Business Management BA (Hons)

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BA: N124
    BA with Foundation: N125

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 years
    Foundation: 4 years
    Part Time: 4 - 6 years

  • Starting

    September, January

  • BCC at A Level
    DMM at BTEC

  • UK Fees 24/25

    Full Time: £9,250
    Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credit module)
    Foundation: £9,250

  • International Fees 24/25

    Full Time: £15,200
    Foundation: £15,200

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


The University of Northampton’s innovative BA (Hons) Business Management Degree, accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), takes a practical approach to exploring contemporary business practices, contexts and debates. You will engage with a broad range of business and management challenges and opportunities allowing you to develop in-depth knowledge alongside industry-relevant skills. The business management degree includes specialist modules that provide practical skills in areas such as strategy, marketing, leadership, risk management and sustainable business. Supported by expert academic staff, you will have access to local and multinational organisations, working on real-world projects to expand your experience and networks. With up to six pathway subjects to choose from, you will develop specialist skills ready for a graduate career or postgraduate study.

The course has September and January starts.

To apply for September, please see the Apply Now button. To apply for January, please see below.

January 2025

Accreditation: Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Heading: Ask a student One of our current Business Management students, Katy, is available on Unibuddy to answer any questions you may have about the programme and any other general questions about student life at UON. Chat to Katy now.

Updated 18/03/2024

Highlights


  • Subject pathways at stage two and three of the Business Management degree, allowing you to specialise in your area of interest.
  • Graduate with a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Diploma in Management and Leadership*, a respected professional qualification proven to boost earnings potential.
  • Free CMI membership during your studies and for a year after graduation, helping you to connect and network with employers and business professionals.
  • Optional Year in Industry provides you with valuable experience and contacts to help launch your career after graduating.
  • Join the Business Society, a student-run society through Northampton Students’ Union, to help organise events, trips and activities including our Annual Business Conference.
  • HP laptop and software included with this business management course for eligible students. Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply.

Course Content


  • The BA Business Management degree provides strong insight into business administration and the operational workings of different types of organisations to enable both strategic and practical skills development.

    BA Business Management has been designed to contribute towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG8 of Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG12 of Responsible Consumption and Production.

    The degree is based on developing your understanding of core business management principles, applied to authentic business contexts. Key themes have been woven into the course design, in consultation with employers and students, to maximise your learning, your employability and your course satisfaction. The key themes are:

    • Social impact and sustainability; how businesses can act responsibly to have a positive environmental and social impact
    • Strategy and agility; how businesses can plan for, and respond to, increasingly volatile and uncertain contexts
    • Employability and digital skills development; you are supported to develop your academic skills, digital capabilities, and become a confident, career-ready graduate
    • Creativity and innovation; you are supported to think and act in ways that challenge the status quo and to work with others to create new ways of doing things

    Core modules cover aspects of business administration including strategic management, the agile organisation and global trends presenting challenges and opportunities in business. Subjects provide students with creativity and innovation skills development, critical thinking and problem solving.

    Pathways

    Pathway options provide an insight into different business careers and help you to develop appropriate knowledge and skills to transition into professional work. If you choose a pathway, this will be named in your final degree award e.g. BA (Hons) Business Management (Marketing). We have six pathway options available:

    Economics
    • Year 2 modules: Resource Management and Decision Making (20 credits) and Economics Analysis (20 credits)
    • Final year modules: Games in Business and Politics (20 credits) and International Economic Policy Analysis (20 credits)
    Entrepreneurship
    • Year 2 modules: Issues in Small Business Entrepreneurship (20 credits) and Creativity and Feasibility (20 credits)
    • Final year modules: Entrepreneurial Strategy (20 credits) and Business Planning (20 credits)
    Finance
    • Year 2 modules: Financial Environment (20 credits) and Financial Statements and Systems (20 credits)
    • Final year modules: Financial Strategy (20 credits) and International Money and Finance (20 credits)
    Human Resource Management
    • Year 2 modules: Managing Human Resources (20 credits) and Value Creation in HRM (20 credits)
    • Final year modules: Strategic HRM (20 credits) and Sustainable and Ethical People Practices (20 credits)
    Law
    • Year 2 modules: Introduction to Business Law (20 credits) and Business Law in Context (20 credits)
    • Final year modules: Business Law in Practice (20 credits) and Dispute Resolution (20 credits)
    Marketing
    • Year 2 modules: Tactical and Strategic Marketing (20 credits) and E-Marketing (20 credits)
    • Final year modules: Global Marketing Consultancy (20 credits) and Consumerism and Sustainability (20 credits)
    List of modules
    Industry Trips and Experiences

    Throughout our business management degree, you will have multiple opportunities to engage in events, trips and experiences which will extend your business knowledge and networks. These may include:

    • Annual Business Conference – showcasing hot topics and key-note speakers
    • Face-to-face and virtual business trips e.g. factory tours, presentations and career talks
    • CMI events
    • Guest speakers from industry.
    Optional Placement Year

    You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study of the business management studies degree. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

    Recently, business management degree students have completed placements and work-based learning at RSM (Audit & Tax Consultants), ITAMeyes (Asset Management), Honda and KPMG.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

    • You will study core modules in year 1.

