Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Business Management

UCAS tariff 112 - 128 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code N203
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Learn how to become an organisation’s best asset by successfully coordinating people, projects and resources. Acquire the skills to become an effective manager, while learning about management in the context of economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, ethics, corporate social responsibility and globalisation. You will also get the chance to put theory into practice with an optional placement year.

This course is for you if...

  • you want to get stuck into real business tasks from day one
  • you appreciate building relationships that enable you to thrive
  • you enjoy the flexibility to follow your interests
  • you get a buzz from solving problems
A group of business people sit in a row in a training class. They look at an unseen speaker as they concentrate on his lecture.

Careers with this subject
Below is a snapshot of what University of Plymouth business graduates told us what they were doing after 15 months from graduating; for some graduates these roles served as a stepping stone by providing relevant work experience.
  • Account Manager
  • Accountant (Training for ACA Chartership)
  • Bids Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Client Support Specialist
  • Consultant, UK Investment Management
  • Customer Success Manager
  • Data and Campaigns Marketing Analyst
  • HR Account Manager
  • Operations Manager

Advice from graduate Christopher Cleves
"Read around the subject you’re studying as widely as you can, watch the news and make as much use as you can of all the employability and skills development facilities at the University. What’s being reported in mainstream media can seem a little far away when you’re studying but coming to interview with a good knowledge of current affairs can help to bridge the gap between university and full-time work."


Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, and working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

We’re hands-down practical

Whether you’re in the classroom, working on a live project with a local business or out on the water, you're gaining leadership skills and getting stuck into real business tasks from the outset.

We’re a connected community

From tourism and leisure, to marine, manufacturing and defence, we have close links with a range of industry for you to make connections with to enhance your studies and benefit career opportunities.​

We’re Team Plymouth

As one of our team, we’re here to help you succeed. Discover where you want to go and tailor your studies to what you love. Our expert lecturers and your own personal tutor will be with you every step of the way.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Gain a solid understanding of management in a business and enterprise context. Learn about the ethical and sustainability issues of businesses from a global perspective, while developing your understanding of leadership, marketing and the digital economy. Throughout your degree you have the opportunity to work on live case studies and with businesses to develop your learning and apply theory to practice.

    Core modules

    HRL4001
    Developing Management and Leadership Competencies 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the practices of the manager and leader, exploring the key attributes, roles, responsibilities and challenges facing them in 21st century organisations, and the attributes, skills and competencies required to be effective. The module focuses on leadership and management practice and encourages a self /individual developmental approach, enabling you to reflect on your current and future competencies.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    MKT4003
    Marketing, Enterprise and the Digital Economy 20 credits

    As consumer behaviour and needs change, organisations need to become more creative and entrepreneurial in every aspect. This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge of consumer behaviour in the digital world; how businesses are adapting and developing effective entrepreneurial climates, cultures and structures for long-term sustainability. You will explore the role and impact of digital technologies and how the integration of online and traditional marketing techniques can be successful.

    100% Coursework

    HRL4003
    Business Culture and Behaviour 40 credits

    This module encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

    STO4002
    The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

    This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • Develop employability skills further by focusing on the practical techniques for managing people, operations, resources and projects. Work with students from across the faculty on the challenge module, which focuses on global issues.

    Core modules

    HRL5001
    Managing People, Productivity and Operations 40 credits

    Operations involves the production of goods and services through the coordination of human and other resources, where these resources are managed effectively levels of productivity that provide competitive advantage may be achieved. In this module you will explore how major themes of operations and human resource management interlink to influence organisational decision making and aspects of organisational and individual performance.

    100% Coursework

    PBS500CPD
    Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    ECN5009
    Economic and Financial Data for Business Decision Making 40 credits

    Excellent business performance can only be sustained if managers have access to high quality information. This module explores economic and financial data, common management decision making techniques (e.g., processes, models, analytical methods, and information support) and analytical frameworks in the context of their role in informing key business decisions (e.g., pricing, investment, cash flow, organisational finance, research and development etc).

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    HRL5002
    Contemporary HRM 20 credits

    In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.

    100% Coursework

    HRL5003
    Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

    100% Coursework

    HRL5004
    Managing Change 20 credits

    This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.

    100% Coursework

    MKT5003
    Marketing for a Digital World 20 credits

    In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

    100% Coursework

    MKT5004
    Strategic Marketing Management 20 credits

    The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.

