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BSc Business

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BSc Business

Is this programme for me?

This degree is for you if you:

  • are currently working as a manager and would like to develop your professional skills and knowledge
  • are already working within a business and wish to progress to management level
  • wish to gain an understanding of the different functional areas of business
  • have not yet decided which profession to pursue and are interested in the business sector, the management profession or in starting your own business.
Key dates  
Application deadline 1 October in the year before you intend to sit your exams
Registration deadline 30 November
Despatch of study materials Shortly after your registration form is received
Examinations take place May/June

Programme structure

The degree consists of 12 courses when taken through the Standard Route and 9 courses through the Graduate Entry Route.

Prestige and career progression

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) provides academic direction for this programme. LSE is regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. This degree will prepare you for a career in areas of management consultancy, banking, accountancy and general management.

Flexible study at a reasonable cost

You have between 3-8 years to complete the programme (or a minimum of 2 years on the Graduate Entry Route). The total fee payable to the University is £3,678 for the Standard Route. The Graduate Entry Route costs £2,781. Please note that these figures do not reflect any annual fee increase and assume completion in the minimum study period permitted.

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Structure and syllabus

Standard Route

    Standard Route - 100 courses

  1. Introduction to economics
  2. Statistics 1 (half course) and
    Mathematics 1 (half course)
  3. Principles of sociology
  4. Principles of accounting
  5. Introduction to business and management

    6. Standard Route - 200 and 300 courses

  6. Principles of marketing
  7. One 300 course from Selection group M
  8. One 300 course from Selection group M
  9. One 300 course from Selection group M
  10. One course from Selection group M
  11. One 200 or 300 course (or two half courses) from any Selection group
  12. One 200 or 300 course (or two half courses) from any Selection group
Graduate Entry Route

    Graduate Entry Route - 100 courses

  1. Introduction to economics
  2. Statistics 1 (half course) and
    Mathematics 1 (half course)
  3. Principles of accounting
  4. Introduction to business and management

    5. Graduate Entry Route - 200 and 300 courses

  5. Principles of marketing
  6. One 300 course from Selection group M
  7. One 300 course from Selection group M
  8. One course from Selection group M
  9. One course from Selection groups A, B, E or M

Notes:

  • The structure shown above is subject to confirmation in the 2012-2013 Regulations. The Regulations also contain full details on the rules that govern the choice of any course, including prerequisites (courses which you must have already passed). Students already registered on the programme should consult the current Regulations section of our website.
  • To be eligible for the award of a degree, you must attempt all 12 courses and pass a minimum of 10 (although this would result in a drop in the class band of the degree award). On the Graduate Entry Route, you must successfully pass all 9 courses to be eligible for the award of degree.
  • In your first year of study you must demonstrate the capacity to succeed at Level 4 (100) courses before advancing to Level 5 (200) or Level 6 (300) courses, unless you have received accreditation of prior learning.
  • Course Information Sheets are updated annually and students should ensure they are reading the correct information sheet for their year of study. Course Information Sheets for 2012-13 will be available from Summer 2012.
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How you study

Our programmes offer you an alternative way of obtaining a prestigious qualification at a reasonable cost. You can choose to study independently, either on your own or as part of a small group. Many students choose to pay for additional educational support at a local institution , where one is available, and benefit from face-to-face academic support and interaction with fellow students. 

You receive specially written online study materials

Developed by academics appointed by LSE, your specially written study materials guide you through textbooks, which will be the real focus of your studies. The cost of your study pack is included in your initial and continuing registration fees. Study materials include:

  • A Student handbook containing practical information and advice (e.g. how to enter for exams).
  • Strategies for success which provides help with study techniques.
  • A Subject guide for each course, designed to guide you through the syllabus and offer advice on how to use textbooks in an organised and productive manner.
  • Past exam papers and Examiners' commentaries which are updated annually and available to download. These provide an insight into how questions should have been tackled and outline common mistakes made by students in the past.

Online support

Once you register, we send you a University of London username and password enabling you to log in to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and two other key online resources:

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which provides electronic copies of all printed study materials. This is also an open space for students to discuss interests and experience, and also to seek support from their peers while working collaboratively to solve problems and discuss subject material. Online support materials are continuously being developed and for some courses audio-visual tutorials, recorded lectures, academic interviews and debates are available, along with self-testing activities and expert study skills advice.

The Online Library

The Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.

Optional courses held at LSE in London

LSE Study weekend held annually in February. This consists of short courses designed to help you with exam preparation and technique. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your studies with subject specialists.

