Business and Management. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Prospectus

Management

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Prospectus

“Self belief…

that’s what

the OU gives you. ”

Everything you need to know to start your journey with The Open University is right here.

Read on and find out why we have some of the most satisfied students in the UK, then

follow these simple steps to join them.

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Choose your qualification

Decide on the qualification you want to study, for example, a BA (Hons) Business Management. For more information, click

www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug.

Register

To secure your place, you need to register – don’t worry, there’s nothing to pay at this stage. Register online at www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug or call +44 (0)300 303 5303 – once you’ve registered, we’ll send you an email with login details so you can move on to the next step.

Choose your first module

Next, we’ll ask you to select your first module(s) – some of the modules in your chosen qualification will be compulsory, others will be optional.

Sort out your funding

We can help you manage the costs, making study more affordable than you might think. Depending on where you live, we offer a variety of ways to fund your studies. Find out more on pages 60–63.

Complete your registration

Finally, we’ll need your payment method, for example, your student loan reference number or information about your approved financial support application. And that’s it, you’re a fully fledged OU student and ready to get going.

Choose your qualification

The qualification you choose will usually be related to your undergraduate studies or professional expertise. For more information, click

www.openuniversity.co.uk/pg.

Choose your first module

The description of your chosen qualification will help you decide on the first module to study. If you need advice on the recommended study order, click www.openuniversity.co.uk/pg or call +44 (0)300 303 5303.

Complete your registration

Register for your module online at www.openuniversity.co.uk/pg or call +44 (0)300 303 5303. You’ll be asked to link the module to the qualification you intend to work towards and will be given the option of paying for your module up front or paying by instalments. And that’s it – you’re ready to start your postgraduate studies.

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Contents

_{Wherever you’re going, it starts here}

2

There’s nothing distant about us

4

Career enhancing, life changing

6

Get the kind of CV employers

are looking for

8

Undergraduate study

10

Postgraduate study

40

Fees and financial support

60

What else you should know

64

Ordering other prospectuses

65

Any questions about studying with us?

_cover

Back

The launch of The Open University (OU) changed the landscape of higher education forever.

The principle we were founded on – that the very highest standard of education should be

accessible by the many, not the few – still drives everything we do. It’s why we’re experts in

part-time study and why more adults choose the OU than any other university.

Wherever you’re going,

it starts here

We’re the UK’s largest university

We offer one of the widest choices of qualifications in a broad range of subjects. Four out of ten of all part-time undergraduate students in the UK study with us and over 1000 tutorials are held across the UK every week.

We’ve spent over 40 years honing our methods, harnessing new and emerging technologies, and drawing on an unrivalled level of practical experience to make sure every student has the best possible chance to learn, achieve and succeed.

We’re experts in flexible, part-time study

No-one understands how to help students succeed and make knowledge stick better than us – we’re the leading expert in flexible higher education. To do what we do successfully, year after year, requires exceptional technology, methods and staff. The way we work, works – not least because it’s flexible enough to work around you and your life.

So, whether you’re a crofter in the Shetland Isles or an engineer on a nuclear submarine, a working parent or a retired grandparent, our methods are tried, tested and proven.

FACT

Someone logs onto our servers every

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An OU qualification says ‘employ me’

An OU qualification on your CV shows more than your level of knowledge about a subject. It demonstrates to employers that you’re someone who is up for a challenge and committed to successfully seeing it through, with excellent time management and prioritising skills. Just the kind of person, in fact, that employers are looking for, which is why organisations like the Metropolitan Police Service, KPMG and Unilever work with our Careers Advisory Service to recruit OU graduates.

With us, you don’t have to put your life on hold to get the qualification you need. Three-quarters of our students fit study around their job and busy, changing lives. Whether you want to start a new career or go further in your current job, we can help. Find out more at www.openuniversity.co.uk/careers-subjects.

FACT

The OU is the first UK university to

make all of its undergraduate study

materials accessible by mobile phone.

We offer outstanding value for money

We understand that when you’re investing your time, effort and money into studying, you need to know that the qualification you get at the end is worthwhile. So ask anyone who knows us whether studying for an OU qualification is worth it. Ask our 360,000 alumni, or the 30,000 employers that have chosen us to develop their workforce – organisations like the NHS, John Lewis and O2. We’re confident that their answer will be ‘yes’. And it isn’t just about getting the most out of the money you spend. You save money with us too. You won’t need to move away to a campus-based university, or pay extra travel expenses. And because you have the flexibility to carry on working, you can earn while you learn.

We’re one of the world’s finest universities

Everything we do is grounded in the research we’re

internationally famous for – OU research changes the world. It’s this combination of world-class teaching and research that makes our qualifications so highly respected and our study materials so sought after.

We’re more local than you think

Many people are surprised to learn that there are 400 study locations right across the UK. We also have around 1100 local events each year so why not come and talk to us? You can find your nearest event at www.openuniversity.co.uk/events.

We’re just a phone call away

Students get excellent study assistance from student support teams – specialist teams dedicated to helping students successfully complete their modules. Once you are registered as a student, you will have access to these specialist teams. If you’d like to find out more, contact our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)300 303 5303.

Students love us

It’s great to know we’re doing things right in the eyes of the people that matter most – our students. That’s why we’re proud that we have achieved over 90 per cent for student satisfaction year in, year out, in the National Student Survey. We think it’s a reflection of the unique study experience that we offer.

“ The OU not only gave me the chance to better myself, it helped me achieve my dreams.”

We’ve taken distance learning to a whole new level – helping thousands of ordinary

people achieve extraordinary things.

There’s nothing distant

about us

Our unique method of ‘Supported Open Learning’ is different to other methods because it combines more one-to-one contact than distance learning with more flexibility than campus-based learning. We blend the best of technology and tutoring to let you decide how you want to study.

It’s this unique combination of flexibility and support that makes Supported Open Learning such a successful way to learn. Whether you’re at home, at work or on the move, your tutor, study advisers and other students are as close as you need them to be – online, on email, on the phone and face to face.

FACT

Supported Open Learning has

helped over 1.8 million students

get to where they want to be.

What’s it like being part of the world’s

largest student community?

New students are often surprised by how social studying with the OU can be, but a large and lively student community is part and parcel of being the UK’s largest provider of part-time higher education. Whenever you log on, our online forums are alive with people like you, and the opportunity to socialise doesn’t stop when you log off. Our students regularly get together, either to attend an OU tutorial or as part of a local study group. We also have an active Students Association, so whether you see yourself being able to influence how the University is run or you’d like to socialise or volunteer, there’s something for everyone. To find out more about the OU Students Association, click www.openuniversity.co.uk/ousa.

Our world-class library is open all hours

As an OU student you’ll have exclusive access to the OU’s world-class online library to help you research and complete your assignments. There are thousands of online resources available including academic books, journals, magazine articles, newspapers, encyclopaedias and dictionaries. You can tap into these quality assured and trusted resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever you need them and wherever you are.

Support on how to find and use information is available through our online training sessions, and we have services to guide you in today’s increasingly digital world. For example, our Being digital activities are designed to provide advice and guidance on how to be more confident using the internet. Library helpdesk staff are also on hand seven days a week to give help and support whenever you might need it.

Find out more about our online library at www.openuniversity.co.uk/library.

“ The unrivalled online access to journals

and materials was instrumental to the

success of my studies.”

STEPHEN MCGANN, OU GRADUATE

Support that continues when

your studies end

Once you’ve achieved your qualification, you’ll be invited to join the OU Alumni Association. With 360,000 members, it’s a vibrant community and a great way to connect and network with people like you.

Employer sponsorship

When it comes to managing the cost of your study, you’ve got options – see pages 60–64 – but did you know that over 80 per cent of FTSE 100 companies have funded their staff to study at the OU? There are many commercially sensible reasons for organisations to help fund your personal and professional development with us – to find out more, call our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)300 303 5303.

A world-class education for anyone

who wants it

At the OU, we believe it doesn’t matter where you start from – it’s where you want to be and how committed you are to getting there that matters.

We also believe that the grades you got at school aren’t the only measure of ability, which is why you don’t need any previous academic qualifications to study with us. You may even discover the skills you’ve gained through working will help your studies. If you want it badly enough, we’ll do everything we can to help you achieve a qualification – perhaps that’s why more people choose us every year than any other UK university.

We support disabled students

The unrivalled personal support we offer combined with our multimedia learning methods and the ability to study at your own pace means we’re perfectly placed to make study accessible to almost everyone. You may also be eligible for extra help with study and travel costs. To find out more, call our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)300 303 5303 or click www.openuniversity.co.uk/disability.

Free tasters

The free taster courses at www.open.edu/openlearn are there to help you prove you can do it. There are over 800 to choose from, ranging from introductory to postgraduate level, each taking between one and 50 hours to complete.

Our expertise also powers FutureLearn, the UK’s largest provider of free online courses. Click www.futurelearn.com for more information.

At The Open University Business School we’ll support you, encourage you and help you grow

as a manager, giving you the tools and support you need to unlock your potential. No one

gives you a better platform for making the most of your initiative, energy and enthusiasm.

Career enhancing,

life changing

A business school that’s up there with

the very best

For over 30 years we’ve been redefining what it means to be an elite business school. We’ve taken the most challenging business qualifications and opened them up to a part-time audience, providing exceptional levels of quality and support. It’s this approach that has marked us out as a unique and prestigious international centre of learning.

Our programmes are regularly updated so you can be sure you’ll be equipped with the essential skills you need to shine whatever your work environment – and you’ll see results from day one.

We can give you a truly global perspective

You’ll be joining one of Europe’s largest business schools and will share your experience with students from around the world. We are recognised as international experts in management education, and with our partners we deliver programmes across Europe, Africa and Asia.

“ I believe that the knowledge I gained

while studying with the OU has been

invaluable to the way I work, giving me

the confidence to bring my company

to life, and ensure its on-going success

and stability in otherwise uncertain

economic times.”

JAMIE CAMPBELL, OU STUDENT

Open University Worldwide (OUW) and The Open University Business School work in partnership with institutions to offer business school courses internationally, including:

• Professional Certificate in Management • Professional Certificate in Accounting • BA (Hons) Business Management • MSc in Finance

• MSc in Human Resource Management • Master of Business Administration (MBA).

OUW currently manages partnerships for more than 40,000 students studying with 15 partners in more than 23 countries. For further information, click www.ouworldwide.com.

Accept nothing less than triple

accredited status

If you need further evidence of the quality of our teaching, you’ll find it in our triple accredited status. We are one of a select group of schools worldwide recognised by the three leading international business and management education accreditation bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). This places us in the top 1 per cent of business schools and helps make our qualifications a highly valuable addition to your CV in the eyes of employers.

“ I studied business, specialising in

accounting. I wanted the flexibility of

studying whilst having a child and being

pregnant at the time. I just thought this

was the best way to go.

I didn’t know if I could do long distance

learning, so I took an Access module

to see how flexible it was and how

I would cope. After that I thought

‘I can definitely do this’. It was about

managing my lifestyle, my hours,

my time... and it worked.”

Your route to self-improvement, skills development and career enhancement.

Get the kind of CV

employers are looking for

A qualification in business and management can lead to opportunities in areas such as:

• middle and senior management positions across all sectors • advertising and marketing

• accountancy • human resources

• banking, including investment banking • sales and retail

• management consultancy • business journalism • transport and logistics.

We advise you to research your career choices as early as possible to clarify specific qualification and experience requirements and to identify opportunities available within your own locality.

