An introduction to business studies
On this page
This key introductory Level 1 course is the first in our degree in business studies and forms the core of the certificate in business studies. It explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, marketing, accounting and finance. Different internal and external elements of a business are introduced, and the context in which a business operates explained. You’ll explore the common aims and characteristics of business – investigating what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Business and Management and Law.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | B120 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
This course introduces you to the different internal and external elements of a business, helping you to understand the context in which a business operates. It explores common aims and characteristics of business and what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.
The course explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, marketing and accounting and finance. It consists of five study books:
- What is a business?
- An introduction to human resource management in business
- An introduction to accounting and finance in business
- An introduction to marketing in business
- Different ways of looking at business.
Together with learning resources accessed through the website, these bring together all the various functional elements in an analysis of a business case study.
You will learn
In addition to improving your employability and awareness of business issues, the course will also help you to develop the necessary skills for studying at more advanced university levels.
Entry
This is a key introductory Level 1 course. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to courses at Level 2.
It is for anyone with an interest in business. You do not require any work or management experience, previous educational qualifications or technical knowledge, but you will be expected to participate in some online work.
If you are new or a less confident learner, start with Understanding management (Y179). This is an Openings course, also at Level 1 but worth 15 credits. Designed with lots of support and no examination, it will give you a gentle introduction to this subject and to OU study. If you successfully complete this Openings course, you’ll be ready to study B120.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
This course is relevant to business students in both a UK and non-UK context.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The course is taught using course texts, which are supported by a website and online discussion forums. You will be expected to submit your assignments electronically. If you think you may have difficulty handling text material or operating a computer, please talk to our Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs. The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and musical notation and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. The printed study materials are available in the DAISY Digital Talking Book format. The books are available in a comb-bound format. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting your needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Five core course books and a Study Companion to guide you through the course; website; supplementary online resources; online forums.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to The Open University, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day-schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where tutorials are held depends on the distribution of students taking each course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May and October 2012. We then expect it to be available twice a year, in April and October.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Business and Management and Law.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | B120 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
I largely enjoyed this course especially the Accounting book which prompted me to do the Introduction to Bookkeeping (B190)- amazingly ...
Read more
I LOVED IT!!! I loved every bit of this course. My Tutor was so much help - he mailed back ...
Read more
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Your questions
We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.
Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
Browse the prospectus
Get a prospectus
Download or
order
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.