BA (Hons) Business Management

Course Overview

In today’s interconnected global economy, graduates with strong business management skills and in-depth knowledge of the latest business technologies are in high demand. Arden’s undergraduate degree in business management will teach you the modern skills, competencies, and technological know-how required to lead and manage successfully in today’s business environment.AU aim with this newly updated business degree is to help you make a valuable and lasting impact, wherever your professional career takes you.

The BA (Hons) Business Management will provide you with a taste of all the fundamentals of business, so you don’t need to have a particular career path in mind to enrol on the course. As you explore areas of business such as finance, digital marketing, innovation, people management, and data analysis, you will start to form ideas about where you want to go in the future. This broad range of subjects will help you identify and evaluate the roles and contributions of the key business functions applicable to contemporary business, helping you become a well-rounded professional with a keen awareness of how business works. In your second and third year of study, you’ll start to identify and assess which business solutions best meet the challenges and hurdles organisations face today.

The BA (Hons) Business Management has been developed by industry experts with your long-term future in mind. When you graduate from the course, you will do so as a well-rounded, highly-employable and self-motivated professional ready to take on any number of roles and challenges.

When you graduate from this course you will receive:

BA (Hons) Business Management
CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership
Foundation Chartered Manager Status and the post nominal fCMgr
ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
IOEE Professional Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Course details and modules

By providing you with the knowledge of the fundamentals of business – and teaching you exactly how an organisation works.AU will prepare you to become a skilled and informed business practitioner, leader, or entrepreneur.

During your studies you will gain a wider understanding of business functions, operations, and cutting edge technologies in a range of exciting industries. You will also develop inspiring personal and management attributes in dedicated skills-related modules to help build your soft skills and leadership abilities. Learning research and data analysis techniques using academic and industry focused texts, articles, and reports, you will gain a better understanding of contemporary business and management, with the ability to analyse practical case studies drawn from a range of international organisations.

Using AU business simulation software, you will be able to access a virtual business and run it as your own enterprise – managing activities such as marketing, sales, finances, people, product development, operations, and your supply chain. This will give you the chance to practice making critical decisions within a safe environment, helping you develop your ability to interpret commercial information and apply your learnings to generate a profit for your enterprise. You will also have access to AUDigital Enterprise Hub throughout your course, which provides you with additional software and resources as well as real-world mentors and industry experts to draw knowledge from. The Digital Enterprise Hub also gives you the chance to engage in social learning with your classmates, developing your collaborative skills and providing the opportunity for networking with fellow professionals.

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 3-9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of AU students, however, aim to complete the course within 3 to 6 years.

Level 4

Digital Skills & Professional Development (20 credits)
Contemporary Business Environment (20 credits)
Marketing Dynamics (20 credits)
Introduction to Business Finance (20 credits) 
People Management (20 credits) 
Technology & Innovation (20 credits)

Level 5

Data Analytics & Management (20 credits) 
Business Start-up (20 credits) 
Sales Management (20 credits) 
Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits) 
Blockchain & Applications FinTech for Managers (20 credits) 
Operations & Supply Chain Management (20 credits)

Level 6

Business Transformation (20 credits) 
Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 credits) 
Corporate Governance, Law & Ethics (20 credits) 
Independent Study (20 credits) 
Project Management (20 credits) 
International Business Management (20 credits)

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode.

Daytime classes are available in London Ealing, London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Berlin, Germany.

Evening classes are available in London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Leeds and Birmingham campuses.

Weekend and evening classes are another option. You’ll have one class on a Friday evening and one class on Saturday each week. These are available in London Tower Hill and Leeds

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management 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.

AU 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 our 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 AU study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online does not mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you will be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through AU Unitu community, and you will have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. AU 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 are 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. Please find more information on AU fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Full-time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose AU blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, AU university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to AU Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of AU UK campuses.

If you’re a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of AU UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on AU fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

This course is also available to study full-time at AU campus in Berlin, Germany, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience life as an international student in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic and historic cities.

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.

Eligibility

To be eligible for AU BA (Hons) Business Management course, you must have:

Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent

If you do not currently hold the above qualifications,AU also offer this course with an additional foundation year, which is designed for students who need extra support when starting their degree course.

Course fee

This course is eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses. Please submit an enquiry to find out more.