Studying business and management will help you to develop skills valued by employers, including the ability to:

• understand key business functions in their wider organisation and social context

• put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions • draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information • communicate effectively, clearly and accurately

• use IT to research, identify and present information • manage time and take responsibility for your

own development.

Where could your business and

management qualification take you

Career opportunities are wide-ranging and precise entry points will depend on the qualification you have gained and also the previous experience and skills you have.

“ As a project manager the course has put a lot of theory behind what I do. The course was

split into two – the first module was about managing and managing people, which I found

very useful for picking up techniques on how to deal with conflict, problem solving and

controlling change. The second module was about finance and marketing – something I

don’t have a lot of experience in so it was useful to pick up knowledge in these areas and

learn how to apply them to my day-to-day job.”

DARREN IMRIE, OU STUDENT

8

Employers are keen to utilise the commercial awareness and leadership skills that business and management graduates offer as increasing globalisation and changes in technology, communications, financial services and distribution of goods and services open up new opportunities in management and business.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. Given the current economic climate and the increased competition for graduate jobs, it is important to consider a variety of occupational areas. Bear in mind that many careers require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

To find out more about career opportunities relating to business and management, or to see what previous graduates are doing now, click www.openuniversity.co.uk/busman-careers.

Thinking about postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study can develop valuable transferable skills such as project management, research skills and critical thinking and some qualifications may allow you to take a more vocational/ professional direction and add additional skills to improve your employability in your target area.

Postgraduate study in business and management can open up opportunities to work in higher education and teaching at other levels and in professions related to this subject area such as accountancy, human resources and marketing management. If you are considering taking a postgraduate qualification there is more information on our website. To find out about why people choose further study, how employers view postgraduate qualifications, the different types of postgraduate study to choose from and sources of funding, click www.openuniversity.co.uk/exploring-further-study.

We don’t just teach people –

we help them get on

Our Careers Advisory Service website

www.openuniversity.co.uk/careers provides information on all aspects of career planning, from deciding on the right career for you, to help with writing CVs, making effective applications and advice on interview techniques. You can also read real stories from OU students about the ways OU study changed or helped progress their career.

“ It is a brilliant service, very prompt

response to my initial enquiry, and the

careers adviser was great and very

helpful and friendly. I would recommend

this service to any OU student.”

STUDENT FEEDBACK

Live outside the UK?

Students based outside the UK can use the full range of resources available on the careers website, including the facility to contact a careers adviser and access to job information and online forums. In addition, we provide links to information for specific countries about the job market, applying for jobs, vacancy sources, and gaining work experience.

“ Combining work and study shows that

OU students are ambitious and have a

strong work ethic. They are evidently

keen to develop themselves and are

managing to do this while juggling a busy

work or home life, which is no mean feat.

The competencies which OU students

therefore develop during their degree

become invaluable to us.”

Undergraduate study

How you study with us

11

Getting started with an

Access module

14

Undergraduate qualifications

in a named subject

16

Accounting

Professional Certificate in Accounting (S25) 16

Business management

NEW BA (Hons) Business Management (Q91) 17 NEW Diploma of Higher Education in

Business Management (W51) 24 NEW Certificate of Higher Education in

Business Management (T27) 24 Professional Certificate in Management (S01) 25 BA (Hons) Business Management

(Sport and Football) (Q88) 26 Diploma of Higher Education in Business

Management (Sport and Football) (W49) 27 Certificate of Higher Education in Business

Management (Sport and Football) (T25) 27 BSc (Hons) Computing & IT

and Business (Q67) 28

Open qualifications

30

Undergraduate modules

32

There’s more online

To find out more about a qualification that

interests you and to register, enter the qualification code in the search box at

www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug.

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The best thing about the OU is that, within reason, you call the shots. When you study,

where you study – it’s all up to you.

How you study with us

Degrees – 360 credits

An undergraduate or bachelors degree is a widely recognised higher-education qualification that can help you progress in your career. While you are studying for your degree you will learn about your chosen subject(s) and develop your analytical, intellectual and writing skills.

Degree-level study will demonstrate that you can understand complex information, meet deadlines, work independently and in a team, solve problems, and communicate with others effectively.

All our degrees are ‘honours degrees’. Like all universities based in the UK, we’ll ‘grade’ your degree into one of four classes: 1 (first – the highest level), 2.1 (upper second), 2.2 (lower second) or 3 (third).

Diplomas of higher education (DipHEs) – 240 credits DipHEs are equivalent to two thirds of an honours degree and focus either on a particular job or profession, or academic study. DipHEs are designed to increase the professional and technical skills of staff within a profession or extend your knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. A DipHE shows that you are capable of extended study at university level.

Certificates of higher education (CertHEs) – 120 credits CertHEs are equivalent to the first year of an honours degree and focus either on a particular job or profession, or academic study. A CertHE is a basic-level qualification that shows you are capable of studying successfully at university level.

Professional certificates – 60 or 70 credits

We also offer two professional certificates in the fields of accounting and management which are designed to support your development. They offer the opportunity to increase your knowledge and understanding of the subject area while developing practical skills which can support you in your career progression.

At the OU you can register for either a qualification in a named subject, such as our

BA (Hons) Business Management, or for an Open qualification that lets you build a

qualification that is tailored to your needs and interests.

Choosing your qualification

To achieve your chosen

qualification, you need to build up a set number of credits.

You get credits by successfully completing a series of modules, each teaching specific skills – some modules are worth more credits than others. Some modules will be compulsory, others will be optional.

It is not necessary to plan your entire qualification up front. When you register on your qualification, we’ll only ask you to choose the module(s) you intend to study in your first year.

Here’s how it works

Undergraduate study

Choosing your modules one

stage at a time

Most qualifications have one, two or three stages. The modules that make up each stage are set at different ‘levels’, according to their relative complexity and/or depth of learning.

Qualification Credits required at each stage Total credits required

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

Degree with honours 120 120 120 360 Diploma of higher education 120 120 – 240 Certificate of higher education 120 – – 120 Professional certificate 60/70 – – 60/70

So, for a typical three-stage honours degree requiring 360 credits, you would study:

• 120 credits at Stage 1, studying OU level 1 modules worth 30 or 60 credits

• 120 credits at Stage 2, studying OU level 2 modules worth 30 or 60 credits

• 120 credits at Stage 3, studying OU level 3 modules worth 30 or 60 credits.

Planning your time

Most OU students study part time and how long it takes depends on how many credits you study in a year.

• It takes about 9 hours of study a week to gain 30 credits a year. • You need to study around 18 hours a week to gain 60 credits

a year.

• It takes 36 hours of study a week to earn 120 credits, the maximum you can study each year. This is equivalent to full-time study at a campus-based university.

If you’re thinking of studying full time, you need to plan your studies carefully as it involves studying more than one module at a time – we don’t recommend you take on more than two simultaneously. You also need to bear in mind that, depending on your chosen qualification, the modules for a given stage of study may not all be available within your study year or may not be studied together for academic reasons. If this is the case, you won’t be able to study full time.

There are no entry requirements

but you do need:

• A computer and reliable internet access – they’re an essential part of our study programmes. Depending on where you live and how much you earn, you could receive financial help to buy a computer.

• A good grasp of the English language – our modules are taught in English and you need to be a competent user of the English language to study at higher-education level. If you’re not sure, help and guidance are available at www.openuniversity.co.uk/englishlanguage.

Feeling a bit rusty when it comes to

studying?

If you’re lacking confidence or haven’t studied for a while, you may want to consider starting your studies with one of our introductory Access modules. These modules are designed to help you build confidence, develop study skills and prepare you for further study.

To find out more, see pages 14–15 or click www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug-access.

The table below gives you a rough idea of how long it will take to complete a qualification.

Qualification Time required to complete

Studying part time

60 credits a year 120 credits a yearStudying full time Degree with

honours 6 years 3 years

Diploma of

higher education 4 years 2 years

Certificate of

higher education 2 years 1 year

Professional

certificate 1 year 6 months

For further information about specific qualifications, click www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug.

Counting previous study

Can previous study count towards an

OU qualification?

You may be able to count credit from previous higher education towards an OU qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to complete.

If you’d like to apply to transfer credit you need to let us know as soon as possible, and certainly before you register for your chosen qualification. Contact us to find out whether your previous study counts.

To find out more, click

www.openuniversity.co.uk/credit-transfer, call an adviser on +44 (0)300 303 5303 or email credit-transfer@open.ac.uk. If you have a vocational qualification

If you have an NVQ, SVQ, CQFW or QCF vocational qualification at Level 4 or above, you may be able to count it towards an OU qualification (see above).

If you have an NVQ, SVQ, CQFW or QCF vocational qualification at Levels 1, 2 or 3 you can still study with us but you won’t be able to count it towards an OU qualification.

What if you don’t want to

commit to a full qualification?

If you’re not yet ready to commit to registering for a qualification, you can still study with us. Most of our modules are available on a standalone basis, and for each module you successfully complete, you’ll earn credits that you could count towards an OU qualification. To find out more, click www.openuniversity.co.uk/modules.

Undergraduate study

Increase your confidence, improve your skills, and prepare yourself for further study.

Getting started with an Access module

The OU offers a range of Access modules that have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a taste for the subjects we offer, develop your study skills, build your confidence, and prepare you for further study towards a nationally recognised qualification. They are perfect for new learners with little or no knowledge or experience of studying and use the same high-quality study materials and study support we’re famous for.

FACT

Students who prepare by taking an

Access module are more likely to be

successful in their future studies.

Is an Access module right for me?

Do you have little or no experience of university-level study? Do you want to develop or refresh your study skills? Do you want to increase your confidence about studying? Are you unsure about studying with The Open University? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, and you live in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or have a BFPO address, an Access module may be the ideal starting point for you.

You could even study for free

If you meet certain criteria you could be eligible to study an Access module for free, for more information see opposite.

What kind of support will I receive?

You’ll have your own personal tutor who will provide regular one-to-one telephone tutorials and support throughout your study, along with providing written feedback on your work. Our dedicated Access support team will help with any general queries about your studies and you’ll be able to exchange ideas with other students using our active online forums.

How will I be assessed?

There aren’t any examinations to sit. Instead, there are four short written assignments and a number of online quizzes to complete.

What can I study?

The following Access modules are linked to the qualifications we offer in business and management.

People, work and society Access

module (Y032)

This module draws from a range of disciplines: children and young people; health; law; management; psychology; and social science. The module is divided into four blocks, each of which deals with a specific theme: Individuals; Families and

relationships; Organisations and communities; and Society.

Within each block, you will explore the theme from the perspective or point of view of each discipline allowing you to develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. As a student you will be well prepared for further study on a wide variety of Open University qualifications.

Science, technology and maths

Access module (Y033)

This module introduces a range of subjects, including science; engineering and design; environment; mathematics; and computing and IT. There are three blocks. In Life you’ll explore biology, ecology and how humans interact with and change the environment. In Water you’ll investigate how water has shaped our planet and our lives. And in Home you’ll be introduced to design, engineering and computing. Throughout each block you’ll develop your understanding of the key mathematical ideas and techniques that underpin the study of science and technology.

We offer one further Access module, which is more relevant to other subject areas: Arts and languages Access module (Y031).

Your next step

Click www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug-access

Call our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)300 303 0069

Request a copy of our Access Module Certificates prospectus – see page 65

When can I start?

Access modules start in October and February each year.

How much time will I need to study?

These modules are studied over a period of 30 weeks and during that time you should expect to spend approximately nine hours per week on your studies.

