Programme Specification

FdA Business and Management
Awarding Institution/Body / Teesside University [TU]
Teaching Institution / Leeds City College
Collaborating Organisations
(include type)
Delivery Location(s)
[if different from TU] / Park Lane Campus, Leeds City College
Programme Externally Accredited by (e.g. PSRB)
Award Title(s) / FdABusiness and Management.
Lead School / Teesside University Business School
Additional Contributing Schools
FHEQ Level
[see guidance] / 4 & 5
Bologna Cycle
[see guidance] / Short Cycle ( within or linked to the first cycle)
JACS Code and JACS Description / N200
Mode of Attendance
[full-time or part-time] / Full time and part time
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) / General Business and Management 2007
Foundation Degree Qualification benchmark 2010
Relevant Additional External Reference Points
(e.g. National Occupational Standards, PSRB Standards) / National Occupational Standards for Management and Leadership (2008)
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Date of Production/Revision / February 2013
Criteria for Admission to the Programme
(if different from standard University criteria) / The award adopts the Scheme admissions policy and criteria. This course has minimum entry requirements of 1 x E in a relevant A level or a pass in BTEC National Diploma/Certificate or another vocational level 3 qualification, together with a GCSE at grade C in English. However, candidates receiving this minimum offer would need to demonstrate experience in and commitment to their chosen Foundation Degree subject.
A typical offer is likely to be 2 x D at A level, or a Merit profile in a relevant BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, together with a number of GCSE grades at C or above including Maths and English. In cases where students do not meet the standard entry requirements (mature students for example) each case will be taken on its own merit and suitability for entry will be defined in terms of individual qualities, experience and learning. International students applying to study on the programme.
All students must be able to demonstrate either by qualifications or testing that they have the required literacy skills to complete the course.
All students need also to be aware that it may be a requirement of progression onto a top up degree that they have both English and Maths at GCSE grade C. Students who do not have these qualifications have the opportunity to gain them whilst at college.
In the absence of formal learning qualifications applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity. The course structure actively supports claims for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) which include Accreditation of Certificated Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Ideally part time students need to be on employment which is relevant to their field.
For those not in employment discussions will take place before being accepted on to the course to determine the relevance of previous work experience.
International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria. Speakers of other languages will need to possess an IELTS band score of 6.0 (with no-less than 5.5 in any one element) or a recognised English Level 2 qualification.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The aims of this award have been developed using the Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) National Qualification Framework, relevant QAA subject benchmark statements, the QAA Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark and National Occupational Standards.
The FdABusiness and Management award adopts the overall aims of the Innovation, Enterprise & Training Pathway which in turn reflect those of the Leeds City College HE scheme. However, to satisfy the needs of the award, the generic Scheme and Pathway aims are contextualised and added to as follows:
The Foundation Degree in Business and Management aims to:
  • To provide a business management curricula, informed by external reference points, which develop a range of technical, professional, vocational, employability transferable and key skills appropriate to the level of the award;
  • To develop lifelong, independent and reflective learners;
  • To enhance the employability and career prospects of learners within the business sector;
  • Offer a robust and vocationally relevant degree in business management and related areas that will allow students to develop personally and professionally.
  • Develop graduates who have the ability to reflect and learn from their workplace experience in a business organisation and relate this experience to relevant theory.
  • Meet the needs of the employers using a practical and case based approach to Business Management.
  • To link with National Occupational Standards for Business Management and Leadership and Management and also meet professional body requirements such as the Chartered Management Institute.

Learning Outcomes
The programme will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills listed below. On successful completion of the programme, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding(insert additional rows as necessary)
K1 / Discuss conflicting theories, concepts and principles relevant to a specific subject area within a business and management context;
K2 / Collect, assess, evaluate and interpret primary and/or secondary data and, where appropriate, information systems in order to enable unfamiliar/more complex problems to be addressed;
K3 / Demonstrate an understanding of the organisation and its wider environment.
K4 / Explore legal and ethical issues relevant to a specific subject area.
K5 / Communicate the above accurately and reliably using structured and coherent arguments
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
C1 / Evaluate and discuss the application of a range of methods to solve more complex problems;
C2 / Participate effectively in an independent learning activity and function effectively as an independent learner
C3 / Employ balanced, logical and supported argument in a range of contexts.
C4 / Can identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate tools/methods for their resolution in a considered manner.
Practical/Professional Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
P1 / Can operate ethically in situations of varying complexity and predictability
P2 / Critically compare and contrast complex theories encountered in their studies
P3 / Develop an understanding of own role within the organisation and seek means to enhance performance.
Key Transferable Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
T1 / Reflect systematically on performance to further develop learning
T2 / Apply numerical and statistical skills in more complex disciplinary contexts
T3 / Prepare, deliver and evaluate presentations to an audience
T4 / Adopt a range of roles within a team and contribute to the effective working of the team
T5 / Use a range of specialist software appropriate to the discipline
T6 / Communicate clearly and fluently in an appropriate written style in time constrained conditions.
Key Learning & Teaching Methods
The Programme is designed to offer a flexible approach to learning and include a range of strategies designed to meet the need of learners with varied learning styles and personal circumstances, whilst reflecting best practice in knowledge and skills development in the subject area and the requirements of the Foundation Degree award itself.
The teaching and learning strategy will enable students to develop an understanding of their own role and that of organisations within the changing context of the wider environment and contemporary thinking in relation to relevant employment practice. Drawing upon documentation, policy, practice and experience from the work place, this will involve the learner in being able to describe, explain and evaluate the breadth of roles, functions and responsibilities of organisations and individual practitioners. By applying the related academic learning to the workplace, students will be encouraged to engage in critical thought and to reflect upon current occupational practice.The college employs a virtual learning environment (Moodle) where students can access lecture notes and engage with staff, other Business & Management students and the wider university community.
Key Assessment Methods
The assessment process is an integral part of teaching and learning and, as such, supports and complements the learning strategy, in order to ensure that the required outcomes are achieved.The aim is to achieve learning through which knowledge is based on both understanding and application. Both the task and the assessment criteria are clearly explained to students within the module handbook.Assessment strategies used within the course include methods such as practice-based assignments, case studies, presentations, projects, problem-based scenarios, simulations, portfolios, reflective assignments, negotiated learning contracts and examinations.
Formative feedback is given throughout the course in response to embedded learning activities within class, thus informing learning development. This includes verbal and in some cases written feedback on class activities, short assessments and Q&A.
The work based project requires the student to submit a report which sets the context off learning from year 1 and year 2 of the programme into their own organisation or an organisation of their choice. The learning takes place in the workplace, either the normal place of work or a placement appropriate to the field of study. Where students are unable to gain employment or a placement support and guidance will be provided to enable students to complete a wider/sector based project with research and analysis of a macro environmental issue. The module is project based, mainly. The individual should identify a significant aspect of dysfunction in the organisation, identify the underlying factors and develop proposals for how that problem can be addressed. This will be agreed between the student, the employer and the tutor. Students requiring a work placement will be supported and a placement provided via the colleges placement service. The placement will be of such that the opportunity of researching an issue or problem will be evident within the placement organisation.

Programme Specification – FdA Business and Management – Version 3Feb 2015

Programme Modules
(additional copies to be completed for each named pathway)
Level 4
Code / Title / Credits / Status / Non-Compensatable / Compensatable
The Business Environment / 20 / Core / Yes
Managing and Developing People / 20 / Core / Yes
Market Essentials / 20 / Core / Yes
Managing the expectations of the client / 20 / Core / Yes
Financial Accounting / 20 / Core / Yes
Employability Skills / 20 / Core / Yes
Level 5
Code / Title / Credits / Status / Non-Compensatable / Compensatable
Work Related Project / 40 / Core / No
Project Management / 20 / Core / Yes
Business Strategy / 20 / Core / Yes
Leadership and Management / 20 / Core / No
Law and Obligations / 20 / Option / Yes
Managing Continuous Improvement and Change / 20 / Option / Yes
Business Finance / 20 / Option / Yes
Marketing Management / 20 / Option / Yes

