The Open University Business School Prospectus 2012/2013: Undergraduate and Postgraduate study ppt

Open University Worldwide OU Worldwide and The Open University Business School work in partnership with institutions to offer business school courses internationally, including: the Prof

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Business School Prospectus

2012/2013

Undergraduate and Postgraduate study

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other way of learning

Welcome to The Open University (OU), the UK’s largest university with over 250,000 students and the world’s leading provider of

high quality, flexible learning.

Achieve your ambitions

We help ordinary people achieve extraordinary things, so if you want to improve your prospects through getting a qualification then we’ll support you every step of the way And if you have a disability or additional requirements you will find a range of support services designed with you in mind

Whatever your ambitions, make this the year you start to achieve them

We make learning affordable

Investing in your own future may be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make,

but finding ways to pay tuition fees can be a challenge That’s why we ensure that you have as many options as possible to pay for your study, including access to

government-backed finance schemes and fee support, as well as our own student budget account, OUSBA You can even use OU gift vouchers towards the cost of study

We’re more local than you think

Not only are we the UK’s largest university, but with an exceptional UK network of

7000 tutors, 350 tutorial venues and 13 national and regional centres, we’re more local than you may think If you’d like to speak with us in person, why not attend one of our regional events; these can be found at www.opennearyou.co.uk

Students love studying with us

That’s why they keep rating us so highly in the National Student Survey and their support has put us in the top three UK universities for student satisfaction since the survey began in 2005

The OU made me realise what I can achieve During my five years of studying I’ve been promoted three times and have become a really confident person

Gerry McMurtrie, OU student

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Why choose The Open University

Business School? 2

The business school that knows no boundaries 2

Corporate and employee development 4

Stage 1 undergraduate modules 27

Your guide to postgraduate qualifications 33

Systems thinking in practice 38

Marketing 60

Recruitment 62Strategic management 63

Becoming an Open University Business School student 64

Studying with The Open University Business School 64

If you have a disability or additional requirements 68

European contact points for advice and registration 70The Open University Business School international

Ordering other prospectuses 73 Contact points for advice

and registration Back cover

Open access: other ways to read this publication

You may find it easier to access information from our website at

www.open.ac.uk/study.

If you would like this publication electronically, please call +44 (0)845 300 60 90

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Why choose The Open University

Business School?

The inspiring thing about studying with The Open University Business School

is not just what you learn but how you learn We’ve taken flexible learning to a

whole new level We’ll connect you with the things that inspire you, wherever you are and wherever you’ve come from.

The business school that

knows no boundaries

Our strong record of success over more than two decades

has led to The Open University Business School becoming

one of the world’s most prestigious centres of learning

A world of change

The business world is fast paced and ever changing

The expansion of globalisation, advances in technology

and the constant introduction of new rules and regulations

mean we are continually extending our thinking and revising

our teaching

By regularly updating our programmes we ensure you will

be equipped with the essential skills and knowledge that you

need to place you at the forefront of international business

and management practice

International reach

We are one of Europe’s largest business schools and the world’s leading exponent of practice-based learning Over 25 years we have grown in size and stature to become

a true global presence, and we enjoy universal recognition

as international experts in management education

Together with our partners we deliver programmes across Europe, Africa and Asia Open University Worldwide (OU Worldwide) and The Open University Business School work in partnership with institutions to offer business school courses internationally, including: the Professional Certificate

in Management; the Professional Certificate in Accounting; the BA (Hons) Business Studies; the BA (Hons) Leadership and Management; and the Master of Business

Administration (MBA) OU Worldwide 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

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Our accreditation is your assurance

of quality

The Open University Business School is one of a select

group of schools worldwide accredited by the leading

international accrediting bodies for business schools, based

on the high quality of its programmes and teaching

The high quality of our programmes and teaching, which

are fed by our research output, is recognised by all three of

the world’s leading business and management education

accreditation bodies; AACSB, EFMD and AMBA

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools

of Business (AACSB)

We were the first exclusively flexible learning school to be

awarded international accreditation by the AACSB

The Association only grants this award to business schools

meeting the wide-ranging quality standards valued by

business and academic communities These include Harvard

University, London Business School, Dartmouth College and

Stanford University Among our strengths highlighted by the

AACSB are:

• our effective use of excellent flexible learning and

practice-based learning methods

• the support, enthusiasm and involvement of our alumni

• an ‘exemplary’ approach to the ‘team concept of

curriculum development and its total stakeholder

involvement’

• the commitment of our tutors, whom we refer to as

Associate Lecturers to reflect their importance within

our structure

European Foundation for Management

Development (EFMD)

European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)

We hold the prestigious EQUIS kitemark of the EFMD,

Europe’s forum for information, research, networking and

best practice in management development

EQUIS sets the international standard for the auditing and

accreditation of higher-education institutions in management

and business administration Other holders include HEC

School of Management Paris, IESE Business School and

Judge Business School, Cambridge

The Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Independent accreditation by AMBA gives our MBA

programmes real credibility in the international job market

The Association is unique in representing the interests of

MBA students and graduates, leading business schools and

MBA employers Other holders include Henley Management

College, Cranfield School of Management and London

FACT: 90,560 qualifications have been awarded

since we began In 2011 we reached around 22,300 MBAs

Further recognition

Our Professional Certificate in Accounting has been awarded exemptions from ACCA and CIMA and successful students will be eligible for IAB membership

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) rates us ‘excellent’ for teaching and support systems

The Open University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a recognised body in promoting and ensuring quality assurance in America and abroad MSCHE accreditation enables Open University students to transfer easily to a US qualification and to have their qualification recognised by US employers

FACT: We are the UK’s largest university with over 250,000 students and thanks to their

votes we’ve ranked in the top three of UK universities for student satisfaction every year since the National Student Survey began in 2005

The Open University School of Law

The Open University Business School is also home to The Open University School of Law, offering amongst its programmes an LLB (Hons) – a Qualifying Law Degree in England and Wales, in collaboration with The College of Law.Click www.open.ac.uk/study-law to discover more

about our law programmes and qualifications You can request a Law Prospectus from the website or by calling

+44 (0)845 366 6035

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Our strength in research

World-class research ensures that our courses are

innovative and relevant

Research is a key part of The Open University Business

School It contributes to our courses, ensuring that they are

always fresh, innovative and relevant Recognised as world

class, our research is widely sought after, and our academics

are in demand, by a range of organisations These links

provide further opportunities to ensure we stay up to date

with new developments and leading edge thinking

We regularly undertake collaborative research with

international partners, both in other universities and in public,

private and third sector organisations around the world

Again, this ensures our courses reflect and incorporate the

global nature of today’s business environment

Our research is based around three themes:

• Socially responsible management and regulation

• Knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship

• International management practice, education and

learning (IMPEL)

These themes include traditional business disciplines such

as strategy, finance and human resource management, and

newer areas such as social marketing, social enterprise and

management learning

Sharing our research

Our research is published widely – in books, leading

academic journals, at conferences and online and of course,

are included in our course materials

Academics from the School also regularly write for

leading newspapers and appear on radio and television

As part of the OU’s partnership with the BBC, academics

from the School are regularly involved as series consultants

and academic advisors for OU/BBC co-productions

This has included The Foods that Make Billions, the

award-winning The Virtual Revolution and three series

per year of The Bottom Line radio programme.

Increasingly academics are using new media to make

their research available to new audiences The School plays

a very active part in iTunes U, and in the three years since

it was launched, has been involved in over 150 tracks

The OU’s employee development courses draw on real business practice so that new skills and knowledge can

be immediately applied to the workplace, and OU learning facilitators are practising experts in their respective fields

OU learning also offers minimal work disruption as there’s

no need to release staff for full-time study and it is ideal for employees who travel or who work across different locations

FACT: Employers recognise the value of OU study – 75 per cent of FTSE 100 companies have

sponsored staff on our courses

Account management For clients sponsoring significant groups of employees

on our standard or customised training courses, we provide full account management services, including a password-protected Sponsor area on our Employers portal, www.open.ac.uk/employers

Every workplace has its own blend of opportunities, business-critical issues and competitive challenges We need

to understand your organisation before we can advise how employee development can help to improve it So we always listen to your needs before recommending learning solutions

A corporate development manager (CDM) is dedicated to any organisation sponsoring professional development for groups of employees

Our CDMs are an action-oriented, needs-responsive team who will:

• provide a readily accessible, single interface with the OU

• be aware of the tensions within your organisational context (for example, stakeholder and multiple funding issues in public and not-for-profit sectors)

• explore your employee development needs with you

• advise and match your requirements to OU capabilities and provision

• enable organisations to identify how they can gain added value and benefit from our professional development programmes

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• use our extensive experience of working successfully with

similar organisations to ensure that your needs are met

• bring in other partners, as appropriate, to provide you

with the right expertise and solutions

What are the benefits of OU learning

and development?