You don’t need to attend face-to-face tutorials and can fit your studies around your work and family life. You fix your telephone tutorials at times that are mutually convenient to you and your tutor.

What do I need to begin my studies?

You’ll receive a complete set of study materials in the post. There will be study books and other printed material, as well as a DVD. All of these materials are included in the fee.

You will require access to equipment that plays DVDs, a phone and the use of a computer with internet access. You don’t need to rush out and buy a computer as you could use one at a library or drop-in centre.

What will I get at the end?

On successful completion of an Access module you’ll gain an OU Access Module Certificate and will be well prepared to continue your studies with us.

You’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills you can apply straight away, at the same time as developing your confidence and giving your CV a real boost.

If you choose to study the module as part of a qualification, the credit gained will be in addition to the other credit required for the qualification.

How much will it cost?

You could be eligible to study your module for free if you meet the criteria set out below. In order to qualify you must: • be resident in the UK or have a BFPO address outside

the UK (excludes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) • be studying an Access module as an additional

preparatory stage towards an OU qualification (doesn’t apply if you live in Scotland)

• have a household income (personal income if you live in Scotland) of less than £25,000 (or be in receipt of qualifying benefits)

• have not completed any more than one year on a full-time undergraduate programme at NQF Level 4/SCQF Level 7 or above, or completed 30 credits or more of OU study.

What if I don’t meet the criteria?

The fee you pay is determined by where you are ordinarily resident:

• If you live in England, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man the fee is £675.

• If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales the fee is £230.

How can I pay?

If you don’t meet the criteria for a free place set out below left, there is a range of ways you can pay.

Can I pay by student loan?

If you live in England or Wales, you may be able to cover the cost of your studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan if you study an Access module as an additional preparatory stage towards an OU qualification (see pages 60 and 62 for further information).

What if I want to pay by instalments?

You can spread the cost of your studies and pay as you go. Find out more about an account with Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) and the option of paying for your study in instalments as you go at www.openuniversity.co.uk/ousba. You must be at least 18 years of age and credit is subject to your financial circumstances and status.

Are there any other ways to pay?

You can pay up front and in full by debit/credit card or by bank transfer.

Registration for the 2015/2016 academic

year opens for all undergraduate

qualifications on 12 March 2015.

Qualification start dates are based on the

start date of the first applicable module(s)

you can study as part of your qualification.

The qualification descriptions in this prospectus list the modules that are currently available for study. However, as we review our curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time. Key c Compulsory module o Optional module

Accounting

Professional Certificate in

Accounting (S25)

Credits: 60

Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Apr 2016 (registration closes 10 Mar 2016) The Professional Certificate in Accounting is ideal if you want a route into the accountancy profession, or if you need fundamental accounting skills in a management or other role. You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of financial and management accounting and its role in business organisations – including how to prepare accounts and how to use accounting information for decision-making, planning and control. You’ll also explore issues of business law, corporate governance and ethics as they relate to accounting and management.

Career relevance and employability

The Professional Certificate in Accounting provides a solid foundation in accounting skills. Although it does not qualify you as an accountant (for which you need to pass the qualifying examinations of a professional accounting body), it is accredited by a range of professional bodies and is excellent preparation for professional accountancy training.

What you will study

You will study two compulsory modules.

Financial accounting (B291) will teach you how financial

statements are prepared and help you develop the skills to prepare them yourself. You’ll also explore differences in financial accounting for various businesses, building an understanding of the frameworks underpinning accounting and audit practice.

Management accounting (B292) provides a substantial

grounding in the fundamentals of management accounting in different organisations and environments. You’ll gain an applied knowledge and understanding of the purpose, principles and scope of management accounting.

Qualification structure

Recommended study order as listed.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory modules – 60 credits Credits Page

Financial accounting (B291) c 30 35

Management accounting (B292) c 30 36 Module availability is subject to change.

Undergraduate

qualifications in a

named subject

Business management

NEW BA (Hons) Business

Management (Q91)

Credits: 360

Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Feb 2016 (registration closes 07 Jan 2016) How do businesses develop strategies, handle risk and take decisions? What’s involved in essential business functions such as marketing, accounting and finance? This degree in business management provides an innovative and accessible introduction to the world of business, and helps you relate your studies directly to your own workplace. You’ll investigate how organisations think and work, how they’re managed, and the external world in which they operate. You’ll also gain a general understanding of business organisations and their key elements; wider considerations such as environments, markets and processes; and how all these work together.

Flexible options enable you to focus on subject areas that are most relevant to your needs. You can combine your business management studies with specialising in either accounting, economics, innovation and enterprise, leadership practice or marketing.

Career relevance and employability

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop by studying this degree (whether you focus on business studies alone or combine it with another subject) will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in business and management. They can also lead to opportunities in specialist areas concerned with offering guidance to managers – such as management consultancy or business journalism. The BA (Hons) Business Management will also: develop your cognitive skills – critical thinking, analysis, paraphrasing and evaluation; improve your ICT and presentation skills, and your basic numeracy; develop your understanding of the contribution of functions like marketing, HR, operations and finance.

What you will study

You can choose between a broad-based degree in business management or study business in combination with another specialist option, depending on your interests or career aspirations.

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Standard)

This route will give you the opportunity to acquire a broad knowledge of business management and organisations while developing your ability to analyse and apply concepts.

Stage 1 –

120 credits

Stage 1 introduces you to the essential disciplines of business and management. In An introduction to business and

management (B100), you’ll be introduced to the different

internal and external elements of a business to help you understand the context in which a business operates. You will explore the common aims and characteristics of business and what makes them different. Different forms of business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.

You’ll complete this stage with 60 credits selected from a wide choice of subject areas.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

Stage 2 begins with Business functions in context (B203) which focuses on the essential organisational functions of human resources; marketing; operations management; information management; and accounting and finance. You’ll examine their key practices, processes and thinking, and their contributions to organisations and their operations – with a strong emphasis on practice-based learning.