      • Module code: ACC1900
        Status: Compulsory
        This module introduces the main players and their roles and functions in the financial system. Learners explore the fundamental concepts in finance needed to understand the financial managers? decision making process and learn to use a range of analytical tools to interpret the financial data for making informed decisions.
      • Module code: BUS1900
        Status: Compulsory
        Learners will examine the frame of business conduct in an interconnected global context. Economic, legal and political interventions and structures, as well as social and ethical considerations, gives a multidimensional perspective of global business and trade.
      • Module code: BUS1901
        Status: Compulsory
        This module equips learners with knowledge and techniques facilitating the development of essential skills in the dynamic digital landscape for developing professionalism and effective performance.
      • Module code: BUS1902
        Status: Compulsory
        Learners are introduced to contemporary thinking about business and organisations, their forms, roles and purpose in a dynamic, changing world. Foundational ideas about leadership, innovation and change for business growth are explored alongside new ways of organising and the future of work.
      • Module code: MKT1900
        Status: Compulsory
        In this module, learners investigate the role of consumers, markets and marketing within a range of business settings. Developing an entrepreneurial mind set through creativity and opportunity spotting, learners consider their own agency and ethical position in problem solving and decision-making.
    • In year 2 you will either continue on the main Business Management course or take a pathway option where there is a mix of core modules and pathway modules.

      • Module code: BUS2022
        Status: Compulsory
        This module introduces learners to big data and business analytics, and their application to real-world challenges in international business. Learners identify valid, reliable tools and methods to collect, analyse and visualise data, and explore how that data is utilised and managed to support decision-making in a range of industries.
      • Module code: BUS2900
        Status: Compulsory
        This module considers two broad business and management dimensions: research and professional practice. Each is explored from both macro-level and individual perspectives. Learners identify and reflect on current trends in the research and practice of business management which informs the development of their own research skills and career plan.
      • Module code: BUS2901
        Status: Compulsory
        This module develops learners understanding of strategic agility and resilience to face the challenges posed by a constantly changing business environment. Learners will evaluate how organisations adapt and change, the role of agile organisational structures and designs, and the need for leaders to be agile.
      • Module code: BUS2902
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides learners with a solid foundation in the concept of sustainability and its role in contemporary business practice. Learners will develop knowledge of a range of sustainable business issues, recognising sustainable business opportunities and how companies can develop these to create competitive advantage.
      • Module code: BUS2903
        Status: Compulsory
        Learners explore five recognised global megatrends (urbanization, climate change and resource scarcity, shift in global economic power, demographic and social change, technological development). Learners will generate their own practical resolutions to identified business challenges at the level of the organisation through research and project development.
    • In year 3 you will either continue on the main Business Management course or continue your option where there is a mix of core modules and pathway modules.

      • Module code: BSO3900
        Status: Compulsory
        This module provides learners with a grounding in applied business continuity and risk management. Learners explore theory and practice at strategic and operational levels and discover the fundamentals of design and implementation of business continuity planning and risk management in a range of contexts.
      • Module code: BUS3027
        Status: Compulsory
        This module enables learners to understand and analyse the increasingly interconnected and interdependent nature of global business. Learners will evaluate how businesses operate across national and regional boundaries, and examine cross-border investment flows, strategies, policies and associated opportunities and challenges.
      • Module code: BUS3900
        Status: Compulsory
        This module empowers learners to apply current thinking about the future of business and work to their professional planning, equipping them to launch their graduate career. Learners gain insights through practice-based activities, employer events, authentic work-related experiences and study trip opportunities.
      • Module code: BUS4001
        Status: Designate
        The Module is a core element of some programmes in the faculty of Business and Law. It represents a significant final element of study where students can develop their own academic and intellectual interests. The module also allows students to develop their skills in research and independent work with the support of academic supervisors. It allows students to draw together different aspects of their study and will be required to select a topic to research, design, implement a study, report the findings and draw appropriate conclusions.
      • Module code: BUS4900
        Status: Designate
        This module provides an authentic, challenging experience for learners to develop project management and consultancy skills by working on a live business challenge to create credible, evidence-based solutions for a professional audience. Learners will plan, design and showcase their individual project pitch gaining valuable employability skills.
      • Module code: HRM3020
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to develop students knowledge of how social interventions are envisaged and developed to create sustainable and measurable impact. Students will explore how aspects of leadership are a central element in creating traction and momentum, for a social project, learning about the issues and complexities.

    Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS)

    The Business Management degree is part of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS). The ELCS is an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces to further or expand on their education. The scheme offers support financially in a maximum of three separate financial years for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at a Level three or above.

  • A typical offer for Business Management would be:

    • BCC at A Level or
    • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
    • Pass (C and above) at T Level.

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    We welcome international applications and applications from students with non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

    Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

    A typical offer for the Integrated Foundation Year would be:

    • DEE at A level or
    • MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
    • Pass (D or E) at T level.

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    For more information on how to make an application please visit our How to Apply pages for Home and EU, and International students.

    English Language Requirements

    All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study on the business management degree in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK Full Time: £9,250
    • UK Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credit module)
    • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
    • International Full Time: £15,200
    • International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

    For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study on the business management degree in the Academic Year 2023/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK Full Time: £9,250
    • UK Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credit module)
    • UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
    • International Full Time: £14,750
    • International Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
    Additional costs

    There are no additional costs for our business management course for students beginning their studies in September 2024. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  • This Business Management BA degree is accredited by, and work closely with, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which is the Charted Body for Management and Leadership. CMI work with business and education providers like ourselves to inspire people to become skilled, confident and successful managers and leaders.

    During your studies, you can enjoy free CMI membership which extends to one year after graduation. As a member, you have access to a wide range of CMI resources and events which can help you with your studies to connect with potential employers and business professionals. When you successfully complete the BA Business Management degree, you can graduate with a Diploma in Leadership and Management*, a respected professional qualification proven to boost earnings potential.

    *Subject to moderation of relevant assessments by CMI

  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join our full-time BA Business Management degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your business management degree, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  • The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in business management, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

    If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for the Business Management degree, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Business Management programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

    Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

    Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

  • How will I be taught on the Business Management degree?

    Our Business Management degree is taught through a combination of face to face sessions, self-study, and online learning comprises live sessions and interactive work units.

    How will I be assessed?

    We have worked hard on the programme development to ensure that assessments are authentic towards building relevant workplace skills. Assessments are predominantly coursework based and include tasks such as management reports, presentations, research based projects and applied tasks. All assessments are available at the start of the academic year and include clear guidance on grading criteria and expectations.

    What jobs can I go into from studying the Business Management degree?

    This is one of the true advantages of the BA (Hons) Business Management. The career options are broad which is an asset in the dynamic workplace today. We prepare students with transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied in many business functions and role types. The pathways offer specialist areas to give students a sense of specified fields that they may be interested in, and the core programme ensures that students who choose to leave their choices until later receive a strong foundation to apply in many areas. Typical graduates from our previous Business programme went on to roles such as product management, marketing executive, business analyst, strategic analysis, and account management. The pathway offering will help to strengthen graduate opportunities to secure their ideal role.

    Any specialist facilities/ features?

    We encourage our students to pursue their business interests and have students who set up their own micro businesses during their time with us. We also work closely with industry to provide opportunities for development, internships, guest speakers and mentoring. There are many extracurricular business-related activities that students can get involved with such as the Students Union Business Society, the Changemaker programme and our Enterprise club.

Staff


Sally Sun, Senior Lecturer in Strategy & International Business
Sally Sun

Senior Lecturer in Strategy & International Business


Faculty of Business and Law

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Theo Anderson, Senior Lecturer in Strategy & International Business
Theo Anderson

Senior Lecturer in Strategy & International Business


Faculty of Business and Law

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Careers and Employability


One of the advantages of the BA (Hons) Business Management degree is the broad range of career options suitable for graduates. We prepare you with transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied in many business functions and role types. The pathways offer specialist areas to give you a sense of specified fields that you may be interested in, and the core programme ensures that students who choose to leave their choices until later receive a strong foundation to apply in many areas. Typical graduates from our previous Business Management degree programmes went on to roles such as Product Manager, Marketing Executive, Business Analyst, and Account Manager. The pathway offering will help to strengthen graduate opportunities to secure their ideal role.

Master’s Opportunities

Our master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

BA Business Management graduates can progress to a wide range of master’s courses given the broad, transferable learning the programme offers. The following are just a few example:

Facilities


Learning Hub


The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

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Senate Building


The main reception for the University and additional teaching spaces.

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