University of Chester

Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honours)

International Business Management

International Business Management

University of Chester

University of Chester

Queen's Park, Chester Campus

Undergraduate Modular Programme

Full-time and Part-time

Classroom / Laboratory,

3 or 4 Years

7 Years

Annual - September

N120

No

Business and Management

Faculty of Business and Management

Thursday 21^st January 2016

This programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to operate with confidence within an international business organisation environment.

The programme aims to provide a broad, analytical and integrated study of business and management that enables students to develop an understanding of contemporary business theory and practice across a range of international industry sectors and organisational contexts.

In particular, the programme focuses on providing:

• Study of international business organisations and industries, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate;
• Development of disciplines and methodologies of business and management; 
• Critical awareness of the factors contributing to dynamic change in the world of international business and its interrelationship with international societies and economies;
• Acquisition and use of a range of generic (transferable), cognitive, intellectual, personal and interpersonal skills required for effective undergraduate study and future vocational needs; 
• Establishment of an appropriate base for access to further study or professional qualifications by encouraging the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become life-long learners who recognise the need to engage in Continuous Personal and Professional Development;
• Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large;
• Preparation of students for post-university employment and careers in a wide variety of organisations and sectors.
• To provide students with the opportunity to undertake a full year in an industry placement.

Students will study a broad and integrated range of business and management concepts in a number of disciplines providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding.

FHEQ Level 4:

• The key roles and functions of management in relation to leadership and employee behaviour; the significance of human resource management policies and practices for organisational management and employees; key theories of organisational behaviour and management in different contexts (BU4001) 
• The main features characterising the structure and content of financial information for organisations; the use of performance indicators to measure the financial performance and financial position of an organisation; basic management accounting tools to inform the management decision making process  (BU4002)
• The growth and development of marketing and the theoretical approaches in current use; fundamental marketing concepts and principles in relation to a range of contexts and scenarios; the impact of marketing on consumers(TM4001)
• The design, planning and control of operations for organisational effectiveness and current issues (BU4011)
• The global business environment and its impact on the operation of an international business; the goals and objectives of a business and the relationship to economic activity; international issues with regard to demand, pricing, costs, and profit, in the analysis of a firm’s behaviour; the role of markets and competition in the decision making of firms (BU4013)
• An understanding of core academic skills and competences; employability and personal skills; effective analytical and research methodologies (TM4027)

FHEQ Level 5:

• International business management practices;  understanding of economic factors, financial, socio-cultural and political forces; the resources, core competencies and dynamic capabilities required for businesses to attain a competitive advantage in the international market; techniques to manage and lead an international business; effective communication skills; commercial awareness of the international business environment (BU5012)
• Models and theories of decision making; influences on effective and ethical decision making; the operational cycle in organisations; organisational capabilities required at each stage of designing, planning, implementation, monitoring and controlling operations (BU5014)
• Different and opposing views within the globalisation debate; the dynamics and effects of the internationalisation and integration of trade and markets and the continuing consequences for management action and reflection; the key drivers, opportunities and challenges of internationalisation for the direction and management of businesses (BU5302)

FHEQ Level 6:

• Theoretical concepts and frameworks of strategic management; the role of strategy within business organisations (BU6002)
• Research methods and analytical approaches; research project design (BU6024)
• Business management knowledge, tools and skills; dimensions of business and management situations (BU6025)

Optional modules at level 6 give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of other areas:

• The principles, concepts, issues and elements underpinning marketing communications within varied contexts; the contribution of marketing communication methods and the impact on organisational effectiveness (TM6004)
• The principal concepts in international financial management; international financial strategies of organisations; management decision making for international financial management; exposures and risks deriving from international business (BU6303)
• Leadership concepts, theories and models; theories relating to managing change; leading and managing change effectively and responsibly(BU6008)
• internal and external factors affecting employee relations; performance management concepts; conceptual frameworks and complexity of high-performance working (BU6027)

Thinking and cognitive skills are expected to develop across the three years of study, with progression from an emphasis on clear description and understanding, to demonstration of analytical and critical skills by the end of the studies.