The choice of optional modules includes business organisations and environments, leadership, influence and change,

accounting and finance, or economics. You’ll continue to develop your understanding of the principal theories, methods, models and approaches that can be deployed in these subject areas.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

In Making sense of strategy (B301), you will focus on the fascinating world of strategy – from its origins and development as a subject to the controversies that dominate contemporary strategic debate. You’ll develop skills in clear thinking,

independent enquiry and collaborative working as you analyse and apply the ideas and approaches that have done most to influence how strategy is conceived and carried out in today’s organisations.

You’ll complete your studies with options drawn from a broad selection of subject areas in business, marketing, accounting and management – offering you the opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate a range of ideas, arguments and theories.

Undergraduate study

Qualification structure

Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory module – 60 credits Credits Page

An introduction to business and

management (B100) c 60 32

Optional module(s) – 60 credits

Select from: Credits Page

An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122)*

o _{30 32}

Design thinking: creativity for the

21st century (U101) o 60 33

Discovering mathematics

(MU123)* o 30 33

Introducing statistics (M140)* o 30 33

Management practice (B123)* o 30 34

Professional communication skills

for business studies (LB160)* o 30 34 You and your money: personal

finance in context (DB123)* o 30 34

A new module in introductory accounting (planned for October 2016)*

o 30 –

Stage 2 module summary

Compulsory module – 60 credits Credits Page

Business functions in

context (B203) c 60 35

Optional module(s) – 60 credits

Select from: Credits Page

Business organisations and their

environments (B201) o 60 35

Financial accounting (B291)* o 30 35

Making it happen! Leadership,

influence and change (B204) o 60 35 Management accounting (B292)* o 30 36

Running the economy (DD209) o 60 36 A new module in innovation

and enterprise (planned for October 2016)

o 60 –

Stage 3 module summary

Compulsory module – 60 credits Credits Page

Making sense of strategy (B301) c _{60 38}

Optional modules – 60 credits

Select from: Credits Page

Advanced management

accounting (B392)*1 o 30 37

Doing economics: people, markets

and policy (DD309) o 60 37

Investigating entrepreneurial

opportunities (B322)* o 30 38

Managing 1: organisations and

people (B628 or BZX628)* o 30 38 Managing 2: marketing and

finance (B629 or BZX629)* o 30 38 Managing across organisational

and cultural boundaries (B325)* o 30 39 Marketing and society (B324)* o 30 39 Module availability is subject to change.

1_{You must have successfully completed Management}

accounting (B292) prior to studying this module.

18

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Accounting)

This option combines business and management with the study of accounting practice and strategy, giving you essential skills that are applicable to a wide range of careers in business and finance.

Stage 1 –

120 credits

You’ll start with An introduction to business and management (B100) as in the standard BA (Hons) Business Management curriculum, and then study two compulsory modules. You and

your money: personal finance in context (DB123) will develop

your financial skills and improve your understanding of the constantly changing social and economic environment in which financial decisions are made. You’ll explore questions such as: Why do people borrow so much? How can I plan for my retirement? This stage will also include a new introductory module in accounting that is planned for October 2016.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

Stage 2 begins with Business functions in context (B203) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details. You’ll then study two compulsory modules. Financial accounting (B291) explores differences in financial accounting for different businesses, and building an understanding of the frameworks that underpin accounting and audit practice. Management

accounting (B292) examines the fundamentals of this practice

in different organisations and environments, and develops an applied knowledge and understanding of the purpose, principles and scope of management accounting.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

Stage 3 begins with Making sense of strategy (B301) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details. Then in Advanced management accounting (B392), you’ll explore accounting concepts and applications employed at a strategic level – like organising for performance, using diagnostic and interactive control systems, achieving profit goals and strategies – and evaluate and interpret how they figure in organisations. To complete your degree, there’s an exciting choice of modules covering topics like responsible marketing; entrepreneurship; marketing and finance; organisations and people; and managing across organisational and cultural boundaries.

This degree does not qualify you as an accountant (for which you need to pass the qualifying examinations of a professional accounting body). It will help you progress to professional training and offers some granted exemptions from professional bodies examinations.

Qualification structure

Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

An introduction to business and

management (B100) c 60 32

You and your money: personal

finance in context (DB123)* c 30 34

A new module in introductory accounting (planned for October 2016)*

c _{30 –}

Stage 2 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Business functions in context (B203) c 60 35

Financial accounting (B291)* c 30 35

Management accounting (B292)* c 30 36

Stage 3 module summary

Compulsory modules – 90 credits Credits Page

Making sense of strategy (B301) c _{60 38}

Advanced management

accounting (B392)1 c 30 37

Optional module – 30 credits

Select from the 30-credit modules available for the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) see opposite Module availability is subject to change.

Undergraduate study

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Economics)

This option combines business and management with the study of key economic theories and policies.

Stage 1 –

120 credits

Stage 1 follows the same curriculum as the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard), see page 17.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

Stage 2 begins with Business functions in context (B203) – see BA (Hons) Business Management for details. You’ll follow this with Running the economy (DD209), which investigates a wide range of issues in economic theory including innovation; economic policy and competition; firms’ decision making; market structures; the changing role of the state; poverty and international trade; unemployment and inflation; economic forecasting; and managing the national economy.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

Stage 3 begins with Making sense of strategy (B301) – see BA (Hons) Business Management for details. You’ll complete your degree with Doing economics: people, markets and

policy (DD309), which explores economic theories that

explain the behaviour of people in households, firms, markets and governments. You’ll encounter alternative economic explanations that will enable you to make your own critical judgements of which theory serves which purpose best. You’ll also be equipped with the skills needed to conduct your own research project and to develop a more critical view of the socio-economic world in which you live.

Qualification structure

Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order.

