Business Administration

Staff member? Login here

Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(BBA) Bachelor of Business Administration
Business Administration
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Business School
Southend Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
None
BBA N100
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

GCSE: Mathematics C/4

A-levels: ABB

BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics grade 4, or a minimum of 3 in Higher Level Mathematics. We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied -advice on acceptability can be provided.

What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?

If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.

What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.

You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here

If you are a mature student, further information is here

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

  • Applied Quantitative Methods: In order to be eligible for the AQM qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules: Year Two: BE216 – (15 credits) International Business Strategies BE218 – (15 credits) Business Research Methods BE220 – (15 credits) Strategic Entrepreneurship Students must achieve 2:1 or above in two of the modules listed above and no result (from the list above) can be lower than a 2:2. Note: BSc Marketing will have no additional options due to the module choice (Will have to take BE217 30 credits, as 90 credits will be taken by compulsory modules and AQM choices). Final Year: BE441 – (30 credits) Business Strategy And at least one of the following: BE141 - (15 credits) Accounting for Decision Makers BE260 - (15 credits) Supply Chain Management Students must achieve 2:1 or above in two of the modules listed above and no result (from the list above) can be lower than a 2:2. Students must also have completed and pass one of the following modules (quantitative research methodology and data analysis must be utilised): BE932 – (30 credits) Research Project- Business Administration BE933 – (30 credits) Research Project- Marketing BE934 – (30 credits) Research Project- International Business and Entrepreneurship BE935 – (15 credits) Research Project – Tourism Management

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE200-4-SP-SO  Business Creation and Growth  Compulsory  15  15 
02  BE201-4-SP-SO  Business Economics  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE101-4-SP-SO  Introduction to Accounting and Finance  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE500-4-FY-SO  Principles of Markets, Marketing and Selling  Compulsory  30  30 
05  BE202-4-AU-SO  Introduction to International Business  Compulsory  15  15 
06  BE301-4-AU-SO  Introduction to Quantitative Analysis  Compulsory  15  15 
07  BE905-4-FY-SO  Professional and Academic Development  Compulsory  15  15 

Year 2 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE211-5-AU-SO  Managing Innovation  Compulsory  15  15 
02  BE216-5-SP-SO  International Business Management  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE417-5-AU-SO  Organisational Behaviour and Management  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE218-5-SP-SO  Business Research Methods  Compulsory  15  15 
05  BE424-5-AU-SO  Principles of Operations and Supply Chain Management  Compulsory  15  15 
06  BE906-5-FY-SO  Professional and Academic Development 2  Compulsory  15  15 
07    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 

Year 3 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  BE441-6-FY-SO  Business Strategy  Compulsory  30  30 
02  BE932-6-FY-SO  Research Project : Business Administration  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE531-6-SP-SO  Marketing Communications  Compulsory  15  15 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  BE920-6-AU-SO  Career Skills in Business  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To develop an essential understanding of business management principles and their application in different organisational contexts and to acquire analytical, problem-solving, creative and learning skills for managing business ventures.
  • To obtain a thorough understanding of the value of managing people and organisations and appreciation of different schools of management theories in relation to acquired appropriate skills and techniques for effective problem solving and in-depth investigation of key issues in enterprise management.
  • To develop a critical awareness of economic, social, technological and ethical context of enterprise management.
  • To enable students to learn to engage in reflective practice based on the use of analytical skills, diverse tools and techniques.
  • To develop their ability to lead different types of business ventures where innovation, networks, ethics and sustainability are the key drivers of change and effective performance in varied environment.
  • To manage their own learning and personal development in the future, to learn to work in teams, and to network with different stakeholders.


  • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Basic understanding of theories, policies and practices of business creation and growth (BM 3.4)

    A2: Clear understanding of the theoretical frameworks used to conceptualise the international business environment (BM 3.5, 3.7 MARKETS)

    A3: Critical understanding of core theoretical frameworks employed to explore and conceptualize business strategy (3.2, 3.7 BUSINESS POLICY AND STRATEGY)

    A4: Studying fundamental and principles of business law and its application to the development of the firm, with a focus on the UK and the European Union (BM 3.4, 3.5)

    A5: Critical understaning of concepts and context and theories of business ethics (BM 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 CONTEMPORARY & PERVASIVE ISSUES, MARKETS, CUSTOMERS AND PEOPLE)

    A6: Clear understanding of concepts and theoretical frameworks of growth and development of entrepreneurial organisations, and new ventures creation under contemporary economy. (BM 3.6, 3.7-PEOPLE, OPERATIONS, CONTEMPORARY & PERVASIVE ISSUES

    A7: Year 2 - Studying concepts, contexts and theoretical frameworks of business-to-business marketing (BM 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7-MARKETS, CUSTOMERS, BUSINESS POLICY & STRATEGY

    A8: Critical understanding of key concepts and tools in international human resource management (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 PEOPLE).