LSE Summer School held annually, usually from early July to mid-August. This offers a range of stimulating and challenging courses, allowing you to undertake a period of intensive study in areas of interest.

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Fees

Academic year2012-2013
Application handling fee (non-refundable)£ 70
Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per course)£ 70
Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per half course)£ 35
Initial registration fee (BSc degree)£ 650
Initial registration fee (Diploma for Graduates)£ 495
Initial registration fee (Access route)£ 325
Continuing registration fee£ 315
Examination fee per course£ 194
Examination fee per half course£ 97
Access transfer fee£ 640
Additional registration fee for law courses (per course)£ 42
ConvertGBP x 1

Dates for 2012-2013 academic session

  • The application handling fee is valid until the application closing date, 1 October 2012.
  • The registration fee is valid until the registration closing date, 30 November 2012.
  • The continuing registration fee is valid and payable between 1 August 2012 and 30 November 2012.
  • The examination fees apply to students entering the 2013 examinations and are payable between 30 November 2012 and the examination entry deadline date, 1 February 2013.

The University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary. Fees are subject to annual review. All fees must be paid in pounds sterling, which may be paid either by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Electron or JCB) or by banker's draft, cheque or UK postal order, made payable to 'The University of London' and crossed 'a/c payee'.

Other costs

Besides the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:

  • textbooks (this may well be in the region of £300 per year)
  • tuition costs (if studying at a teaching institution)
  • LSE Study weekend and Summer School (optional)
  • an additional fee payable to your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
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Assessment

When you decide you are ready, you enter for unseen written examinations. These are set and marked by our academics to ensure your work is assessed to the same standard as College-based students at LSE. Examinations are held once a year, in May/June, at local centres in over 190 countries as well as in London. You will be charged a fee by your local examination centre (this fee will vary).

For most courses you sit a three-hour paper (or a two-hour paper for each half course). For the following courses a project/coursework also counts towards the assessment:

  • IS1060 Introduction to information systems
  • IS3139 Software engineering: theory and application
  • GY3157 Independent geographical study
  • IS3159 Research project in information systems.
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Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the Standard Route of this BSc degree you must:

  • normally be at least 17 years old and either have passes in:
  • two subjects at GCE A level, plus at least three further subjects at GCSE/GCE O level at Grade C or above or
  • three subjects at GCE A level (with one A level at not less than Grade D) or
  • three subjects at GCE A level and one further subject at GCSE/GCE O level at Grade C or above or
  • two subjects at GCE A level, plus two further subjects at GCE AS level and
  • demonstrate competence in Mathematics at least equivalent to GCSE/GCE O level at Grade C or above and
  • provide proof of competence in English which is acceptable to the University. A test of proficiency may be required and
  • have regular access to the internet. 

We consider applications from students who do not meet the normal minimum age requirement on an individual basis. There are many other entrance qualifications [PDF: 9pgs, 160KB], both from the UK and overseas, that we accept as satisfying our entrance requirements.

 Graduate Entry Route

In addition to the above, you must hold a full first degree completed in a minimum of three years on a full-time basis (or equivalent). The degree must be from a university or other institution which is acceptable to the University of London. If you hold a professional and/or postgraduate qualification without a full first degree you cannot be considered for this Route.

 

What if I don't meet the entrance requirements?

If you think that you may not have the necessary academic qualifications for direct entry into a degree programme, we offer the following:

Access route

The Access route has been designed to provide you with an entry route to the degrees in the fields of Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences if you do not meet our entrance requirements and are unable to study at an institution.

You must take two individual courses and pass both in order to successfully complete the Access route. The minimum period of registration for the Access route is one year, the maximum is three years, and you will examined to the same standard as the foundation courses of the degrees. If you are applying for the Access route with the intention of proceeding to one of the degree programmes listed above, you should choose your courses with care. Ensure that the foundation courses you take on the Access route, are part of the degree structure that interests you. This will ensure that you will receive credit for the courses that you pass on the Access route.

Diploma in Economics/Social Sciences

The Diploma in Economics and Diploma in Social Sciences are qualifications in their own right that must be studied at a recognised Diploma-teaching institution.

These qualifications are for you if:

  • you have the ability, motivation and maturity to study at degree level, but do not have the qualifications usually required to enter a degree programme.
  • you have the necessary qualifications to embark on a degree, but would prefer a course with more teaching support.
  • you intend to take a degree programme, but would like to gain a recognised qualification after one year.
  • See Additonal educational support [pdf 4pgs 80KB] for the full list of institutions that teach the Diploma in Economics/Social Sciences.