Stage 1 module summary

See BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) (page 18)

Stage 2 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Business functions in context (B203) c 60 35

Running the economy (DD209) c _{60 36}

Stage 3 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Making sense of strategy (B301) c 60 38

Doing economics: people, markets

and policy (DD309) c 60 37

Module availability is subject to change.

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Innovation and Enterprise)

This option combines business and management with the principles of innovation and design thinking, and entrepreneurship theory and practice.

Stage 1 –

120 credits

You’ll start with the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) curriculum and take the 60-credit module Design thinking:

creativity for the 21st _{century (U101). This module will teach you}

the essentials of the design process, and encourages new ways of thinking that lead to ideas and creative solutions.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

At Stage 2 you will study Business functions in context (B203) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details. You will also begin to focus on your chosen specialist route with a new module in innovation and enterprise which is planned for October 2016.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

At Stage 3 you will study Making sense of strategy (B301) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details before completing your specialist study with a second module in innovation and enterprise, planned for October 2017. You will also have a choice of two modules. Managing across

organisational and cultural boundaries (B325) explores

the many issues and challenges associated with working collaboratively across different contexts. You will also learn about the concepts and theories that can help you to better manage collaborative situations in the future. Marketing in

society (B324) focuses on the application of marketing concepts

beyond commercial marketing and considers the issues of ethics and responsible practice in marketing.

Qualification structure

Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

An introduction to business and

management (B100) c 60 32

Design thinking: creativity for the

21st century (U101) c 60 33

Stage 2 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Business functions in context (B203) c 60 35 A new module in innovation

and enterprise (planned for October 2016)

c 60 –

Stage 3 module summary

Compulsory modules – 90 credits Credits Page

Making sense of strategy (B301) c 60 38 A new module in innovation

and enterprise (planned for October 2017)*

c 30 –

Optional module – 30 credits

Select one from: Credits Page

Managing across organisational

and cultural boundaries (B325)* o 30 39 Marketing and society (B324)* o 30 39 Module availability is subject to change.

Undergraduate study

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Leadership Practice)

This option combines business and management with a focus on leadership practice.

Stage 1 –

120 credits

You’ll start with the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) curriculum and take two 30-credit modules. Management

practice (B123) introduces management ideas and uses

activities to develop your understanding of management practice in your work, and in the wider context of organisations.

Professional communication skills for business studies (LB160)

will empower you to undertake more insightful case-study analysis, write successful essays, and produce influential documents, such as proposals and company reports.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

At Stage 2 you will study Business functions in context (B203) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details. Making it happen! Leadership, influence and

change (B204), will help you explore how to initiate and carry

through improvements and projects in your current work from an early stage.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

At Stage 3 you will study Making sense of strategy (B301) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details. You’ll complete your studies with the compulsory modules covering the management of organisations, people, marketing and finance.

Qualification structure

Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

An introduction to business and

management (B100) c 60 32

Management practice (B123)* c 30 34

Professional communication skills

for business studies (LB160)* c 30 34

Stage 2 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Business functions in context (B203) c 60 35

Making it happen! Leadership,

influence and change (B204) c 60 35

Stage 3 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Making sense of strategy (B301) c 60 38

Managing 1: organisations and

people (B628 or BZX628)* c 30 38 Managing 2: marketing and

finance (B629 or BZX629)* c 30 38

Module availability is subject to change.

Qualification structure

Study order as listed. Modules marked * can be taken in any order.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory modules – 90 credits Credits Page

An introduction to business and

management (B100) c 60 32

An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122)*

c 30 32

Optional module – 30 credits

Select one from: Credits Page

Discovering mathematics (MU123)* o 30 33

Introducing statistics (M140)* o 30 33

Management practice (B123)* o 30 34

Professional communication skills

for business studies (LB160)* o 30 34 You and your money: personal

finance in context (DB123)* o 30 34

Stage 2 module summary

Compulsory modules – 120 credits Credits Page

Business functions in context (B203) c 60 35

Business organisations and their

environments (B201) c 60 35

Stage 3 module summary

Compulsory modules – 90 credits Credits Page

Making sense of strategy (B301) c 60 38

Marketing in society (B324)* c 30 39 Optional module – 30 credits

Select one from: Credits Page

Advanced management

accounting (B392)* o 30 37

Investigating entrepreneurial

opportunities (B322)* o 30 38

Managing 1: organisations and

people (B628 or BZX628)* o 30 38 Managing 2: marketing and

finance (B629 or BZX629)* o 30 38 Managing across organisational

and cultural boundaries (B325)* o 30 39

Module availability is subject to change.

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Marketing)

This option combines business and management with the study of marketing.

Stage 1 –

120 credits

You’ll start with the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) curriculum, before starting your marketing studies with An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122). This highly engaging module looks at how retailing has developed, how retail outlets operate and how retailers apply retail marketing techniques.

You’ll complete this stage with a 30-credit optional module.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

At Stage 2 you will study Business functions in context (B203) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details.

Business organisations and their environments (B201) will

draw on your own experiences of interacting with business organisations as an employee, customer or stakeholder, as you discover the ways in which businesses begin, function and prosper in the twenty-first century.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

At Stage 3 you will study Making sense of strategy (B301) – see BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) for details. The second compulsory module, Marketing in society (B324) focuses on the application of marketing concepts beyond commercial marketing and considers the issues of ethics and responsible practice in marketing. To complete the stage you will study one from a range of subject areas in marketing, accounting, business and management.

Undergraduate study

NEW Diploma of Higher Education in

Business Management (W51)

Credits: 240

Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Feb 2016 (registration closes 07 Jan 2016) How are businesses organised? How do they develop strategies, handle risk and take decisions? And how do these factors impact on a business organisation? This diploma will provide you with a general understanding of business organisations and their structures and cultures; wider considerations such as environments, markets and processes; and how all these work together to contribute to organisational success.