• Our flexible programmes suit groups of learners, often

geographically dispersed, who cannot or do not want

to be away from the workplace That’s the virtue of

being an international university specialising in

practice-based learning Our approach enables consistency of

management and professional standards across locations

while minimising work disruption

• As well as minimising disruption, we maximise performance

improvement By utilising work experience and

encouraging project work wherever appropriate,

we embed development directly into workplace practice

This form of learning and development usually proves far

more relevant, cost-effective and long lasting than sending

staff on short courses

• Because our style of flexible learning knows no

geographical boundaries, it can also considerably reduce

your carbon footprint

• We can create learning and development solutions for you

from a full range of course types and delivery methods:

from flexible online business skills courses to demanding

management development modules in our triple accredited

MBA; from high quality printed workbooks to interactive

course websites; from personal tutoring by a sector

specialist to on- or off-site workshops

• There’s also a host of added value services which

smaller providers will not be able to equal Such as a

Learning Evaluation and Development Service; academic

accreditation for your in-house courses or academic

validation of your own qualifications; and access to our

vast, accessible online library service

Devising the right solution

Working in partnership with you, The Open University can

deliver programmes and courses which develop those

special skills that will help achieve your corporate objectives

By carefully selecting or customising courses, we can

improve the functional performance and career horizons of:

• junior or aspiring managers

• middle to senior managers who want to build leadership

and other capabilities

• technical experts moving into management

• employees seeking to improve their professional skills

Get in touch

If you’d like to discuss how we can help you update or hone management skills in your organisation, please contact our Corporate Development Team:

Call +44 (0)845 366 6053Email do-business@open.ac.uk

Your experience as

a student

A totally different way of learning

We are the world’s leading provider of high quality, flexible learning What sets us apart from other universities is that we’re not campus based You can study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move Our innovative teaching methods and study materials bring your course to life in many different ways – just imagine learning about your favourite subject through podcasts, downloads and DVDs as well as course books We’ll challenge you, inspire you, stretch your understanding and make you question ideas that you’ve always taken for granted – it’s truly world-class learning

FACT: About 70 per cent of OU students work while they study.

Our doors are open to everyone

If you think you’ve got what it takes to study with us, then so

do we In fact, over 40 per cent of new OU undergraduate students in the UK don’t have the formal qualifications they’d need to go through a traditional university application process There’s no doubt that studying with the OU takes hard work and dedication so you do need determination and commitment

You’re never on your ownAlthough you work in your own environment, you’ll never be

on your own You’ll have the opportunity to meet your fellow students in tutorials and online forums, and through OUSA (our student association) And there are growing informal networks and peer support groups on Facebook, LinkedIn

and our own networking portal, Platform You’ll be joining the

OU’s learning community – the largest in the world!

Support throughout your studies

As an OU student you’ll enjoy full support throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study

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Dr Venkatesha

Murthy,

OU student

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed becoming a student again I found the online aspect really good for helping and learning from other students, and I always eagerly awaited each new podcast

Top-class teaching

The quality of programmes from The Open University

Business School is world renowned Most of our tutors are

practising business professionals with strong academic

backgrounds As such, they bring a wealth of expertise to

your learning experience

You’ll examine tried and tested theories and applications,

and enjoy challenging activities that stimulate your intellect

You’ll acquire new skills and competencies that will help

make you more confident in your performance and dealings

with work colleagues

You’ll also be fully equipped to meet the management and

leadership challenges faced in today’s dynamic socially and

environmentally responsible organisations

Our teaching programmes are studied by thousands of

managers across Europe and beyond From day one you

can apply what you learn to your day-to-day professional life,

whatever your location

FACT: We have over 50,000 alumni worldwide and over 800 tutors working internationally.

Choice and flexibility

As the UK’s largest university, we offer a wide choice of

qualifications in a broad range of subjects

Our flexible study means that you can vary the pace of

study if life gets in the way of learning For example, you can

complete most honours degrees in as little as three years or

spread your study over a maximum of 16 years

Penny Meiers,

OU student

I would recommend The Open University

to anyone because it’s so flexible and you can go at your own pace

Value for money

We make sure great learning is also great value, so our tuition fees don’t just cover high quality education; they also include our study materials, support from study and careers advisers as well as access to free online resources and community forums.Studying with us costs less than studying with most UK campus-based universities, especially as you won’t need

to move away, or incur extra expenses for accommodation and travel And because you have the flexibility to carry on working, you can earn while you learn

FACT: Your family and friends can support your study by buying OU gift vouchers for

special occasions To buy or redeem vouchers, click

www.openuniversity.co.uk/vouchers.

Financial support

If you live in England and you’re studying for an undergraduate qualification that’s higher than any you already have, you may be eligible for a government-backed loan, which means you won’t have to pay your tuition fees upfront Alternatively, if you’re on a low annual household income, you may qualify for entry on to the Access to Success Route – our unique access provision designed for people who would benefit from the opportunity to develop their confidence and study skills before committing to a loan

If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, depending

on your current circumstances, even if you’re in employment, you could be eligible for financial support to help pay towards your undergraduate tuition fees, study costs and other expenses

To find out more about what support is available where you live at undergraduate or postgraduate level, see page 64 or click www.open.ac.uk/financialsupport

Support for students with a disability

or additional requirements

Our expertise in flexible learning, combined with a wide range of multimedia materials and personal support, means that we offer a much more accessible system than traditional forms of study What’s more, depending on where you live, you may be eligible for extra help with study and travel costs For more information, see page 68 or click www.open.ac.uk/disability

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Steve McNeice,

OU student

When you first apply to the OU, on the form there’s a box to tick if you’re disabled

I hesitated but when I did tick it the OU machine just kicked in I received

a grant for a special headset and some other equipment I didn’t realise was available to aid my studies

FACT: Around 13,500 of our students have a disability or additional requirement.

Help for carers

We support lots of students who are looking after people for a

variety of reasons, in a variety of circumstances If you have

caring responsibilities and are thinking about studying with

us, click www.open.ac.uk/studying-while-you-care to find out

about the support we can offer you

World-class library

As an OU student you’ll have free access to the OU library

(www.open.ac.uk/library) where information is available to

you via the internet, rather than you having to visit in person

This means you can access thousands of online ejournals,

ebooks, databases and multimedia resources 24 hours a

day, seven days a week, whenever you need it and wherever

you are You can also visit the library at our Milton Keynes

campus if you’re close enough

I have been studying with the OU

for five years and have now finished

One of the things I will miss the most is

the fantastic library offered by the OU!

Joanna Regan, OU student

Free online resources

Try over 600 free online taster modules from the OU at

www.open.edu/openlearn Available from introductory to

postgraduate level, each takes between one and 50 hours

to study You’ll be able to:

• search for subjects that interest you

• complete activities to assess your progress and compare

your thoughts with sample answers

Although it is free to use the site, it will still be necessary

to apply separately to the OU if you wish to study a bearing module with formal assessment See also Studying modules as standalone courses on page 13.

credit-FACT: We’re one of the first universities to offer free downloadable study materials via iTunes U

In fact, we were the first university to hit 40 million downloaded tracks For more information, click

www.open.edu/itunes.

Vibrant online community

Platform, our social media website (www.open.ac.uk/platform), gives you the chance to get a flavour of OU life before you sign

up for a course You will find expert comments on issues of the day as well as having the opportunity to meet and chat to the

The Open University Business School Alumni Association

On obtaining a qualification you’ll automatically become

a member of The Open University Business School Alumni Association

This active association offers updating and professional and personal development activities as well as regional events and workshops Additional benefits include a dedicated website www.open.ac.uk/oubs-alumni, monthly enewsletter, discounted memberships to professional organisations and discounts for further study

Email oubs-alumni@open.ac.uk for further information

FACT: Our alumni include: Bart Knols, AMBA student of the year 2007; Air Chief Marshal

Sir Brian Burridge; Paul Mylrea, Head of Press and Media Relations, BBC; and Maggie Miller CIO, Warner Group Music

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Your career

Your route to skills development and career enhancement.