    100% Coursework

    STO5001
    Project Management 20 credits

    This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    STO5002
    Responsible Global Enterprise 20 credits

    The module will focus on the management of global enterprises in a responsible way. You will consider the various forces within the local and international environments that are likely to influence firms’ expansion activities, including location choice, entry mode, internationalisation patterns and growth strategies. You will also explore the pros and cons of globalization, the emerging trends in deglobalization, fair trade practices and responsible foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, you will examines the costs and benefits of offshore outsourcing as a part of global supply chain management and in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

    100% Coursework

  • Optional placement year

  • Put theory into practice with an optional placement year. Supported by a dedicated team, you undertake a paid position within a public or private sector organisation relevant to your interests.

    Core modules

    PBS600PLC
    Placement Year

    The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

  • Final year

  • Study the topics you are interested in and graduate with a specialist qualification. Some of our specialism modules include: human resource management, global enterprise, creating social change, and strategic marketing. Tailor your degree by completing a research project in an area of your choice, and undertake a live consultancy project or reflect on your industry experience.

    Core modules

    PBS6000
    Honours Project 0 credits

    The module gives you the opportunity to investigate in-depth a specialist academic or practice-based topic for which you have a passion for knowing more within your field of study.

    100% Coursework

    PBS600CPD
    Continued Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.

    STO6003
    Strategy and Leadership 20 credits

    This module brings a problem-focused view to Strategy, Leadership and their interaction through Strategic Leadership. Particular consideration is given to strategic analysis, the development, evaluation and implementation of strategies and appropriate styles of leadership which facilitate this. The ethical and moral responsibilities of leaders will be critiqued, along with the development of relationships between organisational decision makers, leaders, and followers, within businesses.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    STO6004
    Enterprise, Innovation and Creativity 20 credits

    The module will enable you to use creative processes to develop an innovative and viable business concept and to pitch for resources from potential stakeholders.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    Optional modules

    HRL6002
    Contemporary HRM 20 credits

    In this module, you will focus on exploring the management of human resources in modern organisations operating in complex environments.

    100% Coursework

    HRL6003
    Human Resource Management in a Global Context 20 credits

    This module introduces you to the consequences of globalisation for workers and how they are managed, the particular people management issues confronted by multinational corporations (MNCs) and the human resource management systems adopted in different national contexts.

    100% Coursework

    HRL6004
    Managing Change 20 credits

    This module considers the importance of change management and how it can be achieved and sustained. You will examine how change affects organisations and the individuals who work within them. You will go on to evaluate the means by which change can be analysed and implemented, considering the interactions between strategy, policy, human resources, and the organisational environment.

    100% Coursework

    HRL6010
    Experiential Practice 20 credits

    This module provides you with the opportunity both to reflect upon practical experience as well as develop your capabilities and profile so you are on course for life after graduation.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6003
    Marketing for a Digital World 20 credits

    In this module you will examine the impact of new forms of digital technology on all aspects of the modern marketing mix, organisational strategies and consumer facing activities. You will examine new approaches for segmentation, targeting and positioning to generate sales through a digital lens. This module further aims to provide a greater understanding and awareness of the relationships between marketing and digital technology.

    100% Coursework

    MKT6004
    Strategic Marketing Management 20 credits

    The module is designed to provide business students with an understanding of the essential elements of the marketing management process. It explores the way in which marketing strategies can be developed and implemented in business organisations, and the relationship between marketing, other functional areas of management and the external environment. It will address the potential impact of current issues on the marketing process.

    100% Coursework

    STO6001
    Project Management 20 credits

    This module provides insight and application into key aspects of successful project management and the project management lifecycle.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    STO6002
    Responsible Global Enterprise 20 credits

    The module will focus on the management of global enterprises in a responsible way. You will consider the various forces within the local and international environments that are likely to influence firms’ expansion activities, including location choice, entry mode, internationalisation patterns and growth strategies. You will also explore the pros and cons of globalization, the emerging trends in deglobalization, fair trade practices and responsible foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, you will examines the costs and benefits of offshore outsourcing as a part of global supply chain management and in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    STO6005
    Business Consultancy 20 credits

    This module focuses on exploring and understanding a range of theoretical approaches to developing strategies for businesses and applying these principles to a live consultancy project. You will have the opportunity to gain experience of working with a business on a consultancy basis, either in a research or strategic development setting. You will engage with a client business to mutually identify a suitable project and develop findings and guidelines to inform a new strategic direction.

    100% Practicals

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112 - 128

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level: 112 - 128 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. This course considers general studies.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM in any subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly
Access: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T levels: Merit in any subject.
IB: 28 - 32 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

“We get you in front of industry straight away to start developing your leadership, communication and problem solving skills. And to start you networking with potential employers.”

