What are the views of business studies students?
Students studying business studies courses express mixed feelings about their programme. Some enjoy the practical aspects of the course, while others find it too theoretical. They appreciate engaging lecturers who provide timely feedback but often struggle with inadequate support from particular academics.
Course organisation is a concern, with many feeling that modules are not structured or aligned with assessment goals. This lack of clarity leads to confusion and frustration among students, particularly when managing their workload and preparing for exams.
Feedback on assessments is frequently cited as an issue, with delayed feedback being a significant problem. Students need more prompt guidance on their performance to improve for future assessments or the final exam.
Group work is another contentious aspect of business studies courses. While some students appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and develop teamwork skills, others express frustration with uneven group dynamics and concerns about unequal contributions from team members affecting individual grades.
The course's employability focus is also mixed. Some students feel that they are not gaining enough practical experience or developing the necessary skills for the workplace, while others value the theoretical foundations provided by the programme.
Mental health support services are seen as inadequate, with long wait times and lack of practical help being significant concerns. Students also report difficulty in accessing tutors or lecturers outside of formal class time, which can hinder their ability to seek guidance or discuss issues related to the course.
Finally, some students feel that certain aspects of the programme, such as emphasising examinations over continuous assessment, are not well-suited to their learning needs or career aspirations.