Course content
Academic English and study skills
This part of the programme provides essential preparation for university study. Students focus on developing their skills in academic reading, writing, listening and speaking, within the context of business studies. They also develop an ability to study independently and think critically while undertaking a small-scale research project in their chosen subject area. The course enables students to reach the entry requirement for the second year of a degree.
The intensive English language support enables international students to begin their university level study before they have formally met the stipulated language requirement for entry to undergraduate programmes at the University. This, combined with flexible start dates, helps ensure that students avoid delays or unnecessary extensions to their studies.
Fast track course, flexible start dates
The INTO Diploma is a three-term programme, of around nine months of study.
Start dates are in September and January.
Academic counselling
Students receive guidance on personal and academic issues, including the next steps in their studies and career.
Subject descriptions
Students are required to receive 120 credits for progression. The following units are taught on the Diploma Programme.
Principles of Economics (30 credits)
This module provides an essential, simple, useable body of economic theory, which will both provide the basis for further study and equip students with a real understanding of the role of economics in business, public and private decision making.
Theory of Management (15 credits)
This module investigates the characteristics of different types of organisations and the practice of management, looking at what managers do. The module, through a mixture of theory and practical case studies, examines the history, principles and current issues relating to management and organisation studies.
Introduction to Accounting (30 credits)
This module provides students with a broad understanding of financial reporting in the UK, a grounding in the preparation of financial statements and their interpretation, and an introduction to management accounting.
Introduction to Statistics (15 credits)
This unit offers an introduction to some basic statistical concepts and methods of data analysis which are commonly applied in business and economics.
English for Academic Purposes and Study Skills (30 credits)
The English for Academic Purposes and Study Skills module aims to improve students’ language proficiency within the context of business studies in order to:
i develop their ability to read complex academic texts and extract relevant information;
ii produce written assignments in an appropriate format following academic conventions;
iii develop fluency and confidence in seminar discussions and the delivery of presentations;
iv enhance students’ ability to extract relevant information from lectures.
The unit will include an investigative project involving library-based research and a written and oral presentation of the results.
A typical INTO Diploma programme week
A typical week comprises up to 22 hours of timetabled university style study including lectures, directed self-study, debating and role playing. Lessons may take the form of seminars, workshops and tutorials. Students have plenty of opportunity to discuss any points raised in lectures and seminars with their tutors. Students are able to work in the university library and use the network of over a thousand computer terminals for research, including online access to the library and the web, around the clock.