– Dr Cat Hine , Lecturer in Leadership and Business Management

The Business Challenge in week three brings all first-year BSc (Hons) Business Management and BSc (Hons) Marketing students together to pitch solutions to real-world business challenges.

My favourite part of the course was working with a live client. It was a real networking opportunity to speak to someone in the industry.

Kenzie-Jayne, 3rd year student

Hi, I'm Cat Hine and I am your Admissions Tutor and Programme Lead. Come and meet me at an Open Day.

Our degree prepares you with all the skills to enter the workplace with confidence, becoming a graduate the industry is looking for. We deal with real life issues and industry-based case studies. What is taught in the classroom is reflective of the experience you will have in the workplace. 

Cat HineDr Cat Hine
Admissions Tutor and Programme Lead

Dr Cat Hine
 

Thriving industry connections

From consultancy colleagues commissioning live briefs, to networking at conferences, you will develop relationships with industry to help provide you with the connections and opportunities you need to begin your career.

Alice Harper, Founder of Harper's Health showcasing her Tempiii snack range.
Put learning into practice
You’ll graduate with real experience of solving business problems and be a valuable asset to future employers.
Accounting and Finance event
Industry mentors
Mentors from business will guide you, guest speakers from industry will inspire you, and entrepreneur experts will help you start your business.
Royal William Yard aerial
Working together in Britain’s Ocean City
With a vibrant mix of innovative, globally-leading businesses, our relationship with the city defines what we do and contributes to your graduate outcomes.
 
Nadine Mashingaidze, international student

There’s so much room to try new things and conquer some of your fears. The course is a great stepping stone before you enter into the real world and the team will ensure you are as well prepared as you can be.

Nadine Mashingaidze

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Work is underway on the exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School.
When the new building opens, it will include an upgraded Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite, where you learn how to analyse financial markets, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.

Real-world experience

“I became very business intelligent and was able to apply my course knowledge to the real world. I learned a lot from working with live clients and business advisory projects – from how to create a business plan to hitting targets.”
Prithviraj Ray
Prithviraj Ray
 

Develop your leadership skills on the water

Making the most of our waterside location, we develop your essential leadership skills in a unique and unforgettable way – out on the water Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
While classroom learning provides a solid foundation, practical experiences play a crucial role in shaping effective leaders.
During your first semester you are challenged to develop and reflect on your current capacity to lead and motivate one another through a series of challenges including rock climbing and abseiling, bell boating and orienteering.
Students kayaking at Mount Batten

Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs

From an idea to a fully-fledged business, the Cube offers advice, funding and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. The Cube can develop your creative skills and business acumen to maximise your future career.
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.”
Samuel Jaffe

Workshop at The Cube

Meet your expert teaching staff

  • Head of Division - Business Management
    Extensive industry experience
  • Lecturer in Marketing (Education)
    Expert in online marketing, facilities management, leisure and catering
  • Lecturer in Finance
    Expert in corporate finance and co-inventor of the Cost Carbon Calculator
  • Lecturer in Economics
    Expert in macroeconomics, microeconomics and international trade
  • Associate Professor of Human Resource Management
    Expert in HR management and business
  • Lecturer in Strategic Management (Education)
    Expert in the rural economy
  • Associate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Business Operations & Strategy
    Expert in using management modelling, simulations and games to promote learning
  • Lecturer in Human Resource Studies/Leadership
    Expert in leadership, contemporary ethical issues in leadership and management
  • In-sessional Academic Manager and EFL Lecturer
    Expert in developing writing confidence and fluency
  • Associate Professor in Business Management & Operations
    Expert in Big Data and experienced chartered engineer
  • Associate Head of School for Teaching, Learning and Quality
    Expert in French language and culture

Discover our business management suite of programmes and choose your specialist field

Tokyo tower, stock exchange, finance, economics, business. Getty images 1150767870.
Business Management with Finance
Getty image. office. human resources. 
Business Management with Human Resource Management
Container ship carrying container box in import export with quay crane, Global business cargo freight shipping commercial trade logistic and transportation oversea worldwide by container vessel. shutterstock
Business Management with International Business
Business buildings architecture on sky background, Courtesy of Shutterstock
Business Management with Project Management
MSc Marketing and Innovation
Business Management with Marketing
Hannah Fleming-Hill, BSc (Hons) Events Management and MSc Entrepreneurship graduate, Plymouth Business School
Plymouth Business School
* The Plymouth Business School at the University of Plymouth has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE Member status page.