FHEQ Level 4:

• Analysis of relevant theories and concepts to determine their relevance to specific problems and situations (BU4001, BU4002, BU4011, BU4013, TM4001)
• Assess and evaluate appropriate data and sources (BU4001, BU4002, BU4011, BU4013, TM4001)
• Apply knowledge and understanding to the solution of academic and professional challenges (BU4001, BU4002, BU4011, BU4013, TM4001)
• Develop reasoned arguments and challenge assumptions (BU4001, BU4002, BU4013, BU4011, TM4001)
• Take responsibility for their learning and continuing professional development (BU4001, BU4002, BU4011, BU4013, TM4001, TM4027)

FHEQ Level 5:

• Cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis (BU5014, BU5012, BU5302, BU5011, WB5101)
• Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving business problems (BU5014, BU5012, BU5302, BU5011, TM5022, BU5003, BU5016)
• The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations (BU5014, BU5012, BU5302, BU5011, TM5022, BU5003, BU5016)
• Self reflection and criticality including self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues. Also, the skills of learning to learn and developing a continuing appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning (BU5012, WB5101)

FHEQ Level 6:

• Cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately (BU6024, BU6002, BU6025, BU6027, BU6008, TM6004)
• Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving business problems (BU6024, BU6002, BU6025, BU6027, BU6008, BU6303, TM6004)
• The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations (BU6024, BU6002, BU6025, BU6027, BU6008, BU6303, TM6004)
• Self reflection and criticality including self awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues. Also, the skills of learning to learn and developing a continuing appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning (BU6024, BU6025, BU6008, BU6027)

Students will demonstrate the ability to manage their time, and to plan, conduct and report research and analysis in a variety of formats at all levels of study.

FHEQ Level 4:

• Numerical skills and financial analysis (BU4002)
• IT Skills (BU4002)
• Working with others - group work tasks and activities (BU4001, TM4027, BU4013)
• Analytical and research capabilities (TM4027)

FHEQ Level 5:

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team (BU5012)
• IT Skills (BU5016, BU5014)
• Managing Change (BU5012)
• Leadership (BU5012)
• Commercial Awareness (BU5012, BU5302)
• Research skills (BU5011)
• Employability skills  - developed through engagement with a professional working environment (WB5101)

FHEQ Level 6:

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team (BU6025)
• Quantitative skills such as data analysis and interpretation (BU6024).
• Commercial awareness (BU6025)
• Ability to engage in research into business and management issues by utilising relevant data and appropriate methodologies (BU6024, BU6025)
• Communication skills (BU6024, BU6025)
• Problem solving (BU6024, BU6025)

Effective and persuasive verbal and written communication skills are developed throughout the programme using a range of activities and assessment methods. Developing Professional Practice (TM4207) provides a foundation at level 4, developing the ability to communicate key ideas and arguments effectively in various formats.

In addition to academic essay writing, which is developed in most modules, the following communication forms are practiced and proficiency is developed as students progress through the levels of the programme:

FHEQ Level 4:

• Describe and discuss business theories and issues clearly both orally (BU4001, BU4013, TM4027) and in written work (all modules)
• Presentation Skills (BU4001)

FHEQ Level 5:

• Poster presentation (BU5011)
• Group report (BU5011)
• Critical reflection on work-based experience (WB5101)

FHEQ Level 6:

• Fluent and accurate written communication suitable for an academic or business audience (BU6024, BU6002)
• Group Presentation (BU6025)
• Marketing Proposal (TM6004)

The programme is designed to prepare students to become competent and knowledgeable in a range of business disciplines and competences, with a particular emphasis on the dynamics and challenges of international industries, markets and business organisations.  It aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to successfully embark upon a career in business and management. Its content and structure have been informed by the QAA’s Benchmark Statement for General Business and Management, but is designed to provide a stronger focus on the experience of international businesses and the dynamics and challenges of the global environment. 

