Business Management BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The BA Business Management degree provides strong insight into business administration and the operational workings of different types of organisations to enable both strategic and practical skills development.

  BA Business Management has been designed to contribute towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG8 of Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG12 of Responsible Consumption and Production.

  The degree is based on developing your understanding of core business management principles, applied to authentic business contexts. Key themes have been woven into the course design, in consultation with employers and students, to maximise your learning, your employability and your course satisfaction. The key themes are:

  • Social impact and sustainability; how businesses can act responsibly to have a positive environmental and social impact
  • Strategy and agility; how businesses can plan for, and respond to, increasingly volatile and uncertain contexts
  • Employability and digital skills development; you are supported to develop your academic skills, digital capabilities, and become a confident, career-ready graduate
  • Creativity and innovation; you are supported to think and act in ways that challenge the status quo and to work with others to create new ways of doing things

  Core modules cover aspects of business administration including strategic management, the agile organisation and global trends presenting challenges and opportunities in business. Subjects provide students with creativity and innovation skills development, critical thinking and problem solving.

  Pathways

  Pathway options provide an insight into different business careers and help you to develop appropriate knowledge and skills to transition into professional work. If you choose a pathway, this will be named in your final degree award e.g. BA (Hons) Business Management (Marketing). We have six pathway options available:

  Economics

  • Year 2 modules: Resource Management and Decision Making (20 credits) and Economics Analysis (20 credits)
  • Final year modules: Games in Business and Politics (20 credits) and International Economic Policy Analysis (20 credits)

  Entrepreneurship

  • Year 2 modules: Issues in Small Business Entrepreneurship (20 credits) and Creativity and Feasibility (20 credits)
  • Final year modules: Entrepreneurial Strategy (20 credits) and Business Planning (20 credits)

  Finance

  • Year 2 modules: Financial Environment (20 credits) and Financial Statements and Systems (20 credits)
  • Final year modules: Financial Strategy (20 credits) and International Money and Finance (20 credits)

  Human Resource Management

  • Year 2 modules: Managing Human Resources (20 credits) and Value Creation in HRM (20 credits)
  • Final year modules: Strategic HRM (20 credits) and Sustainable and Ethical People Practices (20 credits)

  Law

  • Year 2 modules: Introduction to Business Law (20 credits) and Business Law in Context (20 credits)
  • Final year modules: Business Law in Practice (20 credits) and Dispute Resolution (20 credits)

  Marketing

  • Year 2 modules: Tactical and Strategic Marketing (20 credits) and E-Marketing (20 credits)
  • Final year modules: Global Marketing Consultancy (20 credits) and Consumerism and Sustainability (20 credits)

  List of modules

  Industry Trips and Experiences

  Throughout our business management degree, you will have multiple opportunities to engage in events, trips and experiences which will extend your business knowledge and networks. These may include:

  • Annual Business Conference – showcasing hot topics and key-note speakers
  • Face-to-face and virtual business trips e.g. factory tours, presentations and career talks
  • CMI events
  • Guest speakers from industry.

  Optional Placement Year

  You are encouraged to undertake a year-long placement in between Stages Two and Three of study of the business management studies degree. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

  Recently, business management degree students have completed placements and work-based learning at RSM (Audit & Tax Consultants), ITAMeyes (Asset Management), Honda and KPMG.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1

    You will study core modules in year 1.

    • Finance and Financial Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: ACC1900

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces the main players and their roles and functions in the financial system. Learners explore the fundamental concepts in finance needed to understand the financial managers? decision making process and learn to use a range of analytical tools to interpret the financial data for making informed decisions.
    • The Digital Professional (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS1901

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips learners with knowledge and techniques facilitating the development of essential skills in the dynamic digital landscape for developing professionalism and effective performance.
    • Global Business in Context (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS1903

      Status: Compulsory
      Learners will examine the frame of business conduct in an interconnected global context. Economic, legal and political interventions and structures, as well as social and ethical considerations, gives a multidimensional perspective of global business and trade.
    • Work, Business and Change (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS1904

      Status: Compulsory
      Learners are introduced to contemporary thinking about business and organisations, their forms, roles and purpose in a dynamic, changing world. Foundational ideas about leadership, innovation and change for business growth are explored alongside new ways of organising and the future of work.
    • Principles of Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS1905

      Status: Compulsory
      Learners focus on the role of a manager through the lens of multiculturalism and inclusivity in the workplace. Learners develop an understanding of managerial responsibilities, team development and decision making processes. Content supports learners in developing leadership and empathy as managers, alongside providing tools and techniques for managerial decision-making.
    • Consumers, Markets and Entrepreneurs (20 Credits)
      Module code: MKT1900

      Status: Compulsory
      In this module, learners investigate the role of consumers, markets and marketing within a range of business settings. Developing an entrepreneurial mind set through creativity and opportunity spotting, learners consider their own agency and ethical position in problem solving and decision-making.
  • Stage 2

    In year 2 you will either continue on the main Business Management course or take a pathway option where there is a mix of core modules and pathway modules.

    • Data for Decision Making (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS2022

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces learners to big data and business analytics, and their application to real-world challenges in international business. Learners identify valid, reliable tools and methods to collect, analyse and visualise data, and explore how that data is utilised and managed to support decision-making in a range of industries.
    • Research, Trends and Professional Directions (30 Credits)
      Module code: BUS2900

      Status: Compulsory
      This module considers two broad business and management dimensions: research and professional practice. Each is explored from both macro-level and individual perspectives. Learners identify and reflect on current trends in the research and practice of business management which informs the development of their own research skills and career plan.
    • Strategy and Agility (30 Credits)
      Module code: BUS2901

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops learners understanding of strategic agility and resilience to face the challenges posed by a constantly changing business environment. Learners will evaluate how organisations adapt and change, the role of agile organisational structures and designs, and the need for leaders to be agile.
    • Sustainable Business Practices (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS2902

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides learners with a solid foundation in the concept of sustainability and its role in contemporary business practice. Learners will develop knowledge of a range of sustainable business issues, recognising sustainable business opportunities and how companies can develop these to create competitive advantage.
    • Global Megatrends and Business (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS2903

      Status: Compulsory
      Learners explore five recognised global megatrends (urbanization, climate change and resource scarcity, shift in global economic power, demographic and social change, technological development). Learners will generate their own practical resolutions to identified business challenges at the level of the organisation through research and project development.
  • Stage 3

    In year 3 you will either continue on the main Business Management course or continue your option where there is a mix of core modules and pathway modules.

    • Business Continuity and Risk Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSO3900

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides learners with a grounding in applied business continuity and risk management. Learners explore theory and practice at strategic and operational levels and discover the fundamentals of design and implementation of business continuity planning and risk management in a range of contexts.
    • Global Business and Investment (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS3027

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables learners to understand and analyse the increasingly interconnected and interdependent nature of global business. Learners will evaluate how businesses operate across national and regional boundaries, and examine cross-border investment flows, strategies, policies and associated opportunities and challenges.
    • Business Futures (20 Credits)
      Module code: BUS3900

      Status: Compulsory
      This module empowers learners to apply current thinking about the future of business and work to their professional planning, equipping them to launch their graduate career. Learners gain insights through practice-based activities, employer events, authentic work-related experiences and study trip opportunities.
    • Business Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: BUS4001

      Status: Designate
      The Module is a core element of some programmes in the faculty of Business and Law. It represents a significant final element of study where students can develop their own academic and intellectual interests. The module also allows students to develop their skills in research and independent work with the support of academic supervisors. It allows students to draw together different aspects of their study and will be required to select a topic to research, design, implement a study, report the findings and draw appropriate conclusions.
    • Business Challenge Project (40 Credits)
      Module code: BUS4900

      Status: Designate
      This module provides an authentic, challenging experience for learners to develop project management and consultancy skills by working on a live business challenge to create credible, evidence-based solutions for a professional audience. Learners will plan, design and showcase their individual project pitch gaining valuable employability skills.
    • Leadership Skills for Social Impact (20 Credits)
      Module code: HRM3020

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students knowledge of how social interventions are envisaged and developed to create sustainable and measurable impact. Students will explore how aspects of leadership are a central element in creating traction and momentum, for a social project, learning about the issues and complexities.

  Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS)

  The Business Management degree is part of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS). The ELCS is an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces to further or expand on their education. The scheme offers support financially in a maximum of three separate financial years for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at a Level three or above.

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• Accreditation

  This Business Management BA degree is accredited by, and work closely with, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which is the Charted Body for Management and Leadership. CMI work with business and education providers like ourselves to inspire people to become skilled, confident and successful managers and leaders.

  During your studies, you can enjoy free CMI membership which extends to one year after graduation. As a member, you have access to a wide range of CMI resources and events which can help you with your studies to connect with potential employers and business professionals. When you successfully complete the BA Business Management degree, you can graduate with a Diploma in Leadership and Management*, a respected professional qualification proven to boost earnings potential.

  *Subject to moderation of relevant assessments by CMI

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time BA Business Management degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your business management degree, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in business management, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for the Business Management degree, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Business Management programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Please see our Integrated Foundation Year page for more details.

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• Optional Work Placement Year

  The optional placement year enables you to put into practice what you have learned on your degree and gain practical industry experience. Your Business Management degree is extended to four years and the placement is undertaken at the end of your penultimate year, this is for one year (48 weeks) and paid. If you meet the entry criteria, and choose to take up a placement year, you will find it an invaluable experience that helps you to apply your learning in your final year and prepares you for your career. We offer a lot of support in helping you to find a placement, which can be in the UK or overseas.

  Where have previous Business Management students worked during their placement year?

  • Nissan
  • Enterprise Rent A Car
  • Volkswagen Financial Services
  • RSM

  Hear from previous Business Management students about their placement experience

  • Ellie Roberts

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the Business Management degree?

  Our Business Management degree is taught through a combination of face to face sessions, self-study, and online learning comprises live sessions and interactive work units.

  How will I be assessed?

  We have worked hard on the programme development to ensure that assessments are authentic towards building relevant workplace skills. Assessments are predominantly coursework based and include tasks such as management reports, presentations, research based projects and applied tasks. All assessments are available at the start of the academic year and include clear guidance on grading criteria and expectations.

  What jobs can I go into from studying the Business Management degree?

  This is one of the true advantages of the BA (Hons) Business Management. The career options are broad which is an asset in the dynamic workplace today. We prepare students with transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied in many business functions and role types. The pathways offer specialist areas to give students a sense of specified fields that they may be interested in, and the core programme ensures that students who choose to leave their choices until later receive a strong foundation to apply in many areas. Typical graduates from our previous Business programme went on to roles such as product management, marketing executive, business analyst, strategic analysis, and account management. The pathway offering will help to strengthen graduate opportunities to secure their ideal role.

  Any specialist facilities/ features?

  We encourage our students to pursue their business interests and have students who set up their own micro businesses during their time with us. We also work closely with industry to provide opportunities for development, internships, guest speakers and mentoring. There are many extracurricular business-related activities that students can get involved with such as the Students Union Business Society, the Changemaker programme and our Enterprise club.

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