Programme structure
The programme has two intakes, each with an entry point A and entry point B.
Entry point A is for students wishing to study over three terms (from September to June or from January to August). The first of the three terms provides a basic grounding in academic business subjects along with intensive work in English language and Study Skills. This term is designed for students who are qualified only to diploma level, or who are coming from different disciplines, or who need significant language improvement.
Entry point B is for students wishing to study in the second and third terms only, and is designed for students who have a business background and a level of English language.
In the first part of the programme students are provided with a basic grounding in subject contect, revelvant language skills, study skills and research skills. In the second part of the programme students are provided with more specialised content relating to their chosen pathway. All students conduct a research project, based on their own specific area of interest.
Programme structure and subject descriptions
Subject descriptions
English for Academic Purposes and Study Skills, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The aim of this unit is to develop English skills to follow postgraduate courses at Caledonian Business School (to IELTS 6.0 or above). The course develops general English skills such as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) skills such as written work, presentations and discussion, and specialised business vocabulary. The remaining class hours will focus on academic English skills appropriate for postgraduate students including:
• planning and writing academic reports, essays and case studies;
• academic reading and critical analysis of text;
• summarising and interpreting;
• research and library skills with relevant computer skills development;
• using correct protocols for online submission of work;
• opportunity to develop specialist vocabulary and idioms.
All students will be formally assessed to ensure an appropriate level is attained. High level research and study skills are an essential grounding for successful postgraduate study. Students are taught how to work in groups, present ideas, manage their time, conduct research, make lecture notes, organise the content of essays and understand how to evaluate their own work. There is extensive use of case studies: students learn to extract, summarise and evaluate key information as well as the personal and linguistic skills needed for seminars and for successful negotiation in formal business meetings.
The ICT Skills component aims to help students develop the baseline skills required to use the University’s ICT equipment effectively in their studies. ICT skills covers the use of many general applications such as word processing, email, internet and spreadsheets and the use of Blackboard – the University’s virtual learning environment. More specialist IT skills include internet use for business management, search engines, on-line journals and library resources, use of spreadsheets and databases, and statistical analysis software.
Foundation in Business
The aim of this unit is to provide a basic understanding of Business Management. The unit provides an outline of the business world, introducing students to the concepts and vocabulary that underpin the study of business and business management in general. A large part of the work involves developing the students’ skills of analysis and interpretation, using case studies.
Foundation in Economics
The aim of this unit is to provide a basic understanding of economics. The course assesses the wider economic environment and applies economic thinking to current issues and problems. Students are introduced to concepts and vocabulary underlying economics in general. It deals with the most challenging and exciting issues that we as individuals and nations face in the modern world such as economic growth, unemployment and inflation.
The module examines how the market and the state allocate the nation’s resources, how we earn and spend our incomes, and how government decisions on raising taxes or spending on education or health determine our standard of living.
Information Systems and Analysis
This module provides an understanding of the processes associated with the transfer of data to information, and the presentation and analysis of such information to support management decision making. This includes numeracy and quantitative skill incorporating data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation. The module builds upon the practical skills obtained from the ICT core to allow the student to gather and sort basic data sets and understand the appropriateness of data and the effective use of the Microsoft Office suite to manipulate and analyse various data types. This involves:
• a combination of principles of elementary modelling, including logical tests and creating simple formulae;
• statistical analysis – including collation, central tendency and dispersion, z-scores, cross-tabulation and simple linear regression.
• database development – including table structures, querying, form creation; reporting and integration.
The final elements of the module focus on the presentation and communication of information and an understanding of management information systems.
Quantitative Methods for Business
This module aims to prepare students for conducting academic research in the areas of business and management, utilising quantitative methodology. The module will provide a thorough grounding in statistical methodology while focusing on the key methods used in business research. Topics covered include measurement systems, frequency distributions, regression and correlation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and nonparametric tests. In addition, the module focuses on building competence in those aspects of mathematics required in this and later stages of the programme, and introduces quantitative modelling with applications to inform decision making in business; as well as the use of Excel as an analytical tool for modelling quantitative business problems. Examples and illustrations will be in an international business context.
Research skills
This is an introductory course in business research methods. This unit provides a basic understanding of the nature of enquiry, developing the students’ ability to access and analyse data. It also gives an exploration of the research process, identifying the need for focus and achievable aims, time management and presentation. A large part of the unit involves analysing and interpreting existing data from various fields of research: students are introduced to the theoretical and practical differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods. Central to the course is the development of a research proposal which will form the basis of the final term project.
Research project
The research project and dissertation combines the skills and understanding from the academic units as well as English and Research Skills units. It is designed for students to make relevant enquiries into topics of interest, with follow-up independent research. The research can be primary or secondary and allows students to practise core skills to study effectively at postgraduate level. Students receive language support and an adviser offers guidance on content and structure.