Career opportunitiesCareer 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

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

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

Over 60 per cent of 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 related to business and management, click www.open.ac.uk/careers/business-and-management.php Destination statistics

All UK graduates are invited to complete the Destinations

of Leavers Survey six months after they graduate Of those

OU business studies graduates who responded to the latest survey:

• 69 per cent had studied with the OU for career related reasons

• 93 per cent were working Only 2 per cent were assumed

to be unemployed – this compares favourably with the figure for unemployed business studies graduates from all UK universities at 9.7 per cent

• 29 per cent had continued into further study in a variety

of areas including business, finance, management, economics and teaching

Studying with The Open University Business School will

equip you with skills, knowledge and qualifications which will

improve your work performance and make a real difference

to your career prospects

Developing employability

Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and

career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal

development planning either as an intrinsic part of your

programme of study or through signposted optional activities

We will provide information explaining how particular study

pathways can enhance employability and can develop your

skills Opportunities are provided for you to reflect upon

and articulate the skills that you have gained to communicate

your learning effectively to prospective employers You can

view the full OU Student Employability Policy at

www.open.ac.uk/employability

Your studies will help you develop a broad set of graduate

level abilities that appeal to prospective employers

For business and management students the particular

employability skills you will develop that are highly valued by

employers include the ability to:

• understand key business functions such as marketing,

human resources, information management, accounting

and finance, and operations in their wider organisational

and social context

• put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions

• draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information

• understand the nature of leadership skills and behaviours

within organisations

• communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others

• use ICT to research, identify and present information

• manage time and take responsibility for your own

personal development

Specific learning outcomes that relate to degrees in

this subject area can be viewed on our website at

www.open.ac.uk/study-busman

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Postgraduate study

If you are considering taking a postgraduate qualification

and would like to find more information to help you

explore the reasons why people choose further study,

how employers view postgraduate qualifications and the

different types of postgraduate study to choose from, click

www.open.ac.uk/careers/further-study.php

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

OU Careers Advisory Service

When you have registered as an OU student you will have

access to the full range of support offered by the Careers

Advisory Service

Our careers website www.open.ac.uk/careers provides

information on all aspects of career planning, from deciding

on the right career for you, to writing a CV and interview

techniques You can also read real stories from OU students

about the ways OU study changed or helped progress

their career

Our publication OU Study and Your Career looks at

reasons why people study with the OU, the value of OU

qualifications, the issues you may want to consider when

choosing your study route and how to explore your career

ideas You can request a copy from The Open University

Business School Information Line or view it on the Careers

Advisory Service website

Currently registered students or those who have studied

with the OU within the last three years are eligible for the

following services:

• Online forums – join topic or subject-based forums

where you can ask questions and receive replies from

a careers adviser and support from other OU students

• Careers consultation – contact and talk with

a careers adviser

• Employer Showcase – find out about employers

who are keen to recruit OU graduates

• Online vacancy service – find a job through our

Careers Advisory Service and Graduate Prospects.

Information about all the above services is available at

www.open.ac.uk/careers

Support for students outside the UK

Our Careers Advisory Service is predominantly UK and Ireland based, but if you are a student in Continental Europe

we can help in providing:

• sources of career information and guidance

• help to gain recognition of OU qualifications in European countries

• general information on career planning and job-seeking skills and strategies

Students based overseas and studying through our partner organisations should check with their host organisation what services are available to them

Combining work and study shows that Open University students are ambitious and have a strong work ethic They are

evidently keen to develop themselves and are managing to do this whilst juggling a busy work or home life, which is no mean feat The competencies which Open University students therefore develop during their degree become invaluable to us

Emma Beadle, Graduate Recruitment Manager for Unilever

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Undergraduate study

Certificates 24 Certificate in Professional Practice in

Delivering Public Services (S26) 24 Professional Certificate in Accounting (S25) 24 Professional Certificate in Management (S01) 24

Search

Your guide to undergraduate qualifications 11

Degrees 14

BA (Hons) Business Studies (Q70) 14

BA (Hons) Business Studies with specialisms (Q70) 15

BA or BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and a

BA (Hons) Leadership and Management (Q54) 20

Foundation degrees/Diplomas of higher education 21

Foundation Degree in Leadership and

Management (X06)/Diploma of Higher Education

in Leadership and Management (W06) 21

Foundation Degree in Business (X05)/Diploma of

Higher Education in Business (W05) 21

Foundation Degree in Financial Services (X10)/

Diploma of Higher Education in Financial Services (W10) 22

Foundation Degree in Retail Management (X14)/

Diploma of Higher Education in Retail

There’s more online

To find out more about a qualification that interests you and to register, go to www.open.ac.uk/undergraduate and enter the code into the search box

Q70

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Your guide to undergraduate

qualifications

Our flexible and supportive approach to education allows

you to study for a qualification with confidence whether it’s

a degree, diploma or certificate

What qualifications does the OU offer

in business and management

Degrees

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 confidence

We offer two different types of degree; a degree in

a named subject and our popular Open degree

A degree in a named subject

For a degree in a named subject, such as our BA (Hons)

Business Studies (Q70) (see page 14), you’ll study mainly

in your chosen subject, although you can usually include

some modules from other subjects too Almost all these

degrees are ‘honours degrees’ When you get a degree it is

‘graded’ into one of four classes: 1 (first – the highest level),

2.1 (upper second), 2.2 (lower second) or 3 (third)

An Open degree

Our most popular degree, awarded either with or without

honours, lets you build a qualification that is tailored to your

needs and interests So, for example, with this degree you

could study mainly business and management modules

and widen your scope by also studying modules from other

subjects that are of personal interest or that meet specific

These qualifications are designed and developed with

external partners, so you must be working either as a

paid employee or as a volunteer in a related work setting

Foundation degrees/Diplomas of higher education are highly

valued and could open up opportunities for you to gain

professional recognition And with further study, you could

convert your foundation degree/diploma of higher education

to a full honours degree

examinations from professional accounting bodies such

as ACCA and CIMA

We also offer the Professional Certificate in Management (S01) which allows experienced, practising managers, who haven’t got a bachelors degree, entry to Stage 1 of our MBA programme

Are there any entry requirements?

For most qualifications you don’t need any formal qualifications to study with us because we believe anyone who is keen to succeed should have the opportunity to study Our diagnostic activities and guidance will help you assess if you are ready to study with us

Computers and elearning

Using computers and the internet to enhance your study is an essential part of our study programmes In order to study with

us, you will need a computer and regular and reliable access

to the internet

English for learning

Our courses are taught in English, so you will be asked

if you are a competent user of English language to ensure that you are able to study at higher-education level If you’re not sure, help and guidance is available

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How do you work towards

a qualification?

At The Open University Business School, you can register

for a degree, a foundation degree, a diploma of higher

education, or a certificate

We measure the size of our qualifications in credits:

• An honours degree is 360 credits

• A foundation degree and a diploma of higher education are

each 240 credits

• A certificate is 60 or 70 credits

These qualifications are made up of either one, two or

three stages:

• An honours degree has three 120-credit stages

• A foundation degree and a diploma of higher education

each have two 120-credit stages

• A certificate has one 60- or 70-credit stage

Each stage is made up of a number of modules which cover

different parts of the subject Modules are also measured

in credits and are set at different ‘levels’ Levels give an

indication of a module’s relative complexity and/or depth

of learning Most modules are worth either 30 or 60 credits

and are set at Levels 1, 2 and 3 which roughly equates to

studying in the first, second and third year at a

In the example given above, each stage could consist of two

60-credit modules or one 60-credit module and two 30-credit

modules, or four 30-credit modules

Stage 1: when you begin

Before you register for your qualification, we will explain

to you the options that you have for Stage 1 In some qualifications, there’s no choice: you’ll study a series of compulsory modules In other qualifications you will be able to choose which modules you want to take to make

up the required number of credits in Stage 1

For full details of qualification start dates, visit www.open.ac.uk/undergraduate

Moving on to Stages 2 and 3

If you are aiming for a foundation degree or diploma

of higher education you move on to Stage 2, and

to achieve an honours degree, you’ll also need to complete Stage 3

How much time does it take?

Our qualifications are designed to be flexible So if you want

to vary the amount of time you spend studying from year to year, or even take a break for a while, you can

By informing us which qualification you are studying towards and how many credits you wish to study each year we will

be able to identify your study intensity which will indicate how long it is likely to take you to achieve your goal Almost all students will complete Stage 1 of their qualification in four years or less Most students can expect to take two years to complete it

The table below shows a summary of our undergraduate qualifications

Qualification Credits required at

each stage Total credits

required

Time required to complete1

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3Degree with

honours

120 120 120 360 3–4 years

full-time study or 6 years part-time studyDegree

without honours

120 120 60 300 3 years

full-time study or

5 years time studyFoundation

part-degree/

Diploma

of higher education

120 120 – 240 2–3 years

full-time study or 4 years part-time study Certificate 60 or

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Counting previous study towards

an OU qualification

If you have completed some previous higher-education study

at another institution, you may be able to count it towards your

OU qualification We enable you to do this by awarding you

a certain amount of ‘transferred credit’ By transferring credit

gained from previous study, you can reduce the amount you

need from OU study to achieve your qualification If you want

to transfer credit, we recommend you investigate the option

as soon as possible, as transferred credit may affect your

choice of modules

To find out whether you are able to use any of your previous

study to count towards your qualification, please contact our

Credit Transfer Centre

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

Academic credit in Europe

If you are looking to use your OU credit in Continental

Europe, you may be interested to know of the existence of the

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) This is the system

commonly used in the EU for measuring study workload

Since the systems don’t compare like with like, and ECTS

doesn’t take account of academic level, direct comparisons

are difficult to make However, broadly, at any given level,

60 OU credits would be worth 30 ECTS points, and 30 OU

credits would be worth 15 ECTS points

If you have completed study that is recorded in ECTS points,

and you want to count this towards your OU qualifications

please contact the Credit Transfer Centre for advice

Studying modules as standalone courses

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, visit www.open.ac.uk/study-modules

or request a copy of our Undergraduate Modules

Prospectus (see page 73).

