Business Management - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
The Business Management course will offer you a practical based degree applicable to a wide range of sectors. You will be able to contribute to critical debates on industry related contemporary issues and understand the dynamic needs of business managers in the 21st century to reflect current knowledge and best practices....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
The Business Management course will offer you a practical based degree applicable to a wide range of sectors. You will be able to contribute to critical debates on industry related contemporary issues and understand the dynamic needs of business managers in the 21st century to reflect current knowledge and best practices.
You will gain specialist knowledge on a number of core functions of management, building your self-confidence to prepare you for a progressive and successful career in management. Exciting opportunities including integrated work projects and business placements in the UK or abroad are all featured in your course, therefore your career can start whilst achieving your qualification. You will have the benefit of renowned industry speakers and live projects to inspire and help you to develop.
The international focus of the course is derived through a variety of means including the student body, the teaching team and the use of international teaching materials. Moreover, you can choose to spend a year or a full semester studying your modules overseas at a partner institution. Similarly, the Business Management course embeds the UN Sustainable Development Goals as an integral part of the course.
What's covered in this course?
The development and operation of contemporary and international business markets will be embraced in your learning. This will also include the management of key resources including human capital, financial management, strategic management and cultural awareness. You’ll gain an important insight into digital business exploring how technology remodels the business world and consider the accompanying issues around social responsibility and ethical behaviour.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This ensures you’ll be provided with the latest information and knowledge, as well as providing key industry links and insight. Success on the programme will additionally award you with a CMI professional certificate.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. We give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients where possible, offering a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
- This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Chartered Management Institute.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 24 November 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
- Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- £1542 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 80 credits
- Year 2 - 80 credits
- Year 3 - 80 credits
- Year 4 - 80 credits
- Year 5 - 40 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module will introduce you to the field of business management with the focus on the processes and actions within an organisational context. Concepts like management theory, organisational behaviour and the HR role of a manager will be explored.
Have you ever considered why you bought your smartphone? Or why you ate in that fast food restaurant? Or why you decided to buy that brand of trainers? Every day, billions of people spend their money on products and services without necessarily considering why they decided to buy those particular offerings. Whether you are aware of it or not, each of these products and services have been carefully developed to fulfil the needs of a particular target audience of which you may be a part.
Whilst your degree is a highly valued indicator of achievement and ability for employers, a successful career is also dependent on the development of the right attitudes and behaviours. This is reflected in the findings from a recent survey undertaken by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which identifies that, in addition to qualifications, 60% of employers also look for broader skills when recruiting individuals straight from education.
This module will introduce you to the concept of entrepreneurship. You will study the basic concepts and theories in entrepreneurship, considering how entrepreneurs develop and grow individually. In order to achieve this there will be a range of case studies of successful/unsuccessful entrepreneurs, understanding of entrepreneurship across borders and exploration as to what extent success of entrepreneurs could be based on traits, styles and behaviours of the entrepreneurs.
The aim of this module is to allow you to understand supply chain, logistics, operations management, and their implementation in real businesses. You will gain an understanding of each operational function including procurement, manufacturing, inventory, distribution and delivery, and customer service following the supply chain and how each works together to run the business as a whole function.
This module will provide a gentle introduction to the world of accounting and finance for business managers of the future and is designed for those new to accounting or those studying on non-accounting related degree programmes.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge, skills and insights to research a ‘live’ issue in your industry with a view to formulating a practicable, impactful and value-added research project proposal which can be actioned in the final year.
An important question for business management students is: How can we most effectively manage for both today and for tomorrow? This module will introduce you to various current contemporary management issues.
In this module, you are given opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the development of soft skills, necessary for a manager, to prepare you for the for placement activities and for modern working life. During the module, you are given the opportunity to record your competencies using online recruitment platforms.
Data-driven decision-making in organisations is reliant on good analytical techniques and reporting. Many organisation are heavily data-driven, treating their data as a corporate asset and finding ways of turning the information gained into competitive advantage. This module introduces you to data analytics and its reporting from a practical standpoint, gaining insights into customer behaviours and reactions, allowing you to make decisions to manage the business.
In today’s complex and highly dynamic global business environment, managers are expected to possess and utilise the requisite skills and sound application of knowledge to set and meet goals. This module takes a practitioner based, blended learning approach towards embedding key management and leadership principles in the global context, as well as intercultural competency and a range of transferable employability skills. Consequently, it provides a progressive conduit for you to gain a broad understanding of global issues affecting managers today as well as preparing you to be global managers of the future.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module will give an integrative perspective of the business organisation and underpinning knowledge of Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations Management. It provides students with an introduction to the management principles, processes and the environment within which the Supply Chain manager operates. Core to the module will be an examination of management decision-making and the range of tools and techniques used to support the Supply Chain process.
