International Pre-Masters Diploma in Business Studies
Our International Pre-Masters Diploma in Business Studies fully prepares you to study a business Masters degree in the UK. It's designed specifically for international graduates, helping you improve both your linguistic and study skills to masters level.
The course has been developed based on previous international students' feedback – so you can rest assured you'll receive all the practical and academic support you need to excel in your studies.
Key Information
- Gain the skills and knowledge for entry into any UK masters course
- Designed specifically for international students
- Personal tutors and 'study-buddies' help you adjust when you first arrive
- Learn from a mix of academic and management professionals
- Minimum 16 hours of tutor contact time a week
- We are the chosen training provider for many of the FTSE 100 companies
Preparing you for masters study
Our International Pre-Masters Diploma in Business Studies makes sure you're equipped with the business knowledge and advanced learning and communication skills required for UK masters study. The course is offered full-time over one academic year, starting in September, January and May.
A warm welcome
We understand that moving to a new country can be a daunting prospect, so we make every effort to ease your transition to the UK. The course encourages social and cultural integration with a range of activities. You'll also have a personal tutor and fellow student 'study buddy' to work with throughout the course.
How the course is taught
To enhance your learning experience, classes are taught in small seminars by tutors and lecturers from both professional and academic backgrounds. Each seminar is followed up with tutorials and practical workshops to reinforce what you've learnt. In total you'll have a minimum of 16 hours face-to-face tutor contact each week, with regular feedback throughout the course.
Self-study is also vital to your learning. For this you'll be supported by extensive online materials which you can access through our 'Blackboard' portal – anytime anywhere.
Extra learning support
Progress reviews are part of the tutorials and tutors are always there to help. But if you need extra learning support our 'Help Desk' sessions provide answers to any questions you may have. International student advisors are also available to help you adapt your learning style to the requirements of a UK masters degree.
Ways to study
Our International Pre-Masters Business Diploma is a full-time course lasting one academic year, combining face-to-face teaching with self-study. Face-to-face classes are taught at our study centres in London and Manchester.
You can start this course in September, January or May and study for one academic year (approximately nine months). Dates and times for future courses will be available here soon.
Modules
The International Pre-Masters Diploma in Business Studies consists of the five compulsory modules:
English Language and Communication Skills (30 credits)
The module will provide students with essential skills for undertaking postgraduate academic study of business, management or law through the medium of English within the context of British universities. Students will be offered the chance to improve their command of English overall and in the academic setting specifically. This will be done through progressive practice and enhancement of the students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills relevant to the fields of business management.
Understanding Economics and Business (15 credits)
Studying this module, you will be debating the highly topical nature of the real world of business. Through a review of developments and trends within the business sector, an examination of the inter-relationship between the business sector and other elements of social and economic activity, you will be provided with the knowledge and understanding of factors relating to the business environment within which businesses operate. This will enable you to understand David Cumming’s statement “business is business”.
Business Accounting (15 credits)
A solid understanding in the fundamentals of accounting is vital to the success of any career you might choose to pursue in business. The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the fundamentals of accounting and finance, by introducing you to the core principles of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management.
The module will develop your technical competence in the understanding and interpretation of financial statements as produced by specialists from within an organisation’s finance department and externally by auditors. In addition there will be an element of being able to ‘prepare’ and interpret management statements, plans, budgets and forecasts primarily for internal use.
People in Organisations (15 credits)
Human Resources is about more than just processes, if managed effectively people add value and contribute to organisational success. This module introduces you to contemporary approaches to managing people by analysing and challenging theory in relation to the practice of HRM.
This will enable you to manage the people strategies in a diverse range of organisations and occupational disciplines breaking the stereotype and championing a value added approach.
Operations Management (15 credits)
Operations management includes all the activities required to create and deliver a product or service, from selecting suppliers and/or raw materials to getting it to the manufacturer and from there to the customer. The module covers a variety of models and techniques that help firms formulate effective operations strategies. You will gain an understanding of the key operations management concepts as applied to both manufacturing and services industries.
Diploma Project and Report (Business-based) (30 credits)
This module is the consolidation of all your learning on the course and your opportunity to prove that you have the commercial and business acumen needed to succeed. It involves undertaking a practical project underpinned with sound academic principles that identifies and addresses a business problem or opportunity. The outcome of your endeavors will lead to a value adding, practical business solution during which you will be able to demonstrate your professional credibility.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by a variety of methods including coursework, exams and group presentations.
You will look at the role of operations in relation to overall business strategy and competitiveness. The module also enables you to use the tools of operations management and understand how these link to institutional success.
You will typically cover:
- Operations strategy role and success factors
- The process view of operations management
- The link between operations and finance
- Capacity management
- Inventory management
- Quality and Six-sigma
- Supply chain management
- Project management
People in Organisations
Entry requirements
To be eligible to apply for a place on our Pre-masters Diploma , you must already hold either an NQF or QCF NARIC Level 5 Diploma, or a Foundation Degree qualification. If you are a UK or EEA student you will need to apply for the Diploma and the Masters programmes separately.
How to apply
To apply for a place on our Pre-masters Diploma, you’ll need to complete a BPP application form. While there are no formal deadlines, due to high demand we recommend you apply as soon as you are ready.
Key dates
Course dates for the Pre-masters Diploma are September 2011 and January 2012.
International students
For details of which international qualifications are accepted for this course, please see our country-specific entry requirements.
Study locations
Face-to-face classes are taught at the BPP Business Schools right in the heart of London (from January, May and September 2012) and Manchester (September 2013). Here you'll find state-of-the-art and comfortable, high-quality classrooms.
Study centres
View the term and assessment dates.
Paying for your course
Fees for this course will be announced early in 2012.
Scholarships
BPP offers a range of scholarships and discretionary awards to support postgraduate study. You will find a selection of them in our scholarships and funding section.
You can also contact the Student Finance Office for more information:
BPP University College of Professional Studies
68-70 Red Lion Street
London
WC1R 4NY
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7061 1301
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7404 1389
Email: studentfinance@bpp.com