 Level 4

At Level 4 students develop an understanding of the key concepts and business functions, that business professionals have to be aware of, in order to operate successfully in the modern international business environment.  Level 4 reinforces the principle that the foundation of International Business is business.  In addition participants begin to develop some of the skills necessary to be an effective student and manager (particularly in TM4027, Developing Professional Practice.)

 Level 5

At level 5, students expand and progress into the major contextual study of globalisation and business and in the major functional area of international business. Students expand their exploration of the relationship between functional areas and real international industries and organisations. Students develop their appreciation of the contemporary context of globalisation and market integration in which international businesses operate.  For example, the management of international business operations, logistics and supply/value chains are explored. Level 5 studies are supported by optional choices from the generic functional subject areas of finance, HR and marketing.

Following completion of Level 4, students may opt to undertake an industrial Placement Year commencing from the end of their Level 5 studies, further developing the vocational, practical and experiential aspects of the taught modules. Students electing to take a Placement Year will be responsible for securing a yearlong internship, with the support of a schedule of preparation sessions on module XXX03 which will run during the term. A year in industry, complementing studies is viewed as an extremely valuable option, providing students with excellent opportunities to: apply theory to practice, exercise practical skills, network, enhance employment and careers prospects, and to further develop their understanding of theoretical input on return to their studies. Students opting to apply for a placement year, are required to engage in the preparation activities offered through XXX03, that will include sessions on: CV and application honing, assessment centre insight, interview technique as well as the opportunity to receive focused information sessions from employers and news on available internships with various organisations.

Students also have the opportunity to do WB 5008: The Study Abroad Experience. This study abroad module offers a complementary study opportunity for students in addition to their University of Chester degree. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of another country whilst following an academic study programme that complements their home-based programme of study. This programme will offer the student the opportunity to add additional modules/courses/subjects to their Chester degree, and be compatible with the student's overall degree profile. Students will already have completed all the criteria for progression into Level 6 of the student's programme prior to embarking on WB5008. The composition of a negotiated programme will be determined by the student's subject department(s); the International Tutor will monitor and formalize the process in a written Learning Agreement. This study abroad placement year includes study at a partner university, the International Student Exchange Programme and the J1 Central Michigan University/Disneyworld Florida placement. New opportunities will become available from time-to-time.

Students may undertake WB5007 International Exchange as a replacement year of level 5. The replacement International Exchange module (WB5007) provides an opportunity to replace their second year of study by studying at a different university in an overseas country. It is important that the content of the modules offered by the overseas university match those that would have been studied during the student's second year at the University of Chester.

Level 6 

Level 6 enables students to develop an understanding of how well the internal resources and business functions of international business organisations are managed to interact with their external environment.  At the same time, students are enabled to build on prior learning to specialise in aspects of business theory and international management practice that are of particular interest to them. Specialisation is achieved by the range of core modules cited above and the completion of an individual dissertation, which focuses on an appropriate international business-related issue. A key feature at this level is that a major emphasis is placed on embedding and analysing conceptual knowledge in the experience and understanding of real industries and organisations (BU6025). Progression into specialised international business subjects expands through selective options.

Options will only run when sufficient number have signed up for the modules.

• 120 credits at Level 4 entitles the student to a Certificate of Higher Education
• 240 credits at Level 5 entitles the student to a Diploma of Higher Education
• 360 credits at Level 6 entitles the student to a Bachelor’s degree

This programme is available to anyone capable of reaching the required entry standards. The typical applicant will have reached one of the following:

UCAS points:

A minimum of 112 UCAS points from GCE A levels or equivalent. Typical offer is BCC/BBC.

BTEC :

Extended Diploma requirement is DMM.

BTEC Diploma requirement is D*D*.

Irish/Scottish Highers :

B in 4 subjects.

International Baccalaureate :

26 points.

Access:

Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit

OCR:

OCR National Extended Diploma: Merit 2

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma  - DMM

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - D*D*

Additional information:

Maximum of 20 points accepted from GCE AS Levels. Welsh Baccalaureate (core) and General Studies A level will be recognised. Also a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs will be accepted.

Applications from non standard candidates for direct entry from overseas at levels 5 and 6 will be considered on the basis of individual merit, matching prior experience to course requirements. Such entrants would receive appropriate support from the programme team to assist in their studies.

The design of this programme has been informed by the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Business and Management, 2019.

The International Business Management programme will provide graduates with knowledge and understanding of organisations, their management, the economy and the dynamic nature of the global business environment. It will develop skills in preparation for and development of a career in business and management and attributes which equip graduates to become effective global citizens.

Specifically the programme will provide graduates with the knowledge and understanding of:

• Markets: the development, access and operation of markets for resources, goods and services (BU4012, BU4013, BU5012, BU5014, BU5302, BU6025)
• Marketing and sales: different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning generating sales and the need for innovation in product and service design (TM4001, TM5022, TM6004)
• Customers: management of customer expectations, relationships and development of service excellence. (BU4012, TM4001, TM5022, TM6004, BU6025)
• Finance: the sources, uses and management of finance and the use of accounting and other information systems for planning, control, decision making and managing financial risk (BU4002, BU5016, BU6303)
• People: leadership, management and development of people and organisations including the implications of the legal context (BU4001, BU5003, BU5012, BU6002, BU6027, BU6008, BU6025)
• Organisational behaviour: design, development of organisations, including cross-cultural issues, change, diversity and values (BU4001, BU4013,BU5012, BU5302)
• Operations: the management of resources, the supply chain, procurement, logistics, outsourcing and quality systems (BU4012, BU5014, BU6025)
• Information systems and business intelligence: the development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations (BU5014, BU6008)
• Communications: the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools (BU4001, BU4012, TM4001, TM5022, BU6025, TM6004)
• Digital business: the development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology has reshaped traditional revenue and business models (BU5012, BU6025)
• Business policy and strategy: the development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment to meet stakeholder interests, and the use of risk management techniques and business continuity planning to help maximise achievement of strategic objectives (BU4001, BU4002, BU5012, BU5014, BU5016, BU6002, BU6025, BU6303)
• Business innovation and enterprise development: taking innovative business ideas to create new products, services or organisations including the identification of Intellectual Property and appreciation of its value (BU4012, BU5012, BU6002, BU6025)
• Social responsibility: the need for individuals and organisations to manage responsibly and behave ethically in relation to social, cultural, economic and environmental issues (BU4001, BU4012, BU4013, BU5012, BU5014, BU5302, BU6002, BU6025)

Throughout the programme students will develop a range of skills that are relevant to a successful career in international business. These have been identified to have practical application aligned with the typical skills employers seek in a business and management graduate and include:

• People management: to include communications, team building, leadership and motivating others (BU4001, TM4027, BU5003, BU5012, BU6025)
• The ability to develop and work within a team, demonstrating leadership and motivating others (BU4001, TM4001, TM4027, BU5012, BU6025)
• Problem solving and critical analysis: analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions (BU4001, BU4002, TM4027, BU5011, BU5014, BU5016, BU6024, BU6025, BU6303)
• Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making (TM4027, BU5011, BU5014, BU5016, BU6002, BU6024, BU6025, BU6303)
• Commercial acumen: based on an awareness of the key drivers for business success, causes of failure and the importance of providing customer satisfaction and building customer loyalty (BU4002, TM4001, BU4012, BU5012, BU5014, BU5016, BU6002, BU6025, BU6303)
• Innovation, creativity and enterprise: the ability to act entrepreneurially to generate, develop and communicate ideas, manage and exploit intellectual property, gain support, and deliver successful outcomes (BU5012, BU6025)
• Numeracy: the use of quantitative skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model business problems, functions and phenomena (BU4002, BU5014, BU5016, BU6025, BU6303)
• Networking: an awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation and their use in generating business contacts (TM4027, BU5012, BU6025)
• Ability to work collaboratively both internally and with external customers and an awareness of mutual interdependence (WB5101)
• Ability to work with people from a range of cultures (BU4001, BU4013, TM4027, BU5012, BU6025)
• Articulating and effectively explaining information (BU4001, BU4013, BU5011, BU5014, BU5016, BU6024, BU6025)
• Building and maintaining relationships (BU4001, TM4027, BU5012, BU6027, BU6008,  BU6025)
• Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media (BU4001, TM4027, BU5011, BU5302, BU6008, BU6025, TM6004)
• Emotional intelligence and empathy (TM4027, BU5012, BU5003, BU6025, BU6027, BU6008)
• Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation (BU5011, BU5012, BU6024, BU6025, BU6008, BU6303)
• Self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time (TM4027, BU5011, WB5101, BU6024)
• Self reflection: self-analysis and an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development (BU4001, TM4027, BU5003, WB5101, BU6024, BU6025)

