BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year

Course Overview

Do you want to gain the skills to excel across the business management and computing sectors, but aren’t sure if you’re ready for university study? Then Arden CMI accredited BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year might be just the degree you’re looking for.

The course will equip you with everything you need to succeed in higher education, even if you don’t have the academic confidence or qualifications to join a standard undergraduate course. It will then go on to instil fundamental business skills alongside the latest trends in business computing and IT, helping you gain valuable workplace skills across both disciplines.

This course has been designed in close consultation with some of today’s biggest players, such as Google, Coca Cola, and Oracle, ensuring the skills you gain are both in-demand and highly relevant to today’s workplace. You’ll acquire an in-depth understanding of how to successfully run a business, alongside how computing contributes towards this. Not only that, but you’ll be taught all of this by industry experts who will provide you with real insight into the sector.

Through Arden business simulation software, SimVenture, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning to practise in a safe environment, allowing you to experience first-hand how to run a business and overcome the challenges you might face along the way. You’ll also have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator, which provides a host of resources aimed at nurturing your business acumen, such as training, coaching, and workshops led by industry experts.

Entry requirements

At Arden University applications are consider on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – Arden team is more than happy to discuss your application.

What do you need to study with us?

Arden aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why Arden keep its requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and Arden online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

Arden will also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year, you should normally have:

At least 3 x GCSEs or 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years AU would also ask to see a professional CV.
If you do not meet these requirements, you may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of appropriate work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£4000

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent.
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

AU also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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Course details and modules

Arden’s foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.

Your course modules combine a foundation year followed by a full undergraduate qualification. After reviewing key preparatory academic study skills, you’ll go on to study the relationship between business management and computing and how technical knowledge and data can be applied to support effective business decisions. Your modules will also demonstrate how IT systems and technology support varying aspects of business at the operational, management, and decision-making levels.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

You have 4-12 years to complete this course, meaning you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of Arden students, however, aim to complete the course within 4-8 years.

Foundation year

Preparing for University Success
Exploring the Business Environment
Advancing your Academic Skills
Becoming an Effective Leader
Planning for Your Future Success
Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

Productivity and Collaboration Tools for Learning and Work (20 credits)
Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
Introduction to Databases (20 credits)
People Management (20 credits)
Introduction to Web Authoring (20 credits)

Level 5

Digital Business (20 credits)
Business Start-up (20 credits)
Sales Management (20 credits)
Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 credits)
Operations and Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
Ethics, Quality and Sustainability in Technological Environments (20 credits)

Level 6

Project Management (20 credits)
Data Mining (20 credits)
International Business Management (20 credits)
Information Security Management (20 credits)
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits)
Independent Study (20 credits)

Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your business management and computing degree, or perhaps you’re still a little unsure. Don’t worry if you’re still weighing up your future career options. Arden prepare you with a range of advanced multidisciplinary skills that employers from a variety of organisations will value, enhancing your career options wherever they might lie.

What can I do after Arden University?

Simply put, the possibilities are endless! Graduates from this degree will have advanced skills in two of today’s most in-demand disciplines, giving you a wide range of career options to choose from. And as organisations are becoming more and more reliant on technology, your qualification is sure to set you up for success in almost any sector.

Some professional roles you might consider are:

IT Manager
IT Security Manager
IT Solutions Specialist
Business Manager
Business Development Executive
Business Analytics & Modelling Consultant
Business Performance & Transformation Consultant
Technology Consultant

What will the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year do for me?

Your course will focus strongly on real-world practice, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn to real business management and computing scenarios. In turn you’ll gain a range of transferable skills that will ensure you stand out in the competitive job market. Studying this course with us is your opportunity to:

Develop the skills you need to succeed at university.
Examine the relationship between business and computing in the contemporary, global business environment.
Gain an in-depth understanding of computing within different types of organisations.
Understand how technology can be implemented to reach strategic business goals.
Gain skills applicable to a wide range of exciting opportunities across the business and computing sectors.

During your Foundation Year, you’ll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:

Introduction and preparation: Arden Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You’ll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.

Personalised support: Arden academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They’ll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.

Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden’s degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.

Improved degree outcomes: Arden prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, AU empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Arden online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to Arden Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate Arden study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through Arden Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Business Management and Computing with Foundation Year degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources Arden have put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Careers support available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
Free online access to Arden Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which Arden have carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support