Bachelor of Science (Honours) Business Management with Communications and Year in Industry (Top-up) (University of Birmingham)

• SIM Diploma in Accounting / Banking and Finance / International Business / Management Studies; or
• Business-related diplomas from local polytechnics; or
• Non-business related diplomas with successful completion of the SIM Preparatory Course in Business.
• All other qualifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Applicants must obtain an average Grade B and may be required for interview before admission.

All admissions (direct & non-direct entries) are based on merit and are subject to the final approval of the University.

English Language Requirements

• Minimum C6 pass in English as First Language at GCE ‘O’ Level; or
• IELTS 6.5 overall (at least 6.0 in each band); or
• TOEFL 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing; or
• Successful completion of a recognised approved diploma, where the language of instruction was English.

Preparatory Course in Business (If Applicable)

Developed and awarded by SIM, Singapore.

Applicants with non-business related diplomas or with suitable qualifications will be required to complete and pass a three-month Preparatory Course in Business for entry into the degree programme.

See course webpage for more information

Information not available

Structure

• A structured curriculum delivered over two years through classroom learning. There are three study blocks in a year and each study block spans across four months.
• Fully taught by Birmingham academics from the UK home campus to ensure equivalent academic inputs to the Singapore programme.
• Weekly schedule: Monday to Friday over three time slots: 8:30am/ 12pm/ 3:30pm. Saturday classes may occasionally be scheduled if required.
• Depending on the module, lessons are conducted typically 3 to 6 hours per day over a two-week period.
• A 20-credit module is typically equivalent to 200 hours of study with 60 hours of class contact and 140 hours of self-study. Self-study includes revision, coursework and exam preparation.
• Students are expected to have access to a simple video-capable camera for recording material which can then be edited (using their own laptop software). Students will also work in small group workshops to learn how to produce podcasts and video for the Web.
• Exemptions: Nil
• Average teacher-student ratio – 1:150
• Minimum class size to commence: 30 students
• If the class fails to commence due to low take-up rate, students will be informed within one month before programme commencement with the refund of application fee.
• All classes are conducted on SIM campus, unless otherwise stated.

Assessment & Attendance

• Local and international students: 100% attendance rate
• Year 2 progression to Year 3: Obtain 100 credits from Year 2  
• Modes of assessment: Varies module to module which can include written exams, coursework or a combination of both.  
• Coursework includes written assignments, in-class tests, presentations, projects, etc. Some coursework may be group-based.
• End-of-study block main exams are normally held in October and February.
• The 20-credit Advanced Communications Practice (Placement) taught component is assignment-based and does not involve an examination.
• Assessment schedule is subject to change by the University.

Modules

The modules offered are pre-determined by the University.

All modules are 20 credits except for the following modules:

• Dissertation, 40 credits
• Industry Placement A and B, 60 credits each.

One-third of the programme is devoted to communications modules, whilst two-thirds are general business modules.

Year 2 (180 credits)

Core Modules

• Multi-media Campaign Planning and Production
• Organisational Behaviour
• Public Relations and Reputation Management
• Research Methods and Business Analytics
• Responsible Business: Theory and Practice
• Industry Placement A (12 weeks)

Electives (select one module)

• Consumer Behaviour
• Event and Festival Management
• International Economics and Financial Decision Making
• Managing Operations and Projects

Year 3 (180 credits)

Core Modules

• Dissertation  
• Fundamentals of Leadership  
• Strategic Global Communication  
• Strategic Management  
• Industry Placement B (24 weeks)

  Elective (select one module)

• Crisis Management
• Contemporary Issues in Marketing
• International Human Resource Management
• Globalisation, Innovation and Competitiveness
• Managerial Finance

The Industry Placement

The third study block of each year will be spent on an industry placement.

There will be a compulsory preparatory programme on personal and professional development. You will be coached by Birmingham career professionals on how to source internship placements to give you an edge over your future job search. Students learning on the placement will be assessed by the University.

By undertaking an industry placement, students gain valuable work skills and experience, providing them an advantage in today’s competitive graduate marketplace.

Student learning on the placement will be assessed by the University of Birmingham.

International students will need to complete their placement in their home country or any other countries (except Singapore due to regulatory restrictions).

For industry placement overseas, there will be additional costs over and above the programme fees to cover travel, accommodation and living expenses.