The methods of learning and teaching are geared to progression and integration through the levels of the programme.  The individual module descriptors provide details of learning outcomes as well as methods of teaching and learning.  The major forms of teaching methods will be lectures, seminars and workshops.  Other methodologies will be employed as appropriate.  These may include; field trips, visits, directed reading, interactive learning via the University computer network, case study analysis, individual research, group learning activities, reflective log/portfolio (e.g. utilising student progress files in relation to personal development planning) and presentations.  Industry practitioners will also be used wherever possible, as repositories of up to date, expert knowledge in their specialist or functional areas. 

It is envisaged that the learning and teaching methodologies inherent in this programme, along with the subsequent range of assessment methods, will contribute to the development of employability skills and the building of confidence levels. 

The Department seeks to deliver varied, high-quality learning experiences, teaching and assessment in order to develop appropriate knowledge and understanding, and to enhance a variety of key/transferable skills.  This is facilitated through the outcome-directed nature of learning, teaching and assessment, in a student-centred environment, which provides incremental opportunities for independent and autonomous learning. A personal academic tutor (PAT) will be allocated to every student on this programme, in order to assist with the learning process and advise accordingly.

The assessment strategy for this degree will serve three purposes:

• To test the level of knowledge and skills acquired, measured against the specified learning outcomes, and applied within a relevant business context;
• To provide the vehicle for modular integration within a management context;
• To promote the translation of teaching into learning, which will assist students in the achievement of academic goals and imbue them with skills and attitudes which will assist in life-long learning.

Assessment will follow the university model of a maximum 4,000 word equivalency per module.  Each module will typically be summatively assessed by two assessments, with formative assessment also employed throughout.  Student assessment will employ rigorous, objective testing to ensure that learning outcomes are met.

Assessment tasks will grow in sophistication and complexity as a student progresses on the programme.  For example:

• at Level Four a student may be asked to describe, discuss, compare, and outline;
• at Level Five a student may be asked to evaluate, analyse, justify, and differentiate; 
• at Level Six a student may be asked to criticise, synthesise, appraise, formulate.

However, it is expected that students will begin to use and develop critical skills from the beginning of the programme.

Students will be assessed in a number of ways, including essays, industry-related reports, presentations, projects, debates, assessed seminars, reflective reports case study analysis, portfolios of evidence and  examinations. The departmental assessment strategy has been created in accordance to the University's Teaching, Learning & Assessment strategy. The University's Study Skills Unit offers further support and guidance to students.

Students completing the BA International Business Management Single Honours programme should meet the QAA’s Benchmark document’s standards on knowledge and understanding, skills and the assessment strategies.  The outcome of level six should be a graduate student who will be able to offer added value to the market place by meeting the expectations of employers via the application of acquired transferable, integrated skills, and the developed body of knowledge gained from the programme. In addition the graduate will have amassed valuable life skills such as self-awareness, creative problem solving, and autonomy, which could be applied in a wide variety of circumstances which they will face. They will have been instilled with a positive attitude towards reflection, self- awareness and will possess openness towards seeking out life-long learning opportunities, which may be translated into the pursuit of professional qualifications.