Programme Specification – FdA Business and Management – Version 3Feb 2015

Programme Structure
Delivery of the Foundation Degree Business and Management will be on a full time and also part time basis to enable students currently employed in the business area to consolidate their practical skills with appropriate theory and management tools.
Overview of structure of the modules across the Academic Year.
FdA Business and Management Year 1 Level 4
The Business Environment
20 Credits / Managing and Developing People
20 Credits / Employability Skills
20 Credits
Marketing Essentials
20 Credits / Managing the expectations of the client
20 Credits / Financial Accounting
20 Credits
The programme begins by introducing the students to the principles of the organisation and managing developing people to set the groundwork for self-analysis and career development within the employability module. Introduction to Marketing will enable the student to link issues from the Organisation such as the Macro and Micro environment and PESTLE and Business Financial Accounting will provide them with the knowledge and understanding they need to create financial accounts and manage financial resources. Managing the expectations of the client will direct the student towards the issues and theories centred on maintaining and satisfying customer and stakeholder needs and expectations.
FdA Business and Management Year 2 Level 5
Project Management
20 Credits / Business Strategy
20 Credits / Work Related Project
40 Credits
Leadership and Management
20 Credits / Options
Law and Obligations.
Managing Continuous Improvement and Change
Business Finance
Marketing Management
20 Credits
Year 2, level 5 provides more depth around organisational issues with the Business Strategy, Project Management and Leadership and Management modules providing the students with skills and tools to enable them to manage in their own organisations. The student has also the choice to select one of three electives which will enhance the student skills in managing change, the legal sector or business finance. The final piece of work is from the Work Related Learning module which is designed to demonstrate the learning from the programme in the context of the students’ work place.
Part time Structure
For part time students the programme is delivered again over 2 years but the emphasis is on student centred learning. Attendance one evening per week supported by online materials through our virtual learning network. Experience has led us to believe that the student prefers a short fat delivery pattern with modules delivered over a 7 to 10 week period.
This is particularly relevant to full time employed students who having the benefit of being employed can easily relate theory to practice. The sequence of delivery has been designed to slowly introduce the student to academic learning through employability skills and managing and developing people cumulating with the more technical modules at the end of the year. For the work related project this module within L5 this is delivered by an initial introduction by the module tutor followed by individual tutorial support on an on-going basis. Students in full time employment have previously identified significant improvements within the workplace.Students requiring a work placement will be supported and a placement provided via the colleges placement service. The placement will be of such that the opportunity of researching an issue or problem will be evident within the placement organisation.
A typical structure is as follows.
FdA Bus & Man
P/T Yr1 L4 / Wks 1-10 / Wks 11 - 20 / Wks 21 - 30
10 weeks @ 2 hour sessions per week. / Employability Skills
20 credits / The Business Environment
20 Credits / Marketing Essentials
20 Credits
Managing and Developing People
20 credits / Managing the expectations of the client
20 credits / Financial Accounting
20 credits
FdA Bus & Man
P/T Yr2 L5 / Wks 1-7 / Wks 8 - 14 / Wks 1 - 30
Semester / Project Management
20 Credits / Leadership and Management
20 credits / Work Related Project
40 Credits
Semester 2 / Business Strategy
20 Credits / Options
Law and Obligations.
Managing Continuous Improvement and Change
Business Finance
Marketing Management
20 Credits
Support for Students and Their Learning
The award adopts the approach to student learning support as identified in the Scheme programme specification.
Role of Learning/Tutors and Mentors
The work-based learner takes the main responsibility for originating and managing their own learning programme but support from work and from the College will still be important. Specifically, the College will provide a General WRL Tutor and a subject specialist, and where it is appropriate and feasible the workplace will provide a Mentor.
General tutorial support
General tutors work with students individually and in groups (learning sets) throughout their programmes. They help students to:
  • understand the programme
  • manage and iterate their learning contract;
  • develop awareness of their ability;
  • advise on the Personal Review of Learning;
  • operate learning set/problem solving forum which look at research principles; reflective
  • practice models; study skills & learning support.
  • liaise with the Mentor where appropriate;
  • represent the student in negotiation with the specialist tutor; and
  • generally provide personal support.
Specialist work-related learning tutors
Specialist tutors appear when the students' ideas are sufficiently focused for a suitable specialist to be identified. Ideally, this occurs early in the process and usually during the level 5 WRL Module. Specifically they:
  • help the student explore possibilities for a problem-based project;
  • guide the student through the wider context of knowledge and concepts;
  • provide feedback on which the student can judge progress and plan further work;
  • liaise with the Mentor where appropriate;
  • help identify areas of reading, particularly at the start of the programme; andprovide access to specialist services and expertise in the college such as where appropriate the college Work Placement Service.
  • generally offer supervisory support throughout.
  • they may develop a ‘Tutor Contract’ which specifically focuses on the Teaching and Learning to support the Students Learning Contract and facilitate monitoringand support.

Distinctive Features
  • Strong links with professional bodies to ensure the programme content and assessment strategy is developing a competent Business Manager.
  • Course content and assessments ensure application of theory to practice. The relationship between theory and practice is emphasised throughout the programme.
  • Programme is designed to be complete in itself offering a career route into Business and Management, or the opportunity to progress to level 6 BA (Hons) Business and Management.
  • One to one tutorial support provides the students with a valuable opportunity to develop personnel and business related skills and attributes.
  • The teaching team have considerable experience of working professionally within various streams of the business sector and as such will be teaching with professional relevance. The teaching team includes ex operations, marketing, purchasing and HR managers who hold professional accreditation of the relevant professional bodies.
  • For Part-Time students, and modules adopting a blending-learning methodology, a robust support system will be in place to provide students with seminar recordings / notes, tutorial information, on-line activities, blogs, forums, quizzes, etc. This will involve the use of the VLE and Adobe Connect.
  • A dedicated teaching room containing laptop PCs is provided for the course which enables interactive online activities and assessment to take place during class sessions.
  • Through-out the life of the course the team has worked with and responded to employer requests to include specific learning outcomes which would increase employee efficiency and effectiveness. Modules specifically written have been Managing Continuous Improvement and Change and Business Strategy.
  • Course delivery can be designed to specifically meet the demands of the employer based cohort. Examples for St Anne’s Community Centre delivered one full day every 2 weeks in conjunction within tutorial and web support and for Bradford NHS delivered afternoon and evening one session per week.

Programme Specification – FdA Business and Management – Version 3Feb 2015