BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year 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 before enrolling on the course. As you explore areas of business such as finance, digital marketing, innovation, people management, and data analysis, you’ll 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. 

The BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year has 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. 

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications 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 – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility 

To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have: 

  • At least 3 x GCSEs OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference if they do not meet the qualification requirements. 

Course fee

BlendedFee
Fee Per Year£ 9,250
Distance LearningFee
Fee Per Year£ 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.

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

Course details and modules

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

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 your personal and management attributes in dedicated skills-related modules to help build your soft skills and leadership abilities.

Using our 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. On top of this, you’ll have access to our Digital 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.

How do we assess you?

Assessments

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you don’t need to sit any exams on the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year, and you won’t need to spend the summer at home writing a dissertation either. Your assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-word scenarios. This means you’ll be better prepared to apply the skills you have gained on the course to your professional role after graduation. 

As you work through your course modules you’ll have the chance to complete a range of useful assessment methods such as individual reports, case study analyses, group presentations, and personal independent assignments devised in consultation with your course module leader. Your assessments will have an emphasis upon personal discovery, digital technology, the application of theory to real world business, and management practice and innovative thinking. 

We encourage you to be innovative when carrying out your assignments and assessments. You can create podcasts, videos, infographics, consultancy reports, campaigns, posters, interviews, debate sessions, and more. This approach will help you develop skills you’ll use in the real world, and most of all, is a fun and engaging way to demonstrate your knowledge and development.

Modules

You have 4-12 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 4 to 6 years.

Foundation Year

  • Research Skills and Using Information
  • Developing Academic Skills
  • Using Numeracy, IT and Data
  • Values, Ethics and Working Collaboratively
  • Structure of Business
  • Technology in Organisations

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)

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, don’t 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’ll 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’ll have access to our 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 this course 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 our 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 our 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 with Foundation Year 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.

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s  Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or  evenings .

  • Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
  • Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With  Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

  • September
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

 How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management 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. 

Our 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 our 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’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We 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 our 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.