A typical International Business Management student will:

• Have a wide knowledge and understanding of the broad range of areas of business and management and the detailed relationships between these, their application and their importance in an integrated framework
• Consistently demonstrate a command of subject-specific skills including application of knowledge, as well as proficiency in intellectual skills
• Have a view of business and management which is influenced by a variety of learning sources including guided learning, team work and independent study
• Be distinguished by their enhanced capacity to develop and apply their own perspectives to their studies, to deal with uncertainty and complexity, to explore alternative solutions, to demonstrate critical evaluation and to integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations.

Consistent with the University's commitment to widen access and participation, the Department has a flexible admissions policy, and encourages applications from mature students and from groups normally under-represented in higher education. The general policy is to look for a good level of literacy, together with proven interest and/or experience in an appropriate subject.

The Department has considerable experience in successfully addressing the practical and learning needs of a wide range of students. This includes mature students, those entering education with a non-standard academic background and those with a wide range of disabilities. Equality and diversity issues are embedded and addressed in all departmental modules.

Students studying on the programme will benefit from the business experience of staff within the Department.  For example, extensive experience in setting up and managing businesses as well as delivering learning in a number of institutions and business settings, leadership and management training and education for organisations and practising managers at undergraduate and postgraduate level will continue to inform the curriculum.

The delivery of this programme is enhanced by links with international businesses such as Santander, KPMG and MBNA, local small businesses and social enterprises, the Chester Business Club, Chambers of Commerce in the Wirral and in Chester and Warrington and local County Councils. These links provide speakers for master classes and opportunities for students to broaden their commercial awareness.

The faculty liaises with senior managers and representatives from local and international businesses and organisations to align teaching with the development, labour supply and training needs of the local economy and to ensure the School remains at the cutting-edge of business education. Staff discuss such issues regularly with representatives from organisations such as Bank of America, Vauxhall Motors, M&S Bank, EA Technology, Airbus, Tata Steel, Urenco and the government UK Trade & Investment department.

The department liaises with a number of professional bodies to inform the development of curriculum and maintain the currency of the programme. These include Chartered Management Institute, Institute of Leadership and Management, CIPD, CIM, CIMA, ACCA

The Department is a member of the European Foundation for Management Development. 

Every student on this programme is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor to provide guidance and support during their studies.

Covid-19

The University of Chester is taking steps to mitigate the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, whilst ensuring an excellent academic experience for our students. During the 2020-21 academic year, it is anticipated that the University will deliver programmes of study in a mode of blended online and face-to-face sessions. This statement describes how this will be implemented and should be read in conjunction with section 28 of this document and section 11 of the module descriptors associated with this programme.

The hybrid model has been designed to safeguard the interests of students whilst upholding the University’s academic standards. This ensures that students can engage in high quality learning and teaching to support them to achieve the learning outcomes for this programme, irrespective of the prevailing conditions. Adopting a hybrid model of delivery will result in a different type of learning experience for many students. In order to ensure that ensure that all students are able to benefit from this, the University is seeking to engage students early and often to ensure that we continue to serve their needs appropriately.

Large group teaching may be delivered online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous delivery depending on the material to be delivered. Subject content can be provided in a variety of different ways to suit the topic and individual learning styles. For example, a series of videos and/or podcasts might be prepared and published online to a particular schedule. Seminars may be designed flexibly so that they can be conducted either online or in small group settings where this can be achieved safely.

Where it is safe to do so, placement learning activities will be facilitated according to the prevailing conditions. Students will be given adequate notice of placements and the safety procedures to be followed. Preparation for assessment connected to placement learning will be kept flexible. This will include ensuring that where a placement activity cannot go ahead, students can use the learning material delivered and apply it to alternative forms of assessment. The programme team works closely with relevant employers to design authentic learning, teaching and assessment activities. This collaboration will equip students with skills and knowledge to support effective transition into the workplace, irrespective of whether or not physical placement learning can be accommodated safely