BSMI International Year 1 in Business and Management

Course Overview  

This Level 4 course provides direct access to the 2nd year of an undergraduate degree in business-related major at one of our two progression universities: De Montfort University or Bournemouth University.  

This 36-week course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of key practices and principles in business administration. It provides students with relevant communication and presentation skills to enhance their performance in an academic career or a practical senior management role.  

To obtain the Extended Diploma in Business and Management, learners must achieve the four Mandatory Units PLUS four Optional Units. 

Mandatory Units: 

• The Business Environment 
• People in Organisations 
• Financial and Management Accounting Techniques for Managers 
• Communication Skills for Business 

Optional Units 

• Resource Management 
• The Marketing Mix 
• Corporate Social Responsibility 
• Managing a Work-Based Team Project 
• Entrepreneurship 
• Customer Relationship Management 
• Administrative Services 
• Managing Information and Knowledge 
• Managing Operations 
• Managing Quality 

Why choose this course?
– Equivalent to first year of a bachelor’s degree
– So you can progress directly into the second year of a degree course at one of our two progression universities
– It is a vocational course, meaning it focuses on real-world skills and industry-relevant knowledge
– Cost-effective alternative to university as fees are lower than university degree fees.
– Entry requirements are less strict than for university
– You can often enter with A-levels, a Level 3 qualification (like BTEC or NVQ), or relevant work experience
– You can progress from Level 4 to Level 5, then Level 6 (Bachelor’s Degree)
– Ideal fast-track pathway progression opportunity, i.e. Middle Eastern Sponsored students

Course duration
6 months

Assessment
The assessment of this Level 4 Extended Diploma in Business and Management qualifications is completed through the submission of internally assessed learner work. To achieve a pass for a unit, a learner must have successfully achieved the learning outcomes at the pass standard set by the assessment criteria for that unit. 

To achieve merit or distinction, the learner must demonstrate that they have achieved the criteria set for these grades. 

All international students joining our 6-month International Pathway Programme must hold the correct immigration permission before travelling to the UK. Depending on your nationality and study plans, you will need either an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) or a Short-Term Study Visa.

1. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

The ETA is required for students from eligible countries who wish to study in the UK for up to 6 months.

Key points:

• Valid for courses lasting up to 6 months, including our International Foundation Programme.
• The application is completed online and usually processed quickly.
• Students cannot work while in the UK on an ETA.
• You must leave the UK at the end of your studies.

2. Short-Term Study Visa (6 Months)

A 6-month Short-Term Study Visa is another option for students who are not eligible for the ETA or prefer a visa sticker in their passport.

Important requirement:
A Short-Term Study Visa can only be issued for pathway courses if the student is studying an English language course alongside their academic programme.

This means:

• You must be enrolled in both the International Pathway course and an English language componentdelivered as part of your programme.
• The combined programme must not exceed 6 months in total.
• Students cannot work, extend their stay, or switch into another visa category from inside the UK.

This visa is suitable for students who:

• Are aged 16 or above.
• Are taking an academic foundation programme that includes English language tuition.
• Want a clear visa vignette placed in their passport.

Summary of Visa Options