Flexible options enable you to focus on subject areas that are most relevant to your needs. You can combine your business management studies with specialising in either accounting, economics, innovation and enterprise, leadership practice or marketing.

What you will study

For this qualification you will follow the same curriculum as Stages 1 and 2 of the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) (Q91), see page 17.

NEW Certificate of Higher Education in

Business Management (T27)

Credits: 120

Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Feb 2016 (registration closes 07 Jan 2016) You’ll start by investigating the question ‘What is a business?’, exploring the essentials of business and management. You’ll be introduced to the internal and external elements of a business, such as human resource management, marketing, accounting and finance, and the context in which a business operates, and common aims and characteristics.

You can then choose from topics like marketing, mathematics, communication, management practice, personal finance, and developing effective performance.

What you will study

For this qualification you will follow the same curriculum as Stage 1 of the BA (Hons) Business Management (Standard) (Q91), see page 17.

Professional Certificate in

Management (S01)

Credits: 70

Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Apr 2016 (registration closes 10 Mar 2016) If you’re new to management, or you need to develop your managerial abilities and understanding, this certificate is for you. It provides a broad-based, practical introduction to the key ideas, techniques and competencies needed to manage effectively and productively in modern organisations. The emphasis is on your own professional development. Everything you study is related to the management roles and responsibilities you exercise in the various functional areas of your company or organisation. All the elements of the programme – study texts, activities and assignments, online resources, and personal and group support – ensure that you can immediately apply newly learned skills, knowledge and techniques in very practical ways. You can build on your experience and make direct links to your management development needs wherever you are in the world, whatever the size of your organisation and whether it is in the

commercial, public or voluntary sector.

Career relevance and employability

The Professional Certificate in Management is a recognised qualification in its own right, and provides entry to our MBA programme if you meet the other criteria. It is ideal if you’re in a first management or supervisory position, or planning to further your management career. You’ll develop the skills needed to be a successful manager, such as critical thinking; problem-solving; effective communication; and managing your time – engaging with management issues from your own work context and from case studies. You’ll also have a rounded understanding of how management works in practice, and key management skills and techniques that you can apply at work.

What you will study

You’ll study three modules, Managing 1: organisations and

people (B628)*, Managing 2: marketing and finance (B629)*

and Managing 3: the integration challenge (B690).

The first module uses activities and problem-solving to take you through core topics in organisational behaviour and human resource management, focusing on your own work situations and practices. The second covers topics in marketing and finance, again using activities and problem-solving with a focus on your own role.

The final module consolidates the key learning points from the first two, gives you the opportunity to practice management techniques, and develops your ability to understand and tackle complex management problems.

*or their online versions (BZX628 and BZX629).

Qualification structure

Study order as listed.

Stage 1 module summary

Compulsory modules – 70 credits Credits Page

Managing 1: organisations and people (B628 or online

version BZX628)

c 30 38

Managing 2: marketing and finance (B629 or online

version BZX629)

c 30 38

Managing 3: the integration

challenge (B690) c 10 38

Undergraduate study

BA (Hons) Business Management

(Sport and Football) (Q88)

Credits: 360

Start: Oct 2015 (registration closes 10 Sep 2015) Feb 2016 (registration closes 07 Jan 2016) If you’re passionate about football and you want to study business, have you thought about combining the two? This unique qualification has been designed in partnership with The Football League Trust to develop your skills and understanding of business, management, training and sport with a focus on football. Case studies from the football industry are used to help you apply theory to real world situations and workshops at Football League stadia (for students in England and Wales) will provide insights into professional clubs. Your career prospects will be enhanced as you will develop a wide range of business skills which are transferable beyond sport and football.

Career relevance and employability

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop by studying this degree will equip you to follow a number of career paths, and are recognised by employers as having great value for work in management and business. This degree will contribute to your career development by developing your cognitive skills – critical thinking, analysis, paraphrasing and evaluation, as well as improving your ICT and presentation skills, and your basic numeracy. Studying this degree will equip you for career opportunities in areas such as sports administration, management of sports facilities, marketing and human resources.

The degree could also lead to employment in sports funding bodies; sports development; and sports promotion, in the local, regional, national, and international arenas. There are opportunities for progression within the sector, and of course, a wide range of management options outside of sport and football.

What you will study

Stage 1 –

120 credits

Stage 1 introduces you to the essential disciplines of business and management. In An introduction to business and

management (sport and football) (BYFL100), you’ll use case

studies and examples from the football industry to investigate the business functions of human resource management, marketing, accounting and finance. You will also study Working

and learning in sport and fitness (E113) where you will apply

ideas from your study to the sport or fitness environments.

Stage 2 –

120 credits

Stage 2 begins with Business functions in context (B203) which focuses on the essential organisational functions of human resources; marketing; operations management; information management; and accounting and finance. You’ll examine their key practices, processes and thinking, and their contributions to organisations and their operations – with a strong emphasis on practice-based learning.

The choice of optional modules includes leadership and change, sport and conditioning science. Or a combination of coaching and psychology relating to sports and exercise. You’ll continue to develop your understanding of the principal theories, methods, models and approaches that can be deployed in these subject areas. If you choose to take the coaching certificate module you must have gained a Level 2 coaching certificate within the past eight years. If you do not hold a suitable certificate, you will need to identify and complete one in parallel with your OU studies at your own expense.

Stage 3 –

120 credits

In Making sense of strategy (B301), you will focus on the fascinating world of strategy – from its origins and development as a subject to the controversies that dominate contemporary strategic debate. You’ll develop skills in clear thinking, independent enquiry and collaborative working as you analyse and apply the ideas and approaches that have done most to influence how strategy is conceived and carried out in today’s organisations.

You’ll complete your studies with Exploring psychological

aspects of athletic development (E313) which looks at athletic

development using social psychology as a lens through which to view and explain how people are shaped by their social worlds.