In this module you will explore the role of entrepreneurship and small business management with the view of sustainability. You will investigate and explore how organisations firstly form, then how they begin to evolve and be introduced to the planning required to establish the feasibility of a new venture, firstly with the idea and then how it will operate. You will use the opportunity recognition process to identify potential ideas either as a business start-up, a new venture in an existing business or a social enterprise, and taken forward as a solution to a contemporary issue.
There are many similarities between the roles of managers and management consultants. In fact, managers are often considered to be ‘internal consultants’, as Butler (2010) comments “An effective manager is increasingly an effective consultant”.
This module, where a programme of study enables it, is open to Business School students, who choose to undertake an international Study Abroad mobility experience within their second year of study. The aim of this module is to enable you to explore your mobility experience through a cross-cultural lens that focusses on the key themes of your discipline in an international context, together with your personal development. This is achieved by activities that draw on research enquiry, creativity, culture, reflection and professional development.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Business Management with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
This module will provide you with a critical understanding of the concepts, frameworks and approaches for the effective management of strategic change and its leadership. Consideration will also be given to the complexity of business operations, the rapid pace of technological innovation, and globalisation of businesses.You will explore drivers and challenges of strategic change in an organisational context as well as approaches for successful implementation of various change interventions.
The nature of today’s global business environment means that contemporary organisations are faced with a range of challenges and opportunities presented by increasing levels of uncertainty, ambiguity and complexity. In order to be successful organisations need to find ways to work with and indeed proactively exploit these conditions.
This module introduces you to a range of advance strategic management tools and techniques with which to analyse and thus understand business situations with national and international relevance. In addition, an understanding of competitive behaviour will be informed by a variety of views concerning the sources of competitive advantage, sustainable competitive advantage from a theoretical and industry perspective.These include the implications of developments in the macro environment, industry structure, the organization’s strategic position in an industry, the acquisition and development of resources and capabilities, and the challenge of industry evolution to sustaining competitive advantage.
The aim of this module is to provide a framework for you to undertake a substantial piece of disciplinary-relevant research. It is founded upon Birmingham City Business School’s teaching and learning philosophy which integrates theory and practice.
The format of the practice-led Integrated Business Research Project will vary, dependent on the discipline you are studying or degree pathway you are on. This is a negotiated project, the topic of which need to be agreed with the course team.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module focuses on the strategic management issues and decision-making approaches in the context of International Supply Chain and Operations Strategy. You will study strategic supply chain decision-making, focusing on areas such as corporate strategy, globalisation, procurement and outsourcing, international management, and strategic alliances. Core to the module will be an examination of management decision-making, and the range of tools and techniques used to support global strategic supply chain operations. The module content has also received recognition by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)’s.
This module focuses on issues relating to the management and growth of a SME (Small, Medium enterprise) or social enterprises. This module will help you to identify ways in which the enterprise can upscale using internal and external resources.
The issues of ethics, social responsibility and sustainability in business have moved from the marginal to the mainstream during the last 40 years. With the impact of consumption running at 1.6 planet’s worth of resources each year, society is increasingly looking to develop a long-term, sustainable vision for the future that takes into account not only the economic factors of business, but also considers the social and environmental impact of decisions.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowChartered Management Institute
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This means that you can achieve the Level 5 CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside your degree. The award is conditional on successfully completing the Honours degree programme in the appropriate module areas.
Employability
Enhancing employability skills
You will have opportunities to undertake live projects with real employers, and study contemporary relevant business issues, developing the capability to manage the complexity and uncertainty of the contemporary workplace.
Business Management, and its associated programmes, incorporate modules specifically designed to build a professional and independent approach to study which facilitates lifelong learning.
Placements
You will have access to placement opportunities through the Placement Office. In previous years, students have undertaken placements with established companies such as Hewlett Packard, Audi, Bosch and Sainsbury’s.
Michael Mahon spent a year at National Grid, an international company which connects millions of people safely to gas and electricity, helping the team undertake key commercial analysis. Another student, Kieran O’Shea, undertook his placement at Decathlon, the world’s largest sports store, improving his employability prospects and his skillset.
Kennedy Doka completed his placement at Premier Inn and with aspirations for a career in the hotel and leisure industry this was the perfect placement. During his placement Kennedy had the opportunity to work in a number of different departments, enabling him to gain to gain valuable experience and get to understand how the business is run.
If taking a year’s placement isn’t for you, we can also help to find your shorter placements within a business.
The below video can give you a taste of the kind of placements that are available through the Business Management course.
International
Welcome to Birmingham City University, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Our Business programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Dr Richard Oddy
Deputy Head of the College of Business, Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship
Dr Richard E. Oddy is the Deputy Head of Business, Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship. He has developed and launched a number of new courses in these specific fields, and has over a decade of teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
More about Richard