Overview
Who is it for?
The Foundation Year is designed to prepare UK students for the key subjects that will form the core of the rest of your degree in Business Management. On successful completion of the Foundation Year you will have obtained a fundamental knowledge of mathematics, statistics, economics, IT and business management which will ensure that you are fully prepared to enter Programme Stage 1 of the main degree. The BSc Business Management (with Foundation Year) degree will provide you with the skills required to forge a career in the corporate world or to enter the management consulting industry. It will also deliver the tools required by those who aspire to be entrepreneurs or business owners.
Objectives
The Foundation Year is a one-year full-time programme that provides an entry route to the first year of either the BSc Business Management, BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing or BSc International Business and is designed to prepare you for the key subjects that will form the core of the rest of your degree in Business Management. These include strategy, marketing, finance, operations management, accounting, people and organisations, economics, business statistics and human resource management.
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Structure
The Foundation course has been designed to familiarise you with the material that you will study in more depth in the later years of the degree programme.
The modules covered are:
Year 0
In Year 0 you will take seven core modules:
Introduction to economics
This course will cover fundamental topics in both macro and micro economics. We will assume that you have not covered this material before and this module will help you prepare for the first year Economics module. This module will have an integrated study skills module which will develop your ability in such areas as note taking, essay planning, mind maps, etc. which will help both with this module and the rest of your studies and later employment.
Introduction to finance and accounting
This module will introduce you to concepts such as interest rates, discounted cash-flows, different types of investments and company accounts. The material in this module will prepare you for the Finance and management accounting module in the first year. It will also provide real world skills for the analysis of companies and investments.
Introduction to Microsoft Office Suite
This module is taught mainly on-line but supported with a weekly tutorial. This module will help with all your future studies where Microsoft Office products are used, as well as providing real life skills which will be attractive to employers.
Introduction to Business and Management
This module introduces you to fundamental topics that will help you to develop an understanding of how businesses operate and how they are managed. This will be particularly useful to you if you will be undertaking an undergraduate degree involving the study of business. The unit covers the following areas: models of management, the business environment, managing people, leadership, corporate social responsibility, human resource management, corporate strategy, marketing, organisation structure, managing operations.
Foundation Mathematics and Statistics
Through this module, you will extend your existing knowledge of mathematics to develop your analytical skills. The programme of study will be divided into lectures in algebra, calculus and statistics and the focus will be on giving students an understanding of how mathematical techniques can be used to model and then solve practical problems. If we find that a large proportion of the class already has a knowledge of mathematics which goes beyond the material taught on this module, we will run additional, more advanced tutorials which will emphasise the process used and methods required when you are working towards the solution of more complicated problems.
Individual Project
This module aims to develop transferable skills which will be of value to you on whichever degree you choose to study. With the support of a nominated academic supervisor, you will be required to design, research and write a report of approximately 3000 words and then deliver a 10 minute presentation on the content of your report. Cass academics will suggest a limited range of possible topics, for students to write their project on, all centred on the theme of business and finance. You may also suggest a topic of your own, along with a written explanation of why you believe it would be a good choice. Student-generated project topics are subject to approval by the Course Director.
Business London
The Business London module introduces you to the historic role of London in the development of international business and finance. Some sessions will involve standard lectures, but for others you will be expected to walk around the City of London and to visit London institutions. This will help you to appreciate the role of the geography of the City in its development into a leading centre of global commerce.
Assessment methods
Some assessment is by group work and individual assignments which you take home to complete. For year 0, there will be continual assessment using class or online quizzes and tests, but no large formal end-of-year exams.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:
Year 0
19% practical, 81% coursework.
Overall workload
Most contact hours take the form of lectures. A number of tutorials, exercise classes and surgery hours are scheduled during the year. Approximate study time based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:
Year 0
27% scheduled learning, 73% independent learning.
Term dates
Academic year
For a full breakdown of the current and forthcoming academic year view our term dates page.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.
Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.
Application
How to apply
All applications should be made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made via Apply, UCAS's online application system.
- Institution code: C60 (Cass Business School and City, University of London)
- Course code: N12F (BSc Business Management with Foundation Year)
You can find more information at UCAS and in the UCAS Handbook.
Please note that if you apply for the BSc Business Management with Foundation Year, you can continue with Business Management or you may have the opportunity depending on your results to move onto any of the BSc Business Management specialist degrees: BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing, BSc Business Management Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or BSc International Business.
Cass Business School works in partnership with INTO City and Kaplan International College London to offer foundation courses for international students.
More information about applying to Cass
Terms and conditions
Students applying to study at Cass Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
Please note this course is only available to Home students. For international students who do not meet the entry requirements for year 1 entry we recommend our affiliated foundation course providers INTO City, University of London and KIC London.
A-Level: BBB
If you are studying General Studies, Critical Thinking or a native language A-Level, these subjects will not be included in any offer condition.
For A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
For BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
For candidates taking a combination of A Level/BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications we accept the following:
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 National Diploma (grades DD) with one A-Level (grade B)
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (grade D) with two A-levels (grades BB)
For combination BTEC/OCR/A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
IB: 29 points overall (not including bonus points) with 5 in Maths (either Maths Analysis & Approaches or Maths Applications & Interpretation at either Standard or Higher Level) and 5 in English (either Standard or Higher Level)
Access to Higher Education: Pass the course with 45 level 3 credits including minimum 30 distinction credits and the remaining 15 credits at merit or above.
For Access applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English Language and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
For European qualifications please contact us to check eligibility.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:
- GCSE: Grade C or 5
- IGCSE: Grade C
- O-Level: Grade C
- TOEFL (Test centre or iBT Special Home Edition): 92 overall (24 Writing, 23 Reading, 22 Speaking, 21 Listening)
- A-Level: Grade C
- Language Cert International ESOL: Language Cert B2 Communicator High Pass
- IELTS (Academic or UKVI): 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59 overall with minimum 59 in each component
- International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 at Higher or Standard level
- Cambridge English Advanced (also known as Certificate in Advanced English): Grade C (180-192) at CEFR Level C1
- Cambridge English Proficiency (also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English): Grade C (200-212) at CEFR Level C2
- Cambridge English First (also known as Certificate of First in English): Grade A (180-190) at CEFR Level C1
Study abroad
This is an option on the BSc Business Management, BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing or BSc International Business degrees, to which you can progress upon successful completion of the Foundation year.
Argentina
Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, UADE has exchange agreements with 40 partner universities around the world. You will take modules from the undergraduate Global Management degree.
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Located in the bustling city of Brisbane, QUT was the first Australian university to gain 'triple crown' accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).
RMIT University
Giving you the chance to study in Melbourne, Australia's 2nd largest city, RMIT is one of Australia's original educational institutions. Their well-established business school allows students to choose from a wide-range of subjects.
University of Queensland
Located in the popular Australian city of Brisbane, the University of Queensland features in the top 100 of 3 of the major rankings (QS, THE and ARWU).
University of Sydney
As Australia’s first university, the University of Sydney has an excellent long-standing reputation and is also ranked best student experience in Australia.
Austria
Vienna University of Economics and Business
WU has triple accreditation, one of only two German-speaking universities belonging to this group. They have a well-established exchange programme, with around 240 partner universities around the world.
Canada
HEC Montreal
Like Cass, HEC Montreal is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) and was the first school in North America to achieve this. There are opportunities to study in French or English.
Smith School of Business - Queen's University
Queen's Smith School of Business has a rich history dating back to 1841 and is consistently ranked as one of Canada's leading universities. It welcomes over 300 exchange students every year from more than 40 countries.
Ivey Business School, Western University
Ranked in the top 100 for Financial Times MBA Rankings, Ivey School of Business provides a competitive combination of world-class teaching and modern facilities.
Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
UBC is one of Canada's leading research universities and is consistently ranked in the top 40 of the world. Located 30 minutes from the heart of down-town Vancouver it attracts students from more than 140 countries world-wide.
Chile
Universidad de Chile
Based in the cultural city of Santiago, the Universidad de Chile is one of only 10 Latin American universities ranked among the world’s top 500. It is ranked 6th in the QS Latin American Ranking 2016.
China
Renmin University of China
Located in Beijing, Renmin Business School is both EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Their MBA programme is ranked in the top 50 in the world by the Financial Times.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
You will take classes from the Antai College of Economics and Management, which was the first business school in mainland China to have been triply accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. They have Bachelor programmes in Economics and Finance.
France
ESCP Europe, Paris campus
Like Cass, ESCP is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB). The Paris campus is located in the centre of the city. The Masters in Management, from which you will take classes, is currently ranked 4th in the Financial Times rankings (2016).
