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BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year (3 years + optional placement) -
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year (4 years + optional placement)
Hands-on entrepreneurial support
Make a positive impact in the community
Build strong industry connections




Details
How it works
September – January
One 20 credit core module
February – May
One 20 credit core module
June – July
(80 credits)
September – January
(40 credits)
February – May
One 20 credit optional modules
June – July
One 20 credit core module
Year 1

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
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.
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
ACF5011SU
Financial Data Analysis
Sustainable business performance can only be maintained if managers have access to high quality financial information. This module utilises financial data for fundamental corporate decisions by exploring analytical techniques such as financial statements analysis, risk estimation, descriptive and inferential statistics in the context of their role in informing business decisions (e.g. investment, working capital decisions, corporate financing decisions, business valuation, budgeting, marginal analysis, and financing etc).
ECN5015SU
Decision Making for Business
Decision Making for Business offers students a thorough understanding of rational, behavioural, and economic approaches to decision-making, emphasising their practical application in business contexts. Students are introduced to key decision-making frameworks that guide analysis, choice, and strategic planning in economic environments. They develop skills to analyse situations, evaluate risks, navigate asymmetric information, and apply strategic thinking to enhance decision-making across various business contexts.
HRL5010SU
People Management
Understanding how to manage people is vital for anyone aspiring to become a business owner, manager, or HRM practitioner, as it is increasingly understood that people provide a key source of competitive advantage, yet many organisations continue to struggle to harness this resource effectively. In this module you will explore the core areas of people management policy and practice, consider the challenges faced by people managers, and the attributes required to address them.
Optional placement year

Core modules
PBS6000
Honours Project
40 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.
STO6003SU
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
STO6004SU
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
STO5005
Operations for Competitive Advantage
In today’s competitive global market, efficient operations are critical to success in both goods and service industries. This module provides a strategic, problem-solving approach to operations management, focusing on areas that drive competitive advantage, such as leveraging technology. The module explores how to improve operations using key concepts such as operations strategy, lean thinking, performance measurement, and quality management. Through case studies and real life examples you will gain the tools to apply these principles, increasing customer satisfaction, improving productivity and performance, while driving long-term business success
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
ACF5010
Financial Institutions and Markets
This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. You will examine the bond market, stock market, and foreign exchange market, and explore topics such as investment banking and mutual funds.
ACF6010
Financial Institutions and Markets
This module deals with financial markets, instruments, and institutions. You will examine the bond market, stock market, and foreign exchange market, and explore topics such as investment banking and mutual funds.
ECN5010
International Finance, Trade and Globalization
This module explores the economic and financial implications of globalisation by examining contemporary topics in international financial markets and international trade. It enables the consideration of the impact of the contemporary financial and trading system on key areas for business decision making.
ECN6010
International Finance, Trade and Globalization
This module explores the economic and financial implications of globalisation by examining contemporary topics in international financial markets and international trade. It enables the consideration of the impact of the contemporary financial and trading system on key areas for business decision making.
Final year

Optional pathways
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Plymouth Business School is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) – the only UK university to have this status *
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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Triple Gold 2023 – the University holds an overall Gold rating and Gold for student experience and student outcomes
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Championing better work and working lives – accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
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95% of graduates are working or studying 15 months after graduating
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Member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA)
Experience
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 course is extremely diverse. I found it really interesting working alongside people with different lived experience of business.
3rd year student
Thriving industry connections




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.
BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate
A new home to cultivate business leaders

Meet your expert teaching staff

Dr Katie Angliss
Head of Division - Business Management

Dr Ben Siu
Lecturer in Marketing (Education)

Dr Rumbi Mukonoweshuro
Lecturer in Finance
Develop your leadership skills on the water

Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student



Careers
I chose to study at Plymouth because I had a specific interest in business management and the University was one of the few places that offered a fast-track degree in this subject. This allowed me to complete my studies at a faster rate and gave me the ability to learn skills quickly and immediately apply everything in the real world – it was a complete win-win.
Business Management (2 year fast track) graduate

Inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs
“On my placement I ran my own business and got support from the Cube. They helped my business model and refine my skills.”


Working with a real client on a live project was good. It made me more confident about talking to business people in the future.
BSc (Hons) Business Management graduate
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£11,440 per year
£635 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£21,500 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
Supporting students with the cost of living

Apply
Entry requirements
112 - 128 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
A levels
International Baccalaureate
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
BTEC National Diploma modules
All Access courses
T level
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
N200
P60
2 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
Entry requirements
112 - 128 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
N200
P60
2 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth