BA (Hons) Business Administration (top-up) (Online)

Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Direct entry requirements into Level 6
foundation degree in a business-related subject, with an average of 55% at Level 5 OR
HND in business with a merit grade and a maximum of two passes at Level 5 OR
ABE Level 6 or Level 6 extended diploma with a B/merit profile OR
equivalent qualifications/experience to be assessed by the admissions tutor.
Supporting documents required
copies of your educational certificates (including results achieved for each subject) for examinations taken since the age of 16
curriculum vitae
English language GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent - you should have a score of 6.0 overall if presenting an IELTS test)
mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)
a substantial personal statement about why you want to study this programme, what you hope to gain from the course and where you see your future development taking your career.
a copy of the photo page of your passport
one academic or professional reference.
Find out more about international entry requirements
See what system requirements are needed for online study
View our simple steps to a successful application (PDF - 0.17 Mb)

Why choose this course?

Success in business administration requires a blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and practical skills. The online BA Business Administration (top up) degree is designed to help you master these essential areas, equipping you with the expertise needed to thrive in a global business environment. With the flexibility of online learning, you can advance your career while balancing other commitments. Through this online business administration degree, you will:

Boost your CV with in-demand skills: Developing soft skills like communication, creativity, and problem-solving, as well as technical skills such as Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), email marketing and design will prepare you for the start of your career.

Flexible learning: This course is taught entirely online, which means you can fit your studies around your schedule. Learning is structured on a part-time basis.

Strong employment prospects: 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).

What's the course about?

This online level 6 business administration course offers a solid foundation in business administration and the disciplines which underpin business. Delivered online by Hertfordshire Business School and UH Online (the University's centre for online distance learning), this course gives you the flexibility to learn from wherever you’re based and fit studying around other commitments.

If you are interested in studying this course, take a look at our video to find out more from the course tutor.

Find more information about how to apply, funding and how online study works.

What will I study?

Online distance learning gives you the flexibility of when and where to study. However, interacting with other students and tutors is still important, so this flexibility is combined with online discussions, podcasts and online synchronised sessions, where possible. To keep you on track, assessments are also scheduled at specific times.

Course length

Part-time, 3 consecutive semesters (12 months).

For more information about how to apply, funding and how online study works, please visit UH Online.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of public, private and third sector organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module includes a comprehensive review of current strategic issues, identifying the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning.
Contemporary Issues in Business and Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will bring together a range of current research on contemporary strategic issues in business and management and enable students to consolidate their understanding of these issues, whilst giving them the skills and opportunity to examine and evaluate alternative valid views. Students will be asked to use their research skills to develop an in-depth understanding of these contemporary issues while being encouraged to examine and question the legitimacy of alternative approaches to management and to evaluate the impact, if any, of these issues on a business' strategic development. Students are expected to draw on the whole range of knowledge and skills developed during their studies when reviewing research literature and evaluating business and management responses to contemporary issues.
International Human Resource Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
Concepts and issues in International HRM are both introduced and further developed in the module. Students are encouraged to work together in international student teams, incorporating life experiences of peers as a vital resource. Typical content includes: the analysis of differences between national and international HRM; aspects of cultural and institutional explanations for international variations in HRM contexts and practices; and the examination of the structures and strategies of MNCs exploring the political/economic environments, ethical issues and major features of HR/employment practice in the Americas, Europe, East Asia and developing countries. An introduction to the theories of expatriate adjustment, equal opportunities in international staffing as well as managing the expatriation cycle-recruitment, training, pay, performance management and repatriation may also be discussed.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Key concepts of organisational behaviour, including motivation, structure, group dynamics, culture power and conflict are explored and their impact on leadership and management examined. The content of the module may include: early management theory and its relevance today; the main approaches to leadership theory; the changing role of the leader - alternative approaches; motivation theories and their relationship to leadership and developing individuals; work/life balance; leadership and group behaviour; organisational structures and culture; main bases of power and organisational power relationships; resistance and conflict in organisations; and management and leadership in differing organisational contexts.
Business and Commercial Awareness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially workshop-based, where students will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop, plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide students with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon that experience in preparation for their future business careers.
Global Marketing, Ethics and Culture	15 Credits	Compulsory
Global marketing success is a function of perspective, opportunity, motivation, organisation, knowledge and skills. The challenge for today's global marketers is to identify those opportunities appropriate to the firm, to develop appropriate marketing strategies, and to build and sustain competitive advantages in co-operation with other members of the firm as well as external partners. To this end, the module will provide learning opportunities to appreciate current writings and perspectives on the global marketing environment. Opportunities will be given to analyse different global marketing organisations and their environments and to suggest and implement realistic strategies and plans and control mechanisms. The module addresses global issues such as the macro environment, market entry strategies, communication, price, planning and control.
Issues in the Global Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the fundamental economic changes in the global economy and their implications for the core and transition economies (i.e. previously planned communist economies), as well as the developing countries. Broadly speaking, the module will cover the issues related to the changes in international production networks, technology, global financial structures, trade patterns, income distribution and poverty.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Suggested module content will include the definition and development of digital economy as part of an organisation's strategy; consideration of different approaches to digital economy which involves the internal and external effects of digital economy; and international methods of digital economy and strategic advantage through digital economy.

Check out our student blogs

What's next for my career?
Our graduates can be found in a wide range of careers, with many in senior positions in the UK and throughout the world. Typical job roles include Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, Human Resource Manager, Finance Officer, Trainee Manager, Operations Executive, Recruitment Consultant and Trainee Accountant.

Get noticed in the global postgraduate job market with a diverse range of abilities supported by practical hands-on knowledge. Understand how to analyse and evaluate the management issues facing modern businesses.

Possible roles of employment for business administration graduates include:
- office administrator
- human resources coordinator
- business analyst
- franchise manager
- business development manager
- project manager
Graduates from the course (and its predecessor) have landed successful roles in BMW, OPPO, MultiVision Consulting, Ford, GlaxoSmithKline, The Doctors Laboratory, KPMG, Ocado and Tesco as well as gone on to run their own successful businesses.

This generalist business course provides you with a wide range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to various management and leadership roles. Enhance your learning by gaining work experience through placement and experiencing a new culture with the study abroad programme.

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business Administration (Online)	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Business Administration (Online)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Online - Part Time, 1 Years Online - Part Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
16/05/2025	30/05/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
27/09/2025	30/09/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
24/01/2026	31/01/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
16/05/2026	30/05/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
27/09/2026	30/09/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
24/01/2027	31/01/2028	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))
16/05/2027	30/05/2028	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Distance (Part Time))

Fees and funding
Fees 2025
UK Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Part time
- £915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
For more details about fees and funding please visit UH Online's fees page

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

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BA (Hons) Business Administration (top-up) (Online)

Direct entry requirements into Level 6

Supporting documents required

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

What will I study?

Course length

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2025

UK Students

Part time

EU Students

Part time

International Students

Part time

Other financial support