ESSEC Business School
Established in 1907, ESSEC is one of the leading institutions in Europe for business education. Their BBA was the first programme in France to receive the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations.
Germany
University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim Business School is highly ranked and has an excellent reputation. You will be studying modules from their Bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Business Education in either German or English.
Technische Universität München
TU Munich was named as the number one university in Germany in the QS World University Ranking 2016.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
HKUST is ranked 4th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016. HKUST Business School was the first school in Asia to be awarded dual accreditation by AACSB and EQUIS. It offers 11 undergraduate business programmes.
Chinese University of Hong Kong
CUHK was ranked the most innovative university in Hong Kong in 2016 (Reuters). The 137 hectare campus overlooking Tolo Harbour houses a range of facilities such as world-class libraries, art museums, music halls, a swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, squash courts, a water sports centre and gymnasiums.
University of Hong Kong
HKU is consistently ranked in the top 50 world universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). You will be studying at their Faculty of Business and Economics.
Italy
Bocconi University
Based in Milan, Bocconi is a triple accredited school (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) and is ranked 6th in the Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2016.
LUISS Guido Carli
LUISS Guido Carli is a private Italian university located in the heart of Rome. You are able to study in either Italian or English and there is an intensive Italian language course available before the start of term.
Norway
BI Norwegian School of Management
BI is the only Norwegian university with triple accreditation and has student exchange agreements with more than 200 institutions in 45 different countries.
Singapore
National University of Singapore
NUS is ranked 1st in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016 and is one of the top 25 world ranked universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). More than 1,000 exchange students visit NUS each year.
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang is ranked 54th in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings. You will have the chance to study at one of Asia's most prestigious universities in the heart of Singapore.
Singapore Management University
SMU was founded in 2000 by the government of Singapore, modelling itself on an American style university structure. SMU has over 180 exchange partner universities around the world.
South Korea
Seoul National University
SNU was founded in 1946 as the first national university of Korea. SNU Business School was also the first business school in Korea to be certified by the Associate to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Spain
IE Business School
Situated in the heart of Madrid's financial district, IE Business School is ranked 1st in Spain and 5th in Europe (FT European Business School rankings 2015).
ESADE Business School
The school is located in Europe’s most international city and Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona. Like Cass, ESADE is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).
The Netherlands
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
RSM is consistently ranked in the top 10 business schools in Europe and has 'triple crown' accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). You will study all modules in English.
USA
McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
One of the largest business schools in the US, McCombs is ranked the 6th undergraduate business programme in the 2017 US News and World Reporting Ranking.
Emory University, Atlanta
Located near downtown Atlanta, Emory University Goizueta Business School's BBA programme is currently ranked No. 15 by both Bloomberg BusinessWeek and U.S. News & World Report.
Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Located in College Park, eight miles from The White House and downtown Washington, D.C. you will be studying at the Robert H. Smith School of Business whose undergraduate programme was ranked number 19 in the USA (2016 U.S. News & World Report).
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
The Ross School of Business has one of the top undergraduate business programmes in the USA, ranked #4 (US News & World Report, 2016). You will take modules from their Bachelor in Business Administration.
McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia
The McIntire School of Commerce is regarded as one of the best business schools in America. Their UG programme is #5 in the USA (Bloomberg Business Week, 2016). They are partnered with a select number of business schools around the world, with Cass being one of them.
Vietnam
RMIT Vietnam Campus
Living and studying at RMIT Saigon South campus in Ho Chi Minh City will give you great opportunities to get immersed into a dynamic, multicultural and intriguing city.
Placements
This is an option on the BSc Business Management, BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing or BSc International Business degrees, to which you can progress upon successful completion of the Foundation year.
Fees
UK students
* The fee for this course in 2021/22 is £7,000 for each year of study.
Career pathways
The Foundation Year is a one-year full-time programme that provides an entry route to the first year of either the BSc Business Management, BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing or BSc International Business degree. Graduates from the Business and Management degrees at Cass have been employed across a broad range of professions, with the courses also providing a firm grounding for students setting out as entrepreneurs. Moreover, through the completion of these courses, graduates acquire an appreciation for the range of functions and activities within an organisation and the interactions between them, which is particularly valuable if you are considering a consultancy role or an internal trouble-shooting role within a large organisation.
Find out the types of positions our graduates have gone on to work in here.