New Kingston University business course clears the way to success for aspiring project manager

Posted Friday 4 August 2017

The chance to gain valuable internship experience integrated in to a three-year degree played a critical role in Daniel Lynch's decision to enrol on Kingston Business School's new business management with business experience programme via Clearing last summer.

The 19 year old was prompted to apply to Kingston University after initial aspirations to study an architecture course changed during his final year of further education. "I studied a BTEC in construction and built environment at college and began to think about furthering my education at university," Daniel recalled. "After initially applying to study architecture, though, I realised that I was the sort of person who would prefer to manage activity so I looked around for something more project management-based. When I discovered that Kingston University had a business management course with the opportunity of an integrated industry placement, I knew that was the perfect choice for me."

Based in London and wishing to remain in the city, Daniel was also attracted to the University by its location – in particular its proximity to Richmond Park and local amenities in Kingston Town Centre. He also did some research online and saw that the Business School had achieved the prestigious AACSB accreditation – joining just five per cent of top institutions worldwide.

In 2016, Kingston University set up the BSc(Hons) Business Management with business experience course to offer six months of work experience in an organisation, study abroad in a partner institution, or start up a business – all within a standard three-year degree programme.

The degree allows students to gain practical experience and develop skills that employers value the most – something which Course Director Dr Amelie Gourdon-Kanhukamwe said was invaluable in today's competitive graduate job market. "Studying for a degree provides the necessary theoretical grounding but employers will always want to see evidence of practical skills and experience," she said. "We recognised this and wanted to create a structured programme that still allowed students to graduate in three years, but also incorporated an element of real-life experience and work skills that a degree alone does not necessarily provide."

Photo of Daniel Lynch Daniel Lynch is looking forward to his business placement next year.Having ascertained that Kingston University was his preferred destination, Daniel rang the University's Clearing hotline on the morning he received his exam results. He was pleasantly surprised by the straightforward experience. "Applying through Clearing was far easier than I could have imagined – I told them my results and qualifications over the phone and they were immediately able to transfer me to a tutor who told me more about the course," he said. "They were able to offer me a place on my desired programme of study straight away."

Almost a year later, Daniel has passed the first year of his course with flying colours and is embracing the opportunities that life at Kingston University presents – in particular the strategic management seminars held in the evening that have allowed him to hear from a network of professionals. "My course has more than surpassed my expectations," he said. "The lecturers are very supportive and engaging – they explain theoretical material in a real-life, practical context and have already provided me with an insight in to the careers available in project management."

Dr Gourdon-Kanhukamwe acknowledged Daniel's early success as an endorsement of the Clearing process and what the programme offered. "Daniel showed great maturity in taking the decision to apply through Clearing when he decided he wanted to take a different degree path," she said. "With such a long lead time between application and enrolment – not to mention a large focus on final examinations – it is natural for students to change their minds or develop a clearer picture of what it is they want to achieve during the final few months of school or college. Clearing exists as an option for those, like Daniel, who may have had a change of heart since the UCAS deadline and want to reconsider options on the table."

While Daniel knows that applying to university through Clearing can be an intimidating experience, he advised prospective students to stay calm and make sure they are prepared. "The most important thing is to ask all of the questions that you have," he said. "When I rang the Clearing hotline staff and tutors, they were able to shed light on any doubts I had and reaffirm that I was making the right decision to come and study here."

Find out about studying business at Kingston Business School via Clearing.
Kingston University's hotline number for Clearing, confirmation and adjustment is 0800 0483 334 for callers in the UK. Calls are free from a landline. Mobile charges may apply - please check with your provider. Students calling from overseas should dial +44 (0)20 8328 1149.
The lines will be open weekdays between 9am and 5pm (Fridays 9am and 4.30pm) from now until 29 September. The hotline will be closed on Bank Holiday 28 August.

Categories: On campus, Staff, Students