An entry route to degree study

If you do not have traditional 'A' levels or their equivalent, the Diploma in Economics and Diploma in Social Sciences provide an entry route to all of the degrees in the fields of Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences listed above. If you intend to go on to a degree programme listed, choose your courses carefully and make sure that the courses you choose are available on the degree that interests you. This will ensure that you receive credit for the courses you have passed. You can transfer to one of the degrees listed above after passing two full courses (provided one is a quantitative subject) of the Diploma in Economics or Diploma in Social Sciences.

Accreditation of prior learning

If you have already covered a similar syllabus you may be able to apply for 'Accreditation of prior learning' (APL) . You must satisfy us that you have passed exams that equate in level, content and standard. If you are awarded APL it  If awardIf If iiiiiimeans you will not be required to take a particular course as part of your degree. You may claim APL from up to four full 100 courses on the Standard Route of the degree. For further information please see the Accreditation of prior learning section of our website.

Language Requirements

For awards at FHEQ levels 4, 5 or 6, applicants must provide satisfactory evidence showing that they have:

  1. Passed acceptable examinations equivalent to GCSE/GCE ‘O’ level English Language at grade C or above; or
  2. Demonstrated fluency in academic English gained through either:
  1. Five years secondary schooling taught solely in English and/or passed GCE A levels or IB in essay based subjects; or
  2. Passed an International Foundation programme for UK HEI entry with a unit in English for Academic purposes (EAP) or its equivalent; or
  3. A first degree or Associate degree taught and examined in English; or
  4. Have passed a Diploma awarded by any of the polytechnics in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong.  For undergraduate admittance have within the previous three years passed a test of proficiency in English at the following minimum level: IELTS with an overall grade of at least 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub test, TOEFL with a score of 580, 237 on the computerised test plus a Test of Written English (TWE) of at least 4.5 or a test of proficiency in English language from the prescribed list published by the University.

Where an applicant does not meet the prescribed English language proficiency requirements but believes that they can demonstrate the requisite proficiency for admission the University may, at its discretion, consider the application.

Note: Some programmes will require greater proficiency in English language; these requirements will be reflected in the relevant programme regulations.

Computer Requirements

Online access and general computer requirements
As one of our students you need to have regular access to a computer and the internet; this may be for accessing the Student Portal, downloading course materials from the Virtual Learning Environment, and accessing resources from the Online Library. You will also need to have access to appropriate software, for example, a PDF reader and suitable hardware capacity on your computer, e.g. for document storage. Additional requirements include that you have JavaScript and cookies enabled to access particular online systems, for example, the Student Portal.

Supported Browsers include:
Internet Explorer 7+
Firefox 5+
Chrome 13+

Screen resolution (recommended)
1024 x 768 or greater

Certain programmes may have their own specific requirements, please refer to the relevant Regulations.

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LSE academic leadership

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the Colleges of the University of London and a world-leading social science institution. Academics from LSE provide the academic direction for this programme.

Since its foundation in 1895, LSE has been regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Its teaching and research is recognised worldwide as a benchmark of quality.

The School’s academic profile spans the broad range of social sciences – disciplines that reflect how we interact with one another and with society. LSE is an institution renowned for focusing on ‘real world’ issues. Current areas of research and expertise include globalisation, human rights, risk and business management, new communications technologies, urban and regional policies, and new forms of governance.

LSE alumni and former staff include 16 Nobel prize winners and 34 past or present heads of state. LSE academics come from all over the world and from many social, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They are in constant demand as commentators and analysts in the media, act as advisors to governments, and are seconded to national and international organisations.

Academic leaders

Dr Keith Sharp: Programme director

Keith has 20 years experience of working in British universities, including Coventry University, De Montfort University and the University of Gloucestershire, where he was dean of faculty and associate pro-vice-chancellor. In 2009-10 he spent a year as head of the UK HE International Unit based at Universities UK.

Keith is very familiar with the area of international partnerships and transnational education. Partnerships and internationalisation formed part of his remit at De Montfort and Gloucestershire. In his position as head of the UK Higher Education International Unit, he was regularly consulted by universities for advice on their international strategies, including international marketing. More recently, he has been acting as a consultant to a number of public and private sector HE institutions on various aspects of their international marketing and recruitment strategies.

Keith took his undergraduate degree at LSE between 1984-87 and graduated with a first in sociology, as well as being awarded the Hobhouse Memorial Prize. Further details of the University of London International Programmes at LSE team can be found on the Who's who page on the LSE website.

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Anam Zeb talks about her experinces studying BSc Business in Pakistan and how, after she completes her masters in the UK, she intends to return to her village in Pakistan to help its regeneration and development.