Business Management with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2026/27 Entry. Switch to 2025/26 Entry
Our BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation year course is designed as a comprehensive experiential learning foundation programme which equips you with the confidence and skills to excel in undergraduate business studies and thrive in diverse professional environments....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2026
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Our BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation year course is designed as a comprehensive experiential learning foundation programme which equips you with the confidence and skills to excel in undergraduate business studies and thrive in diverse professional environments.
Through innovative teaching methods such as simulations, case studies and guest speakers, you will gain knowledge of a number of fundamental functions of business and management, building your self-confidence to prepare you for a progressive and successful student journey and future career in management. Where possible, you will have the benefit of industry speakers and live projects to inspire and help you to develop.
Tailor your Business Degree
When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto a range of undergraduate courses at BCU. These include:
What's covered in this course?
This one-year course provides a valuable introduction to the management of key resources including human capital, financial management, strategic planning, equality, diversity and inclusion and cultural awareness. You will utilise emerging interactive platforms and technology. You will be assessed in a variety of practical ways including report-writing, podcasts and infographics.
On successful completion of the Foundation Year, you can move on to any of our Business courses at BCU.
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 Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for this event yet, register your interest and we'll let you know when booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 4 October 2025
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
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, which is a foundation year. If you progress to the degree upon completion of your foundation year, the standard undergraduate tuition fee for 2027/28 will apply. Fees for 2026/27 can be found on the relevant course page, but please note that University reserves the right to increase fees in subsequent years 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 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 Years
- £5,760 in 2026/27 ✱ Important note for this price
- Apply via UCAS
(↩Back to price) *
The minimum fee for regulated courses in 2027/28 is expected to be £9,535.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study, which is a foundation year. If you progress to the degree upon completion of your foundation year, the standard undergraduate tuition fee for 2027/28 will apply. Fees for 2026/27 can be found on the relevant course page, but please note that University reserves the right to increase fees in subsequent years 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 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 Years
- £18,570 in 2026/27
- Register interest
Guidance for UK/EU students
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.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
TBC
TBC
This module will provide you with an introduction to the business environment to help you develop an understanding of how key elements affects business and their different functions.
TBC
TBC
TBC
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
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.
TBC
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
TBC
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”.
TBC
TBC
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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.
TBC
TBC
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.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.
TBC
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.
TBC
TBC
TBC
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 nowEmployability
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.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £500 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