A step-by-step guide to Stage 1

of a typical OU honours degree

Choose your qualification and tell us how many credits you would like to study in your first year Depending on the qualification, you could study 30, 60, 90 or 120 credits’ worth of modules in your first year Most OU students study an average of 60 credits a year

Consider your payment options – don’t forget to check the Fees and finance section on page 64

You may be eligible to apply for a loan or financial support to cover the cost of your fees

Study materials for your module (or modules) will be sent to you You’ll be online and have access

to a website where you can contact your tutor and

other students

You study at home, at work, or on the move

You may have face-to-face or online tutorials where you can meet other students

Submit your assignments when they’re due – your tutor will send you feedback

Some students organise informal study groups

to support each other

You may need to attend a day school or residential school, or take an online alternative

All your assignments are complete and it’s time to revise

Complete your end-of-module assessment(s)

or take your examination(s)

You’ve passed!

Depending on the qualification and your rate of study, you could take between one and four years to complete the required number of credits for Stage 1

of your qualification

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Undergraduate qualifications

Degrees

BA (Hons) Business Studies (Q70)

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

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 specialise within business

studies if you wish – for example, the BA (Hons) Business

Studies (Accounting) Or you can combine business studies

with another subject and study for a BA (Hons) Business

Studies with Economics, with Environment, with French, with

International Development, with Law or with Spanish

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 They can also lead

to opportunities in specialist areas concerned with offering

guidance to managers – such as management consultancy

or business journalism

The degree also contributes to career development by:

• developing your cognitive skills – critical thinking, analysis,

paraphrasing and evaluation

• improving ICT, numeracy, and presentation skills

• developing your understanding of the function and

contribution of specialisms like marketing, HR, operations

You’ll then study at least one of a choice of 30-credit options listed below You can also include up to 60 credits free choice from any Level 1 module

Stage 1 modules summary – 120 credits in total

30 credits from the following compulsory Level 1 module:

An introduction to business studies

+ at least 30 credits from the following optional Level 1 modules:

An introduction to retail management and marketing

Discovering mathematics MU123 30 28

Professional communication skills for business studies

Working and learning:

developing effective performance at work

You and your money:

personal finance in context

Next, you’ll choose from optional modules focusing on business, work-based learning, accounting and finance, and 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)

You’ll start this stage by exploring the origins and development of strategy – investigating how organisations and individuals try to interpret and exploit opportunities and strive for success

Your final modules will be drawn from a broad selection of options in business, marketing, accounting technology and economics – offering you the opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate a range of ideas, arguments and theories

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BA (Hons) Business Studies

with Accounting (Q70)

Study this pathway if you want a degree in business studies

with a special focus on accounting

You’ll follow the same curriculum as the general BA (Hons)

Business Studies, except for your second module, which

will be You and your money: personal finance in context

(DB123) (30 credits) This practical module builds your

financial knowledge and skills, improves your understanding

of personal finance and develops your awareness of its social

and economic context

60 credits from the following compulsory Level 1 modules:

An introduction to

business studies

The first half of this stage follows the same curriculum

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half,

you’ll develop your understanding of the frameworks

underpinning accounting and audit practice, the skills

to prepare financial accounts, and the principles and

practices of management accounting

Again, the first half of this stage follows the same curriculum

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies Your specialist study

will cover accounting concepts and applications employed

at a strategic level – like organising for performance; using

diagnostic and interactive control systems; and achieving

profit goals and strategies

BA (Hons) Business Studies with Economics (Q70)

Study this pathway if you want a degree in business studies with a special focus on economics

Stage 1 of this pathway is the same as Stage 1 of the

The first half of this stage follows the same curriculum as the

BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half, you’ll study

a specialist economics module, which explores questions such as: are we living through a new, ICT-led industrial revolution? You’ll investigate key topics in contemporary economics while developing your ICT skills through innovative, multimedia teaching methods

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies Your specialist study will examine the various economic theories that explain people’s behaviour in households, businesses and governments

You will be presented with alternative economic explanations that will enable you to make your own critical judgements of which theory serves you best

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with Environment (Q70)

with a special focus on environmental issues

Business Studies, except for your third module, which will

be Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)

This 60-credit module draws together subjects from the social

sciences, science and technology to provide a fascinating

introduction to contemporary environmental topics

Working and learning: developing

effective performance at work

The first half of this stage follows the same curriculum as

the BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half,

you’ll be introduced to a wide range of environmental

concerns – exploring and debating our responses to

them and investigating their scientific, technological and

social backgrounds

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies For your specialist study,

you can choose to focus on:

• contemporary issues such as biodiversity and climate

change, drawing on different disciplines to understand

environmental changes, their consequences, and

implications for action; or

• the causes and consequences of international

environmental problems and resource conflicts,

including loss of biological diversity, water allocation and

urbanisation – focusing particularly on climate change

BA (Hons) Business Studies with International Development (Q70)

Study this pathway if you want a degree in business studies with a special focus on international development

Stage 1 of this pathway is the same as Stage 1 of the

The first half of this stage follows the same curriculum as the

BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half, you’ll be introduced to the main issues associated with meeting the challenges of international development, in the context of changing global, political and economic circumstances

Again, the first half of this stage follows the same curriculum as the BA (Hons) Business Studies Your final specialist module takes an interdisciplinary perspective on contemporary international studies It provides the analytical tools you need to understand global developments in politics, economics, technology and culture

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with Law (Q70)

with a special focus on law

Business Studies, except for your second compulsory

module, which will be Rules, rights and justice: an

introduction to law (W100) (60 credits) This module

introduces the study of law and legal reasoning, examining

the nature and function of regulation and how laws are made,

interpreted, and applied

the BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half, you’ll

be introduced to the English legal system, learn about legal

research techniques, and explore EC law in depth

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies Your final specialist

module examines the two Foundations of Legal Knowledge

covered by the Law of Obligations – Contract Law and the

Law of Tort – and the law of restitution

BA (Hons) Business Studies with French (Q70)

Study this pathway if you want a degree in business studies with a special focus on French

You will then study two French modules, one at beginner and one at intermediate level:

• Bon départ: beginners' French (L192) is a carefully

structured module designed to help you learn to speak and understand French in a wide range of practical situations, and explore French life and culture

• Ouverture: intermediate French (L120) builds on your

existing knowledge and skills to develop your confidence

in understanding, speaking and reading simple French, and your understanding of French-speaking societies and French culture

Bon départ: beginners' French L192 30 29

Ouverture: intermediate French L120 30 29

The first half of this stage follows the same curriculum as the BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half, you’ll extend your French language skills and cultural knowledge

at upper intermediate level, and attend a residential school in France (or online alternative)

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies Your final specialist module further develops your French speaking, listening, reading and writing skills You’ll also expand your knowledge

of contemporary French culture

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with Spanish (Q70)

with a special focus on Spanish

You’ll begin with the 30-credit compulsory module An

introduction to business studies (B120) This module

introduces internal and external elements of a business,

explains the context in which a business operates, and

explores common aims and characteristics You will follow

this module with a 30-credit Level 1 optional module

exploring either: retail management, communication skills,

work-based learning, mathematics or personal finance

You will then study two Spanish modules, one at beginner

and one at intermediate level:

• Portales: beginners’ Spanish (L194) is a carefully

structured module designed to help you learn to speak and

understand Spanish in various practical situations, and get

a real feel for Hispanic cultures

• En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140) develops your

confidence in understanding, speaking and reading

Spanish, while gaining an insight into Spanish and Latin

American society and culture

Portales: beginners' Spanish L194 30 30

En rumbo: intermediate Spanish L140 30 30

the BA (Hons) Business Studies For the second half, you’ll

extend your Spanish language skills and cultural knowledge

at upper intermediate level, and attend a residential school in

Spain (or online alternative)

as the BA (Hons) Business Studies Your final specialist

module further develops your Spanish speaking, listening,

reading and writing skills You’ll also expand your knowledge

of Spanish and Latin American culture

BA or BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and a second subject (Q67)

Computing and IT skills are hugely valued in the modern workplace; studied together with a second complementary subject they can open up careers in a wide range of sectors, from government to gaming This flexible joint honours degree offers you a double opportunity You can specialise

in an area of computing & IT and combine it with business, design, mathematics, psychology or statistics – dividing your time equally between subjects Organisations are critically dependent on computing technologies, and people who can apply specialist IT knowledge within the context of another discipline are in particular demand This degree will help you establish or develop a varied and fulfilling career, and position yourself to meet the needs of today’s employers

Organisations increasingly value IT teams with skills relevant

to wider business in addition to technical ability This degree opens the way for a career in information and communication technologies, and with a sound grounding in a second relevant subject, you’ll be well placed to apply your skills in a wide range of sectors – from government, health, education and the ‘Third Sector’, to business, finance and commerce

It may also help you obtain professional recognition from the British Computer Society (BCS) – the Chartered Institute for IT In addition, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills in teamwork, communication, time management, analysis and problem solving

What you will study

This flexible degree enables you to study aspects of computing and IT that are of particular relevance to you,

in combination with a second subject – choosing from business, design, mathematics (pure or applied), psychology and statistics

You’ll then study introductory modules in your second subject:

Business – An introduction to business studies (B120)

(30 credits) looks at the internal and external elements of a business, considers the context in which a business operates, and explores common aims and characteristics Then you’ll choose between An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122) (30 credits) – exploring

the principle theories, concepts and challenges of retailing – or You and your money: personal finance in context

(DB123) (30 credits), which examines the changing economic and social environment for personal finances

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Design – Design thinking: creativity for the 21st century

(U101) (60 credits) explores the common principles of

design You’ll acquire new designing skills and develop ways

of thinking that lead to innovation and creative solutions

Pure mathematics/Applied mathematics – Using

mathematics (MST121) (30 credits) covers recurrence

relations, matrices and vectors, calculus, statistics, and using

a computer to solve practical problems Then Discovering

mathematics (MU123) covers key ideas from statistics,

algebra, geometry and trigonometry

Psychology – Discovering psychology (DSE141)

(30 credits) introduces different ways in which psychologists

investigate issues, and explores some of the factors that

influence human behaviour You’ll then choose either

Using mathematics (MST121) (see above) or Discovering

mathematics (MU123) (30 credits) which covers key ideas

from statistics, algebra, geometry and trigonometry

Statistics – Using mathematics (MST121) (30 credits)

covers recurrence relations, matrices and vectors, calculus,

statistics, and using a computer to solve practical problems

Then you’ll study a new module planned for October 2013,

Introducing statistics (M140) (30 credits).

My digital life TU100 60 29

+ 60 credits from the following Level 1 modules:

Business pathway

An introduction to

business studies

+ either An introduction to retail

management and marketing

Discovering psychology DSE141 30 –

+ either Using mathematics MST121 30 –

or Discovering mathematics MU123 30 28

Statistics pathway

Using mathematics MST121 30 –

+ Introducing statistics M140 30 –

At Stage 2, you’ll start by focusing on one of four pathways

in computing and IT: software development, solutions development, networking or digital technologies Then in your second subject, you’ll build on your Stage 1 studies – focusing on business organisations and your interaction with them (business studies); the processes that generate products and what it means to be a designer (design);

using mathematical models to solve real problems (applied mathematics); group theory, linear algebra and analysis (pure mathematics); approaches to areas such as identity, language and meaning, personality and social world (psychology); and how to understand and make use of basic statistical concepts (statistics)

For the final stage of your degree, you’ll delve deeper into specialist computing and IT topics You’ll complete your computing and IT studies with a project on a topic of your choice, which you’ll research, develop and write up – presenting your findings in a substantial portfolio-style report

to show employers

Your final module will be in your second subject, focusing

on the world of strategy (business); how new ideas, designs and inventions develop and are translated into marketable products (design); a wide range of applied or pure mathematics topics; the mental processes involved in learning, perceiving, remembering and thinking (psychology); and the models behind probability theory (statistics)

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BA (Hons) Leadership and

Management (Q54)

This degree provides an innovative and accessible

introduction to leadership and management in business,

and explores their impact on organisations – including wider

considerations in the external environment

You’ll develop a range of analytical and problem-solving

skills incorporating the management of functions such as

marketing, human resources and finance, and leading

change You’ll also examine how business organisations are

shaped and influenced, and how stakeholder behaviours

and management decision-making contribute to the various

organisational functions

During your studies, you’ll gain essential and practical skills

in communication; the use of IT; numerical interpretation;

collaborative working; and reflective thinking Alongside the

core modules, you can choose options to suit your particular

professional or personal interest – such as ethics, business

strategy and policy, innovation, entrepreneurship,

inter-organisational collaboration or fundraising

This degree is designed to teach you the skills of successful

practice in both leadership and management, and how to

use them in your own work The skills and knowledge you’ll

develop 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 They’re also recognised

in specialist areas concerned with developing leadership and

management skills, management/business consultancy, and

establishing new businesses This degree also contributes to

career development through work-based learning – building

your ICT, presentation, numeracy and cognitive skills (writing,

critical thinking, analysis and evaluation)

What you will study

You’ll begin with the 30-credit compulsory module

An introduction to business studies (B120) This module

introduces internal and external elements of a business,

explains the context in which a business operates, and

explores common aims and characteristics

A second 30-credit compulsory module, Working and learning:

developing effective performance at work (BU130), introduces

the skills of work-based learning which provides a stimulating

link between academic study and your day-to-day working life

There’s also a version designed specifically for people working

in delivering public services (BUXS130)

You’ll then study at least one of a choice of 30-credit options listed below You can also include 30 credits free choice from any Level 1 module

developing effective performance at work

BU130 or BUXS130

+ at least 30 credits from the following optional Level 1 modules:

Discovering mathematics MU123 30 28

Managing in the workplace B121 or

BXS121

Professional communication skills for business studies

A second work-based module is designed to be applicable

to your current role and to help you manage your learning

in new work contexts You’ll explore leadership and change practice – making things happen – and develop your ability

to initiate and carry through projects

For the remainder of this stage, there’s a broad choice of modules covering topics such as responsible marketing; sustainable innovation; fundraising; making sense of strategy; new business ideas and new ventures; and managing across organisational and cultural boundaries

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Foundation degrees/

Diplomas of higher education

Foundation Degree in Leadership

and Management (X06)/Diploma of

Higher Education in Leadership and

Management (W06)

How do leadership and management theories and ideas

influence the way organisations and individuals think

and work? If you want to contribute to leadership and

management in your own working life, this qualification is

for you You’ll develop your understanding of organisations,

their structures and cultures; explore wider considerations

such as environments, markets and processes; and

investigate how all these inform leadership and management

You’ll also learn how to:

• analyse and evaluate leadership behaviour and

management decision making in the workplace

• improve your own skills as a leader and manager

• build the skills needed to engage in a process of

lifelong learning, enabling you to develop as a

reflective practitioner

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop through studying

this qualification are recognised by employers as being of

great value for work in management and leadership roles

They can also lead to opportunities in specialist areas

concerned with leading change initiatives and projects

offering guidance to managers – such as management

consultancy The qualification will also contribute to your

career development by enhancing your ICT, presentation,

and basic numeracy skills and your cognitive skills – writing,

critical thinking, analysis and evaluation You can take

optional modules in mathematics, economics, social science,

technology or law, which will further increase your skills set

What you will study

Stages 1 and 2 of this qualification are the same as Stages 1

and 2 of the BA (Hons) Leadership and Management (Q54)

Foundation Degree in Business (X05)/ Diploma of Higher Education in

Business (W05)

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 qualification 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

You’ll also:

• gain an insight into core business functions such as marketing, accounting and finance, and their relevance to working life

• develop essential and practical skills

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop by studying this qualification are recognised by employers as having great value for work in management, related business professions such as marketing, accounting and HR in a variety of business sectors, and business consultancy Your studies will also contribute to your career development by enhancing your ICT, presentation, and basic numeracy skills and your cognitive skills – writing, critical thinking, analysis and evaluation You can take optional modules in mathematics, economics, social science, technology or law, which will further increase your skills set

What you will study

Stage 1 of this qualification is the same as Stage 1 of

BA (Hons) Leadership and Management (Q54)

You’ll begin this stage by focusing on sharing and developing your personal and professional practice in business You’ll take a highly practical, work-based approach to your learning, which is delivered mainly online – building your IT skills at the same time

The final practice-based module is about how the five essential organisational functions – human resources;

marketing; operations management; information management; and accounting and finance – operate and integrate within business

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Foundation Degree in Financial

Services (X10)/Diploma of Higher

Education in Financial Services (W10)

With global financial markets and personal finances making

the headlines daily, there’s never been a more exciting

time to study finance and develop a successful career

This is a nationally recognised qualification, designed in

collaboration with the National Skills Academy for Financial

Services to be directly relevant to your work and career

progression It is particularly suitable if you’re already

working within the financial sector or looking to take up a

career in this area You'll learn about concepts such as

risk and uncertainty, portfolio management and investment

techniques; and about the impact of economics, ethics

and diversity on financial decision making You’ll develop

an understanding of business organisations and functions

– such as marketing and accounting – and how these

contribute to organisational success in the financial services

industry You’ll also develop the skills to engage in lifelong

learning and become a reflective practitioner in the financial

services industry

This qualification is particularly relevant in preparing you

for work or advancing your career in the financial services

industry You might already be working (or aiming to work)

in a customer-facing role as a team leader, manager or

supervisor; or in an operations or administrative role in any

size of financial business If you already have a professional

finance qualification, we may be able to give you credit for

this study to count towards this course You’ll develop your

skills in writing and critical thinking; analysis and evaluation;

