Undergraduate study

Overview

• A critical approach to the study of management in all its functions, studied in a supportive and challenging learning environment
• A wide choice of options across a range of management topics
• Student exchange opportunities in Europe and North America
• Career opportunities in business management, human resource management, marketing and accounting
• High student satisfaction
• A national and international research reputation

The programme is a full-time, three-year Single Honours programme. It is ideal for students who want either a background in management or some specialisation in one or more aspects of management.

The teaching of Business Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, International Business and Accounting at Keele provides a distinctive approach to teaching and research. We think that the most productive way of studying the subject is to take a critical perspective on organisations and by thorough application of theory to everday practices of management, Keele students have the opportunity to develop the analytical skills to do just that. For this reason, our teaching covers a framework of basic practices used in particular functions of management (such as accounting, marketing and human resources) and invites students to evaluate such practices. We believe that it is important to think about more than just technical issues, but to understand national and international social trends in their historical, cultural and philosophical contexts. Through extensive reading and discussion of a broad range of social science knowledges, we encourage students to engage critically with management practice in a way that is grounded by a thorough appreciation of contemporary organisations.

Course Content

Students will take a common first year introducing all aspects of management. In the second and third years, students will be able to specialise in one or more of five pathways: Accounting, Business Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, and Marketing.

First year
The first-year programme comprises six core modules in management, globalisation, human resource management, marketing, economics and accounting. The purpose of these modules is to provide a grounding in each of the areas of management in order to allow a wide choice of pathways and modules in the second and third years. Students are able to choose two electives either from the School’s portfolio of modules and/or from elsewhere in the Faculty.

Second year
The second-year programme allows students to choose one or more specialist pathways in Business Management, International Business, Marketing, Human Resource Management and Accounting. Each of the pathways contains five core modules and there is a range of electives from the School’s portfolio of modules and/or from elsewhere in the Faculty.

Third year
The third-year programme enables students to continue on the pathway(s) of their choice. Four core modules are studied on each of the pathways and students may undertake library or fieldwork research through the Independent Study Project 1 & 2, for which supervision is provided. In addition two elective modules are taken from the School’s portfolio of modules and/or from elsewhere in the Faculty.

Study abroad and modern languages

The Management School promotes the opportunity for students to spend a semester studying Management subjects at a partner institution in Europe, Australia, Asia, South Africa or North America. Students study abroad during either the first or second semester in their second year and take a series of modules at the partner university that are equivalent to those at Keele.

Keele International's Study Abroad Office oversees the process and offers excellent support for students both as they prepare for their study abroad period and while they are away.

We also encourage students considering International Business to learn or extend their knowledge of modern languages through the wide range of language electives available to students in each year of their studies. Further information.

Codes and Combinations

Students are candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) (BA Hons).

Single Honours Course available:

For overseas students who do not meet direct entry requirements, we offer the opportunity to take an intensiveInternational Year One in Business and Management leading to second year degree entry.

Foundation Year course available:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is by a combination of lectures, classes, and supervised individual and group work. While we focus on the development of written communication skills, throughout the course, we pay attention to the development of skills that students will need in whatever career they might pursue after graduating. This includes encouraging the development of communication, presentation and team-working skills in classes.

Programme specifications (new window)

Skills and Careers

The programme develops and assesses a variety of transferable and subject-specific skills, relevant to career choices in business and management. Assessments and examinations explore students' ability to solve problems and address issues under time constraints, essays develop abilities in written expression and argument, while seminars give students practice in making presentations and developing powers of oral expression and argument.

The Management course is designed to provide a high-quality, broad-based education that will prepare students for a wide range of career and further study opportunities. Students taking courses in Keele Management School have typically gone on to higher level study and research, to workplace traineeships, human resources management posts, marketing agencies and accounting firms. Many graduates go on to take their higher degrees at Keele or at other universities. Keele also offers Masters programmes in Management that lead on from the undergraduate degree and may offer enhanced career prospects.

Visit our Careers pages (new window)

The Management School promotes the opportunity for students to spend a semester studying Management subjects at a partner institution in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia or North America. Students study abroad during either the first or second semester in their second year and take a series of modules at the partner university that are equivalent to those at Keele. Keele International’s Study Abroad Office oversees the process and offers excellent support for students both as they prepare for their study trip and while they are away.

We also encourage students considering studying International Business to learn or extend their knowledge of modern languages through the wide range of language electives available to students in each year of their studies.