Duration
2 Years
Course may be subject to change.
This programme is continually being reinvented to reflect the dynamic nature of the business and management sector and will help you get your foot on the management ladder. This two year programme is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to succeed, this foundation degree has an emphasis on small business and entrepreneurial environments and during the two years you will cover a wide variety of topics including the principles of marketing, business finance, human resource management and performance management.
This programme is also available to be studied at our associate college CECOS. To apply directly to these programmes please use this link:
- CECOS: https://cecos.ac.uk/
Our lecturers have industry experience and an extensive range of industry links and contacts to enhance your learning experience and develop your commercial awareness. Guest speakers and enterprise days are embedded in this foundation degree to provide opportunities to think about future careers and allow for networking opportunities.
Entry Criteria
Standard entry criteria: The following admissions criteria will apply at level 4: All students will require a standard interview
Students applying for this programme will be a minimum of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of 32 UCAS points (For example A level Business Studies, BTEC Diploma in Business Studies or T-Level Business and Management).
Students require a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, ideally including English and maths. Demonstrated ability /further studies in maths/English (such as functional skills at Level 2) will be considered.
Non-Standard Entry Requirements (including Mature students)
Mature students (aged at least 21 by the start of the academic year of the programme) or applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience and whose qualifications and/or experience is deemed to be appropriate to gain entry onto a named foundation degree may be admitted onto a foundation degree programme. All students will require a standard interview.
For applicants with non-standard backgrounds, we consider relevant work experience and demonstrated skills that indicate an ability to engage with the programme material at this level. Non-standard entry criteria include the following:
Qualifications in non-business and management areas at Level 3 No Level 3 qualifications but evidence of employer references that can support an application with any relevant working experience Students are normally also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or equivalent, or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills at Level 2)
International Applicants: International applicants will be required to meet the same criteria and attend an interview. A personal statement submission is mandatory, allowing the admissions tutor to assess academic writing, grammar, and motivation to join the programme. Outcome letters are sent post-interview to successful candidates. Unsuccessful candidates are provided information on alternative study programmes. International students will be required to provide evidence of an equivalent level 3 mathematics qualification along with IELTS 5.5. Mature students (aged at least 21 by the start of year of admission) or applicants with non-standard qualifications and/or experience and whose qualifications and/or experience is deemed to be appropriate to gain entry onto a named foundation degree may be admitted onto a foundation degree programme. International students will meet the same none-standard criteria as none-international students.
Additional Costs
You will not be required to make any compulsory additional purchases, however, it is advised you consider investing in the recommended study materials.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a member of the course team, and the meeting will last for 30 minutes. Please bring your personal statement and all relevant qualifications or expected results, if you are still completing your full Level 3 qualification. Please report to the Main Building reception when you arrive.
Study Aims
This programme is continually being reinvented to reflect the dynamic nature of the business and management sector and will help you get your foot on the management ladder. You will develop relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the business environment in which they operate and their management. The programme will emphasise the dynamic nature of business taking into consideration the changing future of the global business environment.
As a full-time student, you will be given the opportunity to engage in international opportunities, and enterprise and work experience. You will be encouraged to enhance your CV and professional development.
Our lecturers have industry experience and an extensive range of industry links and contacts to enhance your learning experience and develop your commercial awareness.
Modules Studied
At Level 4, you will study the following:
- Human Resource Management
- Business Environment
- Leadership and Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Professional Skills
- International Business
At Level 5, you will study the following:
- Performance Management for Small Businesses
- Managing Collaborative Relationships
- Business Finance
- Contemporary Research
- Entrepreneurship for Small Business Startup
Times of Delivery
Full timetable information will be provided upon enrolment.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be allocated a personal tutor on commencement of the course, who will oversee your progression and provide pastoral support as required. In addition to support from your personal tutor, you will receive academic support from module tutors, if required. You can also request additional guidance from HE Academic Support to help them with your studies and gain access to a Personal Learning Coach, if needed.
A variety of summative assessment methods are used across the study programme to enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You will develop the skills required to present your understanding and research coherently. This could include the following:
- Reports
- Presentations
- Professional discussions
- Peer reviews
- Case studies
- Written assignments. You will complete an assessment for each module, as a vehicle to assess key and transferable skills and learning outcomes. Assessments are mapped to learning outcomes.
Industry Links
This programme has been designed in line with industry intelligence. All modules have been approved by employers. Where possible, visits and guest speakers will be arranged to enhance your learning experience.
Placement
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to gain work experience but there is no formal placement connected to this Foundation Degree.
What else?
New College Durham has been approved as an IOEE (Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs) Academy, to support the development and growth of enterprise across the North East and beyond through innovative programmes - www.innovateuk.gov.uk.
New College Durham is also a founder member of Durham Business Club, which will provide you with networking oppurtunities.
Useful links include: Business Durham and Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneur
You could progress to the BA (Hons) Management (top up) degree at New College Durham, to achieve a full honours degree, or study a relevant degree at university.
Alternatively, you could use the knowledge and transferable skills you have gained through your foundation degree to progress your existing career, or as a stepping stone to a career in banking and the financial sectors, human resource management, marketing or consultancy roles. Good business and management skills are in demand in companies all over the world!