ICT; presentation and numeracy You’ll also explore the

context for your work in the financial services industry,

learning the skills of successful practice in this sector, and

how to use these in your current and future working contexts

What you will study

Stage 1 begins with three compulsory modules: You and your

money: personal finance in context (DB123); Introduction

to financial services (BD131); and Working and learning:

developing effective performance at work (BU130) You’ll be

introduced to the skills of work-based learning and gain an

overview of the financial services industry You’ll also achieve

a solid grounding in the principles of financial planning and

numerical techniques Together, these modules will deepen

your understanding of the industry; create a strong link

between your day-to-day working life and academic study;

and place the financial services sector in its wider social,

political and economic context

For many students, the next module will be An introduction

to business studies (B120), which focuses on the way that

businesses are organised and operate However, if you already have an NVQ Level 3 in management or a similar subject, you can opt for the fast-track module Managing in the workplace (B121) which will bring your NVQ studies up to

undergraduate level

The final module at Stage 1 is Discovering mathematics

(MU123), but if you already have a financial qualification at level 3 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, you can study Development of financial practice (DB124)

instead – building on your professional learning to complete Stage 1

Introduction to financial services BD131 10 27

Working and learning: developing effective performance at work

+ 30 credits chosen from the following Level 1 optional modules:

a backdrop of economic, social and political uncertainty – bringing to the fore the ethical and regulatory constraints within which the financial services industry operates

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Foundation Degree in Retail

Management (X14)/Diploma of Higher

Education in Retail Management (W14)

Retail is a dynamic, global industry – with innovative new

markets constantly emerging to keep pace with increasingly

sophisticated consumer behaviour This qualification is

designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed

to succeed in this competitive world You’ll gain a clear

understanding of the key management functions of a retail

business and its trading environments, together with a sound

knowledge of business disciplines From an organisational

viewpoint, you’ll study retail operations; processes; structures

and cultures; and wider considerations such as trading

relationships, environments, and markets – investigating how all

these inform retail management practices From an individual

viewpoint, you’ll explore the management and development

of people within and beyond the organisation You’ll also gain

an understanding of concepts and analytical approaches;

develop problem-solving skills; and start building practical and

professional skills that will enhance employability

The skills and knowledge you’ll develop through studying

this qualification are recognised by employers as being

of great value for work in the retail sector They can also

lead to opportunities in specialist areas concerned with

offering guidance to managers – such as management

consultancy of any customer-facing industry Your studies

will also contribute to your career development by enhancing

your ICT, presentation, and basic numeracy skills and

your cognitive skills – writing, critical thinking, analysis and

evaluation You can take optional modules in mathematics,

economics, social science, technology or law, which will

further increase your skills set

What you will study

You’ll begin with the 30-credit module An introduction to

business studies (B120) This module introduces internal

and external elements of a business, explains the context

in which a business operates, and explores common aims

and characteristics

Next, you’ll study An introduction to retail management and

marketing (B122) This 30-credit module enables you to

develop your knowledge of retail management and marketing

by exploring the principle theories and concepts of retailing

and examining the issues and challenges faced by retailers

The third module, Working and learning: developing effective performance at work (BU130) (30 credits), introduces the

skills of work-based learning which provides a stimulating link between academic study and your day-to-day working life There’s also a version designed specifically for people working in delivering public services (BUXS130)

You can also include 30 credits free choice from any Level 1 module

Working and learning: developing effective performance at work

BU130 or BUXS130

Finally, you’ll investigate leadership and change practice in a retail context Taking a highly practical approach grounded in your own experience, you’ll explore how to initiate and carry through improvements and projects in your current work

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Certificate in Professional Practice in

Delivering Public Services (S26)

This certificate gives professional recognition to employees

working in public service delivery Developed in partnership

with employers, it consists of two work-based 30-credit

modules designed to build your understanding and skills

within the context of your own role Working and learning:

developing effective performance at work (BUXS130) focuses

on developing your ability to learn, and on improving your

performance and practice at work You’ll be able to negotiate

your own learning experience – ensuring the professional

relevance of your studies Then Managing in the workplace

(BXS121) will help you to develop a new, more theoretical

understanding of how and why managers do what they do

in organisations As this certificate is work-based, it has

immediate career relevance It will help you understand the

context in which you work; the impact you can have; and the

improvements you can make to performance when delivering

public services

This certificate 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 study

two 30-credit Level 2 modules: Financial accounting (B291)

and Management accounting (B292) The certificate provides

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 corporate governance and ethics

as they relate to accounting and management

Although the certificate does not qualify you as an

accountant, it provides a solid foundation in accounting

skills and will help you progress to professional training It is

accredited by a range of professional bodies and can give

you exemption from some professional examination papers

Financial accounting B291 30 30

Management accounting B292 30 30

Professional Certificate in Management (S01)

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 overall competencies you need to manage effectively and productively in modern organisations

in any part of the world You’ll study two 30-credit modules1,

Managing 1: organisations and people (B628) and Managing 2: marketing and finance (B629), and the 10-credit

residential and examination module Managing 3: the integration challenge (B690)

Everything you study is related to your own professional development, and you’ll be encouraged to apply your newly learned skills, knowledge and techniques in very practical ways You’ll develop essential management skills including critical thinking; understanding organisational structures; effective project management; good communication; and the ability to manage your time

As well as being a recognised professional qualification in its own right, the certificate is also a foundation for further study at postgraduate level There are no entry requirements and you need not be employed as a manager, however it is highly desirable that you have some personal knowledge and experience of managing in an organisation

1 These modules involve some face-to-face tuition Online versions are also available (codes BZX628 and BZX629).Stage 1 modules summary – 70 credits in total

Managing 1: organisations and people

B628 (or the online version BZX628)

Managing 2: marketing and finance

B629 (or the online version BZX629)

Managing 3: the integration challenge

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Our Open qualifications

With an Open qualification – a certificate of higher

education (CertHE), diploma of higher education (DipHE)

or degree – you choose what you want to study

It’s one of the most flexible programmes of study in the UK,

letting you build a qualification that’s unique for you

You can:

• tailor a qualification around your interests and career needs

• get a qualification that focuses on business, but with the

freedom to mix in modules from other areas

• use successfully completed credit from previous

university-level studies elsewhere

• easily change direction if you started out studying a

particular subject but your interests have changed

Highly regarded by employers for their breadth and valued

by students for their flexibility, Open qualifications equip you

with a wide range of expertise, skills and capabilities that are

much sought after in today’s highly competitive job market

To find out more about career opportunities with an Open

qualification, click www.open.ac.uk/subjects-for-careers

Where to start

If you are interested in business we recommend that you start

your studies with An introduction to business studies (B120)

This will give you a firm foundation for future studies as well

as 30 credits to count towards your qualification For a full list

of our other key introductory Level 1 modules see the Open

CertHE at www.open.ac.uk/study-open

Get credit for previous study

Any previous higher-education study you’ve successfully

completed elsewhere could count towards your Open

qualification Through credit transfer you could reduce the

number of modules you’ll need to take, lessen the time

needed to complete your qualification and also make a

saving in terms of the cost

Career relevance

Many employers view an Open degree as a qualification that equips individuals with a broad range of expertise, skills and capabilities An Open degree could also be considered an advantage given that 60 per cent of graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline

Business studies modules contribute to your career development in two main ways First, they develop not only cognitive skills – critical thinking, analysis, paraphrasing and evaluation – but also ICT skills, presentation skills and basic numeracy Second, you will explore how business organisations think and work and develop your understanding of the

function and contribution of such specialisms as marketing,

HR, operations and finance These skills and knowledge are recognised by employers as being of great value for work in management and business or in specialist areas concerned with offering guidance to managers – for example management consultancy or business journalism

What Open qualifications do we offer?

Open CertHE (T09) – to gain a certificate of higher education you will need to complete 120 credits of Level 1 study equivalent to Stage 1 of our Open degree (see table overleaf).Open DipHE (W34) – to gain a diploma of higher education you will need to complete 240 credits (120 at Level 1 and 120

at Level 2) equivalent to Stages 1 and 2 of our Open degree (see table overleaf)

Open degree (QD) – to gain a degree with honours you will need to study a total of 360 credits (120 credits at Level 1,

120 credits at Level 2 and 120 credits at Level 3)

We also offer you the choice of an Open degree without honours It can take less time to study because you only need 300 credits (as opposed to 360 credits for an honours degree) However, you are likely to need a degree with honours to pursue further study and for many career paths

Continued on page 26.

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Continued from page 25.

