Looking for a business studies course in Birmingham? Our BA (Hons) Business degree offers the opportunity to take a year-long sandwich placement in industry.
On the course, you will be able to develop a wide range of cognitive and intellectual skills, together with competencies specific to business and enterprise.
The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop specialist business expertise, while helping you learn key transferable skills, all of which will help you stand out when it comes to securing employment.
Your learning will embrace the development and operation of business markets, the management of key resources including human capital, financial management, strategic management and cultural awareness, since we believe business can’t be studied in isolation.
In addition, you’ll gain an insight into digital business, exploring how technology has remodelled the business world, and reflect on accompanying issues around social responsibility and ethical behaviour.
Your course will foster your intellectual and ethical development and encourage your personal commitment to the socially useful purpose of becoming a business professional. It will also develop your core behaviours through learning activities that enable you to practise, exhibit and develop confidence in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
After gaining a solid grounding in business functions, you will be able if you wish to specialise in our innovative Business pathway for your next two years. BA (Hons) Business (Marketing) will equip you with the communicative, administrative and creative skills needed to make an impact in the marketing industry.
Alternatively, you can continue to pursue the BA (Hons) Business route. Each pathway will allow you to pursue a programme consistent with your career ambition.
Meet or beat our entry requirements and you could be eligible for an achievement scholarship worth £1,000.
*Terms and Conditions apply - some undergraduate courses are not eligible for this scheme. The £1,000 scholarship is made up of an £850 scholarship and £150 free credit to spend in an online shop.
This course differs in content from the Business course taught with our partners at Kaplan Singapore. Full details.
*DLHE 2016/17
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
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GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, at the point of enrolment. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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UK Qualification | Requirements 2019/20 | |
A Level / AS Level | BBC at A Level (112 points). A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. | |
Access to Higher Education Diploma | Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2. GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above or equivalent qualifications must be offered. | |
BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | D*D*. Can be offered along with either one A-level, 2 AS-levels or one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification to achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points. | |
BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | DMM (112 points). | |
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | D. Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and C), two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points. If taking the IB Certificate you will need to obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1). | |
Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Maximum of three Advanced Highers can be considered together. |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate |
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate with grade B plus grades BB at A-Level (or equivalent qualifications). Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and B), two 6-unit BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK and EU 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.
There are three ways to apply:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
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.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
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.
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
|
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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A variety of delivery approaches will be utilised throughout the programme, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, peer teaching and learning, project-based learning, experiments, games and technology-enabled learning.
Teaching will consist of variety of different methods and in most scenarios will mirror practice. Business education is about enabling students to develop their analytical, critical reasoning and creativity skills to meet the demands of the contemporary and enterprising workplace.
To achieve this, complimentary course delivery methods will be used, alongside established teaching methods. This will include the use of live projects and practice-based case studies, for both teaching and assessment. A complete Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used to support all modules, enabling you to undertake appropriate independent leaning.
A wide variety of assessment methods are used, and throughout the programme you will be expected, with the appropriate support, to deliver both individually and in groups, reports, presentations, essays, project plans, exams and proposals.
You will have the opportunity to visit a number of leading businesses during your studies, both locally and across the country. Recently, students visited leading brewery company Sadler’s Ales, gaining an innovative insight into how a successful business runs.
During your second year, you have the option to undertake the Study Abroad module, where you can examine an interdisciplinary topic within an international setting. You’ll create a digital story suitable for a range of audiences, and self-reflect on the impact of an international experience.
You can also gain international insight and experience a new culture with our Erasmus exchange programme. Students have spent a term at a number of incredible institutions, including the University of San Diego in the USA, as well as destinations in Cyprus and Denmark.
As a business graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to one of our postgraduate courses such as an MBA or one of our MSc Management courses. We’ll provide advice and support to help you to decide what path is right for you based on your interests and career goals.
Because of the wide range of topics covered on this course, you could also go on to study towards professional qualifications in accountancy, human resources or marketing.
"The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and the opportunities the University and the course offer to students are invaluable."
Throughout the programme, you will receive assistance for your own development through co-curriculum activities including dedicated Employability Challenge Weeks and extended induction and transition programmes.
The University has introduced the BCU Graduate+ programme, which is an extra-curricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject based skills that you develop through your programme with broader employability skills and techniques that will enhance your employment options when you leave university.
During your time with us you will also have the opportunity, via the BA Business (Professional Practice) pathway, to study alongside working within an organisation, thereby fast-tracking your professional development.
This route, which utilises work-based learning in your final year, allows you to apply your studies directly in your work experience. There’ll also be opportunities to try out different graduate roles with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to complement your studies.
You will also have opportunity for a placement year for BA Business (Marketing) and BA Business (Analytics) as a sandwich course.
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of roles, including business administration, marketing, press and public relations, financial advisors, customer service, HR and stockbroking, and some have even started their own businesses. For example, Peter Tighe has travelled all over the world as part of his various management roles at L’Oreal.
Some have even started up their own companies, like Hannah Sookias who went on to build her own PR company. Because of the many skills Hannah learnt on this course, she's also a partner in a management consultancy business.
If you're interested in running a business from the top down you can take inspiration from John Ling, who went on to become CEO of BXL Services. They support young people in work-based learning and the creation of social enterprises.
*DLHE Survey 2016/7
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
Our course is popular with many international students because it looks at all the different areas that make up a successful business. The subjects covered on the course can be applied worldwide, including international business strategy and marketing.
Our staff have worked all over the world, which is a big draw for international students. They have an extensive knowledge of multinational companies and how businesses operate around the globe.
International students will also be supported to continue improving their English language skills.
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English 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.
"As we say here, your career starts as soon as you walk through the door; modules in your first year will cover all the bases for a successful career in business, and allow you to begin specialising in your preferred area down one of our course pathways."
Krish Saha, Course Leader
Steve Harris has previously worked for Lafarge as both a design draughtsman and quality controller in their manufacturing plant, and then went on to work as an aircraft engineering manager within the Royal Air Force. His research interests currently include business sustainable enterprise and leadership identity.
Inge Hill has a wide ranging career in government and government agencies, Third Sector organisations, the private sector, running her own consultancy business and working in Higher Education. Inge's focus in her teaching is on sharing her insight into applying strategic thinking to business practice.
Cindy Millman joined the Business School in 2004 after completing her MSc in Business Management and Marketing. She has worked on several large projects in the entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer fields, with specific focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).