In a UK campus	Fee
Fee per year:	£9,250

In Berlin campus (Germany)	Fee
Fee per level:	€10,500

Studying Online	Fee
Level 4 fee:	£6,935
Level 5 fee:	£6,935
Level 6 fee:	£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 (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.

What you need to study with us

AU aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That’s why we keep AU requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (AUrecommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, AU online university campus in the cloud, you’ll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and AU online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Apply for the Course

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Career prospects

Perhaps you have a strong idea of where you want to go with your business degree, or perhaps you want to keep your career options open for now? Either way, do not worry if you are still a little unclear about what the future holds. Your business management degree will give you a range of in-demand and transferable skills that will help you understand how modern organisations work. This gives you the freedom to take your time deciding where in the business ecosystem you will fit best, be it as an entrepreneur, manager, or if you are an experienced professional looking for a career change.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your degree in business management will open up many opportunities across all aspects of the business sector. As you study with us you will have access to AU dedicated career services portal, where you can access additional ‘bolt-on’ e-learning courses, employer presentations, and search for jobs worldwide. Of course, your course lecturers are always on-hand to provide advice and guidance when it come to your professional future. Just a few of the possible roles you might want to consider after graduation could include:

Business Analyst
New business owner
Project Manager
Data Analysist
Careers is AI & Machine Learning
Big Data Specialist
Digital Transformation Specialist
Digital Marketing Specialist

What will the BA (Hons) Business Management do for me?

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of business functions, and career planning abilities, you will also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from AU lecturers, this will help you track your progress and identify areas where you excel.

On the course, your assessments will be linked to real-world workplace issues and practices. Added to the benefits of AU enterprise simulation software and Digital Business Hub, you will graduate with hands-on experience in problem solving and identifying areas for business growth – all highly desirable skills for today’s employers.

The BA (Hons) Business Management will also give you the chance to:

Gain an in-depth understanding of contemporary business functions, with particular focus on the latest digital technologies.
Develop an analytical eye for important detail and through keen critical thinking abilities.
Become an expert problem solver, confident communicator, and informed leader.
Understand all levels of organisational structure and how to evaluate the positives and negatives of these with real-life case studies.
Begin to form a clearer idea of which aspects of business you enjoy learning about the most, and develop ideas about where your career path might lie.

Industrial Skills

This course is accredited by both the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). It is also aligned with available certificates from Amazon and Salesforce which you will be able to pursue independently as you study.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership and offers CMI Chartered Manager Status *

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline.

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership and gain Chartered Manager Status. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey – with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

Arden University is an approved IOEE Centre of Excellence, highlighting AU commitment to staying at the forefront of education and industry standards. AU continuously update AU services to meet market and student needs and offer IOEE membership to our staff, students, and learners.

This course awards the IOEE Professional Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) is the first learning institute dedicated to developing and recognising enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Arden University has been recognised as an IOEE Academy and AU courses are accredited. This demonstrates AU commitment to enterprise and equipping students with the skills needed to set up and run their own business, work in a small enterprise, or bring entrepreneurial skills to a larger organisation.

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

This course is accredited by the Institute of leadership and Management (ILM). That means you’ll graduate with a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, which costs up to £3,000 if pursued independently.

The ILM is a professional membership body for leaders and managers, with a mission of inspiring great leadership through qualifications, training, and cutting-edge research. The institute is a globally recognised mark of quality for its members and provides valuable insights through its vast industry links and publications.

As an Arden student, you’ll receive free membership to the ILM for a year after your graduation, giving you access to over a thousand comprehensive learning resources, including webinars, videos, leadership assessment tools, a dedicated e-learning tool, careers advice, and networking opportunities.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives AU faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of AU courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Aligned to Salesforce and AWS Educate (Amazon)

During the course you will learn about some of the most prominent cloud-based tools used in business currently, allowing you to independently acquire certification from Salesforce and Amazon to add to your degree qualification. Certification from Salesforce and Amazon will help you understand how to process real time data and insights to create more meaningful relationships with your customers.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows AU students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through AU own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

Arden Enterprise Incubator

As an Arden University student, you’ll have access to the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) online platform to support you in the area of entrepreneurship. Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.

The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts, so AU students receive the very best support and expertise.

As an IOEE Centre of Excellence, we foster an entrepreneurial culture among AU students. We are dedicated to supporting their continuous growth by promoting enterprising thinking and practical entrepreneurial skills.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with AU curriculum and your career goals.
Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.