Course overview
Organisations of every size need people who can see the bigger picture, run day-to-day operations and bring out the best in others. This course develops those abilities step by step, from understanding the business environment and marketing in your first year to strategy, change and international business in your final year.
Along the way you'll use practical business tools such as SWOT analysis and key performance indicators, work with others on real-world problems, and finish with your own business management and leadership project.
Course highlights
- HNC after Year 1, HND after Year 2, BA (Hons) after Year 3
- Five start dates a year, so you don't have to wait until September
- Develop strategic thinking and team leadership skills
- Learn to use data and business tools for decision-making
- Optional placement year in the UK or abroad
- Assessed through coursework, projects and presentations
What you'll study
The course is built in three stages. You gain a recognised qualification at the end of each year, so your progress always counts.
- HNCafter Year 1
- HNDafter Year 2
- BA (Hons)after Year 3
Y1Year 1: Business foundationsHNCLevel 4
You'll learn how businesses operate, how they reach customers, and how managers communicate and lead.
- The Business EnvironmentThe economic, legal, social and technological forces that shape organisations.30 credits · Compulsory
- Principles of Sales MarketingHow businesses understand customers and sell products and services.30 credits · Compulsory
- Communication and Collaborative WorkingCommunicating professionally and working effectively in teams.30 credits · Compulsory
- Management and Leadership PerspectivesKey ideas about how organisations are managed and led.30 credits · Compulsory
Y2Year 2: Managing resources and enterpriseHNDLevel 5
You'll manage money, people and projects, and explore how new ventures and ideas are created.
- Economic and Financial ManagementUsing economic and financial information to run a business.30 credits · Compulsory
- Entrepreneurship, Enterprise and InnovationSpotting opportunities and turning ideas into ventures.30 credits · Compulsory
- Project ManagementPlanning, running and delivering projects successfully.30 credits · Compulsory
- Resource ManagementMaking the best use of people, time, money and materials.30 credits · Compulsory
Y3Final year: Strategy and leadershipLevel 6
You'll take a strategic, global view of business and complete your own major project.
- Strategy and Change ManagementSetting direction and leading organisations through change.30 credits · Compulsory
- International Business and GlobalisationHow businesses compete in a global economy.30 credits · Compulsory
- Contemporary Issues in Business Management and LeadershipCurrent challenges facing managers and leaders.30 credits · Compulsory
- Business Management and Leadership ProjectAn independent project on a business topic of your choice.30 credits · Compulsory
+1Optional placement year0 credits
Between Year 2 and your final year you can choose to spend a year (usually at least 26 weeks) on a work placement or studying abroad. This makes the course four years long. A placement year fee applies; ask our admissions team for details.
- UK Work PlacementGain paid or unpaid experience with an employer in the UK.Optional
- International Study / Work PlacementSpend time studying or working abroad.Optional
Each year is worth 120 credits. Modules may be updated as the course is reviewed.
How you'll learn
Your study time combines teaching sessions, guided study and independent study. Teaching hours usually reduce as you progress and take more responsibility for your own learning.
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- Group projects and presentations
- Blended learning, with some sessions and activities online
- Extra one-to-one sessions with tutors and progress coaches
How you'll be assessed
- Coursework and written reports
- Case studies and critical analysis
- Group projects and presentations
- Academic posters, infographics and vlogs
- Literature reviews and an independent final-year project
Entry requirements
| BA (Hons) degree | 104 UCAS points · T Level Merit |
|---|---|
| HND | 80 UCAS points · T Level Pass (C or above on the Core) |
| HNC | 64 UCAS points · T Level Pass (C or above on the Core) |
| All routes | GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C, or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent, plus at least two A levels or a BTEC equivalent |
| English language | IELTS 6.0 overall, or a pre-sessional English course |
| No formal qualifications? | Speak to our admissions team about foundation routes and your options. |
Fees and funding
| UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man | £9,790 per year |
|---|---|
| International | £15,500 per year |
| EU students | Contact our admissions team for your fee |
Fees are for full-time study, entry in 2026/27 and 2027/28. Part-time study is not available. Eligible UK students can apply to Student Finance England for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan.
Additional costs
- Optional overseas field trips (from around £500 per trip)
- Costs of finding, attending or completing a placement
- Living costs, books, stationery and printing
Careers and opportunities
Graduates can work in management, operations, marketing and business development roles across multinational companies, professional services, retail, the public sector, charities and start-ups. Some roles may need further training or professional qualifications.
Further study
You could go on to a master's degree such as an MBA or MSc in management, or a professional qualification in areas like project management, HR or marketing.