Are you unsure which University to pick to study Business? Fear no more. I’m Charlotte, a first year Business Management student at the University of Surrey and I can’t wait to share how much I’ve enjoyed my degree here.
First off, let me start off with some brilliant statistics. Did you know the University of Surrey was ranked 11th in the UK for business and economics in the Times Higher Education World Subject Rankings 2024? Did you also know, that in 2023, Surrey is in the top 75 in the world for business and administration in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects?
5 REASONS TO STUDY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AT SURREY
- Varied areas to specialise in:
At the end of your first year, you can choose between staying on the same course or switching to a pathway such as HRM, Marketing or Entrepreneurship to focus on your specific interests. This option is available due to the fact that all students on a Business stream will study the same mandatory modules during their first year.
- Practical and theoretical combined with case-based learning:
The syllabus for the course attempts to encourage students to put their knowledge into practice through assessments such as group video or poster projects, presentations and coursework. You will be taught academic theories that will help you understand the business world through a series of historical context and relevant research. Combining these two methods really aids you in understanding a particular area in more detail.
- Transferable skills:
Skills learnt on a Business degree are transferable to any career you pursue. This is because the course involves studying both theoretical and numerical modules. For example, during semester 1, I studied Economics, Financial Accounting, Operations and Fundamentals of Business Management – all of which have required me to use and further develop my critical thinking, verbal communication and quantitative skills. The best part of University is that you have different modules each semester, so you are constantly learning and developing key skills.
- Placements:
Placements take place between your 2nd and 3rd year of study, giving you the opportunity to work in industry – and be paid! This is such a wonderful opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience, put your knowledge and skills into practice and get a taste of corporate life. Not only could you secure a graduate role (full-time role after completing your degree) from the company if you work exceptionally well, but this experience may help you choose an informed career early on. Surrey has access to a great number of networks to ensure that you find a role and company culture that suits you which you can find more information about here.
SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS SCHOOL
- Personal tutor
You will have access to a personal tutor every year during University with whom you will have meetings but also the chance to contact them whenever you need help. They are usually professors working at the University who are powerful role models in terms of supporting your academic, personal and professional development throughout your time here at Surrey.
- Practice papers before exams and mock exams held to receive feedback
Prior to exam period, you will have access to past papers which is a smart way of preparing for your exams and putting your knowledge into practice. Making use of these papers has allowed me to focus on my learning gaps and fill them in, helping me to achieve my desired grades.
There are mock exams held for some modules that have multiple choice questions, allowing you to understand which areas you need to focus your revision on, and it gives you a good idea of what your exam format will look like. Feedback is also provided for coursework and group projects so that you can evaluate and improve it before submitting your final one.
- Additional maths workshops
There are extra workshops in place to support students in developing their quantitative skills. These are usually held for an hour where a professor will teach a group of students about a topic they have learnt during seminars. You will also have access to extra materials to support you in areas of maths that you are finding difficult.
- PAWS mentor
I received an email about the PAWS mentoring programme which has been very useful in my transition from A-Levels to University. I have been assigned a Mentor who achieved a 1st in at least two of their assignments and they support me with some of my assignments by advising me on how to write academically.
Although I am still discovering and immersing myself in every opportunity that my course offers, I hope that this blog gives you some insight into first year and that you will expect more at Surrey. If you have any further questions about the University, course or just want to have a chat, feel free to message me on Unibuddy.