The Open degree with honours study pathway

Level 1 studyStart with 60 credits from a wide and varied choice of key introductory modules (worth 30

or 60 credits) specially selected to develop your subject knowledge and study skills in preparation for Level 2 study – see www.open.ac.uk/study-open for details.Plus

60 credits of free choice from any Level 1 modules

Stage 2 offers an opportunity to specialise

in your subject(s) of interest and to explore further some of the topics you will have encountered at Stage 1 At the end of Stage 2 you will have enhanced your critical thinking and analytical skills

BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Open degree (QD)

Your next step

To find out more

• click www.open.ac.uk/study-open

• call our Student Registration & Enquiry Service on +44 (0)845 300 60 90

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Introduction to financial services (BD131)

Credits: 10 at Level 1Assessment: 1 EMALength: 12–24 weeksThis module examines the history of the development of financial services in the UK and the ways in which the sector

is regulated It will help you to understand how financial crises affect the UK and most other major economies – particularly given the roles played by the financial services organisations

in such crises – and the consequences for the sector

Although the module covers a number of subjects that are international in nature – and certainly many that have an EU context – the focus of the module is on the structure, operation and regulations of the UK financial services industry

An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122)

Credits: 30 at Level 1Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 EMALength: 6 monthsThe retail industry is highly dynamic and innovative

This module looks at how retailing has developed within

a business context, and how retail outlets work and apply retail marketing It offers a balance between theory and practice that is innovative and engaging During your studies you will consider contemporary factors that affect retailing: globalisation; the impact of ever-changing technology; and social and ethical issues

Stage 1 undergraduate

modules

After you’ve registered for your qualification you’ll enrol

on your first Stage 1 module The modules listed below

are a selection of those that feature in Stage 1 of the

qualifications listed on pages 14−24

Assessment key

EMA End-of-module assessment

iCMA Interactive computer-marked assignment

TMA Tutor-marked assignment

This key introductory Level 1 module explores the question

‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions

of human resource management, marketing, accounting

and finance Different internal and external elements of a

business are introduced, and the context in which a business

operates explained You’ll explore the common aims and

characteristics of business – investigating what makes them

different Business structures, cultures and functions are

identified and the political, social, economic, technological

and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced

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Discovering mathematics (MU123)

Credits: 30 at Level 1

Assessment: 5 TMAs, 5 iCMAs

Length: 9 months

This key introductory Level 1 module will help you to

integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and

build your confidence in using and learning mathematics

You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric

and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced

to mathematical modelling Formal calculus is not included

and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge

Personal and corporate success in business relies on

effective communication Professional communication skills

for business studies will help you acquire skills to distinguish

you from your peers This key introductory Level 1 module is

practical and will empower you to undertake more insightful

case-study analysis, write successful essays, and produce

powerful reports From proposals to emails, you’ll work with

a wide range of texts from business studies modules and

the wider business world, deepening your knowledge and

developing your written communication skills – helping you to

succeed in both business studies and business generally

Working and learning: developing effective performance at work (BU130 or BUXS130)

Credits: 30 at Level 1Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 EMALength: 6 monthsThis key introductory Level 1 module provides an introduction

to the skills of work-based learning (WBL) There are three reasons for considering WBL as part of your OU degree First,

it provides a stimulating link between degree study and your day-to-day working life, with the chance to study issues that are particularly relevant to your work or home life Secondly, WBL changes the way you can study, focusing your attention

on the question ‘Will this work?’ Finally, at a practical level, studying through WBL can offer genuine opportunities for lightening your study workload as you can locate some, perhaps much, of your learning within your day-to-day job

There is a version of this module specifically designed for people working in delivering public services (BUXS130).

You and your money: personal finance

in context (DB123)

Credits: 30 at Level 1Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 EMALength: 6 monthsAre you interested in making more informed decisions about your personal finances? You and your money: personal finance in context is a practical module that 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? By the end of this key introductory Level 1 module, you’ll have a detailed understanding of some key personal finance issues that affect people’s lives, and the skills and knowledge needed to improve your own financial capability

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Development of financial practice (DB124)

Assessment: 1 EMA, 1 iCMA

Length: 10 weeks

If you already have a financial qualification at Level 3 in the

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) or

Level 6 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

(SCQF), this ten-week online module will help you to build

on that qualification and achieve higher education credits

By combining your professional qualification with academic

knowledge gained at the OU, you can achieve 20 credits in

less than half the normal study time

Managing in the workplace (B121 or BXS121)

Assessment: 1 TMA, 1 EMA

Length: 6 months

This introductory Level 1 module introduces management

ideas and uses activities to build on your existing knowledge

and skills You’ll also use your own workplace experiences

to develop an academic understanding of management and

valuable study skills, which you’ll demonstrate by writing

about management and reflecting on your own skills as

a learner

There is a version of this module specifically designed for

people working in delivering public services (BXS121).

My digital life (TU100)

Assessment: 6 TMAs, 7 iCMAs

Length: 9 months

While you’re learning about tomorrow's technology why

not help build it? My digital life takes you on a journey

from the origins of information technology through to the

familiar computers of today, and on to tomorrow’s radical

technologies You'll get hands-on experience of designing,

building and programming the small, ubiquitous computers

that will become increasingly common over the next decade

The profound technological, economic, political and ethical

changes brought about by information technology will affect

every one of us This key introductory Level 1 module will

help you prepare for that – think of it as an online survival kit

for the twenty-first century

Rules, rights and justice:

an introduction to law (W100)Credits: 60 at Level 1

Assessment: 7 TMAs, 1 EMALength: 9 monthsThis key introductory Level 1 module introduces the study of law and legal skills It begins by looking at how rules develop within a society and how laws (in effect legal rules) are made, interpreted, and applied Then, it examines the concepts

of legal personality, unlawful conduct and states of mind

You will explore civil and criminal sanctions; issues raised

by human rights legislation; and the concepts of rights and justice Of particular interest as preparation for a law degree, the module also provides an excellent beginning if you wish

to study other subjects The module deals principally with the law of England and Wales

Bon départ: beginners’ French (L192)Credits: 30 at Level 1

Assessment: 4 TMAs, 4 iCMAs, 1 EMALength: 11 months

This key introductory Level 1 module is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple French in everyday contexts Using the theme of a journey, Bon départ: beginners’ French explores life in France and introduces you

to a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for French-speaking cultures too

Ouverture: intermediate French (L120)Credits: 30 at Level 1

Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 EMALength: 9 months

Ouverture: intermediate French follows on from Bon départ: beginners’ French (L192) It revises and consolidates the

knowledge of French you already have and teaches more advanced language in the context of French-speaking societies and French culture Study resources – including printed module books and interactive DVD-ROMs – are carefully designed to develop the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing They provide clear learning objectives, guidance and model answers This key introductory Level 1 module also teaches good study skills and language-learning strategies

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Portales: beginners’ Spanish (L194)

Assessment: 4 TMAs, 4 iCMAs, 1 EMA

Length: 11 months

This key introductory Level 1 module is designed to develop

the skills you need to speak and understand simple Spanish

in everyday contexts It takes you through a wide range of

practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and

eating out in Spanish-speaking countries Study resources

include printed books, a dedicated website with online

activities and resources and audio recordings – which support

independent learning Together, they’ll give you not just

language skills but a real feel for Hispanic cultures as well

En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140)

Assessment: 4 TMAs, 1 EMA

Length: 9 months

En rumbo: intermediate Spanish follows on from Portales:

beginners’ Spanish (L194) It builds on your existing

Spanish and teaches more advanced language in the

context of Spanish and Latin American society and culture

Study resources – including printed module books and an

interactive DVD-ROM – are carefully designed to develop

the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and

writing They provide clear learning objectives, guidance and

model answers This key introductory Level 1 module also

teaches good study skills and language-learning strategies

Level 2

Financial accounting (B291)

Credits: 30 at Level 2Assessment: 2 TMAs, 3 iCMAs, 1 examinationLength: 6 months

By studying this module you will gain an understanding

of how financial statements are prepared and develop the skills to prepare financial statements You will explore differences in financial accounting for different businesses, building an understanding of the frameworks underpinning accounting and audit practice This is the first of two modules leading to the Professional Certificate in Accounting (S25)

We strongly recommend that you study this module before

Management accounting (B292), but both modules can be

studied independently

Management accounting (B292)

Credits: 30 at Level 2Assessment: 2 TMAs, 3 iCMAs, 1 examinationLength: 6 months

By studying this module you will gain an applied knowledge and understanding of the purpose, principles and scope

of management accounting The module is designed for anyone interested in the role of management accounting in financial management, but is particularly suitable if you wish

to qualify as a professional accountant This is the second

of two modules leading to the Professional Certificate in Accounting (S25) We strongly recommend that you study

Financial accounting (B291) before this module, but both

modules can be studied independently

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This highly practical module is the first in a suite of three

modules that lead to the award of the Professional Certificate

in Management (S01) Designed for managers, aspiring

managers, team leaders and supervisors, it uses activities

and problem-solving to take you through core topics in

organisational behaviour and human resource management

Topics include organisational context and culture,

stakeholders, management roles, recruitment and induction,

performance management, motivation, team work, managing

operations and change These are focused primarily on your

own work situations and practices, whether these are in the

commercial, public or voluntary sectors

This module is offered with a combination of face-to-face and

online tuition If you would prefer entirely online tuition please

use the module code BZX628

Managing 2: marketing and finance (B629)

or online version (BZX629)

Assessment: 2 TMAs, 1 EMA

Length: 6 months

This practical module is the second of three leading to

the Professional Certificate in Management (S01) It responds

to the practical needs of aspiring and first line managers,

team leaders and supervisors, many of whom may not be

directly involved in marketing or finance It uses activities

and problem-solving to investigate topics such as the

external environment; consumer relationships; market

research; product/service analysis; price, promotion and

delivery; quality; consumer expectations and satisfaction;

financial planning and monitoring through budgets;

cashflow; profit and loss You will focus on scenarios,

case studies and your own role, whether in the commercial,

public or voluntary sector

This module is offered with a combination of face-to-face and

online tuition If you would prefer entirely online tuition please

use the module code BZX629

Managing 3: the integration challenge (B690)

Credits: 10 at Level 3Assessment: 1 examinationLength: 6 monthsB690 is a ten-credit Level 3 module that consolidates key learning points from earlier functional-based study of management to allow you to convert previous relevant study to the Professional Certificate in Management (S01) You will work together supported by a facilitator to integrate different management functional perspectives, practice key management techniques and skills, and develop and examine the ability to understand and tackle complex management problems Satisfactory participation at a compulsory 2.5 day residential school or an eighteen-day online equivalent is required Assessment will be a three hour examination using a pre-issued case study

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Postgraduate study

Taking postgraduate modules in business and

management – and going on to achieve an MBA

or MSc qualification – can enhance your career

and contribute to society.

