Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Business Management with Finance

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 N2N3
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

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

Understand the roles of financial decision making and economic analysis in supporting strategic decision making and business leadership. Learn about the economic and financial implications of globalisation. Become experts in bonds, stocks, mutual funds and foreign exchange markets. You will acquire the skills to become an effective manager and put these into practice through real-life industry projects, and an optional placement year.

This course is for you if...

  • your curiosity drives your analytical approach
  • you want to get stuck into real business tasks from day one
  • you appreciate building relationships that enable you to thrive
  • you get a buzz from being a part of a community of learners
Accounting and finance student talking to clients

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

  • Overview

  • During your first year you will study core modules that will help build the foundation of your knowledge. You will start to build your leadership capabilities and develop an understanding of the global business environment, organisational culture, business growth, enterprise and the financial system.
    During your second and final year you will develop your strategic management skills and specialist finance knowledge. There will be opportunities to work with businesses on strategic initiatives, develop your understanding of people management, globalisation and sustainable business decision.

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/AS level: Normal minimum entry requirements are 112-128 A level/AS level/Vocational A level.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made. 18 Unit BTEC.
Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM in any subject.
Access to Higher Education at level 3: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject, including GCSE English and Maths grade 4 or above or equivalent, with at least 33 credits at Merit/Distinction.
T Levels: Merit in any subject.
Welsh Baccalaureate: Accept as add on points; in addition to 2 A Levels.
Scottish Qualifications Authority: 104-120 points.
Irish Leaving Certificate: Obtain H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 - H3 H3 H4 H4 H4 (all at Higher level).
International Baccalaureate: 28-32 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within:
Higher Level = 4+ (A1) or 5 (A2/B)
Standard Level = 5+ (A1) or 6 (A2/B)
IELTS: If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
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 UCAS tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home N/A £9,535
International N/A £17,600
Part time (Home) N/A £795
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. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

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

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
Two couples of happy young men and women carrying their laptops while walking to the workplace office (full bleed size)
Business Management
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.