Furness Training South Cumbria's Largest Training Provider

Validated by the University of Cumbria

Length of course
Part-time (evenings):
Three years

Entry requirements
80 UCAS points – typically National Diploma/Certificate
or A level
or Level 3 qualification, preferably in a business/management-related subject
Plus normally a minimum of four GCSE passes at Grade C
Relevant business experience will also be taken into consideration

This Foundation degree has been developed in consultation with local employers and has been designed to be the ideal first level Higher Education qualification for those who are in work and are interested in a business management career. It is equally suited to those working in both the public and private sectors. This increasingly well- recognised qualification will develop both your technical and knowledge-based skills and the transferable business skills so valued by today's employers. Key features include work-based learning and the opportunity to progress to a BA (Hons) programme.

What subjects will I study?
The full programme will be as follows: However, modules can be taken individually to facilitate continuous professional development

Year 1:
Managing Self Development
In this module, students are encouraged to reflect on their present levels of competence and take positive steps to improve recognised areas of weakness. The unit will also focus on team working and confidence building as well as the development of presentation skills in both the verbal and written media.

Employability Skills 1
The aim of this module is to develop students’ practical insight into the world of work within their chosen profession. It will allow students to: experience real working environments; develop their transferable and employability skills; acquire a professional business attitude; and develop career choices.

Managing Finance
This module concentrates on the mechanics of financial accounting for students desiring to understand the basic fundamentals of finance within a business. It will develop participants’ skills and understanding for recording and summarising data and preparing basic returns.

Employability Skills 2
In this module, students will develop a set of skills that are essential, transferable and fundamental for them to make an immediate contribution in the workplace. Analytical, problem solving and communication skills will be developed through dealing with situations arising in the everyday working environment.

Year 2:
Principles of Project Management
Project Managers need to monitor a project’s progress and discuss appropriate strategies for problem resolution. This module will equip students with the knowledge to effectively analyse data and information and present them appropriately for project management.

Building and Leading the Team
For all its robust plans and formal schedules, project management relies on people and teams. This module investigates the challenges involved in undertaking and leading a project. Key concepts and issues in organisational behaviour; team building and motivation; individual behaviour and conflicts in teams and organisations are explored.

Managing Marketing
The overall aim of this course is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the principles of marketing both within an applied context and from a theoretical standpoint and to apply knowledge of key theories and models. The role of marketing management within the organisation and its interaction with, and impact on, other functional areas (and academic disciplines) represent the key focus for this basis of understanding.

Work-based Project 1
In this module you will be given the opportunity to apply your learning from years 1 and 2 to a real working environment and reflect on the process.

Year 3:
Risk and Financial Control of Projects
In this module, the ability to evaluate the financial viability and risk associated with project proposals will be developed. The important relationship between the time and cost aspects of project performance will be explored and the student will develop skills in reviewing the project performance against the plan, creating reports and any necessary action.

Project Management – Methods and Tools
This module develops the students’ project management skills through the exploration of existing standards and new and emerging methodologies for project management. The students will extend their skills in discovering the information requirements, prioritising these requirements and actively seeking user involvement.  The module also provides opportunities for developing personal and inter-personal communication skills as well as gaining valuable team-working experience.

Managing People
This module will develop your understanding of individual and organisational issues in management and leadership enabling you to apply a range of approaches to managing, motivating and developing people.

Work-based Project 2
This project is the culmination of your studies and requires you to substantially draw on the materials and skills developed during the course to complete a project for an actual client.

How will I learn?
Lectures, demonstrations, presentations, seminars, group work, simulations, case studies and self study are the principal methods of teaching and learning.  These take place at Furness College.  The emphasis on work-based learning means that this is a truly vocational programme and will enable you to both ground your learning in the work place and to reflect on work practice in an academic context. 
You will be embarking upon a challenging course and will need to balance your personal situations (home and work) with the amount of degree work required to achieve the qualification. In addition to attending weekly lectures and related seminars, you will need to conduct private study after these sessions.  This could be an extra 12 or more hours per week (depending on how well you organise your private study).

How will I be assessed?
Individual and group coursework, presentations, essays, portfolio, reports, work-based projects.

Progression opportunities
Employment opportunities include specific or general business management.
Progression on to the BA (Hons)Business Management or a related subject.

Further information
Please see our additional information sheet which covers applying for the course, financial support, eligibility and learning support.