You may be looking to upgrade your qualifications

and broaden your management skills Or perhaps

you’re preparing to move from a professional,

functional or technical role into a more senior or

general management position Whatever your

starting point or ultimate goal, a postgraduate

business qualification from The Open University

Business School will give you that extra edge.

Search

Your guide to postgraduate qualifications 33

Postgraduate Certificate in Business

Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Leadership (K04) 35

Professional Diploma in Management (D64) 35

Postgraduate Certificate in Systems Thinking

There’s more online

To find out more about a qualification or module that interests you, go to www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate and enter the code into the search box

F61

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Your guide to postgraduate

qualifications

You work towards a postgraduate qualification at the OU by

studying a series of modules

For most postgraduate qualifications, it is recommended that

you have a degree or prior experience of study at

higher-education level Your previous work experience and studies,

or qualifications from other higher education institutions, may

all count as programme entry, or even credit towards the

qualification itself

What are modules?

Modules are our units of study To work towards a

qualification, you first need to choose and register on a

module that counts towards that qualification

What are credits?

Credits measure the student workload required for the

successful completion of a study programme or qualification

At the OU, you’ll be awarded credits after you have

successfully completed a module For example, if you study

a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be

awarded the full 60 credits

How much time does it take?

As one credit represents about ten hours of study, 30- or

60-credit modules will take you either approximately 300

hours or 600 hours to complete respectively

Approximately 60–80 per cent of this time will be directed

through the module materials and the balance will be used

for independent learning, review and revision The number of

hours required each week will vary during the length of your

module For example, if you are preparing an assignment,

the number of hours required in those weeks may be higher

than other weeks where you are studying the module

materials or interacting with online and audio-visual activities

Our modules usually contain study break weeks so you can

either have a rest or use these to catch up if necessary

The table below gives you an idea of how long it will take to

complete a qualification

Postgraduate

qualification Credits required Time required to complete1

Certificate 60 1 year part-time study

Diploma 120 2 years part-time study

Masters degree 180 3–3½ years part-time study

1The timings assume time study is similar to that of

full-time education (120 credits per year), with part-full-time study at

half this rate.

Counting previous study towards an OU qualification

Some of our qualifications allow postgraduate level studies you’ve successfully completed elsewhere to be counted towards your OU qualification We enable you to do this

by awarding you a certain amount of ‘transferred credit’

By transferring credit gained from previous study, you can reduce the number of credits you need from OU study to achieve your qualification

If you do want to transfer credit, we recommend you investigate the option as soon as possible, as transferred credit may affect your choice of modules For more information, click www.open.ac.uk/credit-transfer or call our Credit Transfer Centre on +44 (0)1908 653077

Academic credit in Europe

If you are looking to use your OU credit in Continental Europe, you may be interested to know of the existence of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) This is the system commonly used in the EU for measuring study workload

Since the systems don’t compare like with like, and ECTS doesn’t take account of academic level, direct comparisons are difficult to make However, broadly, at any given level,

60 OU credits would be worth 30 ECTS points, and 30 OU credits would be worth 15 ECTS points

If you have completed study elsewhere, that is recorded in ECTS points, and you want to count this towards your OU qualifications please contact the Credit Transfer Centre for advice (see above)

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If you already hold the Professional Certificate in Management, successful completion of MBA stage 1: management: perspectives and practice (B716) would entitle

you to claim the Professional Diploma in Management (D64)

It is not permitted, however, to claim both this Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration and the Professional Diploma in Management

To gain entry onto the postgraduate certificate you will need a minimum of three years’ experience in a managerial, professional or technical role

For this postgraduate certificate you require 60 credits from the following compulsory module:

MBA stage 1: management:

perspectives and practice

Postgraduate qualifications

Management and leadership

If you are looking to develop a career in management and

take your career further a qualification in management and

leadership might be the right choice for you The Open

University Business School offers a range of management

and leadership qualifications to suit managers and

specialists in a number of different areas across the public

and private sector

Postgraduate Certificate in Business

Administration (C66)

This postgraduate certificate in business administration will

enable you to make a real difference within your management

practice through active use of frameworks, theories and tools

It will help you to develop a good grounding in the theory

and practice of managing and leading, covering the core

functions and disciplines of management and helping you

make the connections between them It provides a framework

for a year-long process of professional development which

challenges you to engage actively with a wide variety of ideas

and to develop a repertoire of techniques and approaches

best suited to your own situation and management context

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Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical

Leadership (K04)

This postgraduate certificate is targeted at doctors and

other clinicians, working both in primary care and in acute

services It offers development in aspects of leadership

relevant to you as a clinician working on the ward or in

the clinic, so that you can play a fuller role in improving

health service quality and discuss performance issues and

potential innovations effectively with managerial colleagues

Studying for this postgraduate certificate will deepen your

understanding of service performance and clinical

team-working This qualification requires developing detailed

improvement plans for the service you are working in

To gain entry onto the postgraduate certificate you will need

an honours degree in medicine or a related area from a UK

university, or equivalent

For this postgraduate certificate you require 60 credits

from the following compulsory modules:

Leading health service delivery

and improvement

Leading healthcare innovation B833 30 46

Please note: for each of the above assessment modules

you are required to complete 250 hours of continuing

professional development (CPD) modules For further

information click www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate and enter

the qualification or module code into the search box

Professional Diploma in Management (D64)

This qualification will be of particular interest to those aspiring to middle level managerial roles in large organisations and those who have a leadership role in smaller organisations The study programme affords the opportunity to stand back from your current situation in order

to concentrate on themes of understanding and improving performance, managing projects and change The emphasis

is on your own professional development Everything you study is related to the management roles and responsibilities you exercise

The professional diploma is not only a recognised qualification

in its own right but is also Stage 1 of our MBA (F61)

To gain entry to the professional diploma you must already hold the Professional Certificate in Management (see page 24) or a qualification accepted by the University as equivalent You will also need a minimum of three years’

experience in a managerial, professional or technical role.For this postgraduate diploma you require 60 credits from the following compulsory module:

MBA stage 1: management:

perspectives and practice

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MBA (F61)

The internationally-recognised MBA qualification is designed

for practising managers moving or aspiring to higher positions

The emphasis for your learning is directly rooted in

management practice – the ‘Master’ in the degree title signifies

your ‘mastery’ of the art and science of management

To achieve this level of capability the programme concentrates

on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, intellectual

stimulation and independent judgement and builds these upon

a solid foundation of the core disciplines, including human

resource management, organisational behaviour, accounting

and finance, marketing and operations

The MBA is designed as an integrated programme, and

balances your learning time between 75 per cent of

compulsory elements (including the final organisation-based

project) with 25 per cent from elective modules This enables

you to adjust the curriculum to suit your needs MBA modules

are challenging but will always direct you towards improving

your management capabilities You will need to have some

experiential knowledge at a managerial level and/or of

decision making, so that you have a practical business base

on which to build your MBA learning

You will learn to analyse, synthesise and evaluate a wide range

of situations within the broad framework of organisations, their

external context and internal management Among these you

will look at economic, environmental, social and technological

change issues, corporate governance, markets and

customers, managing resources and operations, financing

organisations, management and development of people and

management within a global knowledge-based economy, and

development of appropriate business policies and strategies

within a changing context to meet stakeholder interests

FACT: We have over 20,000 MBA alumni in more than 75 countries.

Planning your studies

To gain entry to our MBA programme you are required to have a minimum of three years’ experience in a managerial, professional or technical role Usually this means that you are at least 25 years old as it is unusual (but not impossible)

to be able to satisfy the ‘experience’ requirement under this age You will also need to hold an honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification, or to gain entry to our MBA via our Professional Certificate in Management (see page 24) Please visit www.open.ac.uk/mba or call The Open University Business School Information Line

on +44 (0)845 366 6035 for more information about entry requirements

The MBA qualification is in two stages and typically takes three years to complete; this period is based on a regular study of 12–16 hours per week, which is the practical limit for a full-time manager balancing study with career and family responsibilities

You are allowed up to a maximum seven years to complete the 180 credits (1800 hours of study) required for the MBA

FACT: The Open University Business School is one of a select group of business schools

worldwide with triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS These accreditations reinforce our

reputation as a global top-tier management institution

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Tiêu đề	The Open University Business School Prospectus 2012/2013: Undergraduate and Postgraduate study
Trường học	The Open University
Chuyên ngành	Business
Thể loại	Prospectus
Năm xuất bản	2012/2013
Thành phố	Milton Keynes