BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-Up)

Course Overview

AU business management top-up degree will help you get ready for the career you really want. The perfect choice for anyone who’s already completed a HND in business or an equivalent qualification, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in business management roles through six carefully selected degree modules.

Graduating with an undergraduate degree in as little as one year, you’ll have gained the modern skills, competencies, and technological know-how required to lead and manage successfully in today’s business environment. Arden aim with this newly updated business top-up degree is to help you make a valuable and lasting impact, wherever your professional career takes you.

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

Course details and modules

During your studies you’ll gain a wider understanding of business functions, operations, and cutting edge technologies in a range of exciting industries. You’ll 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’ll 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 Arden business simulation software, you’ll 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’ll also have access to Arden Enterprise Incubator 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 Arden Enterprise Incubator 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.

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Modules

You have 1-3 years to complete this top up degree course, which means you can study at a pace that works best for you.

Level 6 Modules

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 at Arden campuses in London Ealing, London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

The course is also available to students as a fully online programme, which gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide.

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-Up) 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 online library (which when used along with AU supplementary library, Perlego, gives you access to almost half a million books and journals – yours for free while you study 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 doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through AU Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden’ve 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. Please find more information on Arden 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.

Blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose Arden 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, Arden university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. You’ll also have access to Arden online library, Perlego, which contains almost half a million books, journals, and industry literature which you can make use of throughout your studies, removing the need to buy expensive course books in order to study 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 Arden UK campuses.

If you’re a student from the UK who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of Arden 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 Arden 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.

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 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 study your degree in a flexible and convenient way. That’s why Arden keep their requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through, ilearn, Arden online university campus in the cloud, you’ll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and Arden online library containing almost half a million texts, as well as creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Arden BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-Up) course, you must have:

A HND in Business or equivalent, provided that your prior learning is consistent with Level 5 of the functional areas of business such as finance, marketing, operations management, human resource management, etc.

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

Studying Online	Fee
Total 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.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.

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 (Arden recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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 top up degree, or perhaps you want to keep your career options open for now? Either way, don’t worry if you’re 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’ll fit best, be it as an entrepreneur, manager, or if you’re an experienced professional looking for a career change.

What can I do after Arden University?

Your top up degree in business management will open up many opportunities across all aspects of the business sector. As you study with us you’ll have access to Arden 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
People manager

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

As well as developing important soft skills, up-to-date knowledge of business functions, and career planning abilities, you’ll also be encouraged to develop a Personal Development Plan as you work through your degree. With support from Arden 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 Arden enterprise simulation software and Digital Business Hub, you’ll 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 (Top-Up) 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.

Industry skills

This course is in the process of gaining accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and is aligned with available certificates from Amazon and Salesforce which you will be able to pursue independently as you study.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. The institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect you with likeminded professionals.

The Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE)

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 Arden courses are accredited. This demonstrates Arden 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.

Career development resources

Once you’ve enrolled with Arden, then careers centre is easily accessible directly from inside Arden online platform, ilearn. The careers centre is here to help you discover the areas of your academic and professional life that you find most meaningful and rewarding, and then apply this to your career pathway. 
Just a few of the career tools you’ll find in the careers centre include:

CV360, which analyses your CV and provides instant feedback for improvement
Interview360, helping you practise your interview technique in a stress-free environment and tackle some of the most common interview questions – as many times as you need to
Aptitude tests to help your improve your critical thinking, numeric, and logical reasoning skills
100s of interactive courses focused on giving you the skills and confidence you need to excel in your professional life. 
My Jobs, where you can search employment vacancies, browse employer profiles by location and, or connect with other employees on LinkedIn.

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 Arden students receive the very best support and expertise.

As an IOEE Centre of Excellence, Arden foster an entrepreneurial culture among the students.AU is 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 Arden 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.

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 have free membership to the ILM throughout your studies, 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.

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)

Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA).