Overview
Who is it for?
Society needs future leaders who care. From charities and social enterprises, to multinational corporations, government departments and start up businesses. They all need leaders who pay attention to socio-economic and environmental issues. If you want to be a Change Maker, this course is for you.
Graduates of the Business Management with Social Purpose pathway will have the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to lead and manage projects, movements and organisations in the public, private or non-profit sectors.
Our expertise in business management and charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporate social responsibility, volunteering and social enterprise gives our graduates the knowledge, skills and necessary experience that is attractive to employers.
You’ll also benefit from our outstanding connections with industry professionals and employers. Many of our academics themselves are practitioners, therefore giving you multiple opportunities to meet and network with leaders from the charities sector and the business world. We are also the only business school in London to be assigned Champion status of the United Nation’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Objectives
By learning the fundamentals of business management and having an in-depth understanding of local and global socio-economic issues, you’ll be part of the next generation of change makers and leaders.
You’ll learn about strategy, human resources, operational management, finance and accounting, marketing, corporate reputation management, social entrepreneurship and enterprise, corporate social responsibility and investment, non-profit management and the management of culture, values and business ethics.
You’ll also apply the principles you learn to real-world scenarios. In your third year, for example, your final project involves working with major firms and enterprises to assess their engagement with social enterprise and corporate social responsibility. You also have a number of electives to choose from like our Mentoring & Coaching for Leadership module.
Cass Business School is ranked 3rd in London, 6th in the UK, 19th in Europe (Financial Times European Business School ranking 2019).
*Guardian University Guide 2020
Course Director
Senior Lecturer
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Structure
What will I learn?
- On the Business Management with Social Purpose Pathway you will:
- Gain an overview of the concepts, theories and techniques that contribute to an understanding of business management
- Learn a range of practical skills that you will be able to apply as a manager within a range of organisations
- Understand analytical and problem-solving techniques that you will be able to use in a management context
- Learn about a range of management functions and understand how these are interconnected within an organisation
- Appreciate the implications of future changes in the business landscape
- Prepare to work in an environment that could change in fundamental and unforeseeable ways
- Recognise the ethical issues surrounding business and be able to practise responsible management
- Understand the issues involved in structuring and leading non-profit organisations and NGOs and social enterprise and ‘for purpose’ companies
- Recognise the role of social business within the broader environment
Year 1
In Year 1 Students will take 8 Core modules with a credit value of 120 Credits.
Core modules:
Introduction to management
This provides an introduction to management and organisational behaviour concepts. You will study how management concepts have evolved over the years and discuss how they are relevant to your own future work as managers.
Business economics
This provides a grounding in Economics. You will learn about a range of concepts used by economists and will study how these are important to managers in business.
Critical Analysis for Business
This module provides a training in how to evaluate critically and thoughtfully the variety and volume of information that as managers you can expect to encounter. You will study a range of literature which is relevant to Business Management and you will be expected to develop sophisticated skills in how to assess and interpret this.
Quantitative methods and analytics
This covers a range of quantitative and statistical techniques. You will learn the fundamentals of business analytics, you will gain a thorough grounding in statistical techniques and how to apply them, and you will study the way that analytical techniques are changing businesses. This will extend to understanding the use of big data, the potential for data visualisation, and the application of databases.
Operations and supply chain management
This covers the operational techniques that make it possible for businesses to function. You will learn about the workings of supply chains and will also learn how to analyse effectively how the operational functions of a business can be optimised.
Finance and management accounting 1
This introduces you to concepts in both financial and management accounting. You will learn about the importance of accounts as a way to convey information about a business. You will study the principles behind accounting and how accounts can informa business decision making.
Fundamentals of marketing
This provides an introduction to marketing. Its particular emphasis is on Consumer Behaviour, on approaches to Marketing Strategy, and on the connection between these areas.
Management lab and business skills
This builds strong connections between management theory, management practice, and skills which you will need to use in your future career. You will explore how management theory can be applied to address the type of issues encountered in contemporary business and learn how to combine this with practical skills.
Year 2
In Year 2 Students will take 7 core modules and 1 elective module with a credit value of 120 credits.
Core modules:
Technology and innovation management
This will provide you with analytical tools which are necessary for managing in an environment where rapid technological change is a factor. You will learn about the challenges associated with technological innovation and will discuss the impact of these challenges on a variety of business sectors.
Introduction to entrepreneurship
This will give you an understanding of what is understood by entrepreneurship and how to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to business. You will learn about business planning and pitching an idea, and will also study different entrepreneurial styles and their impact.
Introduction to finance
This will offer a thorough grounding in finance concepts. You will understand how to interpret financial information and commentaries, and be able to consider how to take account of finance in decisions which you may need to make. You will also have a sound basis for any further finance modules which you may take within your course.
Human resources management
This will provide an introduction to a number of different practices that make up the HRM function in an organisation. You will understand the impact of these practices and will learn about the importance of HRM within an organisation as a whole.
