Module BIC-0025:
Studying Postgraduate Business in the UK

Module Facts

Run by Bangor University International College

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser:

Overall aims and purpose

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the structure, demands and expectations of postgraduate study in business in the UK. There is an emphasis on the development of academic skills of particular relevance to study at postgraduate level and students are introduced to learning strategies that will be of particular benefit with particular emphasis on the VLE and the role of IT and of the Internet. Students will be helped to become more reflective and self-evaluative and to develop group working and team building skills.

Course content

The module stresses language and skills development but also aims to inform students about the postgraduate study in business they will embark on after completing the preparatory phase of the IIM. There is an emphasis on those skills which are going to be of particular benefit to students when they join their master’s. Students are introduced to the structure of a typical master’s in business and are guided through the approaches that are adopted and are made aware, in particular, of the demands placed on and expectations of master’s students. Much is made of the need for students to engage in both individual and group exercises building their confidence as they prepare for their master’s itself. Students engage in gathering and evaluating information from a wide range of written sources, including learned and professional journals and other publications and also make extensive use of the Internet as a source of material. They learn how to use the VLE and social media as a means of exchanging views, ideas and information. Students develop their written, oral and visual communication skills and develop learning strategies, both tutor-led, and involving independent study. They reflect on their own learning as individuals but also engage in team-building and working effectively in groups, appreciating the relevance of this to both studies and the business world. Students also reflect on the need to adopt high, professional standards as an aid to employability.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Threshold (D- to D+) (40-49%) Student has performed sufficiently well in demonstrating a basic knowledge and understanding of a number of topics studied to have achieved the lowest level of pass grades.

excellent

Excellent (A-to A*) (70-100%) Student has engaged consistently with the material studied in this module and attained a grade which indicates a high level of suitability for the next phase of the master’s programme

good

Good (C- to B+) (50-69%) Student has coped well with the material on UK Higher Education studied in this module and achieved a strong enough grade to progress onto the next phase of the master’s programme

Learning outcomes

  1. 2) Demonstrate report writing skills

  2. 5) Show an understanding of learning strategies and an ability to reflect on own learning needs and requirements

  3. 4) Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in a clear fashion

  4. 6) Apply basic team working skills

  5. 1) Gather and evaluate material from a variety of sources

  6. 3) Make effective use of the VLE, the Internet and social media in enhancing their studies

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
group presentation 50.00
report 50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Practical classes and workshops 30
Private study 70

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Resources

Resource implications for students

Students will be required to purchase the core text book

Reading list

Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K.(2003) Research Methods in Business Studies: A Practical Guide FT Prentice Hall

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: