Business, Law and Social Studies Foundation
Academic structure
Core modules
Foundation English skills 1
Develop your ability to read academic texts, write extended texts, write subjective notes, listen effectively and participate in classroom discourse.
Foundation English skills 2
Improve the abilities developed in part 1 with greater accuracy, speed, coherence, organisation and presentation.
Study skills in the British environment
Learn to use your study time more effectively, improve your use of, and range of, information sources and develop your research skills in preparation for producing an extended, referenced, academic essay.
Project study
Complete a self-study project on a topic that you will take in consultation with your tutor, from the academic discipline that you will subsequently study at degree level. This will also include computer (word processing) skills.
Core mathematics
This module contains both algebra and statistics. Develop your knowledge and understanding of mathematical terms and techniques and apply these to solving problems, frequently drawn from practical and real-life situations.
Route modules
Principles of Economics 1
Understand economic systems, types of goods, allocation of resources, elasticity, price controls, types of markets, cost and revenue, economies of scale and market failure.
Principles of Economics 2
Learn about aggregate demand and aggregate supply, economic policies, inflation, unemployment, international trade and development economics.
Business Law
An introduction to the English Legal System, business organisations, contract law and consumer protection.
You choose one of the two following modules:
Introduction to Financial Accountancy
Learn about double entry book- keeping, preparation of trial balances, profit and loss statements, depreciation, limited companies, manufacturing accounts and interpretation of accounts.
OR
English legal system
Learn about the concepts of law, the relationship between law, justice and morality, the sources of law, including British and European Union (EU) legislation and the doctrine of precedent; the Civil and Criminal Courts and the role of the Judiciary.
You choose one of the two following modules:
Introduction to Business Studies
Develop your understanding of the operational and strategic problems facing business people in the modern market economy. The module will focus on a wide range of issues, such as management, human resource practice, marketing and ethical aspects.
OR
British Political System
An introduction to the British political system, the basic principles of the British constitution, civil liberties and their relation to the judicial system; how parliament works, including the electoral system, political parties and the legislative process; the composition and functions of the government, the civil service and Britain’s relationship to the EU.
This foundation route leads to degrees in:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Management
- Economics
- E-business Technology and Management
- Human Resource Management
- Law
- Marketing
- Politics
Full list of degree options.

