Lancaster University

The Business Studies degree scheme is a 3-year programme, which provides coverage of all business and management disciplines. The overall aim of the programme is to provide students with a thorough grounding in theoretical and practical aspects of business and related courses, drawn from departments in the Management School, Business Law and European Languages. The distinguishing feature of the Business Studies scheme at Lancaster is its flexibility in terms of course selection/areas of specialisation. The programme is structured to expose students to a variety of courses in the Management School and to allow students specialise in courses from two departments in the School. The scheme provides a wide variety of options corresponding to different career choices with high expected returns in terms of professional and vocational relevance.

• To provide students with a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of business organizations.
• To develop students' critical analysis of and reflection upon business issues and their ability to analyse business phenomena effectively and efficiently.
• To develop students' adaptability and flexibility of approach and the ability to initiate and respond positively and appropriately to change.
• To prepare students for a career in business or business-related fields and develop their capability to contribute to society at large.
• To enhance students' lifelong learning skills, communication skills and personal development

The Business Studies programme mainly consists of courses drawn from the various departments in the Management School. During the three-year programme, students are expected to have covered all the main functional areas of business and management to at least an introductory level. Students are also expected to take optional courses with a more specialist understanding of subjects from two Management School departments.

Knowledge and understanding

• Basic concepts underlying and general issues arising in Business and Management.
• Quantitative techniques and skills relevant to business and management (B).
• Business Economics.
• Application of information technology within management.
• Knowledge and understanding of organisations and their management in the changing environment (B).
• Fundamental concepts of financial accounting or finance. 
• Knowledge of statisitcs and computing.
• Understanding of marketing principles.
• A deeper, more specialised knowledge and understanding of optional areas in any two of the following departments: Accounting & Finance, Economics, Institute for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development, Management Science, Marketing or Organisations, Work and Technology. 

 Cognitive (Thinking) Skills

• Acquire literacy skills as well as quantitative and information technology (IT) skills including data analysis and simulation (B).
• Conduct effective communication, oral and written, using a wide range of media which are widely used in business, including preparation and presentation of business reports (B).
• Plan, structure and conduct individual or group assignments effectively.
• Develop interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation (B).
• Engage in critical and analytical thinking appreciate self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues (B).

Transferable Skills

• Understand the nature and working of business organisations.
• Write reports involving data presentation and analysis
• Communicate ideas effectively
• Utilise effectively statistical software packages.
• Work independently and to manage their time effectively.