as a programme group with your tutor. At level 4, in the first term, you will focus on the academic skills you need to move successfully from college to University; in semester two, you will look at how to develop the soft skills you need for your career path. This is a shared pathway module. It covers a core Business Management skill but you will study with other students from your Economics pathway.
Aims and objectives of the module: Recognise the important role of using data to understand economics and economic policy analysis. Recognise key workplace technologies Create a portfolio of professional written, verbal and analytical communications
What will the assessments be like? You will be assessed by means of a portfolio of work built up throughout the year.
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 On this module, you will develop the ability to make numbers meaningful and therefore aid informed decision-making. We will focus on understanding the concepts of mathematical and statistical modelling in business, recognising the demands for dealing with big data. You will learn to use and interpret quantitative methods, to analyse business data and to critique articles and news stories that include statistical and quantitative information. Teaching is delivered via formal lectures, small group seminars, tutorials in a computer room and problem-based drop-ins in a classroom. These will be augmented by activities from the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) and relevant course-based websites. / One-hour lecture each week – your tutor introduces the concepts and guides you through the module / Two-hour seminar each week – you will work individually or in small groups and get feedback from your tutor to help your understanding / Independent study – support your learning using module-specific online content available through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), in the University library or as directed by the tutor. Every course also has an online programme hour each week when you meet as a programme group with your tutor. At level 4, in the first term, you will focus on the academic skills you need to move successfully from college to University; in semester two, you will look at how to develop the soft skills you need for your career path. This is a core module which is studied by all first year Business Management students.
Aims and objectives of the module: Select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically Discuss and interpret results and present a well-structured report (written and verbal) in support of findings Present data in a variety of formats Formulate, derive and assess quantitative modelling approaches to solving problems
What will the assessments be like? You will be assessed via a computer-based assessment and an exam at the end of the module. The assessments will use real or realistic data and include a mixture of computer-based questions, calculations, interpretation and drawing reasonable conclusions.
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: Economic Analysis Analysis is a crucial skill for anyone involved in economics. This module will introduce you to the key concepts of economic analysis and modern economics, including how markets function as the foundation. As well as teaching you how to assess the opportunities, benefits and problems that arise from trading with other countries, this module will provide you with an understanding of the role of economics in business and improve your problem solving skills. / One-hour lecture each week – your tutor introduces the concepts and guides you through the module / Two-hour seminar each week – you will work individually or in small groups and get feedback from your tutor to help your understanding / Independent study – support your learning using module-specific online content available through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE), in the University library or as directed by the tutor. Every course also has an online programme hour each week when you meet as a programme group with your tutor. At level 4, in the first term, you will focus on the academic skills you need to move successfully from college to University; in semester two, you will look at how to develop the soft skills you need for your career path. This is a Pathway Module. You will share this module with other students from your course.
Aims and objectives of the module: Introduction of key concepts in modern economics, in particular the functioning of markets To present an overview of the main microeconomic principles of economic behaviour and the main concepts within macroeconomics Understand the role of economics in business, public and private decision-making
What will the assessments be like? Assessments will be made up of an online multiple choice test based on your learning in the first 12 weeks. You will also complete a pre-seen exam at the end of the module. This will be based on two previously seen case studies.
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 Mon
Tue
Wed
MORNING 10 11 12
1
AFTERNOON 2 3 4
Economic Analysis Business society 1-2 Digital and meet-up kills Business S G ro up Lunch w ith 10-11 project; meet Chaz in library Underst anding Organisa tions 11 -1 2 Coffee with Stan
Digital and Business Skills 2-4 Meeting
with Employability
Football training 2-4
Library!
Thu Understanding Organisations 9-11
Fri
5
ess Busin nt geme Mana ics onom c E e with ramm prog hour
Chat through group presentation
Economic Analysis 4-6
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 The ‘library in the park’ is 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, to officially open. 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
Want to see more? Follow a video of a typical first day on campus
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Business Management with 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! Meet other applicants, ask questions, share your thoughts; join the applicant Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/ salfordstudents2021
What Happens Next? Learn about your next steps at: www.salford.ac.uk/undergraduate/ applied-what-next