Business strategy analysis
This provides an introduction to business strategy and an opportunity to reflect on why it is important and how it should be put into practice. You will learn about a number of different perspectives on strategy and a number of tools which you can apply to perform strategic analysis on a business.Elective modules
Managing for Social Purpose
This module will provide a systematic understanding of the key theories and concepts of leading and managing within a social purpose organisation, the policy context in which such organisations operate, and the skills and knowledge relevant to working in this field.
Campaigning for Social Change
This module will provide a systematic coverage of the key theories and concepts underpinning campaigning undertaken by social purpose organisations and other relevant campaign initiators and participants.
Elective modules
Econometrics
Financial & Management Accounting 2
International Business Environment
International Marketing
Asset Management
Economics for Business 2
Financial Markets
Intellectual Property Management
Introduction to Business Law
Management of the Public Sector
Management Science
Marketing Strategy
International Management
Micro-Placements
Year 3
In year 3 students will take a total of 3 core modules and 4 elective modules with a credit value of 120 credits.
Core modules:
Final-year project or corporate responsibility project
You will carry out a major piece of independent work where you can apply what you have learned in the course to a business management issue which interests you. You should choose a subject which is relevant to the stream that you are taking. You can apply for the corporate responsibility option where you will work on your project alongside the Corporate Social Responsibility department within an organisation.
Research methods and data analysis
This will provide you with an understanding of a set of research methods which will help you in carrying out independent work within your degree, and will also be of use within your future career. You will learn how to set up research projects, how to interpret and analyse data, and how to bring this together and draw worthwhile conclusions.
Business in society
This will give you an appreciation of the role of business within society as a whole. You will learn about broader ethical issues and the connections between businesses and a wide range of stakeholders. You will also discuss the purpose of businesses and how they relate to external factors. You will study the demands, expectations, and potential conflicts that result from these factors.
Social Enterprise
You will learn about the different legal and fiscal frameworks for social enterprise, the economic and policy context impacting its development, and the challenges, opportunities and risks faced by organisations in this field.
Mentoring and Coaching for Leadership
The module is based around practical activities in parallel with conceptual development so that students will build a framework for understanding mentoring and coaching processes, while at the same time gaining experience and relating this to the practical issues.
Elective Modules
International Business Strategy
Advanced Management Practice
Bank Strategy & Management
Behavioural Decision Making
Change Management
Climate Change and its impact on the World Economy
Corporate Governance
Corporate Strategy
Creativity and Innovation
Design Thinking for the Digital Age
Digital & Social Media Marketing
Emerging Markets
Financial Services Regulation
International HR Management
Mergers & Acquisitions
New Product Development
Strategy 2
Technical Analysis
Virtual Organisations
Strategic Supply Chain Design
Ethical Decision-Making in Business
Micro-Placements
Assessment methods
Most modules on the Business Management degree are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework.
The balance of assessment by coursework (assessed essays and assignments) unseen examinations and a final year project will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose.
The first year of your programme contributes 10% to your final degree classification, the second year 30% and the final year 60%.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:
Year 1
55% written, 45% coursework
Year 2
70% written, 30% coursework
Year 3
53% written, 47% coursework.
Overall workload
Most contact hours will take the form of lectures, interactive sessions, practical workshops and small group classes, supported by a personal tutorial system. The number will decrease as you progress and you become more able to direct your own learning.
Approximate study time based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:
Year 1
20% scheduled learning, 80% independent learning
Year 2
18% scheduled learning, 82% independent learning
Year 3
11% scheduled learning, 89% 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.
UCAS Institution code: C60 (Cass Business School and City, University of London)
UCAS Course code: N132 / N123 with professional placement.
You can find more information at UCAS and in the UCAS Handbook.
Find out 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
A-Level: AAA
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 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 and grade 7 (A) 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 A)
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (grade D) with two A-levels (grades AA)
For combination BTEC/OCR/A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English and grade 7 (A) in GCSE Maths.
IB: 35 points overall (can include up to three bonus points) with 5 minimum in each subject. Please note that for applicants studying the new Maths curriculum we are happy to accept both Maths Analysis & Approaches and Maths Applications & Interpretation.
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 and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
Foundation course for UK/EU students
If you do not meet the qualification criteria for this course, you may still meet the criteria for our Business Management Foundation course. The Foundation course is a one-year full-time programme that provides an entry route to any of the following business-related courses: BSc Business Management, BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BSc Business with Finance, BSc Business with Marketing and BSc International Business.
International students
We accept a wide range of international and other UK qualifications at Cass.
If you do not qualify for direct entry, there are several partners that offer preparatory international foundation courses for students seeking entry to undergraduate degrees. These include:
INTO City, University of London
Don’t meet the entry requirements? INTO City, University of London offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare you for study at City, University of London. You’ll learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry. To prepare for this degree course, learn more about the International Foundation in Business and Economics with Accounting.
Kaplan International College (KIC) London
Additionally, City works in partnership with KIC London to provide a range of preparatory courses for international students. KIC London courses offer comprehensive support to students - including regular one-to-one tuition. Students who successfully complete the KIC London Foundation course at the required level are guaranteed progression to City, University of London degree courses.
English language requirements
Information for international applicants
For international applicants requiring a Tier 4 student visa we accept any of the below English language proficiency qualifications at the grades listed:
- 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
- TOEFL (Test centre or iBT Special Home Edition): 92 overall (24 Writing, 23 Reading, 22 Speaking, 21 Listening)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 59 overall with minimum of 59 in each sub test
- IGCSE: English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500 & 0522) or English as Second Language (Syllabus 0510 & 0511) at Grade B or above
- International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 at Higher or Standard level
- Trinity College (Integrated Skills): ISE III – pass in each area
- INTO City Pre-sessional English: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test (NB. Must be the 6 or 8 week Cass-specific course)
- 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
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): English Language Examination grade 4 or above
An exception to the above criteria applies to Tier 4 applicants from the below majority English-speaking countries for whom we can accept a wider range of English qualifications:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.
Information for home and EU applicants
In addition to the above English language proficiency qualifications accepted for International applicants, as a Home or EU applicant we can also accept any of the below English qualifications:
- GCSE: Grade C or 5
- O-Level: Grade C
- A-Level: Grade C
- Cambridge English First (also known as Certificate of First in English): Grade A (180-190) at CEFR Level C1
Study abroad
Cass Business School gives you the opportunity to spend a term or a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions, which are located around the world in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
*Please note that the partner universities available is dependent on the study abroad programme you apply for and on your degree. The list of partner universities is also subject to change.
Replacement Term Abroad
Spend the first term of your 2nd year studying abroad in English at one of our partner universities. You would take modules to the value of 60 credits abroad and return to Cass in the 2nd term to complete your 2nd year.
*Please note that the partner universities available abroad for the replacement term abroad programme vary from degree to degree and are more limited than for the sandwich year abroad programme. If you would like to check the current available partners for your desired degree, please email cass-ug-outgoing@city.ac.uk.
Sandwich year
You can spend a year of your degree course studying at one of our partner institutions, between your second and final year of study. This would add a year to your degree so you would complete your degree in four years.
Above is a full list of our partner universities. The options available to you from the full list of partner institutions will depend on the study abroad programme you select. For more detailed information on this, please contact the Student Exchange Team.
Student Exchange Team
Our dedicated Student Exchange Team are available to offer advice to students who wish to explore their study abroad options. They will also support students throughout the application process and during their study abroad year or term. To contact them, email: cass-ug-outgoing@city.ac.uk.
Placements
Work Placements and Summer Internships at Cass
The practical experience of a professional placement, (typically 9-12 months duration) in addition to strong academic achievement, gives graduates a distinctive edge in the job market. Find out more about Internships and Placements at Cass.
A key part of a Cass degree is the opportunity to gain professional work experience. BSc Business Management with Social Purpose students are eligible to undertake a one-year paid work placement during the third year of a four-year sandwich degree programme.
The experience of working for a leading institution is not only exciting, but can be invaluable in terms of your future career. It will enable you to increase your confidence and maturity, expand your network of contacts, earn a competitive salary, and acquire the skills and competencies sought by graduate employers, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate market.
BSc Business Management with Social Purpose students could enjoy a wide range of professional placement opportunities in business areas such as corporate social responsibility, finance, marketing and human resource management.
Students enjoy a wide range of placement opportunities in business areas such as project management, finance, marketing and human resource management. Cass students have taken up placements roles within many leading corporate organisations including BA, Bosch, Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, GSK, IBM, L’Oreal and many others. A number of placement students have gone onto secure graduate roles with these companies as well.
Recent Placements
- EY
- Goldman Sachs
- IBM
- L'Oréal
- GSK
- Morgan Stanley
- UBS
- Unicef UK
- Warner Bros
Work placements are not guaranteed, however, our reputation, achievements and successful graduates have helped us to develop close relationships with a diverse range of companies, who recognise that Cass students can add significant value to their workforce. Our dedicated Placement team are in regular contact with these and many more companies, and will support you to find placements and ensure you are work ready.
Support from the Placements Team
A dedicated placements team will support you through the placements process. The team advertise a number of work placement and summer internships annually, and invite businesses to Cass to meet with you and discuss the roles available. The team offers 1-2-1 advice on CV's and covering letters, as well as organising workshops to help you enhance your skills and competencies with applications and interviews. Also the team support students throughout your placement year including offering advice, guidance and monitoring your progress.
Fees
UK students
* The fee for this course in 2021/22 is £9,250 for each year of study.
EU students
* The fee for this course in 2021/22 is TBC.
Non-EU international students
** In 2021/22 the fee is £19,500 for the first year of study. The institution reserves the right to increase your tuition fees annually to take account of the institution's increased costs of delivering educational services. The increase will normally be 2% but this is kept under review with reference to the RPI. If the institution intends to increase your tuition fees you will be advised of this alongside the published entry fee.
Funding
- There are a variety of funding options for all levels of study, including loans, grants and scholarships. Find out more about funding and financing your time at City here.
- Each year, Cass Business School, City, University of London and generous donors create opportunities for students to fully fund or part fund their studies. Find out more about scholarships and loans
- Fee waivers may be available for this course
- Means tested support may be available for 2020/21 entry. Find out more about undergraduate funding.
Course information and statistics