    A9: Critical understanding of the key concepts in international finance -marketplaces, concepts and tools (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 FINANCE).

    A10: Critical understanding of enterprise development in economically diverse contexts (BM 3.2, 3.5)

    A11: Basic understanding of economic principles and theories of the firm

    A12: Basic understanding of accounting concepts, the context in which accounting is situated and its function in organisation management (BM 3.4, 3.6, 3.7-FINANCE)

    A13: Basic understanding of the marketing concept, process and setting; application of strategic marketing planning and marketing mix for new ventures and small firms (BM 3.5, BM 3.7 MARKETS, CUSTOMERS)

    A14: Studying the concept, purpose and practice of quantitative research, with a focus on the organization and analysis of statistical data (BM 3.6, 3.7. INFORMATION SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)

    A15: Clear understanding of conceptual issues of information and the practice of information management, including the meaning of working in an information society (BM 3.6, 3.7-INFORMATION SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)

    A16: Clear understanding of contexts and processes of innovation management (BM 3.6, 3.7 CONTEMPORARY & PERVASIVE ISSUES

    A17: Critical understanding of the key concepts in international finance -marketplaces, concepts and tools (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 FINANCE).

    A18: Studying core theoretical frameworks employed in understanding theories of international business; and key characteristics of the international business environment with a focus on economic, political, socio-cultural and technological factors and conditions (BM 3.2, 3.5, 3.7 MARKETS)

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2 and 3: Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and tutorials.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Written examinations.

    Assessed individual and group reports.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Assessed individual group presentations.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Individual reflective journal.

    Multiple choice class tests.

    Class test essay.

    Case study analysis.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Basic understanding of the abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources (BM 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.1k)

    B2: Critical understanding of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner (BM 4.1a)

    B3: Critical understanding of numerical (including financial) data analysis and an appreciation of the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts (BM 4.1b, 4.1d)

    B4: Critical understanding of the effective use of independent research from a variety of sources (BM 4.1k).

    B5: Basic understanding of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, and use of this understanding to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner (BM 4.1a)

    B6: Basic understanding of numerical (including financial) data analysis and an appreciation of the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts (BM 4.1b, 4.1d)

    B7: Basic understanding of the ability to undertake independent research from a variety of sources (BM 4.1k)

    B8: Effective use of the abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources (BM 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.1k)

    B9: Effective use of contemporary theories and empirical evidence, to develop an argument (both orally and in writing) and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner (BM 4.1a)

    B10: Effective use of numerical (including financial) data analysis and an appreciation of the nature and limitations of basic statistical concepts (BM 4.1b, 4.1d)

    B11: Effective use of independent research from a variety of sources (BM 4.1k).

    B12: Critical understanding of the abstraction and synthesis of relevant data from a variety of sources (BM 4.1a, 4.1b, 4.1k);

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and seminars.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    B1-12 inclusively assessed by: Written examinations.

    Assessed individual and group reports.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Assessed individual group presentations.

    Assessed individual essay.

    Individual reflective journal.

    Multiple choice class tests.

    Class test essay. - Case study analysis

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Record and summarise transactions and other economic events (BM 4.1d)

    C2: Identify and retrieve relevant data from variety of sources (BM 4.1k)

    C3: Present data using the appropriate form of communication (BM 4.1e, 4.1c)

    C4: Forecast short, medium, and long term objectives, opportunities and threats (BM 4.1b, 4.1k)

    C5: Prepare financial analysis and projections; analyse, interpret and exrapolate data in relation to business problem and phenomena (BM 4.1d)

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and tutorials.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Assessed essays and other course work assignments (C 1-5)

    Class tests (C1, C3)

    Group work and presentations (C1-5)

    Written examinations (C1-4)

    D: Key skills

    D1: Communicating in oral and written formats to different audiences in a coherent, cogent and effective manner;

    D2: Use of information technologies including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical and web-based packages to read, download, analyse and evaluate different types of data and information

    D3: Preparing, manipulating, and presenting numerical data.

    D4: Using and applying analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

    D5: Understanding and appreciation of different communities of interest, good spoken and written communication skills, empathy and resolution of conflict.

    D6: Improving time management, prioritising critical tasks, meeting deadlines, and evaluating self-learning

    Learning methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Lectures and tutor-led seminars.

    Directed reading.

    Comparative case work in lectures and tutorials.

    Individual and group tasks.

    Assessment methods

    Years 0, 1, 2, and 3:

    Assessed essays and other course work assignments (D1, D2, D3, D5)

    Class tests (D1, D2, D3, D5)

    Group work and presentations (D1, Q2, D4)
    Reflective journal (D6)

    Written examinations (D1, D2, D3, D5)


    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.